Different foods go through the cycle of being trendy online. Right now, it is cottage cheese for extra protein. From adding toppings, scrambling it with your eggs and even ice cream, the options are endless.
Pamela Voelkers, an integrative health coach and dietitian at Aurora Health Care, says, “Cottage cheese provides about 14 grams of protein per half cup, and is relatively low calorie. It can be a great source of protein in your diet. Additionally, it provides B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus and selenium.”
Protein in each meal helps control hunger cravings, steadies blood sugars and minimizes mood fluctuations.
To calculate how much protein you need in your diet, take 0.8 x body weight in kilograms. On average women need 50 grams of protein per day or 15-20 grams per meal. Men need approximately 60 grams of protein per day or 20-25 grams per meal.
Can you have too much protein?
“I would consider limiting cottage cheese intake to 1 cup per day to allow for nutrient variety,” Voelkers advises. Before purchasing, she says to compare food labels as some cottage cheese can be higher in sodium than others, and the low-fat varieties may sneak in sugar.
As the trend builds, more people are trying to cook with cottage cheese to increase their protein intake throughout the day. There are some pros and cons to weigh when cooking with cottage cheese.
“Cottage cheese would be great added into a smoothie, in muffins for added moisture and is a great substitute for ricotta in lasagna. But I wouldn’t try to use it as a cheese sauce as cottage cheese will not melt fully,” says Pamela.
As far as the trending cottage cheese ice cream, she says she hasn’t tried it but will! Although milk is still a good source of protein when making ice cream.
Are you trying to watch your weight? Take a free online quiz to learn more about your healthy weight range.
Blair Crane
Blair Crane, health enews contributor, is a public affairs coordinator for Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Missouri - Columbia and has more than six years of communication and marketing experience. Outside of work you can find her trying new restaurants and hanging out with her two cats.
FAQs
“I would consider limiting cottage cheese intake to 1 cup per day to allow for nutrient variety,” Voelkers advises. Before purchasing, she says to compare food labels as some cottage cheese can be higher in sodium than others, and the low-fat varieties may sneak in sugar.
Is cottage cheese actually healthy? ›
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.
What happens if you eat cottage cheese everyday? ›
Cottage cheese is a good source of some vitamins and minerals, but it only contains small amounts of others, or none at all. If you only eat cottage cheese throughout the day, you won't get the RDI of all the nutrients your body needs to function well. You may lose energy throughout the day, especially if you exercise.
Is cottage cheese OK for gut health? ›
Contributes to a balanced gut
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can improve the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut (gut microbiota). The curdling process used to produce cottage cheese adds beneficial bacteria that can promote better gut health.
What is the healthiest cottage cheese or yogurt? ›
Is cottage cheese or yogurt better for you? Both cottage cheese and yogurt are excellent options for a healthy snack. Snodgrass finds it hard to choose, but she thinks there may be a slight winner. “Cottage cheese does however have a modest advantage in terms of a little less sugar than yogurt.
Is cottage cheese a highly processed food? ›
Plain yogurt and cottage cheese both fall in the camp of healthier processed foods. “This often overlooked gem is one of my daily staples.
Is cottage cheese anti-inflammatory? ›
Based on the body of science, dairy foods like milk, yogurt and cheese do not cause inflammation and can be a part of anti-inflammatory diets.
When should you not eat cottage cheese? ›
Firstly, use your sense of smell — if your once-mild cottage cheese is now sporting a sour smell, you're better off not eating it. The same is true for the flavor. If you decide to take a bite and your taste buds are assaulted with a sour taste, instead of the fresh cheese's more mild tanginess, it's past its prime.
How much cottage cheese should I eat a day? ›
“I would consider limiting cottage cheese intake to 1 cup per day to allow for nutrient variety,” Voelkers advises. Before purchasing, she says to compare food labels as some cottage cheese can be higher in sodium than others, and the low-fat varieties may sneak in sugar.
Is cottage cheese a superfood? ›
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.
It is high in fat and low in fiber, meaning it may increase the likelihood of constipation. Like other dairy products, cottage cheese also contains the milk sugar lactose. As such, it may cause constipation or other digestive issues in people with lactose intolerance.
Is cottage cheese bad for cholesterol? ›
Although cottage cheese is a healthy part of the diet, it does contain both saturated fat and sodium, two nutrients that are linked to health issues. Excessive saturated fat in the diet can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and contribute to chronic illness, according to the National Institute of Health.
Can too much cottage cheese hurt your stomach? ›
But high lactose cheeses like cottage and ricotta are the most likely to cause digestive issues. These particular cheeses tend to undergo short straining processes, and less lactose gets removed as a result.
Which is healthier sour cream or cottage cheese? ›
If you're looking for a healthy alternative to sour cream, cottage cheese is a great option. Cottage cheese has more protein than sour cream (about five times more!) and contains about half of the calories.
Is there any goodness in cottage cheese? ›
Cottage cheese is an excellent source of calcium, a mineral that plays a major role in tooth and bone health, and in the prevention of osteoporosis. It also helps you to regulate your blood pressure and might even play a role in preventing certain cancers, such as prostate cancer.
Why does cottage cheese have so much sodium? ›
The salt in cottage cheese not only enhances flavor but also contributes to texture and functions as a preservative. Therefore, you generally won't find low-sodium versions ( 14 ).
Is cottage cheese a healthy carb? ›
Plain, full-fat cottage cheese has a modest amount of carbohydrates, with most not exceeding 5 grams. It also contains no added sugar, so experts say it's a good candidate for those observing a low-carb and low-glucose diet. Low-fat and fat-free cottage cheese, on the other hand, may contain more carbs and sugar.
Is cottage cheese healthier than mayo? ›
While mayonnaise is high in saturated fats, cottage cheese is relatively low in fat. According to WebMD, this makes cottage cheese a healthier choice for those concerned about their fat consumption or looking to reduce their saturated fat intake.
What is the 30 30 30 rule? ›
That plan is called the 30-30-30 rule. It's a simple but catchy idea that encourages you to eat 30 grams of protein within 30 minutes of waking up and then get 30 minutes of low-intensity exercise. The 30-30-30 rule now has millions of followers on TikTok.
