Which Reigns Supreme: Cottage Cheese or Greek Yogurt?

Rohit Panwar

Looking for a high protein snack & confused between cottage cheese vs Greek Yogurt? As a nutritionist, let me help you make the best choice. 

Greek yogurt and cottage cheese are both delicious and nutritious dairy products, but they have some key differences. Knowing these will allow you to make a choice best suited to your lifestyle.

Cottage Cheese Vs Greek Yogurt: Digging Into The Differences

Before going into details, here is a quick overview of cottage cheese vs Greek yogurt macros and benefits:

BASE INGREDIENTS
Cottage Cheese

Milk & Lactic Acid

Greek Yogurt

Milk & Yogurt Culture

TASTE
Cottage Cheese

Slightly sweet

Greek Yogurt

Creamy & Tart

DAILY INTAKE
Cottage Cheese

50-100 g

Greek Yogurt

200-250 g

CALORIES
Cottage Cheese

98*

Greek Yogurt

97*

CARBOHYDRATES
Cottage Cheese

3.4 g*

Greek Yogurt

4 g*

FAT CONTENT
Cottage Cheese  

4.3 g*

Greek Yogurt

5 g*

PROTEIN CONTENT
Cottage Cheese  

11 g*

Greek Yogurt

 9 g*

CALCIUM CONTENT
Cottage Cheese 

83 g*

Greek Yogurt

100 mg*

RECOMMENDED TIME
Cottage Cheese 

Morning or Noon

Greek Yogurt

Morning or Noon

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Cottage Cheese 

Negative

Greek Yogurt

Negative

VEGAN FRIENDLINESS
Cottage Cheese 

No

Greek Yogurt

No

ORAL HEALTH OUTCOME
Cottage Cheese 

Good

Greek Yogurt

Very Good

TUMMY HEALTH OUTCOME
Cottage Cheese 

Good

Greek Yogurt

Very good

BODY HYDARTION EFFECT
Cottage Cheese 

Average

Greek Yogurt

Average

VERSATILITY
Cottage Cheese 

Good

Greek Yogurt

Very Good

*Source: USDA; Quantity defined is 100g, made using whole milk. 

Cottage Cheese Vs Greek Yogurt: Difference in Production

Cottage cheese is made by curdling milk with an acidic substance, such as vinegar or lemon juice. Once the curds separate from the whey, they are drained and rinsed with cold water to remove any excess liquid.

The process of making yogurt begins with making yogurt with milk and yogurt culture. Greek yogurt is then prepared by straining this yogurt through a cloth or filter to remove the liquid whey.

Which One’s More Delicious: Cottage Cheese or Greek Yogurt?

Cottage cheese and Greek yogurt offer different taste and texture experiences.

Cottage cheese is lumpy with a tangy flavor. Its texture can also vary from smooth and creamy to chunky, depending on how it’s made.

Greek yogurt is smooth, creamy, and tangy. It has a thicker and creamier texture than regular yogurt due to the straining process. You can also describe this texture as being “velvety.”

How Much of Cottage Cheese or Greek Yogurt Can Be Had In A Day? 

When it comes to how much cottage cheese or Greek yogurt you can have in a day, it’s important to consider your individual dietary needs and goals. Both are nutritionally dense foods making them a great choice for a healthy snack or meal.

In general, the serving size of cottage cheese should be around half cup while for Greek yogurt about 1 cup is enough.

More Calorie Dense: Cottage Cheese Or Greek Yogurt

When it comes to calorie density, cottage cheese and Greek yogurt are relatively similar. However, the amount of calories may vary with the kind of milk used for production.

If you are looking for low calorie options, choose ones made with low fat or skimmed milk.

Remember that some varieties of cottage cheese and Greek yogurt may have added sugar or flavorings, which can increase the calorie count. Be sure to read the nutrition labels carefully before choosing the product.

Cottage Cheese Vs Greek Yogurt: Difference in Carbs

Similar to the case of calories, the amount of carbohydrates in cottage ch

Again, be mindful of the added sugars that increase the carb content drastically. 

Which is Lower in Fats: Cottage Cheese Or Greek Yogurt

When it comes to fat content, both cottage cheese and Greek yogurt are relatively low in fat compared to other dairy products. However, the exact quantity of fat will vary with the kind of milk being used in preparation.

Cottage cheese and Greek yogurt can come in a variety of fat levels,. So, if you are watching your fat intake, be sure to choose non-fat or low-fat varieties.

Better Protein Source: Cottage Cheese Or Greek Yogurt?

Cottage cheese and Greek yogurt are both excellent sources of high-quality protein. This makes them a great option for vegetarians or anyone looking to increase their protein intake.

In comparison to Greek yogurt, cottage cheese is more dense and thus has a higher quantity of protein. So, if you are looking for a more richer protein source, choose cottage cheese.

Which One is More Rich in Calcium: Cottage Cheese Or Greek Yogurt?

Like any dairy products, both cottage cheese and Greek yogurt are excellent sources of calcium. Calcium is an essential mineral that is important for strong bones and teeth, nerve function, and muscle contraction.

Greek yogurt has a slightly higher amount of calcium than cottage cheese. However, the calcium content can vary depending on the brand and variety of cottage cheese or Greek yogurt.

So be sure to check the nutrition label to determine the exact amount of calcium in your chosen product.

When to Consume: Cottage Cheese Vs Greek Yogurt?

Although cottage cheese and Greek yogurt can be consumed at any time of day, I recommend consuming them either in the morning or in the afternoon. This gives your body nutrients to carry about the day.

Cottage cheese and Greek yogurt are both also excellent options for a snack. Having them for breakfast  can keep your body full for a longer time and help prevent cravings.

More Suited For Vegan Consumption: Cottage Cheese Or Greek Yogurt?

Neither cottage cheese nor Greek yogurt is suitable for vegan consumption, as they are both dairy products made from milk.

For vegans, options for protein and calcium are tofu, tempeh, soy milk, almond milk, leafy greens, and fortified plant-based yogurts.

Most vegan options are typically lower in fat and calories than dairy based cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. However, if you choose one, watch out for added flavours, colours  etc.

Which One Has A Lower Environmental Impact: Cottage Cheese or Greek Yogurt?

Dairy based foods are not the best options when it comes to sustainability. This is because of their large emissions and wasteful use of resources. This makes both cottage cheese and Greek yogurt bad options.

In addition to this, the specific environment impact of cottage cheese and Greek yogurt may depend on factors such as production methods, transportation, and packaging.

So, if you are consuming dairy, try to consume products that are locally sourced. use sustainable production methods, and have eco-friendly packaging. This can contribute to lowering the environmental impact of your food choices.

More Suitable for Your Mouth: Cottage Cheese Or Greek Yogurt

Both cottage cheese and Greek yogurt can be beneficial for your oral health. Incorporating them into your meals and snacks can provide a variety benefits.

Cottage cheese is high in calcium and phosphorus, which are important minerals for maintaining strong teeth and bones. Additionally, it contains casein can help to neutralize acids in the mouth and prevent tooth decay.

Greek yogurt is also a good source of calcium and can help to strengthen tooth enamel. It also contains probiotics or beneficial bacteria. Probiotics help to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth and prevent the growth of harmful infection causing bacteria.

Cottage Cheese Or Greek Yogurt: The Better Choice For Digestion

Cottage cheese is a good source of  protein, which is slow-digesting and can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods of time. This can help to reduce cravings and overeating, which can be beneficial for digestion.

Greek yogurt is also high in protein and contains probiotics. The good bacteria that can help to improve gut health and support healthy digestion. It can also contribute towards reducing bloating, gas, and other digestive issues.

If you are wondering about cottage cheese vs Greek yogurt lactose, then both have low lactose than many dairy products. However, overall Greek yogurt has a lower lactose level the cottage cheese.

More Hydrating Option: Cottage Cheese Or Greek Yogurt?

Neither cottage cheese nor Greek yogurt are particularly hydrating options, as they are both dairy products with low water content. However, they can both contribute to an overall balanced and nutritious diet.

Don’t count on these for your hydration needs. Drink plenty of fluids, primarily water throughout the day to stay hydrated. You can also add fluids like fresh coconut water, fresh fruits, buttermilk, etc. to improve hydration.

Which Has More Uses: Cottage Cheese Or Greek Yogurt?

Cottage cheese is very versatile. You can consume it as a snack or as part of a meal, such as a breakfast bowl with fruit and nuts or as a filling in lasagna or stuffed peppers.

Greek yogurt is also a versatile food that can be enjoyed as a snack or as part of a meal. It can be mixed with fruit and granola for breakfast or used as a base for dips or dressings.

Due to its high protein content, it can also be a good post-workout snack or added to smoothies for an extra protein boost.

Overall, both cottage cheese and Greek yogurt can be beneficial for your overall well being. Instead of picking one over the other, try to add both to your diet so you can enjoy the benefits of both. 

If you have any follow up questions, I will be more than happy to answer.

Rohit Panwar

Hi! I'm Integrated Nutrition Coach Rohit Panwar. I hold twin Certifications from IIN, New York & SAFM, Massachusetts. I am a passionate vocalist of holistic lifestyle and have fully committed the past several years to educate & empower people towards their wellbeing. Despite a successful yet hectic corporate stint of 21+ years, I have prioritised nutriment in my life. I truly hope my personal journey from illness to wellness helps everybody reading this forge their own path.