Cottage cheese he’s not winning any popularity contests. Although it’s on par with other beloved dairy products in terms of health and has a long-standing reputation as a weight-loss food, this curdled milk product is divisive: people love it or hate it, thanks to its lumpy texture and its slightly sour and slightly ripe flavor.
There are many reasons to be in the former camp. Compared to other cheeses, it is much lower in calories and saturated fat — ½ cup of low-fat cottage cheese contains only 81 calories and 1 gram (g) of fat, according to data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). But it still contains 14g of protein, making it an excellent source of that filling, muscle-building nutrient.
And while it has less calcium than hard cheeses, it’s still a good source of the bone-strengthening mineral, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Cottage cheese is also a good source of phosphorus, a nutrient that is also linked to healthy bones and teeth, according to the NIH. Some types of cottage cheese contain probiotic organisms, which could be a boon to your microbiome and overall health. Look on the label for the words “live active cultures” to see if there are probiotics on a given brand.
One thing to keep in mind is that cottage cheese contains a fair amount of sodium per serving (459 milligrams [mg]), so if you’re watching your intake, opt for a low-sodium variety.
Can you learn to love cottage cheese? You’re probably not alone if you’re wondering. A recent tip on tik tok — blending the curds for a smoother texture — racked up more than 71 million views. That’s just one easy way to get more of this nutritious food into your diet – here are five recipes that will make you a fan!
