Sales of cottage cheese have rocketed by 40 per cent, driven by a demand for high protein food and viral recipes on TikTok, according to farmers. The dairy product, often associated with the 70s and 80s, is experiencing a resurgence due to its low fat content, producers report.
Earlier this year, views of the hashtag #cottagecheese were set to hit a billion. One producer, Graham’s Family Dairy in Scotland, has seen sales of the traditional curdled milk product surge by 40%.
This is partly due to the global demand for high protein and low fat dairy products, spurred on by viral recipes on TikTok. “This last 14 months with cottage cheese has seen phenomenal growth,” said managing director Graham.
“That’s great but it’s such big numbers that it has presented some challenges around just making sure that we are hitting the customer demand. Graham added: “It’s being driven by cottage cheese and protein yogurts and also traditional products like our gold top milk and butter. The people who are driving that are actually a lot younger and that is really positive for dairy overall.
They are seeing the health benefits, it’s relatively affordable and it tastes good. ” Edward Mather, the lead nutritionist at Fuel Hub, has praised cottage cheese for its current popularity surge, saying: “Cottage cheese is having its moment in the limelight – and it’s about time, reports Gloucestershire Live.
It’s a convenient, ready-to-eat option perfect for busy lifestyles and quick meals. Beyond its practicality, cottage cheese’s mild flavour and creamy texture make it a versatile ingredient easy to add as part of a balanced meal or as an on-the-go snack.
” He also highlighted its nutritional benefits: “Packed with protein, low in calories, and rich in essential micronutrients, it’s also a nutrient-dense choice that supports overall health and well-being. It definitely deserves the hype.
“A mere 100-gram serving of low-fat cottage cheese contains just 84 calories, which is considerably less than the roughly 400 calories found in the same amount of standard cheddar. Despite its lower calorie count, cottage cheese doesn’t skimp on protein, offering 11g per 100g, along with important nutrients like calcium, potassium, and selenium, all crucial for bodily functions.Mather further explained how cottage cheese can be instrumental in weight loss and achieving fitness goals: “Cottage cheese’s high protein content paired with low calories helps athletes to reach their optimal protein intake without exceeding their calorie maintenance. This supports lean muscle growth and helps with weight management.
” Regarding muscle recovery after workouts, he added: “The protein in cottage cheese is great for muscle growth, repair, and overall recovery – this is crucial for peak athletic performance. ” Edward highlighted the advantages of including cottage cheese in an athlete’s diet, noting its impact on muscle function and bone strength: “Cottage cheese’s calcium content helps athletes have strong bones and efficient muscle function, enhancing their athletic ability.
” He also touched upon the importance of sustaining energy levels, adding: “Being protein-rich, it keeps you fuller for longer – this can help athletes avoid overeating and maintain consistent energy levels throughout the day. ” Backing up his advice, he cited the Cleveland Clinic in the US, which suggests: “Three factors make cottage cheese a great choice if you’re looking to lose pounds or maintain your weight.
” These factors are its high protein content, being low in fat, and providing calcium.