✨ 2025 Update: Cottage cheese isn’t just back — it’s everywhere! From whipped dips to protein pancakes and the still-viral cottage cheese ice cream, this old-school staple is trending hard. Keep reading for the full nutrition breakdown, new ways to enjoy it, and my favorite Strawberries & Cream Cottage Cheese Ice Cream recipe.

A Throwback That’s Trending Again

Before yogurt took over the dairy aisle, another fermented milk product reigned supreme between 1950 and 1975: cottage cheese. At its peak in the early 1970s, the average American ate about five pounds per year. Then, it faded into obscurity in the 90s — but fast-forward, and it’s reclaiming the spotlight in recent years, especially in 2025.

With our love for throwbacks, it’s no surprise cottage cheese is trending again. But does it stack up nutritionally? And what about all those TikTok recipes — including the viral cottage cheese ice cream? Let’s dive in.

My Cottage Cheese Story (Maybe Yours Too?)

My first encounter with cottage cheese was in a retirement home where I worked as a high schooler. Residents would often eat it with peaches or, like Richard Nixon, with pineapple. I gave it a try… and that was the last time I ate it (🤢) — until recently.

Thanks to social media, cottage cheese found its way back into my fridge. I bought a single-serve container of Good Culture’s Simply 2% Milkfat Classic Cottage Cheese, and the rest is history! If, like me, you’ve always cringed at the thought of cottage cheese, it might be worth giving it another shot with today’s creamier, tastier brands.

My favorite brands? Good Culture and Nancy’s Organic Cottage Cheese (not sponsored, just love it!).

Why Cottage Cheese Still Deserves a Spot in Your Diet

While it may not be glamorous, cottage cheese is undoubtedly a nutritional powerhouse and a surprisingly versatile food! Cottage cheese is a thick, creamy, mildly flavored cheese packed with protein and other essential nutrients.

Protein Powerhouse

One of the main nutritional benefits of cottage cheese is its high protein content. One cup of cottage cheese packs around 14–19 grams of protein, depending on the brand. That’s a big win for anyone looking to build and maintain muscle mass (🙋🏼‍♀️ all of us!) or simply stay full longer. And because protein helps curb hunger and reduce mindless snacking, cottage cheese can also be a smart addition to a fat loss or weight management plan.

Rich in Calcium

Another benefit of cottage cheese is its high calcium content. Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth, and a single serving of cottage cheese contains around 20% of the recommended daily intake. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their bone health, particularly women at higher risk of osteoporosis. 

Low in Calories

Despite its high protein and calcium content, cottage cheese is relatively low in calories. A single serving of cottage cheese contains around 120-150 calories, depending on the brand and type. This makes it an ideal snack for anyone looking to lose or maintain a healthy weight. Plus, remember, it helps with satiety, which can help you incorporate portion control. 

Packed with Vitamins and Minerals

Cottage cheese is also a source of vitamins B12, B6, and A, plus minerals like phosphorus, selenium, and zinc — all key players in overall health.

Loaded with probiotics (some brands only!)

Move over, yogurt! Some brands now include live and active cultures (aka probiotics). Probiotics can support digestion, immunity, and gut health. Look for labels that specifically say “live and active cultures.”

  • Top probiotic-friendly brands: Good Culture, Nancy’s, Breakstone’s, Friendship Dairies.

Pay attention to added sugars

As cottage cheese brands expand and become more popular, many flavored varieties are showing up in the grocery store. If choosing a flavored cottage cheese, select one with no more than 6 grams of added sugar per serving (the equivalent of 1.5 teaspoons). Of course, another (better) option is to purchase the plain variety and add sweetness at home with fruit or a little honey/sugar to keep the sweetness in check!

Full-Fat vs. Low-Fat Cottage Cheese 

Full-fat cottage cheese is made with whole milk and contains a higher percentage of fat (4%), while low-fat cottage cheese is made with skimmed or reduced-fat milk (2%) and has a lower fat content.

Both are nutritious, but the choice comes down to your goals and preferences:

  • Full-fat: Creamier, more satisfying, and may actually be fine for heart health according to recent research.
  • Low-fat: Slightly fewer calories, less saturated fat — still packed with protein and nutrients.

Trending Ways to Enjoy Cottage Cheese in 2025

Cottage cheese is versatile, easy, and fits into so many meals. Here are a few ideas:

Mixed with fruit for a simple high-protein breakfast

Swirled into overnight oats or pasta sauces for a creamy texture

Whipped into a dip or spread (viral TikTok trend!)

Added to pancake or waffle batter for a protein boost

Classic lasagna swap: use it instead of ricotta

Or… make the still-trending cottage cheese ice cream 👇

Recipe: Strawberries & Cream Cottage Cheese Ice Cream 🍓🍦

This one is creamy, refreshing, and tastes like cheesecake in a bowl — with a protein boost! I shared a 3-minute video of this recipe (watch here) for BodyFit Athletic Club members, and it’s been such a HIT!

Ingredients (Serves 1):

  • 1/3 cup cottage cheese (full-fat recommended for creaminess)
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen, chopped), separated – 1/4 cup for blending, 1/4 cup for swirling.
  • 1 – 2 graham crackers (1/2 sheet), crushed

Instructions:

  1. Add cottage cheese, maple syrup, and half (1/4 cup) of the strawberries to a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
  2. Fold in the remaining strawberries and most of the crushed graham crackers.
  3. Pour into a freezer-safe container. Sprinkle with the remaining graham cracker crumbs.
  4. Freeze for 2–3 hours, then scoop and enjoy!

Bottom Line

All in all, cottage cheese is a nutritious, delicious, and versatile food that absolutely deserves its comeback. It’s high in protein, rich in calcium, and full of nutrients that support muscle, bone, and overall health.

So if you’re looking for a satisfying snack, a quick protein boost, or a fun viral recipe, grab a tub of cottage cheese and dig in.

💡 Want more high-protein recipe inspiration? Check out my Menopause Nutrition Guide and weekly meal plans inside the BodyFit Athletic Club for recipes and resources that make healthy eating simple, flexible, and delicious.