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Light ricotta cheese Calories
Lower-fat source of protein and calcium
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
½ cup (medium) of Light ricotta cheese (124 g) has 171 calories. That works out to 138 calories per 100 g. It contains 6.3 g of carbs, 14.1 g of protein, 9.8 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its 337.3 mg of Calcium covers 34% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 27 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Light ricotta cheese Nutrition Facts
Selected: ½ cup (medium) · 124 g
171
KCAL / 124G
Carbs
6.3g
· 2% DV
Protein
14.1g
· 28% DV
Fat
9.8g
· 13% DV
Fiber
0g
· 0% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 15% · Protein 33% · Fat 52%
Light ricotta cheese nutrition facts table · ½ cup (medium) (124 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 171 kcal | |
| Total fat | 9.8 g | 13% |
| Saturated fat | 6.32 g | 32% |
| Trans fat | 0.3 g | |
| Sodium | 350 mg | 15% |
| Total carbohydrate | 6.3 g | 2% |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Protein | 14.1 g | 28% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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How Many Calories in ½ Cup of Light ricotta cheese?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| ½ cup (medium) | 124 g | 171 kcal |
| 1 tablespoon (small) | 15 g | 21 kcal |
| 1 ounce (small) | 28 g | 39 kcal |
| 2 tablespoon (double) | 30 g | 41 kcal |
| 0.25 cup (small) | 62 g | 86 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 138 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 100 g | 138 kcal |
| 0.75 cup (large) | 186 g | 257 kcal |
| 1 cup (extra large) | 248 g | 342 kcal |
Calculated from 138 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Light ricotta cheese
How is light ricotta cheese different from regular ricotta?
Light ricotta cheese is made to contain less fat than regular ricotta, so it may taste less rich and feel less creamy. The texture varies by brand, but it generally works well in recipes where ricotta is mixed into other ingredients.
Can you use light ricotta cheese in lasagna?
Yes, light ricotta cheese works in lasagna as a layer with pasta and other fillings. If it seems watery, drain it first so the layers hold together better, and season it well because its mild flavor can be subtle.
Can light ricotta cheese replace cottage cheese?
Yes, light ricotta cheese can replace cottage cheese in many recipes, including pasta fillings and baked dishes. Ricotta is usually smoother and less lumpy, so the finished dish may have a creamier texture than one made with cottage cheese.
Can you bake with light ricotta cheese?
Yes, light ricotta cheese can be baked into dishes such as lasagna, savory bakes, and some cakes. It softens rather than melting into stretchy strands, so combine it with the other ingredients instead of relying on it as a gooey topping.
Can light ricotta cheese replace cream cheese in cheesecake?
Light ricotta cheese can be used in cheesecake, but it will produce a lighter, less dense filling than cream cheese. Blend or press the ricotta until smooth first, and drain excess liquid to help prevent a watery texture.
Does light ricotta cheese melt when heated?
No, light ricotta cheese does not melt into a stretchy cheese when heated. It softens and can make sauces and fillings creamy, but high heat may make it dry or release moisture, so add it gently to hot dishes.
Can you freeze light ricotta cheese?
Yes, you can freeze light ricotta cheese, but thawing often makes its texture grainy or watery. It is best used after thawing in cooked dishes such as pasta sauce or lasagna rather than served plain or spread on toast.
How should you store light ricotta cheese after opening?
Keep opened light ricotta cheese refrigerated in a covered container and use a clean utensil each time. Follow the package’s use-by guidance, since storage instructions and shelf life can vary; discard it if its appearance, smell, or texture changes noticeably.
Can you eat light ricotta cheese straight from the container?
Yes, light ricotta cheese is generally ready to eat straight from the container. Try it on toast, with fruit, or as a quick dip; follow any preparation directions on the package and refrigerate the container promptly after serving.
Can light ricotta cheese be used in pancakes?
Yes, light ricotta cheese can be mixed into pancake batter to make the pancakes tender and moist. Fold it in gently rather than beating the batter excessively, and adjust the other liquid ingredients if the ricotta makes the batter thinner than expected.
Light ricotta cheese Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B2
0.24mg · 18% DV
B12
0.42µg · 18% DV
Vitamin A
119.04µg · 13% DV
B5
0.56mg · 11% DV
Minerals
Calcium
337mg · 34% DV
Selenium
18µg · 33% DV
Phosphorus
227mg · 32% DV
Iodine
25µg · 17% DV
Sodium
350mg · 15% DV
Potassium ⭐
130mg · 4% DV
Light ricotta cheese Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Light ricotta cheese
To burn the 171 calories in ½ cup (medium) (124 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
What is Light ricotta cheese?
Light ricotta cheese is a lower-fat version of ricotta, the fresh Italian cheese traditionally made by reheating whey left from cheesemaking. It has a soft, slightly grainy texture and a mild, milky flavour, making it easy to use in both savoury and sweet dishes.
In Italy, ricotta is often folded into pasta fillings, spread on crostini or used in desserts; elsewhere, it also works well on toast, in pancakes or spooned over fruit. It offers protein and calcium, with 11.4 g of protein per 100 g. For a simple lighter meal, pair it with vegetables and herbs, or use it in place of a richer cheese in a filling.
How Nutritious Is Light ricotta cheese?
Nutrient density
High
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Is Light ricotta cheese Processed?
NOVA 3
Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Light ricotta cheese Contain Allergens?
Contains these allergens:
Which Diets Is Light ricotta cheese Good For?
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Light ricotta cheese Fat Profile
SATURATED
6.32g
MONOUNSATURATED
2.67g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.37g
Omega 6:3 ratio 2.7:1
Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.