Cottage cheese is having a moment. Once considered a dated diet staple, it’s gaining attention thanks to its high protein content—but it remains one of the most polarizing foods in the dairy aisle. CivicScience has been tracking Americans’ opinions on cottage cheese since 2019, and across more than 20K responses, the divide is clear: 29% say they love cottage cheese, 37% feel neutral or “okay” about it, 28% say they hate it, and 6% have no opinion.
Cottage cheese fans skew older, with Baby Boomers aged 55+ the most likely to say they love it. Women are more inclined than men to be fans, as are adults in low-income households. Geography also plays a role: city dwellers and Midwesterners are more likely than others to say cottage cheese is one of their go-to foods.
But demographics aren’t the only thing that sets cottage cheese fans apart. CivicScience data reveal distinct food preferences and attitudes among those who love it:
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Cheese Controversy: Unsurprisingly, cottage cheese fans are less likely to say blue cheese is a controversial ingredient, suggesting a broader tolerance for strong or divisive flavors.
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Yogurt Toppings: While fruit remains the most popular yogurt topping overall, cottage cheese fans are more likely than non-fans to say they add nuts to their yogurt—leaning into texture and protein-forward choices.
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Peanut Butter Preferences: Creamy peanut butter still wins among the general population, but cottage cheese fans are more likely than non-fans to prefer crunchy peanut butter.
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Cheesecake: Three-quarters of cottage cheese fans say cheesecake is heavenly, compared to just 52% of those who don’t like cottage cheese—highlighting a strong favorability for rich, creamy desserts.
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Salad Cheese: When it comes to salads, cottage cheese fans are far more likely than non-fans to say goat cheese is their favorite cheese to include.
Whether embraced for its nutrition or avoided for its texture, cottage cheese continues to spark strong opinions. And for those who love it, that preference connects to a broader palate—one that’s comfortable with bold flavors, varied textures, and creamy classics alike.
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This article’s data comes solely from CivicScience’s database, which contains nearly 700,000 poll questions and 5 billion consumer insights.