Cottage cheese not only has lots of health benefits, but makes a great addition to any dish you want to make. It tastes great and is packed with healthy protein. Cottage cheese is also low in calories with a versatility that makes it a chef’s delight. However, if you’re cooking a meal for a lactose intolerant family member or guest, you may have to look for substitutes for cottage cheese that anyone can safely have. Read ahead for some of the best ideas you can use when you run out of this ingredient or need an alternative.
Substitutes of Cottage Cheese for the Lactose-Intolerant
Lactose-intolerant people cannot digest dairy products, so if you need substitutes for cottage cheese, try these options.
- Egg Whites – Containing more protein than cottage cheese with fewer calories, egg whites make a far healthier alternative. That is if you’re eating them for health benefits. All you need to do is hard-boil a few eggs and store them until you’re ready for a meal. You can safely add them to breakfast or to any dish as a delicious and economical protein source.
- Mashed Tofu – Tofu has the same nutritive values as cottage cheese. And, vegans, vegetarians, and people with food allergies can safely eat it. You can add them in cubes or mash just as the recipe demands. The interesting thing about tofu is that it takes on the flavors in the dish quite readily.
Meat and Fish – If you’re eating cottage cheese only for the protein value, you can get the same amounts from lean meat, poultry, and fish sources. Like, for instance, try chicken breasts, turkey, or fish. If it’s a quick snack you need to make, try a turkey or tuna sandwich. A salmon filet is also a great choice.
- Chickpeas and Beans – These foods are not exactly substitutes for cottage cheese in desserts. However, you can eat them for their protein content. Make purees of chickpeas and add them where the recipe needs stuffing.
- Kefir – With lots of health benefits and a curd-like consistency, kefir is an interesting food you can eat in place of cottage cheese. It is made from goat’s milk, but safe for lactose-intolerant people because it is fermented. The process adds probiotic bacteria to the kefir adding to its nutritional benefits.
- Greek Yogurt – Like Kefir, Greek yogurt is also prepared by the process of fermentation. However, it may not be as firm as cottage cheese. So, although you can use it in desserts by combining with fruit, you may not be able to include it in your cooking other dishes. Of course, if it is the health benefits you’re looking at, you can eat it as is.
- Aged Cheeses – Older and harder cheeses like Swiss, parmesan, and cheddar have the lowest lactose content. That’s because over 6 months, the enzymes break down the lactose making it safe for anyone to eat.
Other Substitutes for Cottage Cheese
There are plenty of alternatives for cottage cheese that you can eat safely. In addition to the options listed above, you can also try these items:
- Ricotta Cheese – In texture and taste, ricotta cheese is not really similar to cottage cheese. And, if you’re looking at the nutritional value, this cheese has a higher fat content so dieters may want to avoid it. That being said, you can safely use it in any dish like pies and lasagna that calls for cottage cheese and not know the difference.
- Fromage Blanc – If you’re looking for a soft cheese that has a creamy texture, but with less of the fat content, opt for Fromage Blanc. Like ricotta, you can use it to cook and bake dishes. It also makes for a delicious spread for crackers.
There you go! Here’s a whole list of substitutes for cottage cheese that you can use when you don’t have the real thing handy.