UK cottage cheeses compared: which are ultra-processed?

Which UK cottage cheeses are ultra-processed? Many plain products contain only milk, cultures and salt, while some fat-free and high-protein versions add UPF markers.

We compare ten popular cottage cheeses by processing, ingredients, protein, fat, saturates and salt.

Quick answer: which cottage cheeses are ultra-processed?

Most plain cottage cheeses reviewed here are not ultra-processed. The exceptions contain ingredients such as isolated milk proteins, guar gum or natural flavouring. Check the current label and compare values per 100g.

• Processing: front-of-pack claims such as fat free or high protein do not reveal whether a product is UPF.
• Ingredients: plain cottage cheese often has a short list based on milk, cultures and salt.
• Protein: these examples range from 8.9g to 14g per 100g.
• Salt: levels vary considerably, including between plain products.
• Fat and saturates: full-fat versions are usually higher in saturated fat.

The British Heart Foundation notes that cottage cheese tends to be lower in saturated fat and salt than many cheeses, but recommends checking individual labels.

What makes cottage cheese ultra-processed?

Fat content and protein alone do not determine processing. The Food App classifies products using their ingredients: isolated milk proteins, stabilisers and certain additives can be UPF markers. Several simple cottage cheeses still provide around 9-12g protein per 100g without those markers.

Lower-fat cottage cheeses that are not ultra-processed

These plain products have short ingredient lists and no UPF markers identified by The Food App.

Creamfields Low Fat Cottage Cheese contains cottage cheese and salt. It provides 8.9g protein, 0.9g fat and 0.38g salt per 100g.

Emporium Fat Free Cottage Cheese provides 11.3g protein with 0.4g fat and 0.39g salt per 100g. Its listed ingredients are fat-free cottage cheese and salt.

Sainsbury's Fat Free Cottage Cheese provides 10.8g protein, 0.5g fat and 0.5g salt per 100g. It also has a two-item ingredients list: cottage cheese and salt.

Full-fat, non-UPF cottage cheese alternatives

Full-fat cottage cheese can provide similar protein, but usually more saturated fat. These three popular options use simple recipes and are not classified as ultra-processed.

Graham's Natural Cottage Cheese Full Fat provides 12g protein, 4.5g fat and 3.2g saturates per 100g. It combines the highest non-UPF protein figure in this comparison with a short ingredients list.

Longley Farm Yorkshire Natural Cottage Cheese provides 10.3g protein and 6g fat per 100g. Its 4.3g saturates and 0.8g salt are higher than in the lower-fat examples.

All Things Natural Cottage Cheese contains skimmed milk, cream, cultures and salt. It provides 10g protein, 6g fat, 5.1g saturates and 0.7g salt per 100g.

Which cottage cheeses are ultra-processed?

Fat-free and high-protein claims do not rule out ultra-processing. These four products contain ingredients The Food App identifies as UPF markers.

Tesco Fat Free Cottage Cheese provides 10.2g protein and only 0.2g fat per 100g, but includes isolated milk proteins. Milk proteins are the identified UPF marker; calcium chloride is not treated as one.

Dairly Cottage Cheese High Protein has 14g protein per 100g, the highest figure here. The added milk proteins are its identified UPF marker.

Philadelphia Protein Cottage Cheese provides 11g protein per 100g and uses guar gum as a stabiliser. Guar gum is the identified UPF marker.

Graham's 25g Protein Cottage Cheese with Strawberry Layer provides 13.6g protein, 0.4g fat and 7.9g sugars per 100g. It contains strawberries and sugar, while natural flavouring is the identified UPF marker.

Verdict: which cottage cheeses are ultra-processed?

Among the products compared, Tesco Fat Free, Dairly High Protein, Philadelphia Protein and Graham's Strawberry Layer are classified as ultra-processed because they contain identified UPF markers. Creamfields, Emporium Fat Free, Sainsbury's Fat Free, Graham's Natural, Longley Farm and All Things are not classified as UPF.

Processing is only one part of the comparison. Protein ranges from 8.9g to 14g per 100g, while sugars, salt and saturated fat also vary. Recipes change, so check the current pack when a specific ingredient matters.

Is cottage cheese ultra-processed?

Not necessarily. Many plain cottage cheeses contain only milk, cultures and salt. Some fat-free, high-protein or flavoured versions add isolated milk proteins, stabilisers, flavourings or other UPF markers.

Which cottage cheese has the most protein?

Among these examples, Dairly High Protein is highest at 14g per 100g, followed by Graham's Strawberry Layer at 13.6g. Both are UPF, but for different ingredients. Graham's Natural Full Fat provides 12g without an identified UPF marker.

Is fat-free cottage cheese better?

It has less fat and saturated fat, but that does not settle the choice. Compare protein, salt and ingredients: some fat-free products are simple, while others contain UPF markers.

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