Until recently, the thought of eating cottage cheese never really entered my mind. But then something changed – my social media feed began to be filled with posts about cottage cheese. These posts caught my attention as people were using it in ways I would have never thought of. I watched videos of it being blended into creamy sauces and desserts, mixed with Dijon mustard for dips and spreads, stirred into scrambled eggs, and even used to upgrade classic egg salad. Even though I’d never been a fan, I decided to give some of these recipes a try. And I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised.
Do you eat cottage cheese on a regular basis? If so, share your favorite ways to use it in the comment section!
What’s the Deal?
What’s behind the spike in popularity of cottage cheese over the past few years? Let’s dig into the craze.
High Protein:
Cottage cheese offers a good amount of protein without a high calorie count.
Versatility:
It can be used in a variety of recipes, from dips, sauces and appetizers, to pancakes and even desserts like ice cream.
Social Media Influence:
TikTok and other social media platforms have showcased unique and appealing recipes, further driving its popularity.
In a Dairy Foods article from May 3, 2024, a VP from one of our joint venture companies, Circana, was quoted as saying: “Cottage cheese is seeing strong growth for both brands and private label as TikTok lifted the entire category,” John Crawford, Vice President, Client Insights-Dairy, for Circana, told Dairy Foods last month, which he also cited during a March Dairy Foods webinar.
Weight Loss and Wellness Trends:
The focus on healthy eating and weight loss has contributed to its popularity.
Other Nutrients:
Besides protein, cottage cheese contains calcium, vitamin B12, and other nutrients that contribute to overall health.
Things to consider
There are some things to take into consideration about cottage cheese:
Taste:
The texture and flavor aren’t for everyone.
High Sodium:
It can be high in sodium, so it’s important to consider sodium intake.
Added Sugars:
Some flavored or low-fat cottage cheese varieties may have added sugars.
Potential for Overconsumption:
Since it’s easy to incorporate cottage cheese into a variety of recipes, overconsumption could potentially impact overall calorie intake.
Easy Ways to Use It
As I mentioned earlier, cottage cheese has become a star in all kinds of recipes. I came across some creative ones at thebalancednutritionist.com; I may just have to try a few myself! (Visit their website for the full recipes.)
Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta – Instead of ingredients like heavy cream or whole milk, this recipe uses cottage cheese and other simple ingredients like parmesan cheese.
Cottage Cheese Queso Dip – High protein snack to enjoy with tortilla chips.
Cottage Cheese Egg Salad – Has more protein than traditional egg salad.
Cottage Cheese Bagels – Only two ingredients and 11 grams of protein per serving.
Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip – A great dip for bell peppers, carrots, chips, and more.
Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough – Enjoy by the spoonful or as a dessert dip for a high-protein treat.
Cottage Cheese Chocolate Mousse – A rich and creamy high protein dessert.
NCP Panel Member Info
Planning to try some of these recipes? Don’t forget to scan and report the UPC barcodes on the cottage cheese and any other ingredients you buy. Your shopping data helps share your voice as a consumer and shows what real people are buying. It’s a small step that adds up to valuable shopping insights and trends. Every scan counts!
Join NCP!
If you’re not a NCP panel member and you’re interested in joining NCP to share your shopping experiences, earn great rewards, and influence what you see on store shelves, go to the Join NCP section of the blog for more information.
Regards,
Taylor
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