Which Brand of Cottage Cheese Is Low in Sodium?

December 2, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the World Health Organization, the average person consumes more than double the recommended amount of daily sodium, which can negatively impact health. Finding a low sodium cottage cheese brand can be a challenge, as many products are packed with salt for flavor and preservation. This article provides a comprehensive comparison to help you choose the right option for your dietary needs.

Quick Summary

This guide compares popular cottage cheese brands to identify those with the lowest sodium content, examining nutritional labels and sourcing information to help consumers make informed, health-conscious decisions.

Key Points

HP Hood and Friendship Dairies are top brands for lowest sodium. Their "No Salt Added" versions offer around 45-60 mg of sodium per serving, making them ideal for strict sodium-restricted diets.
Breakstone's offers a widely available low-sodium option. Their Lowfat Small Curd with Low Sodium contains 200 mg per serving, a significant reduction from regular varieties.
Check product labels carefully for sodium content. Terms like "low sodium" mean 140mg or less per serving, while "reduced sodium" simply means 25% less than the standard product.
Consider making your own cottage cheese for complete control. Homemade versions allow you to add minimal salt or use a salt substitute, giving you full command over your sodium intake.
Other dairy products like plain yogurt and farmer cheese are low-sodium alternatives. These can serve as substitutes in many recipes and offer a naturally lower sodium profile.
High sodium in cottage cheese is primarily due to added salt during processing. This is used for both flavor and as a preservative, so standard versions should be avoided for a low-sodium diet.
Reading the nutrition facts is more reliable than relying solely on marketing terms. Always confirm the specific milligram amount of sodium per serving, as it is the most accurate metric.

Why Does Cottage Cheese Have So Much Sodium?

Cottage cheese is a surprisingly high-sodium food, with many brands containing over 400 mg per half-cup serving. The primary reason is that salt is added during the production process, not just for flavor, but also as a preservative. The salt helps extend the product's shelf life and also contributes to the desired texture. For individuals monitoring their sodium intake, especially for heart health or blood pressure management, this can make choosing the right brand crucial.

Low-Sodium and No-Salt-Added Brands to Consider

Fortunately, a growing number of dairy producers are responding to health-conscious consumers by offering reduced-sodium or no-salt-added versions. Looking for labels such as "no salt added," "low sodium," or "reduced sodium" is the first step. Here is a look at some of the top contenders based on available nutritional data and consumer reviews.

HP Hood No Salt Added Low Fat Cottage Cheese: A top choice for those seeking the absolute lowest sodium options. This variety contains just 60 mg of sodium per 1/2 cup serving. It is a good source of protein and is free from added salt and sugar, making it an excellent base for both savory and sweet recipes.
Friendship Dairies No Salt Added Cottage Cheese: Another strong contender in the very-low-sodium category. This brand offers a no-salt-added product with approximately 45 mg of sodium per 1/2 cup, though availability can vary by region.
Breakstone's Lowfat Small Curd Cottage Cheese with Low Sodium: For a widely available option, Breakstone's offers a low-sodium version that contains 200 mg of sodium per 1/2 cup, which is 45% less than their regular brand. This is a good middle-ground choice for those who are reducing their sodium but aren't aiming for the absolute lowest possible intake.
Lucerne Low-Fat Cottage Cheese: Mentioned in some reviews as a potential low-sodium option, with some sources claiming it's made without added salt, though it may not be labeled as a specific 'low-sodium' variety. Be sure to check the label for the specific product in your store, as sodium content can vary.
Compliments 2% Cottage Cheese No Salt Added: For shoppers in Canada, this brand offers a no-salt-added option with just 55 mg of sodium per 1/2 cup serving, a great option for those focusing on heart-healthy eating.

Comparison Table: Popular Cottage Cheese Brands

To make your decision easier, the table below compares the sodium content of several well-known brands. Note that these values are based on a standard 1/2 cup serving size and may vary slightly by product fat percentage and flavor.


Brand	Product	Sodium per 1/2 Cup	Notes
HP Hood	No Salt Added Low Fat	60 mg	A top choice for lowest sodium.
Friendship Dairies	No Salt Added	45 mg (approximate)	Very low sodium, regional availability.
Compliments (Canada)	2% No Salt Added	55 mg	Excellent no-salt-added option.
Breakstone's	Lowfat Small Curd Low Sodium	200 mg	Widely available, lower than regular.
Trader Joe's	Small Curd Low Fat	320 mg	Standard product, not low-sodium.
Good Culture	2% Organic Classic	340 mg	Not a low-sodium option.
Daisy Brand	Low Fat Cottage Cheese	459 mg	A high-sodium example, not low.

Finding Low-Sodium Dairy Alternatives

If you find low-sodium cottage cheese options limited in your area or simply want more variety, consider these alternatives:

Make Your Own: For ultimate control over sodium, you can create your own cottage cheese at home using just milk and an acidic agent like vinegar or lemon juice. This allows you to add a minimal amount of salt or use a salt substitute for seasoning.
Farmer Cheese: This fresh cheese is similar in texture to cottage cheese but typically contains less salt. Brands like 365 Whole Foods Market offer low-sodium varieties.
Plain Yogurt: Unflavored, low-fat, or non-fat plain yogurt is naturally low in sodium and can be used in many recipes as a cottage cheese substitute.
Ricotta Cheese: Opt for low-fat, unsalted ricotta, which can serve as a suitable replacement in many dishes.

What to Look For on the Label

When shopping for low-sodium cottage cheese, always check the nutrition facts panel. The FDA classifies a food as "low sodium" if it contains 140 mg or less of sodium per serving. Products labeled "reduced sodium" must have at least 25% less sodium than their regular counterparts, which can still result in a moderate sodium level. For those on very restricted diets, a "no salt added" product is the safest choice.

Conclusion: Making the Best Choice for Your Diet

Selecting a low-sodium cottage cheese doesn't mean sacrificing a healthy and delicious snack. Brands like HP Hood and Friendship Dairies offer excellent no-salt-added options for those on the strictest sodium-restricted diets. For a more widely available, reduced-sodium alternative, Breakstone's provides a solid middle-ground. Always read the label to confirm sodium content, and remember that homemade options and alternatives like farmer cheese offer even greater control. By being an informed shopper, you can enjoy the protein and creaminess of cottage cheese while actively managing your sodium intake for better health.

How to Make Low Sodium Cottage Cheese

Here is a recipe for homemade low sodium cottage cheese, which gives you complete control over the salt content and other ingredients. The process involves heating milk with an acid to form curds, which are then drained and mixed with a minimal amount of salt or cream for a customizable, heart-healthy version.

Final Recommendations

Your final choice should depend on your specific health goals and preferences. If zero added salt is your priority, hunt down Hood or Friendship Dairies' "No Salt Added" products. If a moderate reduction is sufficient and availability is key, Breakstone's "Low Sodium" version is an excellent and accessible choice. For complete control, try making your own at home. No matter your path, opting for a lower sodium cottage cheese is a simple yet impactful step toward a healthier lifestyle.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian regarding specific dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

According to FDA guidelines, a product is considered "low sodium" if it contains 140 milligrams or less of sodium per serving. It is essential to check the specific nutrition label, as some products labeled "reduced sodium" may still be too high for a strict diet.

No, Daisy brand cottage cheese is not a low-sodium option. For example, their low-fat variety contains about 459 mg of sodium per 1/2 cup serving, which is considerably high.

Most cottage cheese brands add a significant amount of salt during the production process. This salt acts as a flavor enhancer and a preservative, helping to extend the shelf life of the product.

No, the fat content of cottage cheese does not indicate its sodium level. A low-fat cottage cheese can still be very high in sodium, so it is crucial to read the nutritional label and not rely on the "low-fat" claim for sodium information.

Yes, making your own cottage cheese at home is a great way to control the sodium content completely. The process involves heating milk with an acidic agent like vinegar and then draining the curds, allowing you to add a minimal amount of salt or no salt at all.

No, Trader Joe's standard cottage cheese is not a low-sodium product. Their low-fat variety contains 320 mg of sodium per 1/2 cup serving. They do not consistently carry a designated low-sodium version.

Good alternatives for a low-sodium diet include unsalted farmer cheese, plain low-fat yogurt, and ricotta cheese made without added salt. These products can be used in many recipes as substitutes.