Protein-Packed Picks in the Dairy Case

Protein continues to trend with consumers across the Southeast, and while meat often leads the conversation, cheese is proving it can be another flavorful way to add protein to the plate. According to information from a recent consumer-focused nutrition feature, several popular cheeses provide surprisingly strong protein numbers along with calcium and versatility in the kitchen.

Ricotta cheese topped the list with 14 grams of protein in a half cup, while cottage cheese delivered 11 grams. Parmesan and Swiss cheese each offered around 8 grams per serving, with mozzarella and cheddar close behind.

The report noted that cheese contains complete protein because it comes from milk and naturally provides both casein and whey protein.

But the story also served as a reminder that eggs remain one of the most efficient and affordable protein choices available. While some cheeses may contain more total protein per serving, a single egg still delivers high-quality protein with fewer calories and less fat per gram of protein.