Food Guide

Cottage Cheese

Varieties

Cottage cheese is available in large- and small-curd varieties, with various levels of fat content that may range from 1 to 5 grams per cup.

Varieties include creamed cottage cheese, 2% and 1% cottage cheeses, and dry-curd cottage cheese. All varieties are available lightly salted, unsalted, and lactose-free. Farmer’s cheese is cottage cheese that has been pressed into a block, and in contrast to cottage cheese it may sometimes be aged.

Preparation, Uses, & Tips

Cottage cheese is an adaptable source of protein for table use, snacks, salads, and in baking. The flavor goes well with fresh vegetables or condiments, such as peppers, olives, or pimientos, as well as with fruits, such as pineapple, peaches, or berries. Low-fat cottage cheese can be used to replace higher-fat-content cream cheese in desserts such as cheesecake and Danish pastry, and it’s good in savory baked dishes such as lasagna.

Storing

Cottage cheese is perishable and should be used promptly, though it will keep in the refrigerator for about one week.

Nutrition Highlights

Cottage cheese (2%, low-fat), 1 cup (226g)

  • Calories: 203
  • Protein: 31g
  • Carbohydrate: 8.2g
  • Total Fat: 4.4g
  • Fiber: 0.0g

*Excellent Source of: Selenium (23mcg) and Riboflavin (0.42mg)

*Good Source of: Calcium (155mg)

Copyright © 2025 TraceGains, Inc. All rights reserved.

Learn more about TraceGains, the company.

The information presented in the Food Guide is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of US–registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.