Cottage cheese vs ricotta cheese: which is healthier?

They are about equally nutrient-dense: cottage cheese scores 45/100 and ricotta cheese 42/100, so pick by your goal. Both can be part of a healthy diet; the table below shows where each one is stronger. Source: USDA FoodData Central.

Cottage cheese

45/100Moderate nutrient density

81 kcal per 100 g. 1/2 cup: 113 g

Ricotta cheese

42/100Moderate nutrient density

138 kcal per 100 g. 1/4 cup: 62 g

Which to pick for your goal

  • Fewer caloriesCottage cheese81 vs 138 kcal per 100 g
  • More proteinAbout even10 vs 11 g per 100 g
  • More fiberAbout even0 vs 0 g per 100 g
  • Less sugarRicotta cheese4 vs 0.3 g per 100 g
  • More potassiumAbout even125 vs 125 mg per 100 g
  • Less saturated fatCottage cheese1.2 vs 4.9 g per 100 g

Nutrition side by side

Per 100 g and per typical portion. Bold marks the better value for each row.
NutrientCottage cheese, 100 gRicotta cheese, 100 gCottage cheese, 113 gRicotta cheese, 62 g
Calories81 kcal138 kcal92 kcal86 kcal
Protein10 g11 g12 g7.1 g
Carbohydrates4.8 g5.1 g5.4 g3.2 g
Sugars4 g0.3 g4.5 g0.2 g
Fiber0 g0 g0 g0 g
Fat2.3 g7.9 g2.6 g4.9 g
Saturated fat1.2 g4.9 g1.4 g3.1 g
Vitamin C0 mg0 mg0 mg0 mg
Vitamin A68 µg107 µg77 µg66 µg
Potassium125 mg125 mg141 mg78 mg
Iron0.1 mg0.4 mg0.1 mg0.3 mg
Calcium111 mg272 mg125 mg169 mg
Magnesium9 mg15 mg10 mg9.3 mg
Sodium308 mg99 mg348 mg61 mg

Last updated . Scores use the HowHealthyIs Score method.

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