I must admit, all I knew about cottage cheese was that it was pretty much only good for dipping in those veggie sticks you found at almost every dinner party or on every charcuterie board. But lately, I’ve noticed that it can and is used for far greater things. Foodies and content creators alike have been pushing cottage cheese to its limits, adding it to savoury and sweet dishes, not only for a protein boost, but also for improving their gut health. From cottage cheese pizza bases to a new take on peaches and cream, cottage cheese has boldly come back into style.
Cottage cheese obsession = protein maxxing
With protein intake almost taking over the wellness industry, cottage cheese is a natural fit. It’s low in fat, sugar and calories, but surprisingly high in protein and packed with other important nutrients. For example, 100 grams of cottage cheese can provide you with:
- 17 g protein (this is around the same amount found in 3 eggs, 300 g full-fat yoghurt and 60 g of chicken breast),
- calcium (although lower than other cheeses like Parmesan),
- high levels of vitamin B12 (brain functioning),
- riboflavin (healthy skin and eyes),
- phosphorus (strong bones and teeth),
- and folate (cell growth).
Wellness industry’s next star
Not only does cottage cheese fit perfectly into TikTok’s protein maxxing trend, but it is also an affordable and tasty food that not only provides your body with essential nutrients but also aids in improving your gut health.
Cottage cheese is made from cow’s milk. An acid is added to the milk and the mixture is heated to create curds and whey. This technique, similar to that of yoghurt and other cultured dairy, makes it an excellent food source for your gut biome. In other words, cottage cheese is an excellent source of healthy bacteria that live in your stomach, helping them to thrive. And a thriving gut biome means a stronger immunity, healthier and more effective digestion and absorption, and improved overall mental health.
We’ve seen and will continue to see a surge of consumer interest and new products arrive on the shelf. Foodies and content creators alike are already showing us the wide range of cottage cheese has. I’ve already started experimenting with it myself and am pleased with the outcomes.
Whether you love it blended into pasta sauces, spooned onto toast or layered into sweet treats, cottage cheese has become far more than a retro diet food. Its versatility, affordability and impressive nutritional profile have made it one of the wellness world’s favourite ingredients. While it may not replace every indulgence, it proves that healthy eating does not always have to mean bland salads and dry chicken breasts. Sometimes, all it takes is a tub of cottage cheese and a very determined TikTok creator.
Also See: The return of cultured dairy: Why you should be eating it every day
The return of cultured dairy: Why you should be eating it every day
