Try Cottage Cheese Ice Cream. Here’s What I Thought.

Cottage cheese is making a surprising comeback. Once considered a bland diet food, it’s now becoming the star ingredient in many viral recipes. From savory dishes to sauces and protein-packed desserts, cottage cheese has undoubtedly earned its spot in the spotlight.

With the rise of cottage cheese-inspired dishes, it was only a matter of time before someone came up with a bold new product: cottage cheese ice cream. Enter Smearcase, a brand of blended cottage cheese with milk, cane sugar, and a protein-rich collagen blend, to create a high-protein ice cream.

Depending on the flavor, each pint is packed with an impressive 39 to 44 grams of protein.

Smearcase offers three primary flavors: Vanilla Bean, Peanut Butter, and Mocha Joe. We had to try them to see if this cottage cheese ice cream lives up to the hype.

Is Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Ice Cream?

First, let’s address the elephant in the room. I’ve always been skeptical of “healthy” ice cream alternatives. When I crave ice cream, I want the whole experience—rich, creamy, indulgent. So, going into this taste test, my expectations were cautiously high. Would this healthy twist on ice cream measure up, or would it fall flat?

First Impressions: The Flavors

I started by focusing on the flavors of each Smearcase pint. One of my big questions going into this was: Will it taste like cottage cheese? The good news is, no, it doesn’t. Another concern: Can you taste the protein powder or any chemical-like aftertaste? Thankfully, the answer is also no.

Smearcase uses natural cane sugar, and that makes a huge difference. Many healthy ice creams rely on artificial sweeteners, which can leave a strange aftertaste. Here, you get a natural sweetness that helps mask cottage cheese flavor. I doubt anyone would guess that cottage cheese is the base ingredient.

Here’s a breakdown of each flavor:

Vanilla Bean: It’s simple, clean, and balanced. While it doesn’t stand out as extraordinary, it’s a solid choice if you enjoy a classic vanilla taste.
Mocha Joe: This flavor packs a punch of coffee goodness with the added richness of dark chocolate chunks. It’s the most complex of the three, appealing to those who enjoy a more robust taste.
Peanut Butter is hands down my favorite. The creamy vanilla base and rich peanut butter balance are perfect. The protein boost is just a bonus.

From a flavor perspective, Smearcase nails it. It’s hard to believe these pints are considered “healthy.” But does the texture hold up?

The Texture: Where Things Get Icy

One of the biggest challenges when creating healthier ice cream is getting the texture right. Traditional ice cream is made with high-fat dairy products and sometimes eggs to create that rich, creamy texture we love. Smearcase, on the other hand, is primarily made with cottage cheese, which is low in fat.

This difference becomes apparent when you take your first bite. Instead of the smooth, creamy consistency you’d expect from a pint of Haagen-Dazs or Ben & Jerry’s, Smearcase feels a bit firmer and icier. It doesn’t have that melt-in-your-mouth quality that comes from high-fat ice cream.

In addition, the texture has a slight graininess. This could be due to the protein blend or the cottage cheese itself, but it’s noticeable with every bite.

One of my colleagues, Izabela Campos, suggested running it through a Ninja CREAMi could improve the texture.

The CREAMi is a high-powered appliance that can aerate and smooth out denser ice creams. While this might solve the texture issue, it also requires an extra step and a specific appliance—something not everyone has or wants to deal with.

How Does It Compare to Traditional Ice Cream?

When it comes to flavor, Smearcase competes well with traditional ice cream. The natural cane sugar and lack of artificial sweeteners make the flavors enjoyable, and it doesn’t scream “health food” at all.

However, if you’re looking for that rich, creamy mouthfeel of regular ice cream, you may be disappointed. The lower fat content of the smearcase is evident in the icier texture. And, while the flavors are good, the lack of creaminess is hard to ignore.

Smearcase is the best “healthy” ice cream I’ve ever tried. The high protein content is a significant plus, especially for those seeking a nutritious treat. It’s certainly a step up from other low-calorie or protein-based ice creams on the market.

Is Smearcase Worth Trying?

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream that doesn’t compromise on flavor, Smearcase is worth a try. The brand does a great job masking the cottage cheese base with natural sweetness, and each flavor is delicious in its own right.

But if the texture is a big part of your ice cream experience, you might find Smearcase needs improvement. The firmness and slight graininess of the product may leave you longing for the creamy richness of full-fat ice cream.

For someone like me, who enjoys indulging in natural ice cream from time to time, Smearcase wouldn’t fully satisfy that craving.

Conclusion

So, do I have mixed feelings about cottage cheese ice cream? Absolutely. On the one hand, Smearcase excels in flavor and nutritional benefits. On the other hand, the texture leaves something to be desired.

If you’re trying to eat healthier or increase your protein intake, Smearcase is a fantastic option. It’s easily the best healthy ice cream I’ve tried. But if you’re like me and crave the creamy indulgence of traditional ice cream, you might want to manage your expectations.

Smearcase is currently available online and at select East Coast retailers, so if you’re curious, give it a shot. You might be pleasantly surprised—don’t expect it to replace your favorite pint of full-fat ice cream.