Cottage cheese ice cream?! The internet is obsessed with the vintage high-protein and versatile ingredient

Gen Z are big on the cream curdled pasteurised dairy product right now, and rightly so. We get to the bottom of why it is such a nutritional powerhouse with Marta Decarli.

It would seem cottage cheese is having its moment right now. Yes – the creamy curdled cheese characterised by its mild flavour is a big hit with Gen Z. The hashtag ‘#cottagecheese’ has amassed hundreds of millions of views, with TikTok and Insta users sharing various recipes and ways to incorporate it into meals. It was a hit in the 70s at dinner parties, and then fizzled out with 80s diet fads… until now. 

2025 is the year of cottage cheese, hailed for its high-protein, low-fat content, and exciting versatility. This means it’s a hit with gym enthusiasts, those trying to lose weight and encourage a balanced diet, and at-home chefs trying out fresh recipes. Whilst a lot of TikTok foodie trends are best bypassed, this one has the nutritional science to back it.

So, what does cottage cheese actually do for our diets? Why do we all love it so much? And how can we healthily bring this vintage ingredient into our diets without compromising a tasty meal? We get the lowdown on all things cottage cheese with our nutritional lifestyle coach Marta Decarli…

Why is cottage cheese good for us?

Cottage cheese is a bit of a nutritional powerhouse. It’s high in protein—around 12 grams per 100g—which makes it great for muscle repair, satiety, and blood sugar control. It’s also a source of calcium, vitamin B12, phosphorus and selenium, all of which play important roles in bone health, energy metabolism and immune support. Unlike many processed high-protein snacks, cottage cheese is minimally processed and relatively low in calories.

It was popular in the 70s, then kind of fell off as a mainstream food until now. Why do you think people are suddenly so obsessed with it again?

It’s the perfect storm of social media trends meeting nutrition science. As more people seek convenient, protein-rich foods that support fitness goals, cottage cheese ticks the box. Add to that its nostalgic feel, simple ingredients, and the fact that it’s highly versatile—it works just as well in a sweet breakfast bowl as in a savoury pasta sauce. TikTok creators have also played a big role in making it “cool” again, sharing creative and often genuinely tasty ways to eat it.

Diet culture promotes cottage cheese as a weight-loss tool. How can we healthily incorporate this food into our diets without compromising nutrition?

The key is to see cottage cheese as a nutritious addition to meals, rather than a restrictive substitute. Yes, it’s low in calories and high in protein, but it's best used to complement whole foods—like fruit, whole grains, nuts or vegetables—rather than replacing balanced meals. For example, pair it with roasted vegetables and quinoa, or add it to a smoothie to boost protein. Using it in this way helps you stay full and nourished without slipping into diet culture's “less is more” trap.

Why is it so popular amongst young women trying to promote their probiotics?

Some types of cottage cheese contain live and active cultures—similar to those found in yoghurt—which may support gut health. That said, not all brands do, so it’s worth checking the label for “live cultures” or “probiotic” claims. Many young women are becoming more gut-health savvy and are looking for tasty, real-food ways to support their microbiome beyond supplements—and cottage cheese offers that, especially in a savoury format that’s sometimes harder to come by with fermented foods.

What can it do for our gut health?

If it contains live cultures, cottage cheese can contribute to the diversity of beneficial bacteria in your gut, which is linked to improved digestion, mood, immunity and even skin health. However, even without probiotics, its high protein content and low sugar profile mean it’s gentle on blood sugar and less likely to disrupt gut balance the way ultra-processed foods might. Plus, it’s often tolerated by people with mild lactose sensitivities, especially when consumed in small amounts.

How would you suggest consuming cottage cheese to build muscle?

The casein protein in cottage cheese digests slowly, making it ideal for muscle recovery, especially overnight. It’s perfect as a pre-bed snack with some berries or nut butter. You can also add it to scrambled eggs, stir it into pasta sauces, or layer it on toast with avocado or smoked salmon for a high-protein meal. Its versatility makes it easy to sneak into meals for extra muscle-building support without needing protein powders.

What are some of the popular and nutritious ways to enjoy cottage cheese?

• On toast: with sliced tomatoes, cracked pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.

• With fruit, like pineapple, berries, or banana and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

• In smoothies: blended with frozen fruit and oats for a creamy protein boost.

• As a dip: mixed with herbs, lemon and garlic for a high-protein alternative to hummus.

• In pancakes or baked oats, to add protein and a creamy texture.

What are some of your favourite recipes? (see full recipes below) 

• Cottage cheese scrambled eggs: Just stir a few spoonfuls into your eggs before cooking for fluffier, more filling scrambles.

• Stuffed sweet potatoes: Mix cottage cheese with chopped herbs, lemon zest, and a pinch of chilli flakes, then spoon into baked sweet potatoes. Top with toasted seeds or crispy chickpeas for a warm, satisfying lunch or dinner that's high in protein and fibre.

• Whipped cottage cheese bowls: Blend it until smooth and top with honey, nuts and berries for a cheesecake-style treat.

What’s a fun way to use cottage cheese as an ingredient that people may not know about?

Whip it in a blender! Blending cottage cheese turns it silky-smooth—perfect for swapping into pasta sauces, creamy dressings, or even as a base for a healthier cheesecake. One TikTok favourite is “ice cream” made by blending cottage cheese with frozen banana, a spoonful of peanut butter, and a few chocolate chips. It sounds strange, but it’s genuinely delicious and packed with protein.