High Protein Cottage Cheese Balls

Step up your snacking game with these high-protein cottage cheese balls packed with fresh ingredients. It's a delicious and nutritious boost. Perfect for breakfast or to fuel up after sports practice or exercise, these balls are a creamy and satisfying way to start your day.

Why eat cottage cheese

Cottage cheese is a nutritious, versatile, and convenient food that offers a variety of health benefits. Whether you want to increase your protein intake, support bone health, or enjoy a low-calorie snack, cottage cheese is a great choice.

1. rich in protein: Cottage cheese is a really good source of protein, which is essential for muscle recovery, growth, and overall body function. One cup of cottage cheese contains up to 28 grams of protein!!
2. Rich in essential nutrients: Provides sufficient calcium essential for bone health. It also contains B vitamins, such as B12, which support brain health and energy production.
3. Supports Gut Health: Some cottage cheeses contain probiotics, which help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut. To find out if your cottage cheese contains probiotics, look for terms like “live and active cultures,” “probiotics,” or specific strains of bacteria, such as Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. The following brands of cottage cheese contain probiotics:
4. It's varied and delicious.: Whether you prefer sweet or savory flavors, cottage cheese can be combined with a variety of ingredients to create a delicious and satisfying snack.

Why is cottage cheese so high in protein?

Cottage cheese is processed less than other dairy products. This helps maintain the natural protein content found in milk. Curds are usually formed by adding bacterial cultures to milk, which increases the acidity and causes the casein proteins to coagulate and separate from the liquid whey.

Curds are rich in casein, a slow-digesting milk protein. Casein makes up about 80% of milk protein and is known for its high-quality amino acid profile.

What type of cottage cheese should you buy?

Choosing the right type of cottage cheese depends on your dietary needs, taste preferences, and health goals. Here are some factors to consider when deciding which type of cottage cheese to buy:

Fat content

• If you're trying to cut down on saturated fat, consider choosing low-fat cottage cheese (2% or 1%) or fat-free cottage cheese. They offer the benefits of protein without the high fat content.
• Full-fat cottage cheese (4% milk fat) may be more satisfying and, due to its higher fat content, may keep you full for longer. This is a good choice if you need more calories or prefer a creamier texture.

Sodium content

Some cottage cheeses are high in sodium, which can be a problem for people who are trying to manage their blood pressure or are on a low-sodium diet. Generally, anything less than 140 milligrams per serving is considered low in sodium.

Low-sodium cottage cheese brands:

• Hood's Low-Sodium Cottage Cheese: A half-cup serving contains 60 mg of sodium.
• Lucerne Low-Sodium Cottage Cheese: Contains 140 mg of sodium per half cup.
• Friendship Dairies 1% Unsalted Cottage Cheese: Contains 60 mg of sodium per half-cup serving.

Add probiotics

Some brands add probiotics to their cottage cheese, which can help with digestion and maintain gut health. These brands are known to contain probiotics.

• good culture
• Nancy's Probiotic Cottage Cheese

Ingredient quality

Organic cottage cheese is made from milk produced without the use of synthetic pesticides or hormones. Some people prefer organic for perceived health benefits and environmental reasons. Also, cottage cheese without added preservatives or artificial ingredients may be a better choice for those who want to eat clean.

texture and taste

Cottage cheese comes in a variety of textures, from small to large. Some people prefer the smooth, creamy texture of small curds, while others like the chunky feel of large curds. Some brands have a richer, creamier flavor, while others can be more tart. Trying different brands can help you find the one that best suits your taste.

Recommend a specific brand

1. good culture: Famous for high quality ingredients and added probiotics.
2. Nancy's Probiotic Cottage Cheese: Another good choice for those looking for the benefits of probiotics.
3. Daisy Cottage Cheese: It is well-received for its simple ingredients list and clean taste.

Topping and Mix-In Ideas

Some people don't like the taste of plain cottage cheese, but they want to eat it anyway because it's so high in protein. And that's where toppings and mix-ins shine!

The ingredients in my salty and sweet cottage cheese balls add so much flavor and texture and are absolutely delicious! Read on for more delicious ideas!

Savory Cottage Cheese Balls Ingredients

• avocado
• cucumber
• Cherry tomato
• Balsamic vinegar
• Everything except bagel seasoning

More delicious topping ideas:

• Fresh salsa or pico de gallo
• sun dried tomatoes
• olive
• Green onions, dill, basil, black pepper
• Avocado, lime, cilantro + tortilla chips for dipping
• Tomato, cucumber, feta cheese

Sweet Cottage Cheese Balls Ingredients:

• fresh berry
• yes, surprise
• honey
• Almond butter
• cinnamon

More sweet ideas:

• Slice bananas, peaches, pineapples, and apples
• Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, chia seeds or flax seeds
• Raisins, dried cranberries or apricots
• Peanut butter + banana
• maple syrup

Which tastes better, cottage cheese or Greek yogurt?

Both cottage cheese and yogurt have many health benefits, so which one is better for you depends on your specific nutritional needs and preferences.

1. Protein content:
   • Greek yogurt is generally higher in protein than cottage cheese, making it beneficial for people looking to increase their protein intake.
2. Probiotics:
   • Greek yogurt naturally contains probiotics due to the fermentation process, while cottage cheese does not. Only certain brands of cottage cheese contain probiotics.
3. Calcium content:
   • Both options are good sources of calcium, which is essential for bone health. Cottage cheese has slightly more calcium than yogurt.
4. Fat and sodium levels:
   • Depending on the type (full-fat, low-fat, or non-fat), both cottage cheese and yogurt can have different fat and sodium content. Choosing low-fat or fat-free options can help you reduce your intake of saturated fat and sodium.
5. Carbohydrate content:
   • Cottage cheese is generally lower in carbohydrates than yogurt.
6. Nutrient Profile:
   • Greek yogurt provides additional nutrients like B vitamins (especially B12), potassium, and magnesium, depending on the type and brand.

Choose between them:

• Protein Concentration: If protein intake is a priority, Greek yogurt with a higher protein content may be better.
• Digestive Health: For gut health, it's best to take probiotics, and yogurt is overwhelmingly better.
• Calcium Requirements: Both foods are good sources of calcium, but if you need to increase your calcium intake, cottage cheese may be better.
• Low Carb Diet: Cottage cheese is low in carbohydrates, so it may be beneficial on a low-carb diet, especially for people with diabetes.

Our Favorite Cottage Cheese Recipes