Supermarkets are selling out of this retro dairy product. Here’s why
From lumpy, pineapple-smuggling weight-loss staple of the 1970s to world-wide culinary phenomenon, cottage cheese has come a long way. Thanks to TikTok health gurus and Instagram influencers, the humble curd cheese is enjoying a new life as the trendiest food in the fridge. Here’s what you need to know about cottage cheese and why you should be eating it in 2026…
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What is the cottage cheese trend?
Far from a sudden revival, cottage cheese has seen a gradual resurgence over the last decade. After being usurped by yoghurt as the diet food of choice in the 1980s, it spent a couple of decades out of the spotlight, before becoming increasingly popular among bodybuilders for its high milk protein content.
Gen Z influencers on TikTok picked up on its potential as a health food, inspired by a desire to avoid ultra-processed food and make budget-friendly, ‘clean’ diet choices. As their videos of delicious-looking sourdough toasts and guilt-free chocolate brownies spread across social media, the craze gathered pace.
“This is a fully fledged culinary phenomenon that has brought a lot of extra business to the UK dairy industry,” says Elizabeth Tomkins, Tesco cottage cheese buyer. Demand typically spikes each January as people overhaul their diets after Christmas – but this year was something else. “Because it’s become so popular with a younger audience, we are ordering in as much as we can because we’re seeing all-time record demand,” Tomkins says.
With viral recipes keeping the dairy superfood in the news, and dedicated cookbooks making the trend accessible to a wider audience, cottage cheese could continue flying off the shelves for some time to come.
Is cottage cheese good for you?
Cottage cheese was first marketed as a diet food due to its low calorie content, but today it’s better known for its protein. With an average of 11g of protein per 100g, this cheese packs a punch. It’s also rich in nutrients and low in sugar, making it a good choice for snacking.
Here are some of its main benefits:
- Casein – the main protein in milk, it’s slow to digest (making you feel fuller longer) and steadily releases amino acids to your muscles
- Calcium – found in dairy products, this mineral is needed to keep your bones and teeth strong, and helps your muscles to work properly
- Selenium – cottage cheese is a good source of this mineral, which supports your immune system and thyroid function, and helps protect against cell damage
- Vitamin B12 – used in making both DNA and red blood cells, this B vitamin is crucial to a healthy body, and found predominantly in animal-based foods
- Probiotics – some cottage cheeses contain live cultures of probiotic bacteria, which help to support good gut health
The downside is that commercially produced cottage cheese can include high levels of sodium, so keep an eye on the labels if you’re concerned about your salt intake.
Cottage cheese is a popular swap for cream cheese, and when blended can be used as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, ricotta or sour cream.
How to make cottage cheese
If you can’t find cottage cheese at your local supermarket, don’t despair! You can make it at home using just three simple ingredients: milk, vinegar and salt. Your home-made version might even be healthier than shop bought, as you can avoid additives and preservatives, and only choose the highest quality ingredients. Another big advantage of making your own is that you can adjust the amount of salt to suit your personal taste.
You’ll need a few cheese-making tools, including a heavy-bottomed pan, food thermometer and cheese cloth, but if you’ll be making cottage cheese regularly they’re worth the investment. Try this recipe from Seven Sons and find out how easy it can be.
How to eat cottage cheese
Get in on the cottage cheese trend with five viral ways to eat the celebrated curds.
1. Blended dips
These dips are all over TikTok – and it’s easy to see why, as they’re nutritious, quick to make and delicious as a snack. Simply whip cottage cheese in a food processor until it’s smooth and has a similar texture to sour cream. Popular additions include ranch seasoning for a take on ranch dressing, Mediterranean-style fresh garlic and herbs, and Mexican-inspired cheese and jalapenos.
2. Toast topper
Popularised by Baked by Melissa, Healthy Little Peach and others, this is the Instagrammable lunch you need in your life! Use cottage cheese as a base for a toasted sourdough open sandwich piled high with your favourite toppings. Go savoury with tomatoes, avocado and the ubiquitous hot honey, or try a sweet variant with fresh fruit, seeds and maple syrup.
3. Protein pancakes
These popular pancakes are as delicious as regular pancakes, but with an added protein boost and a melty souffle texture. Try three-ingredient ones with oats, cottage cheese and eggs, or add cottage cheese to a classic flour-based pancake recipe. Serve with fresh berries and a sprinkling of sugar. Try making them in advance for quick, nutritious breakfasts every day.
4. Baked flatbread
Elevate your lunch with this protein-packed cottage cheese flatbread. Popular with gym-goers and Keto dieters, they’ve hit the mainstream as a tasty alternative to sandwich wraps. Blend cottage cheese and eggs to a smooth consistency, pour into a lined baking tray and scatter with herbs and seasonings. Bake in the oven until cooked through. Simple!
5. Ice cream
Healthy ice cream? Yes please! Higher in protein and lower in sugar than regular frozen desserts, these viral recipes use cottage cheese and honey for the base instead of cream, egg yolks and sugar. Flavour your ice cream with whatever you fancy, from crumbled cookies to fresh raspberries and peanut butter. Opinions vary on whether the result lives up to the real thing, so give it a try and see for yourself…
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