What’s Trending August 2023
What’s Trending: The Cottage Cheese Renaissance
The culinary world has taught us that food trends come and go like a summer breeze, especially thanks to social media’s fast-paced nature. Among the sea of short-lived fads like cloud bread and butter boards, there's a humble dairy product experiencing a triumphant renaissance - cottage cheese. Let’s unpack what’s trending.
A few years ago, most consumers would have dismissed cottage cheese as a dated diet food from an era of jello salads and canned fruits. However, social media influencers have flipped the script on this ingredient, pushing cottage cheese to the spotlight on the culinary stage. For example, TikTok user @tiffanyymagee went viral when she combined cottage cheese and mustard to create a tangy dipping sauce for raw veggies. Jewish chef NYT bestselling cookbook author and GCI’s star interviewee this month @jakecohen performed culinary alchemy by transforming cottage cheese into a high-protein cookie dough as well as into a vodka pasta sauce. With recipes available for ice cream, pancakes, and even bread, Magee and Cohen’s creations are truly just the tip of the curdy iceberg.
The Cottage Cheese Renaissance reflects social media’s immense impact on consumer behaviors. Look no further than the #cottagecheese, which has generated over 663 million views on TikTok alone. However, beyond clicks and views, the curdy concoction tells a deeper story that points to a societal craving for balance.
Over the past year, American cottage cheese sales rose by 15.9%. After years of plant-based dairy alternatives dominating health food culture, consumers are shifting back to the real thing, and cottage cheese packs an appealing nutritional punch. Bursting with protein, calcium, and essential vitamins, the product is perfect for those practicing mindful eating. Enjoy your favorite carby pasta, but drench it in a protein-filled, creamy cheese sauce. Sip on a plant-based latte, but pair it with blended cottage cheese oats for a filling breakfast.
Of course, cottage cheese is not the first ingredient to rock the health food world. In 2015, cauliflower became the most sought-after healthy ingredient, leading to recipes for cauliflower rice, cauliflower pizza crust, cauliflower buffalo wings, and even hidden cauliflower smoothies. Its versatility and adaptability in replacing higher-carb and calorie-dense ingredients inspired health-conscious culinary enthusiasts. These cauliflower innovations soon graduated from personal kitchens to grocery stores and restaurants. Consumers may soon see menus evolve to capitalize on the cottage cheese obsession. These trends remind us that seemingly ordinary ingredients can transform into culinary rockstars with a little innovation and a lot ofexposure.
At the Galilee Culinary Institute, keeping an eye on food trends isn't just about following fleeting fads or going viral. It's about staying ahead of the curve and being responsive to consumer’s changing preferences and values. After all, incorporating trending ingredients like cottage cheese into one’s culinary arsenal is key to impacting the evolving culinary landscape. GCI’s Flagship Immersion Program, which launches May 2024, will open doors to new techniques and flavors, empowering the next generation of culinary pioneers to shape the industry.
May the Cottage Cheese Renaissance inspire you to experiment with ingredients and adapt recipes to work for you!