Is Low Carb Cottage Cheese Your New Keto Secret?
Are There Low-Carb Cottage Cheeses?
🧀 LOW-CARB COTTAGE CHEESE – Yes, several cottage cheese options are low in carbs, especially plain, full-fat varieties. On average, a ½-cup serving contains around 3 grams of net carbs, making it a great keto-friendly choice packed with protein, calcium, and healthy fats to keep you satisfied longer.
If you’re living a low carb or keto lifestyle, finding foods that taste great and fit your goals can be tricky. That’s why low carb cottage cheese is such a win.
It’s creamy, high in protein, and surprisingly versatile. This is perfect for breakfast, a mid-day snack, or even a quick dessert.
Cottage cheese has a mild flavor that works beautifully with almost anything. You can enjoy it with fresh berries for something sweet or mix it with herbs and veggies for a savory meal. It’s one of those ingredients that feels simple but does a lot for your diet.
Below, we’ll talk about how low in carbs cottage cheese really is, which brands are worth buying, and fun, easy ways to use it in your everyday meals while keeping things keto-friendly.
Table of Contents
- Is Cottage Cheese Low-Carb?
- Best Low Carb Cottage Cheese Brands
- Creative Ways to Enjoy Cottage Cheese on a Low Carb Diet
- Other Low Carb Cheese You Can Eat on Keto
- Related Articles
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Is Cottage Cheese Low-Carb?
Yes, cottage cheese is considered low-carb. It’s a great choice for keto or low carb diets because it provides high-quality protein with minimal carbohydrates.
The small amount of lactose it contains contributes to its carb count, but it’s still low enough to fit comfortably into most meal plans.
The key is to choose plain, full-fat cottage cheese rather than flavored or sweetened versions, which often contain added sugars.
When paired with low carb fruits, nuts, or vegetables, it becomes a balanced, satisfying snack or meal option that helps you stay full for hours.
To give you a clearer idea of its macronutrient breakdown, here are the nutrition facts for every 100 grams of cottage cheese:
- Calories: 72 kcal
- Total fats: 1.02 grams
- Net carbs: 2.72 grams
- Protein: 12.4 grams
Best Low Carb Cottage Cheese Brands
Choosing the right cottage cheese for a low carb lifestyle starts with checking the label. The best options use simple, clean ingredients without unnecessary fillers or added sugars that can sneak in extra carbs.
Look for brands that stick to the basics, like milk, cream, salt, and live active cultures. These pure formulations let you enjoy all the creamy texture and protein-rich goodness without compromising your keto goals.
When you walk down the dairy aisle, you’ll notice plenty of choices, but not all are created equal. To help narrow it down, here are a few trusted brands known for their keto-friendly nutrition and straightforward ingredients.
1. Good Culture Cottage Cheese
Good Culture has become a favorite among keto followers for a reason. It’s creamy, satisfying, and made with wholesome ingredients.
The brand offers several varieties, including Whole Milk Classic, Low-Fat Classic, Double Cream, and Lactose-Free cottage cheese, giving you options to match your preferences and macros.
Each variety is crafted with high-quality milk from pasture-raised cows, ensuring a clean, rich taste without unnecessary additives.
What makes Good Culture stand out is its focus on real ingredients and beneficial live cultures that support gut health. Plus, it uses Celtic sea salt, known for its trace minerals and naturally balanced flavor.
Here are the ingredients you’ll typically find in a container of Good Culture cottage cheese:
- Skim milk and whole milk
- Cream and Celtic sea salt
- Live and active cultures
Below is the nutrition information for a ½-cup serving of Good Culture’s cottage cheese varieties:
| Calories (kcal) | Total Fat (grams) | Net Carbs (grams) | Protein (grams) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic Whole Milk Classic Cottage Cheese | 110 | 4.5 | 3 | 14 |
| Organic Low-Fat Classic Cottage Cheese | 80 | 2.5 | 3 | 14 |
| Organic Double Cream Classic Cottage Cheese | 130 | 7 | 3 | 14 |
| Simply Lactose Free Cottage Cheese | 80 | 2.5 | 3 | 14 |
2. Westby Cottage Cheese
Westby Cottage Cheese is another reliable pick for anyone following a low carb or keto lifestyle. Known for its creamy texture and clean flavor, this brand delivers cottage cheese that’s rich without being watery, ideal for snacking, spreading, or pairing with veggies.
Westby offers several options to suit your dietary needs, including Small Curd 2% Cottage Cheese, Small Curd 4% Organic Cottage Cheese, and Small Curd 2% Organic Cottage Cheese.
Each one is made with quality ingredients sourced from farmer-owned dairies, ensuring freshness and consistency in every container.
Beyond cottage cheese, Westby also produces other keto-friendly dairy staples worth keeping in your fridge, such as:
- Grass-fed butter
- Snack dips
- Sour cream
Below is the nutrition information for a ½-cup serving of Westby’s cottage cheese varieties:
| Calories (kcal) | Total Fat (grams) | Net Carbs (grams) | Protein (grams) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Curd 2% Cottage Cheese | 80 | 2.5 | 4 | 11 |
| Organic Small Curd 2% Cottage Cheese | 80 | 2 | 3 | 13 |
| Organic Small Curd 4% Cottage Cheese | 120 | 7 | 3 | 12 |
3. Kalona Super Natural Cottage Cheese
Kalona Super Natural stands out for its commitment to simplicity and authenticity. This brand specializes in organic, minimally processed dairy, producing cottage cheese with a rich, creamy taste and a clean ingredient list that fits perfectly into a low carb or keto diet.
Kalona offers two delicious options, which are Organic Whole Milk Cottage Cheese and Organic Low Fat Cottage Cheese. Both are crafted from organic milk sourced from grass-fed cows raised on small family farms.
The brand’s dedication to traditional, low-temperature pasteurization helps preserve nutrients and flavor, setting it apart from mass-produced varieties.
What makes Kalona even more appealing is its focus on transparency and natural production practices:
- Certified organic and non-GMO ingredients
- Low-temperature pasteurization to retain nutrients
- Milk sourced from small, sustainable family farms
Below is the nutrition information for a ½-cup serving of Kalona Super Natural cottage cheese varieties:
| Calories (kcal) | Total Fat (grams) | Net Carbs (grams) | Protein (grams) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic Whole Milk Cottage Cheese | 110 | 4.5 | 3 | 14 |
| Organic Low Fat Cottage Cheese | 80 | 2.5 | 3 | 13 |
Creative Ways to Enjoy Cottage Cheese on a Low Carb Diet
Don’t limit cottage cheese to just a scoop on your plate! Its mild flavor and creamy consistency make it an incredibly versatile ingredient in the keto kitchen.
You can easily incorporate it into a wide range of cottage cheese recipes to boost protein and healthy fats without adding a significant number of carbs. It’s a great way to add richness and texture to your favorite dishes.
From savory snacks to sweet desserts, there are countless meal ideas to explore. Whether you blend it into a smooth dip or use it as a base for a baked good, you’ll be surprised at how you can transform this simple food.
Let’s get into some specific savory and sweet keto recipes you can try.
Savory Low Carb Cottage Cheese Meals and Snacks
For a quick and easy savory option, a serving of cottage cheese can be a perfect snack or side dish. Simply top it with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt and pepper for a satisfying, high-fat treat.
Its creamy nature also makes it an excellent substitute for sour cream on top of keto chili or tacos, helping you stay within your daily carb intake.
You can also use it as a base for dips and spreads. Blend it with herbs like dill or chives to create a delicious dip for fresh vegetables like cucumber slices or bell pepper strips. This is a fantastic way to increase your protein content while enjoying a crunchy, refreshing snack.
Here are a few more savory ideas to try:
- Mix it into scrambled eggs for an extra creamy, protein-packed breakfast.
- Use it as a creamy layer in a keto lasagna recipe.
- Combine it with canned tuna or salmon for a quick and easy salad.
- Spread it on a keto-friendly cracker or slice of bread.
Sweet Low Carb Cottage Cheese Desserts
Believe it or not, cottage cheese can be the secret ingredient in your next favorite low carb dessert.
When blended until smooth, its texture becomes similar to that of yogurt or even soft-serve ice cream, making it a perfect base for sweet creations. This allows you to satisfy your sweet tooth while staying true to your keto diet goals.
To create a simple, cheesecake-like dessert, blend full-fat cottage cheese with a keto-friendly sweetener, a splash of vanilla extract, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
You can also mix in some protein powder to create a thick, high-protein pudding that’s perfect for a post-workout treat or a guilt-free evening snack.
Explore these other sweet possibilities:
- Make fluffy cottage cheese pancakes by blending it with eggs and a keto-friendly flour.
- Freeze a blended mixture of cottage cheese, cocoa powder, and sweetener for a simple chocolate ice cream.
- Whip it with heavy cream and a keto maple syrup alternative for a light mousse.
- Layer it with berries and nuts for a delicious parfait.
Using Cottage Cheese for Keto Pizza Crust and More
Expanding its versatility even further, cottage cheese can be a game-changer in low carb baking. One of the most popular uses is in a keto pizza crust.
When combined with other keto staples like almond flour and eggs, cottage cheese adds moisture and protein, creating a crust that is soft, chewy, and sturdy enough to hold all your favorite toppings.
This method helps you avoid the high grams of carbs found in traditional pizza dough. The fat content from the whole milk cottage cheese also contributes to a richer flavor and helps you meet your macros.
Here is a basic breakdown of how cottage cheese works in a keto pizza crust recipe:
- Cottage Cheese: Adds moisture, protein, and a tender, bread-like texture.
- Almond Flour: Provides the low-carb structure and base for the dough.
- Egg: Acts as a binder that all the ingredients together.
- Seasonings: Infuses the crust with classic pizza flavors like garlic and oregano.
Other Low-Carb Cheeses You Can Eat on Keto
While cottage cheese is an excellent choice for a keto lifestyle, it’s far from your only option. Many other cheeses are naturally low in carbs and packed with fat and protein, perfect for maintaining ketosis while adding flavor and variety to your meals.
The best part about cheese on keto is its versatility. You can melt it over eggs, add it to salads, use it for baking, or enjoy it as a simple snack. Most aged and full-fat cheeses contain very few carbs because much of the lactose (milk sugar) is removed during the fermentation process.
When choosing cheese, opt for full-fat, minimally processed varieties. Avoid pre-shredded or flavored cheeses with additives, as they often contain hidden starches or fillers that add extra carbs.
Here are some popular low carb cheese options that fit seamlessly into a keto-friendly diet:
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp, flavorful, and great for snacking or melting over burgers.
- Mozzarella cheese: Soft, mild, and ideal for keto pizzas or casseroles.
- Parmesan cheese: Aged and nutty with virtually no carbs, perfect for grating.
- Swiss cheese: Mild and smooth, pairs well with deli meats and low carb sandwiches.
- Cream cheese: Rich and spreadable, often used in keto desserts and fat bombs.
- Goat cheese: Slightly tangy and creamy, perfect for salads or roasted veggies.
- Blue cheese: Bold and crumbly, adds flavor to salads and dressings.
- Brie cheese: Soft and buttery, great for appetizers or baked keto treats
Related Articles
If you love cheese as much as we do, there’s plenty more to discover in the keto world. From quick snacks to indulgent desserts, cheese plays a major role in creating satisfying low carb meals.
Whether you’re curious about calories, recipes, or new ways to use cheese on keto, these articles are a great place to start:
- Keto Cheese Guide: The Best Cheeses for Your Diet
- Find Out How Many Calories American Cheese Packs
- 15 Must-Try Cream Cheese Keto Dessert Recipes for 2025
- 5-Minute Keto Cheese Sauce: The Ultimate Low-Carb Condiment
- Keto Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe: A Must-Try Dessert
Frequently Asked Questions
Is All Cottage Cheese Keto-Friendly or Only Certain Varieties?
Not all cottage cheese is keto-friendly. Choose full-fat or whole milk varieties without added sugar or fruit. These contain fewer carbs and more healthy fats, making them ideal for maintaining ketosis. Always check the label for total and net carbs before buying.
Can Lactose Intolerant People Enjoy Cottage Cheese on Keto?
Some lactose-intolerant individuals can tolerate small portions of cottage cheese, especially lactose-free versions. However, tolerance varies, so it’s best to start with a small serving and monitor your body’s response.
What Are the Health Benefits of Adding Cottage Cheese to a Low Carb Diet?
Cottage cheese offers high-quality protein, calcium, and probiotics that support muscle maintenance, bone health, and gut balance. Its low carb content helps you stay full longer while keeping your blood sugar stable.
Final Thoughts
Cottage cheese is one of those rare foods that strikes the perfect balance between taste, nutrition, and versatility. It fits beautifully into a low carb or keto lifestyle, offering plenty of protein with minimal carbs to keep you full and satisfied.
Whether you prefer it plain, topped with nuts, or blended into a smoothie, it’s a reliable ingredient that works across every meal of the day.
Its mild flavor makes it a blank canvas for creativity. Pair it with berries for a quick snack, use it in casseroles for extra creaminess, or even bake it into keto-friendly desserts.
Plus, with so many clean-label brands now available, finding one that matches your dietary goals is easier than ever.
For more keto recipes, cheese guides, and low carb meal ideas, visit our website and discover simple ways to make your keto lifestyle more enjoyable and sustainable.