Calories in Ricotta Cheese: Full Nutrition Breakdown
How many calories are in ricotta cheese? Serving-by-serving breakdown with full nutrition facts and FAQ.
Ricotta is a soft, creamy Italian whey cheese used in both savory and sweet dishes. Whole-milk ricotta is richer in fat and calories, while part-skim ricotta offers a lighter alternative with slightly more protein per calorie. Here is a complete breakdown of ricotta cheese nutrition by serving size and variety.
Calories by serving size:
| Serving | Weight | Calories | Protein | Total Fat | Carbs | Calcium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 cup whole milk | ~62 g | 86 kcal | 7.0 g | 5.1 g | 3.2 g | 129 mg |
| 1/2 cup whole milk | ~124 g | 171 kcal | 14.0 g | 10.1 g | 6.4 g | 257 mg |
| 1 cup whole milk | ~246 g | 339 kcal | 27.7 g | 20.0 g | 12.6 g | 509 mg |
| 1/4 cup part-skim | ~62 g | 43 kcal | 3.5 g | 2.4 g | 1.9 g | 77 mg |
| 1/2 cup part-skim | ~124 g | 85 kcal | 7.0 g | 4.9 g | 3.2 g | 167 mg |
| 1 cup part-skim | ~246 g | 171 kcal | 14.1 g | 9.8 g | 6.4 g | 337 mg |
| 100 g whole milk | 100 g | 138 kcal | 11.3 g | 8.1 g | 5.1 g | 207 mg |
| 100 g part-skim | 100 g | 138 kcal | 11.4 g | 7.9 g | 5.1 g | 272 mg |
Ricotta is a notable source of calcium, phosphorus, selenium, and B vitamins including riboflavin and vitamin B12. Compared to harder cheeses, ricotta has a higher moisture content, which means fewer calories per volume but also a shorter shelf life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the calorie difference between whole-milk and part-skim ricotta?
Whole-milk ricotta contains about 171 calories per half cup, while part-skim ricotta has around 85 calories for the same serving. Part-skim ricotta has roughly half the calories and less fat, making it a popular swap for those looking to reduce calorie intake in dishes like lasagna and stuffed shells.
How many calories are in half a cup of ricotta?
A half cup of whole-milk ricotta cheese contains approximately 171 calories, 14 grams of protein, and 10 grams of fat. The same serving of part-skim ricotta comes in at about 85 calories with 7 grams of protein and 5 grams of fat.
Is ricotta cheese healthy?
Ricotta can be a nutritious choice as it provides a good balance of protein, calcium, and essential B vitamins. Whole-milk ricotta is higher in saturated fat, so part-skim varieties are often recommended for heart-conscious diets while still delivering the same creamy texture and nutrient benefits.
How does ricotta compare to cottage cheese?
Ricotta and cottage cheese are similar in protein content, but ricotta is generally higher in calories and fat due to its creamier consistency. A half cup of whole-milk ricotta has about 171 calories compared to roughly 110 calories in the same amount of full-fat cottage cheese, though cottage cheese tends to have more sodium.
How is ricotta used in cooking?
Ricotta is a staple in Italian cooking, forming the base filling for lasagna, manicotti, and stuffed shells when blended with eggs and herbs. It is also used in desserts like cannoli and ricotta cheesecake, and can be spread on toast with honey or fruit for a high-protein breakfast.
What is the calorie difference between whole-milk and part-skim ricotta?
How many calories are in half a cup of ricotta?
Is ricotta cheese healthy?
How does ricotta compare to cottage cheese?
How is ricotta used in cooking?
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