Cottage Cheese is increasingly being taken into kitchens within the country, and for very good reasons. When people talk of milk, it is not just rich and creamy but nutritious, containing good proportions of proteins. Not only is it delicious as a snack accompaniment, in baking recipes or even for breakfast, cottage cheese is also a very versatile product.
However, choosing the perfect cottage cheese might not be very easy going by the number of brands out there. From texture to flavor profile to its finish, the better choices are first-rate. Below we’ve reviewed some of the best cottage cheese brands available in India that offer on taste, quality, and nutritional value. Here are some of the top cottage cheese brands, making space in consumers ultimate guide to the superb curd types in the market today.
Also Read:Â Cheese, Dairy Consumption Rises Again
What is Cottage Cheese?
Cottage cheese is a form of curd cheese, with a bland flavor, cream-like, homogenized and more watery consistency produced from skim milk. It is also important in the manufacturing process that sets cottage cheese apart from all the other fresh cheeses that the curd grains are dressed with a substance such as cream which, to a considerable extent, determines the flavour of the cheese. Cottage cheese does not undergo the process of aging, as does cheddar, Swiss or parmesan cheese; they do not dry or melt evenly for that matter.
Cottage cheese is low in calories when compared to the traditional cheese — similar to yogurt; that is why dietitians and some personalities concerned with health patronize it a lot. It can be eaten with yogurt, fruits, toast and granola, in salads, as a dip and even instead of mayonnaise.
Read More:Cheese: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits
Health Benefits of Cottage Cheese
- Bone Health
Strengthening and densifying bones, calcium, phosphorus and protein from cottage cheese are very beneficial to our bodies.
- Manage Blood Sugar Levels
One of the best things about cottage cheese is that it has virtually no effect on spikes in blood sugar levels for diabetics.
- Muscle Recovery
Cottage cheese provides a boost to muscle recovery through slow digesting casein protein which improves muscle quality and metabolism.
- Protects Thyroid Health
Selenium present in cottage cheese helps in the functioning of thyroid and benefits patients suffering with conditions such as Hashimoto’s and Graves’.
Cottage Cheese Market Size in India
The cottage cheese market in India, known as ‘Paneer’ is a largest and fastest-growing segment and it is expected that the market size of cottage cheese Paneer in India growing up to 2032 is projected to show a CAGR of about 13.5 percent and the market size is from Rs 570.8 Billion in 2023.
- Dominant Product
In India, ‘Paneer’ is particularly the most usual form of cottage cheese used in preparing meals which is prepared by reacting the curdled milk.
- Market Drivers
Some of the key factors that are spurring the wheat protein market are high protein concentrations, lower cost of the meal, ability to prepare in many different ways, and increasing awareness of consumers regarding their health.
- Market Trends
Rising trends of different types of paneer products such as flavoured paneer, low fat paneer and paneer that comes in a cooked and packed form.
Top 5 Cottage Cheese Brands in India
- Organic Valley
Organic Valley Cottage Cheese is one tasty cheese which can best be eaten during breakfast. Produced from the organic skim milk, it has small tender curd particles and a cream dressing prepared from organic elements. This cheese is rich in protein, and it is developed from cultures and a rigorous method to produce its tender feel and finesse taste. Enjoy it with melon or on French toast or even enjoying a more wholesome breakfast bowl.
Benefits:
- Good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin A
- Muscle growth and repair
- No antibiotics, synthetic hormones, toxic pesticides or GMO
- Good Culture
Good Culture Organic Cottage Cheese is a thick, creamy, and flavorful option made with simple, organic ingredients. Certified USDA Organic, it contains live and active cultures for added probiotic benefits. The Low-Fat Classic Cottage Cheese, with 2 percent milkfat, offers a balanced salty flavor and a standout texture. Its small, smooth curds are pleasantly creamy and never rubbery, making it a delicious and wholesome choice for health-conscious consumers.
Benefits:
- High Protein – repair, oxygenate and satiate
- Healthy gut microbiomeÂ
- Weight management
- Nancy’s Probiotic Foods
Nancy’s Probiotic Foods has protein rich cottage cheese prepared from organic milk and live cultures and free from rennet and thickeners. It is all the way through culturing making it look like a yogurt with highly desirable protein rich snackiness. Due to less defined curds, it is suitable for yogurt lovers to switch to cottage cheese. It has a vibrant taste, a creamy texture, and it also means that it is a perfect dairy product for many people.
Benefits:
- Balance your digestion
- Good source of protein and other essential vitamins and minerals
- Nancy’s Organic Cottage Cheese is 99-95 percent organic, gluten-free, and non-GMO
- Daisy
Daisy has been a family run dairy business for five generations and they have been continuously committed to producing good quality dairy products including the cottage cheese. Throughout its 20 years of product development, Daisy revolutionized ordinary cottage cheese by providing a low fat, low calorie, low sodium product. It adds to the foregoing that their devotion to the quality of their products has made this time-honored dairy product a favorite once again for consumers who are conscious of their health status and prefer tasty as well as nutritious foods.
Benefits:
- Good source of calcium, which is important for bone and teeth health
- Daisy Cottage Cheese is gluten-free
- Friendship
Friendship Cottage Cheese is made by Friendship Dairies with the community’s quality taste and nutrition since the company was established 100 years ago. One of the most popular cheese types used for its creamy, tiny curd, high protein content, and is liked in many kitchens across the country. Artisanal using real dairy products in each sandwich while embracing quality and heritage in every bite. To act as a snack or an addition to meal, Friendship Cottage Cheese will offer healthy production for you the friends at dairy.
Benefits:
- Low in fat (depending on the variety)
- Balanced diet due to its nutritional profile
- Can be incorporated into various meals
Bottom Line
Cottage cheese is healthy food which can be included in the diet of any person that leads an active life. This food contains proteins, calcium and other nutrients that enhance many parts of the body such as bones, muscles, and blood sugar levels. Due to its thick and versatile nature, it has proved popular for cooking, both conventional and innovative. In India, you have a lot of possibilities, so there is an ideal car for every person and every situation.