The Best And Worst Cottage Cheese You Can Buy, Per Expert Opinion

The Best And Worst Cottage Cheese You Can Buy, Per Expert Opinion

Here is all you need to know about cottage cheese, including the best and worst kinds to test, in case you've just been let down by the cottage cheese you purchased at the grocery store (so watery!). Or maybe you just want to be sure you're getting the most nutritious value for your money.

 

Do You Know If Cottage Cheese Is Healthy?

Fans of cottage cheese, rejoice. Registered dietitians concur that cottage cheese is a reliable, healthful option when it comes to dairy products.

"Cottage cheese is low in calories, high in protein, and rich in nutrients like calcium, vitamin B12, and selenium," claimed Maggie Michalczyk, a certified dietitian and the creator of Once Upon a Pumpkin. Due to the casein protein's slow digestion and high content in cow's milk, this food helps you feel satisfied for a longer period.

Probiotics, which are beneficial microorganisms that support intestinal health, are also present in cottage cheese, according to Michalczyk.

The Most Reliable And Reputable Cottage Cheese

In general, cottage cheese is healthful, and when prepared properly, it can have the ideal flavor and creamy texture for cottage cheese ice cream or as a standalone snack. However, some varieties of cottage cheese are simply not that good, while others are watery and flavorless. Others are simply not as good for you.

So, where do you go to find the real goods?

Best: Good Culture 2% Milkfat Cottage Cheese

According to the experts we spoke to, here are the varieties to buy and the ones to stay away from based on several aspects, including texture and nutrients.

Michalczyk claims that Good Culture cottage cheese, which is available in whole milk, low-fat, and fruit versions, is a safe bet.

Because of its high protein level and thick consistency, Michalczyk remarked, "I personally love the brand Good Culture. I find that some cottage cheese is watery and that might be a turn-off." In the basic or traditional type, it also has active cultures (probiotics) without additional sweeteners.

She chooses the 2% milk fat variety, which comes in 5.3-ounce containers and has 120 calories, 3 grams of fat, and 19 grams of protein, according to Michalczyk. She went on to say that her favorite method to consume it is in a bowl of salty cottage cheese with chopped tomato, cucumber, olives, salt, and pepper, as well as a drizzle of olive oil. She remarked, "I combine that and have it with crackers as a high-protein snack.

Worst: 365 Organic Low-Fat Cottage Cheese

Fans of Whole Foods need beware: Just not that great is the 365-brand cottage cheese sold by the chain, which has 90 calories, 2 grams of fat, and 13 grams of protein per half-cup.

According to food strategist, cooking instructor, and nutrition coach Sherri Holzer, "It has a watery, rubbery texture and is swimming in liquid." Additionally, carrageenan, which can upset our digestive systems, is present.

Best: Daisy 2% Milkfat Cottage Cheese

If you see Daisy cottage cheese in your grocery store’s dairy aisle, grab it. Registered dietitians and chefs recommend it.

“Daisy has a slightly sweet and creamy texture,” Holzer said. “While it’s not organic, it contains just three ingredients: cultured skim milk, cream, and salt. It’s perfect for blending with shredded cheeses to make a richer ricotta-like filling for lasagne.”

With 90 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, and 13 grams of protein per half-cup, this is the preferred variety for Holzer — but chefs are all about the creamier (and more caloric) 4% milkfat version.

“Daisy Brand Cottage Cheese 4% Milkfat Small Curd is the best,” executive chef Ron Stewart said. “It’s creamy and smooth in texture with an amazing taste — not too tangy or salty — that rivals any other kind of cottage cheese out there.”

Worst: Trader Joe’s Low-Fat Cottage Cheese

The Trader Joe's brand of cottage cheese, in Holzer's opinion, is exactly as awful as Whole Foods' because it too contains carrageenan and has a similar watery, rubbery quality. Although it may be reasonably priced and low in calories and fat (90 calories, 2 grams of fat, and 13 grams of protein per half-cup), this Trader Joe's product is probably best avoided.

Worst: Lactaid 4% Milkfat Cottage Cheese

Lactaid 4% milkfat cottage cheese, which has 110 calories, 5 grams of fat, and 13 grams of protein per half-cup, is probably not a good choice for people who are sensitive to dairy.

While being lactose-free, this cottage cheese also has other advantages, according to Kulp, including several gums and emulsifiers like guar gum and xanthan gum. While these additives contribute to the creamy texture of cottage cheese, some people may experience bloating and upset stomachs as a result of them. These are the same symptoms that lactose-free foods are meant to alleviate.

Best: Friendship Dairies 1% Low-Fat Whipped Cottage Cheese

Dietitian Lauren Harris-Pincus recommends the Friendship brand of cottage cheese, particularly the 1%, low-fat whipped variety, which has 110 calories, 1.5 grams of fat, and 19 grams of protein per 5-ounce serving.

"This is the best option for anyone hesitant to try cottage cheese because of texture issues plus it has the highest protein content I've found at 16 grams per half-cup serving with only four grams of total carbohydrate that is naturally occurring in the milk," Harris-Pincus said. In addition, she added, the protein content is the highest she has found. Additionally, the ingredients are devoid of additional carbohydrates and fillers.