Top Cottage Cheese Brands: Cream of the Curd Crop

Cottage cheese has gained popularity as a nutritious and versatile food choice, ideal for both savory and sweet dishes. With so many brands on the market, finding the best one for your taste and dietary needs can be a daunting task. In this article, we will explore some of the top cottage cheese brands that boast high quality, excellent taste, and nutritional benefits. Whether you're looking for low-fat options or creamier textures, let us guide you through the best selections below.

Illustration of cottage cheese

Best brands of cottage cheese in 2025

Breakstone's

Breakstone's, a brand with over 140 years of history, was once renowned for its high-quality cottage cheese, but recent consumer reviews indicate a decline in product consistency and quality. Despite this, the brand remains a significant player in the cottage cheese market, although it has faced competition from brands like Good Culture, which saw an 87% year-over-year increase in dollar sales to $104 million.

Daisy

Daisy Brand is renowned as America's number one cottage cheese brand, known for its high-quality and uniquely wholesome products. With over 20 years of research and development, Daisy has revolutionized the cottage cheese industry by using live and active cultures to create a creamy and flavorful experience. In the 12 weeks ended April 21, 2024, Daisy sold approximately 24.02 million units of cottage cheese in the United States, highlighting its market dominance. The brand's commitment to quality is evident in its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and the use of only three ingredients: milk, cream, and salt. Additionally, Daisy's sales have seen a significant boost, with a 27% year-over-year increase in dollar sales to $251 million and a corresponding rise in unit sales. For more details on their cottage cheese offerings, you can visit their website.

Hood

Hood, a prominent brand in the dairy industry, has significantly contributed to the surge in cottage cheese sales, particularly influenced by the platform TikTok. In the 52-week period ending February 25, cottage cheese sales saw a notable increase, with private-label cottage cheese leading the way and Hood being a key player. Good Culture, another major brand, saw its dollar sales rise by 87% to $104 million, but Hood's stable market presence remains crucial. The global cottage cheese market, valued at USD 37,032.48 million in 2024, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.0% from 2024 to 2031, with North America dominating the market.

Friendship Dairies

Friendship Dairies is a renowned producer of high-quality cottage cheese, known for its smooth and creamy texture. The company, acquired by Dean Foods in 2007, processes up to a million pounds of Grade "A" milk daily and has expanded its facilities to increase production by 35%, retaining 218 jobs and adding 40 new ones. Their whipped cottage cheese is particularly popular, featuring in the "Smooth Off Challenge" campaign that highlights its unique texture and encourages consumers to try it. The brand has also undergone a successful rebranding, including new packaging and a marketing campaign that increased organic web traffic by 23% and achieved a 3.3x return on ad spend for Instacart e-commerce. Friendship Dairies purchases $36 million worth of milk annually from local dairy farms, supporting the local agricultural economy.

Prairie Farms

Prairie Farms is renowned as one of the best producers of cottage cheese, with its award-winning varieties making up nearly 3% of its portfolio volume-wise in 2023. The company's cottage cheese, available in small curd, large curd, low-fat, full-fat, and lactose-free options, has won numerous accolades, including 62 total awards at the 2023 World Dairy Expo. Prairie Farms sources its milk from over 600 multigenerational, independent family farms, ensuring the highest quality and freshness. Their small-batch cottage cheese line, introduced in 2019, offers seven smooth and creamy options, catering to the growing demand for snacking and nutritious foods. With daily milk deliveries from local farms to their plants, Prairie Farms maintains a strong commitment to farm-to-table values and quality assurance.

Nancy's

Nancy's Organic Cottage Cheese stands out as a top producer in the market, known for its high-quality, organic ingredients and live probiotic cultures, including L. acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis. This brand avoids the use of rennet and thickeners, adhering to traditional methods. Nancy's products are certified organic, ensuring they are free from synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and genetically engineered ingredients. The brand is part of a growing global cottage cheese market expected to reach USD 138.07 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 5.4%. Nancy's commitment to natural and organic production aligns with consumer preferences for healthier and more sustainable food options. For more details, visit Nancy's Organic Cottage Cheese.

Organic Valley

Organic Valley is renowned as one of the best producers of cottage cheese, offering both lowfat and full fat, small curd, grade A, organic options. Their cottage cheese is made from pasture-raised dairy, containing no antibiotics, synthetic hormones, toxic pesticides, or GMOs. Each serving provides 13 grams of protein per 1/2 cup, along with essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and vitamin A. Organic Valley has consistently exceeded $1.1 billion in sales for several consecutive years, solidifying its position in the market. The cooperative ensures fair and sustainable pay for its farmer members. For more information, visit their organic cottage cheese offerings.

Good Culture

Good Culture has emerged as a leading brand in the cottage cheese market, driven by its significant growth fueled by social media platforms like TikTok. In 2023, the brand saw an 80% year-over-year revenue growth, exceeding its initial projection of 35%. According to May 2024 data, Good Culture's sales have grown 96.6% year-over-year, with the brand now being the second best-selling branded cottage cheese behind Daisy. For more details, visit Good Culture's website.

Horizon Organic

Horizon Organic, a subsidiary of Danone, is a leading producer of organic dairy products, including cottage cheese, known for its high quality and commitment to sustainability. As the largest organic dairy company in the US, Horizon Organic has a significant market presence, with its products widely available in supermarkets and health food stores. In 2020, California and Texas were among the largest organic milk producers, with Horizon Organic leveraging these regions for cost-effective supply chains. The company's organic cottage cheese is part of a broader product line that includes yogurt and other dairy items, with brands like Silk and Dannon under its umbrella. Horizon Organic's focus on organic and sustainable practices aligns with consumer trends towards healthier and more ethical food choices.

Lifeway

Lifeway Foods is a leading producer of cottage cheese, particularly through its Farmer Cheese product, which is akin to blended cottage cheese. The company has seen significant growth, with record annual sales of $160 million in 2023, a 13% increase from the prior year. Farmer Cheese is experiencing a resurgence due to its high protein content and versatility, making it a great alternative to cream cheese. Lifeway dominates the U.S. kefir market with a 91.04% share, and its probiotic products, including Farmer Cheese, are driving consumer demand for health-oriented foods. The company's strategic sales investments have capitalized on increasing consumer interest in soft cheese products.