Exploring Newport Market’s Cottage Cheese Selection
Cottage cheese is having a moment.
Actually, scratch that. Cottage cheese has quietly been doing its thing for decades while the rest of us finally caught up. It’s packed with protein, endlessly versatile, and somehow equally at home next to fresh summer berries, folded into lasagna, spread on toast, or eaten straight from the container while standing in front of the refrigerator wondering what you’re actually hungry for.
(We’ve all been there. No judgment.)
For this episode of Taste This, Newport Market Dairy Manager Colin Cornett joined Emily Kirk from Central Oregon Daily News to put four popular cottage cheeses through the ultimate test: flavor, texture, creaminess, and overall deliciousness.
Because around here, “good enough” isn’t really our style.
Meet the Competitors
Made with organic milk from small family farms, Organic Valley’s whole milk version is known for its rich, creamy texture and satisfying small curds. The higher milkfat creates a luxurious mouthfeel while still delivering around 14 grams of protein per serving. It’s the kind of cottage cheese that reminds you why cottage cheese became popular in the first place.
Nancy’s Organic Probiotic Lowfat Cottage Cheese
Nancy’s has been culturing dairy the old-fashioned way in Oregon for decades, and it shows. This cottage cheese includes live probiotic cultures, giving it a brighter, tangier flavor than many competitors. Those probiotics don’t just add nutritional benefits—they also create a complexity that longtime Nancy’s fans absolutely love.
Organic Valley Low Fat Cottage Cheese
Think low-fat means sacrificing flavor? Think again. Organic Valley keeps the same small curds but swaps in a lighter cream dressing, creating a cottage cheese that’s surprisingly rich while packing about 15 grams of protein per serving. It has developed something of a cult following among people who want the creaminess without quite as much fat.
A Pacific Northwest favorite, Everhard’s has built a loyal following by sticking to what works: creamy texture, tender small curds, and classic cottage cheese flavor. Sometimes the best recipe isn’t reinventing the wheel—it’s just making a really, really good wheel. (Or… curd. You get the idea.)
The Scientific Method… Newport Style
Emily brought curiosity.
Colin brought years of dairy knowledge.
Together, they brought the kind of serious concentration usually reserved for wine tastings… except with considerably more Newport Market cottage cheese.
There were discussions about creaminess.
Debates over curd size.
Thoughtful pauses.
At one point we’re fairly certain Colin stared into the middle distance contemplating dairy philosophy.
Meanwhile, somewhere else in the store, Robert was probably trying to convince someone there’s a beer pairing for cottage cheese, Jeff from Cheese was pretending he had no opinion while secretly having several, and Curtis in Produce was quietly gathering berries that make every single one of these taste even better.
Just another day at Newport Market.
Cottage Cheese Is More Versatile Than You Think
If your relationship with cottage cheese stopped sometime around 1997, allow us to reintroduce you.
Try it:
- With Marionberries, strawberries, peaches, or cherries.
- Drizzled with local honey and toasted walnuts.
- On sourdough toast with tomatoes, olive oil, and cracked pepper.
- Blended into smoothies for extra protein.
- Mixed into scrambled eggs.
- Folded into pancakes or waffles.
- As a creamy base for savory dips.
- Alongside sliced cucumbers and everything bagel seasoning.
Honestly, the only wrong way to eat cottage cheese is forgetting it’s in the refrigerator.
So… Which One Wins?
Nice try.
You’ll have to watch the episode to find out.
Everyone’s taste buds are a little different, and that’s half the fun. Whether you’re loyal to one brand, curious about trying something new, or simply looking for a protein-packed addition to your summer meals, this tasting might surprise you.
Watch the episode, cast your own vote, then stop by Newport Market and see which cottage cheese earns a permanent spot in your cart.
Because around here, tasting is believing.
