It's no secret TikTok can spawn some unusual trends, but the latest obsession is one many just can't seem to get enough of. Cottage cheese has recently become the social media platform's latest food craze, with the hashtag ' #cottagecheese ' accumulating an incredible 331.3million views overall so far.
Masses of users are raving over all things cottage cheese - from cottage cheese on toast, cottage cheese ice cream, cottage cheese bread and even how to make it yourself at home. User @Ryankassim’s video on how to make cottage cheese taste good has gained a whopping 2.9M views.
Meanwhile @Laurensbalancedbites recipe for cottage cheese and avocado toast has gained 1.2M views in just over a month. It’s clear that there’s a new Gen Z fixation on cottage cheese.
Commenting on the new craze, registered Nutritionist and Green Chef's Head Chef, Anna Tebbs said: "Cottage cheese has taken TikTok by storm - it's a nutritious powerhouse with high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and micronutrients in its repertoire. Its creamy texture and mild flavour make it a great addition to both sweet and savoury dishes.
"Cottage cheese is incredibly versatile, you can enjoy it as a standalone snack or incorporate it into recipes such as salads, smoothies, dips, and baked goods. As well as, combining it with fresh fruits, nuts, and honey for a nutritious breakfast or as a substitute for ricotta in lasagne or stuffed pasta shells.
"That being said, don't go overboard! Enjoy in moderation and be mindful of the sodium content in cottage cheese, you can even rinse before consuming to reduce some of the sodium levels. Consider calorie and fat content too, and diversify your protein sources to maintain nutrient balance, while embracing variety to nourish a well-rounded diet."
Anna and the team at Green Chef have provided five simple ways to add a nutritious boost to your day with cottage cheese - including not just spreading it on toast.
Swap it for mayonnaise or sour cream
Use cottage cheese as a healthier alternative in recipes calling for mayo or sour cream, such as in dips, dressings, or as a topping for baked potatoes.
Blend it into smoothies
Add cottage cheese to your favourite fruit smoothies for a boost of protein and creamy texture. It can help make your smoothie more satisfying and keep you fuller for longer.
Mix it with fruits or vegetables
Combine cottage cheese with fresh fruits like berries or sliced peaches for a nutritious and protein-rich snack. You can also mix it with chopped vegetables, herbs, and spices for a flavorful and low-fat salad topping.
Make a savoury cottage cheese bowl
Create a savoury and satisfying meal by combining cottage cheese with roasted vegetables, whole grains like quinoa or brown rice, and your choice of herbs and spices. It makes for a wholesome and filling lunch or dinner option.
Enjoy it as a high-protein snack
Cottage cheese makes for a quick and convenient snack on its own. You can top it with a sprinkle of cinnamon, drizzle it with honey, or add a handful of nuts for some extra flavour and crunch.
For more recipe inspiration that makes eating well easier than ever, visit Green Chef’s Weekly Menu .