We're Making Cottage Cheese Cool Again (2024)

We like cottage cheese. Hell, some of us even love it. That chewy, curd-y texture, the saltiness and the fatty mouthfeel... and it's even higher in protein than Greek yogurt. We get it, though—it's got a reputation, and it's not a good one. Here's how to eat cottage cheese without feeling like an 80's yo-yo dieter, including some ingenious ideas that Epi readers shared when my colleague Anya posted shared her cottage-cheese confessional.

1. Make it sweet

This might be the most common—albeit a little bit retro—way to eat cottage cheese, but it's got that salty-sweet thing going on that we really can't be mad at. Here are some sweet toppings to brighten up a creamy bowl of cottage cheese—feel free to mix and match. And remember, you can always go really old school and fill a halved peach or melon with cottage cheese for the ultimate "dieter's delight." Hey, it's a classic for a reason.

  • Chopped pineapple, peaches, plums—heck, pretty much any ripe, soft fruit
  • Fresh berries
  • Honey/maple syrup
  • Jam and toasted nuts
  • Chopped apple and a dash of cinnamon

2. Take it the savory route

It is cheese, after all. The cheese's texture lends itself well to simple toppings, like a drizzle of olive oil, but textural pops like crunchy chips and juicy tomatoes work well as a fun change if you feel like you're stuck in a CC rut.

  • Chopped roasted peppers, S&P, plus a drizzle of olive oil
  • A sprinkle of za'atar and plenty of grated cucumber
  • Chopped scallions, S&P, and a dash of hot sauce
  • Chopped tomatoes and cucumber, S&P, and, yep, a drizzle of olive oil
  • Crushed potato chips or tortilla chips
We're Making Cottage Cheese Cool Again (2024)

FAQs

Why is cottage cheese making a comeback? ›

For a younger generation of increasingly plant-based eaters who no longer consider drinking cow's milk “cool,” the revival of the dairy-based cottage cheese by Gen Z has many confused. One of the biggest reasons cottage cheese seems to be making a comeback is due to its highly nutritious profile.

Is cottage cheese cool? ›

Health-conscious millennials, Gen Zers are making cottage cheese cool again—but is it really that good for you? If you dive into the world of foodies on TikTok, the hub known as #foodtok, cottage cheese is sure to make an appearance on many of the plates you'll see.

What's the deal with cottage cheese? ›

Cottage cheese is a mild and fresh food made from curdled milk. Cottage cheese has some health benefits, as it is rich in protein, relatively low in fat, and high in calcium, B vitamins, and vitamin A. After draining, the curds are washed to remove residual acids, giving cottage cheese a sweeter taste.

What is the short note on cottage cheese? ›

Cottage cheese, sometimes called Pot cheese, is a creamed, acid-coagulated fresh cheese that is low in acidity and is washed during manufacture. Cottage cheese has a slight acid, salty taste with a delicate diacetyl or creamy flavor and aroma.

Is it good to eat cottage cheese before bed? ›

A serving of cottage cheese offers nutrients, calcium, and protein. It's easily digestible and can be eaten on its own or with sliced bananas, blueberries, or other fruits mixed in. These factors make it a go-to snack to be eaten anytime of day and one of the best foods for sleeping.

Why is cottage cheese better than yogurt? ›

Why use cottage cheese instead of Greek yogurt? Greek yogurt gets all the breakfast love for being high in protein, but serving for serving (¾ cup), cottage cheese has 6 more grams of protein. (Greek yogurt has 16g per serving, compared to cottage cheese's 22g.)

Is cottage cheese healthy or not healthy? ›

Cottage cheese is a curd cheese with a mild flavor and smooth texture. It's high in many nutrients, including protein, B vitamins, and minerals like calcium, selenium, and phosphorus. If you're looking to lose weight or build muscle, cottage cheese is among the most beneficial foods you can eat.

Is cottage cheese good for your stomach? ›

Besides the reasons outlined above, cottage cheese may help with gut health. Since it is often fermented, (a process that helps remove the cheese curds from the liquid) cottage cheese may contain “good” bacteria called probiotics. Snodgrass says probiotics are “crucial” to good digestion.

Is cottage cheese healthy for you to eat? ›

Cottage cheese is high in protein and is an excellent source of calcium. Choosing a low-fat cottage cheese can reduce saturated fat intake when substituting it for other higher fat foods, such as cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise or ricotta cheese. It's also full of vitamins and minerals that support a healthy diet.

Can a diabetic eat cottage cheese every day? ›

Cottage cheese is a great snack for people with diabetes. A half-cup (about 112-gram) serving of small-curd cottage cheese provides several vitamins and minerals, in addition to almost 13 grams of protein and only 4 grams of carbs. Interestingly, eating cottage cheese may help manage your blood sugar.

Is cottage cheese good for blood pressure? ›

Low-fat dairy, such as yogurt or cottage cheese, supplies blood pressure-lowering calcium and is DASH-approved. Both yogurt and cottage cheese also contain protein and some fat, which can help you feel full and satisfied. Pair it with a fruit of your choice.

Is cottage cheese good for arthritis? ›

Milk, yoghurt, and cottage cheese are rich in calcium and vitamin D, which enhance bone health. Vitamin D is essential, as it aids calcium absorption.

What is the old name for cottage cheese? ›

Although the origins of cottage cheese are unclear, the term cottage cheese became popular in the 19th century, when it was used to describe a preparation of curds that often was served with bread and crackers. This preparation was also known as smearcase, from the German schmierkase.

What are 2 facts about cottage cheese? ›

Sometimes referred to as curds and whey, this dairy product differs from cheese in that it's not aged, but rather, sold and served fresh. It's also low in calories when compared with other cheeses. Cottage cheese has a long history as a power food.

What is the downside of eating cottage cheese? ›

He said that while most cheese, including cottage cheese, contains nutrients such as vitamins and calcium, it can also have high levels of sodium and fat, so he recommends eating it in moderation.

Is cottage cheese popular right now? ›

Cottage cheese is being talked about 172% more 👀 than it was a year ago and it's not hard to see why—it delivers on every key attribute consumers are looking for from nutrition overall (not just protein, but calcium, selenium, and vitamin B-12, too!) to its ever-growing versatility (hello, cottage cheese ice cream, ...

Why is cottage cheese everywhere? ›

Cottage cheese is popular among dieters and some health food devotees. It is also relatively popular among bodybuilders and athletes for its high content of casein protein while being relatively low in fat.

Why did the government want you to eat more cottage cheese? ›

Cottage cheese was touted as a meat substitute to kill two birds with one stone - it ate up some of the dairy surplus while also allowing people to eat less meat.

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