Cottage cheese is back and all over TikTok. Two dietitians explain why social media’s obsessed

Cottage Cheese is Back and All Over TikTok: Two Dietitians Explain Why Social Media’s Obsessed

The Resurgence of Cottage Cheese

You might remember cottage cheese from your childhood. Back then, it was considered "diet food." You ate it out of the tub, with celery or spread it on crackers for a low-calorie snack. Then cottage cheese went out of fashion. But cottage cheese is having a resurgence. In recent months, Google searches for "cottage cheese" have risen to the highest levels since 2004.

What is Cottage Cheese?

Cottage cheese is a fresh dairy cheese product with a mild flavor and a slightly tangy taste. It is made by curdling cow’s milk, then draining the whey, leaving behind the curds. These curds are usually small and lumpy, and the texture can vary from creamy to dry, depending on the amount of whey left in the cheese. The term "cottage cheese" is said to have originated because the cheese was generally made in cottage-type houses from leftover milk, after making butter.

We’re Using Cottage Cheese in New Ways

It’s difficult to know what started the latest cottage cheese trend. But the creativity of social media means people are sharing alternative ways to use cottage cheese, changing people’s views from it being boring and lacking flavor to it being versatile and healthy. People are spreading cottage cheese on toast and using it to make dishes such as porridge, dips, salads, bread, and flatbreads. They’re using it in cakes and scones, and in desserts such as mousse and ice cream.

Is Cottage Cheese Healthy?

Compared with other cheeses, cottage cheese is low in fat and therefore energy (kilojoules or kJ). This makes it a smart choice for people looking to cut down on their daily energy intake. For example, 100 grams of cottage cheese contains about 556kJ. The same amount of cheddar contains 1,254kJ and parmesan 1,565kJ. Many cheeses are rich in protein but they often contain higher amounts of kilojoules due to their fat content. But cottage cheese has substantial amounts of protein with fewer kilojoules.

Nutritional Benefits of Cottage Cheese

Some 100g of cottage cheese provides 17g of protein. This is about the same found in three eggs, 60g chicken breast, or 320 millilitres (about 300g) full-fat yoghurt. Cottage cheese also contains high levels of vitamin B12 (important for healthy brain function), riboflavin (supports healthy skin and eyes), phosphorus (helps build strong bones and teeth), and folate (essential for cell growth).

However, Cottage Cheese is Lower in Calcium

Cottage cheese is lower in calcium compared with other cheeses. It contains just 89 milligrams per 100g. This compares with parmesan (948mg), haloumi (620mg), and ricotta (170mg).

How Can I Use Cottage Cheese?

Beyond its excellent nutrition profile, the resurgence of cottage cheese is enabling people to experiment in the kitchen. Its neutral flavor and varied textures – ranging from smooth to chunky – makes it suitable for a range of dishes, from sweet to savory. TikTok and Instagram have some great recipes. You could start with an old faithful recipe of celery and cottage cheese, and work your way towards new options such as cottage cheese ice cream.

Conclusion

Cottage cheese’s rise in popularity is well deserved. Including more cottage cheese in your diet is a smart choice for getting a high dose of protein without adding processed ingredients or too much energy. Embrace the trend and get creative in the kitchen.

FAQs

Q: Why is cottage cheese trending on social media?
A: Cottage cheese is trending on social media because of its excellent nutrition profile, versatility in recipes, and creative uses in cooking.

Q: Is cottage cheese a healthy choice?
A: Yes, cottage cheese is a healthy choice due to its low fat content, high protein content, and presence of essential vitamins and minerals.

Q: Can I use cottage cheese in desserts?
A: Yes, cottage cheese can be used in desserts such as mousse, ice cream, and cakes.

Q: How can I incorporate cottage cheese into my diet?
A: You can incorporate cottage cheese into your diet by using it as a base for smoothies, adding it to salads, using it as a dip for vegetables, or incorporating it into baked goods.