Good source
Protein
9.50 g · 19% DV target
A creamy, mild Italian whey cheese with a delicate curd structure, ricotta serves as a versatile culinary staple that provides a concentrated source of high-quality dairy proteins.
Ricotta is a high-lactose cheese compared to aged varieties, as it is a soft cheese that does not undergo the extensive bacterial fermentation that breaks down milk sugars .8
Consumption of ricotta may help maintain muscle strength in older adults, likely due to its high concentration of whey protein (the protein fraction left over from primary cheesemaking) .2
While dietary guidelines often recommend low-fat dairy to manage cardiovascular risk, recent systematic reviews suggest that the specific saturated fatty acids and minerals like calcium in cheese may not have the same heart-health impact as those found in red meat .11
Ricotta is considered a fermented cheese option that can be used as a more nutrient-dense alternative to heavy cream or highly processed cheese spreads .5
Petal shape shows the nine FoodCompass domains, including nutrient density, processing, satiety, fats, and phytochemicals.
9.50 g · 19% DV target
6.42 g · 32% DV target
Not a benefit — best kept low
155 μg · 17% DV target
0.22 mg · 17% DV target
0.42 μg · 18% DV target
244 mg · 19% DV target
Seasonality has not been estimated for this ingredient yet.
Keep in original liquid or airtight container
As a dairy product, it has a lower footprint than beef but higher than plant-based proteins due to methane emissions.
The name 'ricotta' literally translates to 'recooked' in Italian, referring to the traditional process of heating the whey left over from the production of other cheeses like provolone or mozzarella.