Patrick Oconnell
Cottage cheese is a divisive breakfast item, with people either loving it or hating it. It is typically eaten plain for breakfast, but it can also be used in many other dishes, such as lasagna, sandwiches, and scrambled eggs. When shopping for cottage cheese, it is important to read the label to see its percentage of milk fat, as this will affect the flavor and texture. Some people prefer a higher milk fat content, which tends to result in a creamier texture, while others opt for lower-fat options. Various brands of cottage cheese are available in the market, including Breakstone's, Trader Joe's, Daisy, Good Culture, Organic Valley, and Kroger, each with its own unique characteristics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Good Culture |
| Best for texture | Good Culture, Breakstone's 2% milk fat, Kroger low-fat, Friendship Dairies |
| Best for taste | Good Culture, Organic Valley, Breakstone's 2% milk fat, Kroger low-fat |
| Worst | Daisy's Low Fat, Trader Joe's Organic, Kemps 2% Lowfat |
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What You'll Learn
Curd size and texture
Some people prefer a chewier curd texture, while others prefer a softer, creamier texture. The creaminess of cottage cheese is often associated with a higher milk fat content. However, this is not always the case, as some low-fat cottage cheeses can also have a creamy texture. For instance, Breakstone's 2% milk fat cottage cheese was praised for its perfect balance of tanginess and savouriness, while still offering a creamy texture.
The texture of cottage cheese should not be watery or disturbing. Watery textures can be off-putting and can also be exacerbated by wetter foods like pineapple. Cottage cheese with a thick and creamy texture is generally preferred, as it provides a better mouthfeel and sensory experience.
The uniformity of curd size also plays a role in the overall texture of the cheese. Cottage cheese with curds of differing sizes can offer a varied sensory experience, providing a combination of squeakiness and bounce. However, some people may prefer a more consistent curd size to avoid an overly chewy or disturbing texture.
In addition to the size and texture of the curds, the ratio of curds to liquid is also important. A good ratio ensures that the cottage cheese is not too dry or too wet, providing a pleasant eating experience. For example, Good Culture's cottage cheese was praised for its perfect ratio of curds to liquid, contributing to its overall enjoyment.
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Flavour
When it comes to flavour, cottage cheese is a divisive food item. Some people enjoy its tangy, savoury taste, while others find it unappealing. The milk fat percentage in cottage cheese affects its flavour and texture, with higher-fat varieties generally having richer flavours. However, this is not always the case, as some higher-fat options may have a strong milky flavour that is undesirable.
Cottage cheese with a lower percentage of milk fat tends to have a milder flavour, which can be preferable for those who do not enjoy strong, tangy dairy products. It is worth noting that salt content also plays a significant role in the flavour of cottage cheese, and some brands may have a higher or lower salt content than others.
Some popular brands, such as Daisy, have received mixed reviews, with some finding their low-fat option to have an unappealing texture and lack of flavour. On the other hand, Organic Valley's cottage cheese has been praised for its flavour and ideal ratio of solids to liquids. Good Culture's cottage cheese has also been described as having the perfect balance of tenderness, liquid-to-curd ratio, and flavour, with a delightful tang and just the right amount of saltiness.
For those who enjoy a sweeter cottage cheese, some options have been described as pleasantly sweet without being overpowering. Additionally, some cottage cheeses have a creamier texture, which can enhance their flavour and make them more enjoyable to eat. It is worth noting that individual preferences for sweetness, creaminess, and curd size may vary, so exploring different brands can help find the best flavour profile for one's taste.
Enhancing the flavour of cottage cheese with various toppings or mix-ins is also a popular practice. Some people enjoy adding condiments, vegetables, honey, or fruit to their cottage cheese. Others experiment with seasonings such as Montreal steak seasoning, ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, or even MSG. These additions can transform the flavour profile of cottage cheese and make it a more versatile ingredient in various dishes.
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Liquid-to-solids ratio
The liquid-to-solids ratio is an important criterion for judging the quality of cottage cheese. Cottage cheese is made by adding an acid, such as vinegar, or a bacterial culture to milk, causing it to curdle and separate into solids (curds) and liquids (whey). The curds are then cooked and drained to release more moisture, and the whey is drained out, resulting in a semi-solid mass of cottage cheese.
The ideal liquid-to-solids ratio in cottage cheese is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer a drier, more solid cheese, while others prefer a soupier, more liquid texture. The liquidity of the cheese depends on the amount of time it is allowed to drain and the fat percentage of the milk used. A longer draining time will result in a drier cheese, as more whey is removed. Higher-fat milk will also produce a drier cheese, as the fat content contributes to the solids in the cheese.
When making cottage cheese at home, the liquid-to-solids ratio can be adjusted by varying the draining time. For a drier cheese, the cheesecloth-lined colander can be left to drain for longer than 30 minutes, or the cheese can be pressed to remove more whey. For a soupier texture, the cheese can be drained for a shorter time, resulting in more whey remaining in the cheese.
In a taste test of seven cottage cheese brands, Good Culture's cottage cheese was rated the best overall, with the ratio of solids to liquids seeming "pretty perfect". Kalona's Super Natural Organic Cottage Cheese was noted to have very little liquid, but the thickness of the liquid and the small size of the curds made it difficult to distinguish between the two, leading tasters to feel like they were eating ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese. Daisy's Low-Fat Cottage Cheese and Kemps 2% Lowfat were criticised for having a poor liquid-to-solids ratio, with the former described as having incredibly thick liquid that left the mouth feeling dry, and the latter described as "disturbingly" liquidy.
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Salt content
Some people prefer their cottage cheese to be saltier. One person on Reddit described Kroger Low-Fat cottage cheese as the "perfect blend of salty and tangy, [with the] perfect curd size". Another Reddit user recommended adding salt to cottage cheese, along with pepper and Tabasco.
The salt content of cottage cheese is generally lower than that of regular cheese. However, some brands, such as Daisy's Low-Fat Cottage Cheese, are considered too salty. One reviewer described the liquid in this product as "incredibly thick", and the cheese itself lacked flavour.
When it comes to salt content, it's important to consider personal preferences and dietary restrictions. While some people enjoy the savoury flavour that salt adds to cottage cheese, others may prefer a more mild or tangy flavour. Additionally, those on a low-sodium diet may need to pay closer attention to the salt content of cottage cheese and choose lower-sodium options.
Overall, the salt content of cottage cheese can vary significantly between brands and products. While some people prefer a saltier cheese, others may opt for a lower-sodium option. When choosing a cottage cheese based on salt content, it's essential to consider personal taste, health considerations, and how the cheese will be used in recipes or as a topping.
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Price
When it comes to price, cottage cheese can vary depending on the brand, milk fat percentage, and location. Here is a breakdown of the prices of some popular cottage cheese brands:
Breakstone's 2% Milk Fat Cottage Cheese
This brand offers individual-size cups, perfect for on-the-go consumption. It is widely available in the U.S. at stores like Target and Walmart. The price was approximately $3.99 for 24 ounces in New Jersey, making it a great option for those looking for a tasty and affordable cottage cheese.
Trader Joe's Organic Cottage Cheese
This organic variety from Trader Joe's received negative reviews for its taste, curd size, and texture. It was priced at $4.29 for a 16-ounce container in New Jersey, which is about 27 cents per ounce. While the price may vary by location, the consensus is that this cottage cheese is not worth purchasing.
Daisy's Low-Fat Cottage Cheese
Daisy, known for its sour cream and dips, also offers cottage cheese. However, it received poor reviews for its thick liquid consistency and lack of flavour. The price of Daisy's cottage cheese was not explicitly mentioned, but it is available at various retailers, including Meijer in the Midwest US.
Good Culture Lowfat Classic Cottage Cheese
Good Culture's cottage cheese was described as having perfectly sized and tender curds, with an excellent liquid-to-curds ratio. It had a delightful tang and the perfect level of saltiness. While the price was not mentioned, it is available at most grocery stores and is worth trying for its superior taste and texture.
Kroger Low-Fat Cottage Cheese
Kroger's low-fat cottage cheese has a perfect blend of salty and tangy flavours, with an ideal curd size. The price of this cottage cheese was not specified, but it is available at Kroger stores and possibly other retailers.
In summary, when it comes to price, Breakstone's 2% Milk Fat Cottage Cheese offers a great value at approximately 17 cents per ounce. However, it's important to note that prices may vary based on location. Other brands like Trader Joe's, Daisy, Good Culture, and Kroger have not disclosed their prices, but they are available at various retailers across the U.S.
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Frequently asked questions
Good Culture is a recommended cottage cheese brand, with its low-fat classic cottage cheese being described as having perfectly sized and tender curds, a fantastic flavour, and a good liquid-to-curds ratio. Breakstone's 2% milk fat cottage cheese is also a popular choice, with a good balance of tangy and savoury flavours, and individual-sized cups available.
Kroger low-fat cottage cheese is a good budget option, with a blend of salty and tangy flavours, and perfect curd size. Another option is Highland Crest, a bargain brand sold at Harris Teeter, which has dense cottage cheese with large curds.
Daisy's Low-Fat Cottage Cheese has been described as having an incredibly thick liquid that leaves your mouth feeling dry, and Trader Joe's Organic Cottage Cheese has also been poorly reviewed, with a subpar taste and abhorrent texture.
Cottage cheese is typically eaten plain for breakfast, but it can also be blended to create a whipped consistency, which can be used as a ricotta replacement in lasagna, or spread on sandwiches. It can also be added to scrambled eggs, put on toast with salt and olive oil, or mixed with vegetables, honey, or fruit.
