Is Cottage Cheese Low Carb?
Cottage cheese is not only super tasty but is also packed with health benefits. But there’s one question I often hear: is cottage cheese low carb?
Cottage cheese is having its moment right now, especially with those prioritizing healthy eating. Remember when the mere mention of cottage cheese would make anyone scrunch up their face in disgust?
Well, after jumping on the bandwagon and trying this soft cheese in various recipes, I’ve come to the conclusion that cottage cheese really didn’t deserve all the hate. You just gotta know how to make its one-of-a-kind flavor and texture shine!
Whether you’re following a keto or low-carb diet or just want to improve your overall health, I’ve got all the answers to your pressing cottage cheese questions. As a bonus, I’ve shared my top five favorite recipes that call for cottage cheese.
Nutritional Information of Cottage Cheese
Before we find out whether cottage cheese is low-carb, let’s learn more about its awesome nutritional benefits so you can decide for yourself if it’s worth incorporating into your diet.
Compared to many other dairy products, cottage cheese is low-fat with a high amount of protein. This fresh cheese actually ranks alongside yogurt in terms of high protein content. According to UC Davis Health, full-fat cottage cheese has 11.5 grams of protein and 4.3 grams of fat per 100 grams, while Greek yogurt has 8.7 grams of protein and nearly as much fat per 100 grams.
Even cottage cheese with the highest fat levels contains less than 5 grams of fat per serving, making it a great option for those who are looking for a good source of protein and healthy fats.
But fat and protein aren’t the only nutrients cottage cheese boasts — it’s also loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. These include calcium, phosphorus, selenium, Vitamin B12, and riboflavin.
Is Cottage Cheese Keto-Friendly?
You bet! Cottage cheese is a keto-friendly food and excellent for a ketogenic diet. It’s one of those high-fat, high-protein foods with a low carb content, so it’s a great way to meet your daily macros.
Just keep in mind that some specific brands of cottage cheese may have added sugars, so always check the nutrition label before purchasing. And depending on your macro goals, you may not want to go cottage cheese crazy and end up consuming too many carbs, as your carb count will add up with larger portions.
So, what are the exact macros for cottage cheese? Let’s break it down.
1 cup of full-fat cottage cheese contains:
- 5.1g fat
- 7.2g total carbs
- 24.4g protein
- 7.2g net carbs
Whoa, look at that nutritional profile! The amount of carbs is low, the protein is sky-high, and we’ve got a lovely dose of healthy fats. It’s basically the perfect cocktail for a ketogenic lifestyle. Just make sure you watch your portions, depending on your desired carb intake for the day.
What About Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Now, you might be wondering how low-fat cottage cheese compares to full-fat when it comes to carbs. Let’s take a look:
1 cup of low-fat cottage cheese contains:
- 2.5g fat
- 5g total carbs
- 13g protein
- 5g net carbs
As you can see, low-fat cottage cheese has an even lower carb count, making it a great option for those looking to keep their carb intake low. However, with less fat, you may not feel as full or satisfied, so make sure to pair it with other healthy high-fat foods.
I personally always recommend full fat cottage cheese in my recipes, especially if you’re making a creamy sauce or dessert. It has a better flavor and rich, creamy texture in comparison to low fat cottage cheese. So trust me when I say that the high fat content will make a world of difference!
What’s Your Go-To Cottage Cheese Brand?
I can’t say enough good things about Good Culture cottage cheese. It’s not only super rich and creamy but also made with high-quality, organic ingredients. The dairy comes from pasture-raised cows and doesn’t contain any artificial preservatives or additives.
Because of its high quality, it may be a bit more expensive than other brands, but I believe it’s worth the extra cost. You’ll definitely notice the difference in taste and texture.
5 of My Most Favorite Cottage Cheese Recipes
Cottage cheese might initially seem like an odd ingredient to use in recipes, but you’d be surprised how many delicious and healthy dishes you can create with it! From savory to sweet, here are five of my go-to recipes that incorporate cottage cheese:
1. Viral Frozen Cottage Cheese Cup (Snickers Style)
A ridiculously easy to make sweet treat, this Frozen Cottage Cheese Cup involves zero dishes, and is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth when the craving strikes.
Plain cottage cheese is blended with simple ingredients like monkfruit and powdered peanut butter before getting topped with dollops of melted chocolate and crushed peanuts. It tastes like a delicious Snickers bar, but low-carb!
2. Cheese Stuffed Peppers
These Cheese Stuffed Peppers are a simple snack that packs a punch in flavor and nutrition. Fresh bell peppers make the perfect vessel for the creamy cottage cheese, and I also add feta cheese for a salty, tangy kick.
What really brings these hand-held delights to life is the Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel and Everything But the Elote seasoning blends. Sprinkle that right on top, and take a bite full of crunchy, creamy, and flavorful goodness!
3. Whipped Cottage Cheese
Ultra creamy, rich, and chocolatey, this Whipped Cottage Cheese combines indulgence and nutrition in one delicious package! Made with only 3 simple ingredients, this high-protein snack requires barely any effort, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying treat.
Top it with melted stevia-sweetened chocolate chips and roasted hazelnuts to take it to the next level!
4. Lasagna Stuffed Mushrooms with Ricotta
These Lasagna Stuffed Mushrooms with Ricotta may be bite-sized, but they’re LOADED with Italian flavors! Swap the ricotta cheese with cottage cheese for a low fat, low calorie option, and these little bites of delight will still taste rich, creamy, and delicious.
The combo of hearty beef, marinara, and earthy mushrooms with the cottage cheese is just perfect and will have everyone reaching for more.
5. Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Yes. Cottage Cheese Ice Cream IS a thing, and thank the heavens because it’s put all of my ice cream cravings to rest, so I’m willing to bet that you will be a fan, too.
Cottage cheese gives this dessert a wonderfully creamy base, while the strawberries, sweetener, and hazelnuts offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. This is an easy recipe to customize, so feel free to experiment with your favorite fruit and nuts to create your own unique version!
Recommended Products
- Hu Dark Chocolate Bar Sample Pack
- Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener
- Kitchenaid 3.5 Cup Food Processor
- Wildone Mixing Bowls
- Flavcity protein (use code SHREDHAPPENS to get 15% off)
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