Summary of The 8 Best Cottage Cheese Brands To Buy In 2023, Say Dietitians:
This article discusses the resurgence in popularity of cottage cheese and offers advice on how to choose the best cottage cheese brand for you. The article explains what cottage cheese is and its nutritional benefits, including its high protein content. Tips for selecting a good cottage cheese brand include looking for low or no added sugars, low sodium, and different fat content options. The article also provides a list of the eight best cottage cheese brands to try, as recommended by registered dietitians. The list includes brands that are low-fat, whole milk, lactose-free, and whipped.
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The 8 Best Cottage Cheese Brands for Health-Conscious Consumers
Cottage cheese, once considered an outdated and plain dairy product, has seen a rise in popularity among health-conscious consumers. It is an affordable source of protein, essential vitamins and minerals. Cottage cheese is a versatile food that can be consumed with a variety of meals, snacks or used as an ingredient in various recipes. With so many brands available, it’s hard to know which one to choose. To make the selection process easier, we asked registered dietitians to share their favorite cottage cheese brands that provide quality ingredients without added sugars, high sodium or artificial thickeners.
What is Cottage Cheese and What are its Nutritional Benefits?
Technically, cottage cheese is cheese curd that retains some moisture and whey without undergoing an aging process. Cottage cheese is a great source of nutrients such as B-complex vitamins, calcium, and protein. The protein in cottage cheese is primarily casein protein, which slowly gets absorbed in the body, thereby helping to prevent muscle breakdown. A cup of small curd cottage cheese (approximately 210 grams) contains about 25 grams of protein, making it an excellent protein source. It’s also a low-calorie food, with a small cup of cottage cheese having about 220 calories.
How Do You Pick the Best Cottage Cheese Brand for You?
When choosing a brand of cottage cheese to buy, several things should be considered. First, everyone’s dietary restrictions and goals are unique so it’s important to read food labels and choose a product that aligns with your personal preferences. For instance, if you’re watching your sodium intake, go for “reduced sodium” cottage cheese. If you’re lactose intolerant, try the lactose-free variety. Also, it would help if you decided on the fat content that’s suitable for your dietary plan. Some brands offer full-fat cottage cheese while others have low-fat options.
The 8 Best Cottage Cheese Brands for Health-Conscious Consumers
1. Good Culture Low-Fat Cottage Cheese: This brand has no added sugar, is low in calories, and makes a perfect snack. It’s also available in plain and flavored options with pre-portioned sizes that are easy to take on-the-go.
2. Nancy’s Organic Whole Milk Cottage Cheese: This brand is made using minimal ingredients and free from artificial ones. It has strains of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus—a bonus for those seeking probiotics.
3. Green Valley Lactose-Free Cottage Cheese: This brand caters to lactose-intolerant individuals and is made from natural ingredients without emulsifiers or gums that are commonly used in other brands.
4. Cabot’s Cottage Cheese: This brand is rich in flavor and nutrients and is widely available at grocery stores.
5. 365 Organic Cottage Cheese 4% Milkfat: A great option for those who like a higher milk fat content. It’s also very affordable and has a creamy texture.
6. Daisy Cottage Cheese 4% Milkfat: This brand is reasonably priced and can be found at most grocery stores. Its flavor has received high praise from consumers.
7. Kroger’s Whipped Cottage Cheese: This brand has a light and fluffy texture that is a result of its whipped consistency. It’s also affordable and an excellent source of protein.
8. Breakstone’s 4% Cottage Cheese: This brand is a classic and one of the most affordable options. It has a creamy texture and is an excellent source of protein.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cottage cheese brand requires considering your dietary goals and needs. Whether you prefer low-fat or whole-fat, lactose-free or low-sodium options, there are many brands to choose from. The recommended brands above are well-regarded by registered dietitians and provide quality ingredients that align with a healthy lifestyle. Try them out and see which one works best for you.
