At a glance
- 14.1 g protein and 171 calories per 1/2 cup (124 g).
- 8.3 g protein per 100 calories: #174 of 536 foods in our USDA list, #13 of 54 in dairy.
- 0 g fiber and 123 mg sodium per serving.
What is ricotta cheese like to eat?
Ricotta is a soft, fresh cheese with small, creamy curds and a mild, slightly sweet taste. It works in lasagna and stuffed pasta, on toast and in sweet breakfasts with fruit.
How can you eat more ricotta cheese?
Try this
Spread on toast with honey and berriesLayer into lasagna or stuffed shellsStir into warm pasta with lemon and peasWhip with a little vanilla and top with fruitIs ricotta cheese good on a GLP-1?
Ricotta is smooth and soft, so a few spoonfuls on toast or with fruit can be a gentle option when appetite is low. Protein density matters more when your appetite is small: see protein on a GLP-1.
How does ricotta cheese compare?
| Food | Serving | Protein | Calories | Protein per 100 kcal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ricotta cheese | 1/2 cup | 14.1 g | 171 | 8.3 g |
| Cottage cheese | 1/2 cup | 12.4 g | 95 | 13.1 g |
| Greek yogurt | 3/4 cup | 17.5 g | 104 | 16.9 g |
| Part-skim mozzarella | 1 oz | 6.6 g | 83 | 8 g |
Close to ricotta cheese per calorie: natto (9.2 g), plain yogurt (8.4 g), kale (8.3 g), eggs (8.1 g).
Compare more foods with the protein finder, or see protein in every food we cover.
What should you look for when you buy it?
Part-skim ricotta is widely available; check the ingredient list, since some brands add gums or stabilizers.
What's the full nutrition for ricotta cheese?
| Nutrient | Per 1/2 cup (124 g) | Per 100 g | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 171 | 138 | |
| Protein | 14.1 g | 11.4 g | 28% |
| Fat | 9.8 g | 7.9 g | |
| Saturated fat | 6.1 g | 4.9 g | 31% |
| Carbohydrate | 6.3 g | 5.1 g | |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugar | 0.4 g | 0.3 g | |
| Sodium | 123 mg | 99 mg | 5% |
| Calcium | 337 mg | 272 mg | 26% |
| Iron | 0.5 mg | 0.44 mg | 3% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.4 mcg | 0.29 mcg | 17% |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0.1 mcg | 1% |
USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy: "Cheese, ricotta, part skim milk". % Daily Value uses the FDA's values for adults (protein 50 g, fiber 28 g, sodium 2,300 mg). "Not listed" means USDA didn't measure it for this food, not that it's zero. Brands differ, so check your label.
