This DIY frozen delight to take over TikTok is cottage cheese ice cream, and many users claim that the homemade treat is protein-rich. According to view statistics published on TikTok’s popular hashtag page, the dedicated #cottagecheese hashtag on the video-sharing app has received more than seven million views.
All About this Food Craze
Health-conscious and adventurous foodies have started utilizing the trending hashtag to share their cottage cheese ice cream recipes.
Before being frozen until hard, sliced fruits, honey, syrups, peanut butter, chocolate chips, sprinkles, nuts, crumbled graham crackers, granola, and other sweetened components are added to the creamy mixture.
Compared to regular dairy ice cream, cottage cheese ice cream has been dubbed a “superfood” with “slow-release protein” benefits for digestive health by several TikTok users who have created popular recipes for this new craze.
Is it Healthy?
Cottage cheese is typically seen as a nutritious food choice. Especially if you choose low-fat or fat-free variants, since it is packed with protein and low in fat, according to Allyson Brigham. A registered dietician at Los Robles Regional Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, California, she said nutritionists have discovered cottage cheese to “be a good addition to a balanced diet” with “essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin B12.”
A 100-gram serving of full-fat cottage cheese has about 103 calories and 11.6 grams of protein, according to FoodData Central, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s nutrient profile database, while a similar serving of low-fat or 2% milkfat cottage cheese has about 82 calories and 11 grams of protein. Some cottage cheese brands promote protein intakes that are higher than the estimates found on FoodData Central. Still, depending on the container, different serving portions are advised.
A Warning to Be Mindful
According to Brigham, cottage cheese has no set maximum serving size because it depends on each person’s dietary requirements and preferences. Yet, moderation is crucial, and you should consider the total amount of nutrients in your meals.
She explained that it is important to be mindful of the additional ingredients people use when making DIY cottage cheese ice cream. The health advantages of curdled milk products can be defeated by adding large amounts of high-sugar fruits, syrups, confectionery, sauces, or spreads.
A balanced diet with a range of nutrients, such as carbohydrates and good fats, is crucial, according to the diet expert. Brigham explained that consuming excessive amounts of any nutrient over an extended period might harm one’s health. An excessive amount of sodium, for instance, may cause high blood pressure. A person with a protein overload may endure dehydration, strained kidneys, or a higher risk of kidney stones.
How to Make Them Healthy
The professional dietician advises cottage cheese ice cream makers to combine their homemade frozen desserts with fresh fruits like berries, peaches, and bananas so their mixture will taste sweet and provide nutritional advantages from vitamins, minerals, and fiber. According to Brigham, seeds and nuts can offer a “crunchy texture” and good lipids and fiber. She added that incorporating honey, stevia, and maple syrup into the DIY treat is also acceptable, but “in moderation.”
She noted that mixing flavor extracts like almond or vanilla will give extra depth of flavor without added calories. Brigham also advised on picking low-fat or fat-free cheese for a lower calorie and fat content for the homemade treat. Additionally, she suggested thoroughly blending the cottage cheese to give the mixture a creamier texture. We love these tips, and can’t wait to dig in. Will you give it a try too?