Cottage cheese is a fresh, soft cheese made from milk curds that are drained and typically combined with a small amount of milk or cream. It has a mild to tangy flavor, soft curds, and an exceptionally high concentration of complete dairy protein, with approximately 24 to 28 grams per cup depending on the brand. Cottage cheese is available in nonfat, low-fat, and whole-milk varieties and provides calcium, phosphorus, selenium, vitamin B12, riboflavin, and other nutrients. Traditionally cultured varieties made with live active cultures also provide beneficial bacteria, making cultured cottage cheese a particularly nourishing choice for protein-rich meals and snacks.