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A mound of fresh ricotta is bright white, soft and moist, with fine, loosely packed curds and a slightly grainy surface.
●Low GI

Low-fat fresh ricotta Calories

Source of protein and calcium

CALORIES · 100 G

138kcal

GI

27low

POTASSIUM · 100 G

105mg

FIBER · 100 G

0g

Quick answer

½ cup (medium) of Low-fat fresh ricotta (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.

Low-fat fresh ricotta 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%

Low-fat fresh ricotta nutrition facts table · ½ cup (medium) (124 g)

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories171 kcal
Total fat9.8 g13%
Saturated fat6.01 g30%
Trans fat0.27 g
Sodium104 mg5%
Total carbohydrate6.3 g2%
Fiber0 g0%
Protein14.1 g28%

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 Low-fat fresh ricotta?

ServingAmountCalories
½ cup (medium)124 g171 kcal
1 tablespoon (small)15 g21 kcal
1 ounce (small)28.4 g39 kcal
2 tablespoon (medium)30 g41 kcal
0.25 cup (small)62 g86 kcal
100 g100 g138 kcal
1 serving (medium)100 g138 kcal
1 cup (large)248 g342 kcal
1 pack (large)250 g345 kcal

Calculated from 138 calories per 100 g.

Frequently Asked Questions About Low-fat fresh ricotta

What is low-fat fresh ricotta made from?

Low-fat fresh ricotta is a soft, mild cheese made with less fat than full-fat ricotta. Traditional ricotta is produced by reheating whey; many modern versions also use milk, so the exact ingredients vary by product.

Can you eat low-fat fresh ricotta without cooking it?

Yes, low-fat fresh ricotta is ready to eat and does not need cooking. Spoon it onto toast, serve it with fruit, or use it as a dip; keep it refrigerated and use a clean utensil.

Can you use low-fat fresh ricotta in lasagna?

Yes, low-fat fresh ricotta works well in lasagna as a layer or filling, often mixed with herbs or egg. If it seems watery, drain it first so excess moisture does not make the finished dish loose.

What can you use instead of low-fat fresh ricotta?

Cottage cheese is a practical substitute for low-fat fresh ricotta, though it has a lumpier texture and a tangier taste. Blend it for a smoother filling, or use drained curd cheese when a closer texture is needed.

Does low-fat fresh ricotta melt when heated?

No, low-fat fresh ricotta does not melt into a smooth, stretchy cheese like mozzarella. It softens and may release moisture when heated, so it is best used as a filling, topping, or stirred into a sauce near the end.

How do you make low-fat fresh ricotta smoother?

Blend or whisk low-fat fresh ricotta to make it smoother. For a thicker result, drain it in a fine-mesh strainer first; this is especially useful for fillings, dips, and recipes where extra moisture would affect the texture.

How long does low-fat fresh ricotta last after opening?

Low-fat fresh ricotta is best used within a few days of opening and kept refrigerated in a tightly closed container. Discard it if you notice mold, an unusual smell, or a change in color or texture.

Can you freeze low-fat fresh ricotta?

Yes, you can freeze low-fat fresh ricotta, but thawing often makes it watery and grainy. Freeze it in a sealed container and reserve it for cooked dishes such as pasta fillings or baked recipes, where the texture change matters less.

Is low-fat fresh ricotta lactose-free?

No, low-fat fresh ricotta is generally not lactose-free; reducing the fat does not remove the milk sugar. People with lactose intolerance may tolerate different amounts, so choose a lactose-free product if needed.

Is low-fat fresh ricotta a good substitute for cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat fresh ricotta can replace cottage cheese in many recipes, especially fillings and baked dishes. It is usually smoother and milder, so expect a softer texture and adjust seasoning if the recipe relies on cottage cheese’s tang.

Low-fat fresh ricotta Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B12

0.56µg · 23% DV

B2

0.24mg · 18% DV

B5

0.53mg · 11% DV

Biotin

2.73µg · 9% DV

Minerals

Calcium

337mg · 34% DV

Phosphorus

236mg · 34% DV

Selenium

18µg · 33% DV

Iodine

25µg · 17% DV

Sodium

104mg · 5% DV

Potassium ⭐

130mg · 4% DV

Low-fat fresh ricotta Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

27
Low
0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

1.7
Low

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Low-fat fresh ricotta

To burn the 171 calories in ½ cup (medium) (124 g):

🚶

42min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

17min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

23min

Cycling

🏊

20min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

What is Low-fat fresh ricotta?

Low-fat fresh ricotta is a soft Italian cheese traditionally made by reheating the whey left from cheesemaking; lower-fat versions have less fat than regular ricotta. Its flavour is mild, milky and slightly sweet, with a creamy texture that can be delicately grainy.

In Italy, ricotta is used in pasta fillings, desserts and simple meals; elsewhere, it works just as well spread on toast or spooned over fruit. It provides protein and calcium, while its gentle flavour suits both sweet and savoury dishes. Try it with herbs and tomatoes for a light topping, or with fruit and a little honey for a snack.

How Nutritious Is Low-fat fresh ricotta?

Nutrient density

High

66/ 100

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

43/ 100

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 Low-fat fresh ricotta Processed?

NOVA 2

Minimally 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 Low-fat fresh ricotta Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten free
Dairy yes
Eggs free
Peanuts free
Tree nuts free
Fish free
Soy free
Sesame free

Which Diets Is Low-fat fresh ricotta 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

Low-fat fresh ricotta Fat Profile

SATURATED

6.01g

MONOUNSATURATED

2.7g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.32g

⚖️

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.