Cottage cheese is a fresh, soft, and creamy cheese made from cow's milk curds that have not been aged. It has a mild, slightly tangy flavor and a heterogeneous texture due to the small, dense curds. It's made by adding an acid to milk, which separates the curds from the whey. The curds are then drained and often mixed with cream and salt. Cottage cheese is considered one of the first cheeses made in America, with settlers in the 18th century making it in their homes from leftover milk. It's known for being a good source of protein, B vitamins, calcium, and riboflavin.
Many manufacturers produce cottage cheese, including both large dairy companies and smaller, specialized producers. Some notable manufacturers include Agri-Mark Inc., HP Hood LLC, Organic Valley, and Lactima Spółka z o.o. Cottage cheese is widely available in most grocery stores and supermarkets. It comes in different fat levels, including nonfat, low-fat (typically 1% milkfat), and whole milk (around 4% milkfat) varieties. As of early 2026, the price of cottage cheese generally ranges from $3 to $9 for a 16-ounce container, depending on the brand, fat content, and whether it is organic. Some store brands can be found for as low as $1.50.
Cottage cheese has seen a surge in popularity recently, driven by health-conscious consumers seeking high-protein, low-carb foods. This has led to innovative uses of cottage cheese in recipes, from ice cream to pizza crusts. Some producers are adding live cultures to their cottage cheese, making it a probiotic food. Due to its high protein content and versatility, cottage cheese is appearing more frequently on menus and in recipes.
All Things Dairy is launching a new cottage cheese range in January 2026 with flavors like mango and mixed berries. The Tattooed Chef will release a cottage cheese crust pizza in March 2026. AMPI is converting a cheddar plant into a cottage cheese facility to meet growing demand.
