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Low-fat ricotta Calories
Source of protein and calcium
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
½ cup (medium) of Low-fat ricotta (124 g) has 171 calories. That works out to 138 calories per 100 g. It contains 6.4 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 ricotta Nutrition Facts
Selected: ½ cup (medium) · 124 g
171
KCAL / 124G
Carbs
6.4g
· 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 ricotta nutrition facts table · ½ cup (medium) (124 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 171 kcal | |
| Total fat | 9.8 g | 13% |
| Saturated fat | 6.16 g | 31% |
| Trans fat | 0.31 g | |
| Sodium | 104 mg | 5% |
| Total carbohydrate | 6.4 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 Low-fat ricotta?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| ½ cup (medium) | 124 g | 171 kcal |
| 1 tablespoon (small) | 15 g | 21 kcal |
| 1 ounce (small) | 28 g | 39 kcal |
| 0.25 cup (small) | 62 g | 86 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 138 kcal |
| 4 ounce (medium) | 113 g | 156 kcal |
| 0.75 cup (large) | 186 g | 257 kcal |
| 8 ounce (large) | 227 g | 313 kcal |
| 1 cup (extra large) | 248 g | 342 kcal |
Calculated from 138 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Low-fat ricotta
What is low-fat ricotta?
Low-fat ricotta is a fresh Italian cheese made with less fat than regular ricotta. It has a mild, milky flavour and a soft, slightly grainy texture, and is commonly used in both savoury and sweet dishes.
Can low-fat ricotta replace cottage cheese?
Yes, low-fat ricotta can replace cottage cheese in many recipes, including dips, fillings and baked dishes. Ricotta is usually smoother and less tangy, so the finished dish may have a softer texture and milder flavour.
Can you use low-fat ricotta in lasagna?
Yes, low-fat ricotta works well as a lasagna filling. Mix it with herbs or egg if your recipe calls for them, and spread it between the layers; it stays soft rather than melting into a stretchy cheese.
Does low-fat ricotta melt when cooked?
No, low-fat ricotta does not melt into a smooth, stretchy layer like mozzarella. It softens and may release some moisture when heated, which makes it useful for fillings but not for recipes that need a cheese pull.
Can you freeze low-fat ricotta?
Yes, you can freeze low-fat ricotta, but thawing can make it watery and grainy. Stir it well after thawing and use it in cooked dishes such as lasagna, pasta fillings or baked desserts rather than serving it plain.
How long does low-fat ricotta last after opening?
Keep opened low-fat ricotta refrigerated in a tightly covered container and follow the use-by guidance on its package. Discard it if it develops mould, an unusual smell or a visibly changed texture; don’t taste it to check.
What can you make with low-fat ricotta?
Low-fat ricotta is useful in pasta fillings, lasagna, pancakes, baked desserts and dips. For a quick sweet option, pair it with fruit; for a savoury one, season it with herbs and spread it on toast.
Is low-fat ricotta the same as regular ricotta?
No, low-fat ricotta is a lower-fat version, but the exact texture and taste vary by product. It may be less creamy than regular ricotta, so blending it can help when you want a smooth filling.
Can you eat low-fat ricotta straight from the container?
Yes, low-fat ricotta can be eaten straight from the container if it has been stored safely and is within its use-by date. Try it with fruit or herbs, or spread it on bread for a quick snack.
Is low-fat ricotta a good choice for weight loss?
Low-fat ricotta can fit into a weight-loss eating pattern and its protein can make a meal or snack more filling. It does not cause weight loss by itself, so use it in place of a less filling topping rather than adding it on top.
Low-fat ricotta Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B2
0.24mg · 18% DV
B12
0.42µg · 18% DV
Vitamin A
148.8µg · 17% DV
Biotin
2.6µg · 9% DV
Minerals
Calcium
337mg · 34% DV
Selenium
18µg · 33% DV
Phosphorus
227mg · 32% DV
Iodine
25µg · 17% DV
Sodium
104mg · 5% DV
Potassium ⭐
130mg · 4% DV
Low-fat ricotta Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Low-fat ricotta
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 Low-fat ricotta?
Low-fat ricotta is a fresh Italian cheese traditionally made by reheating whey left from cheesemaking; some versions also include milk. Removing some of the fat gives it a lighter profile while keeping its characteristic soft, moist curds.
Its delicate, mildly milky flavour works in both savoury and sweet dishes. In Italy it is used in pasta fillings, baked dishes and desserts; elsewhere, try it on toast, with herbs and vegetables, or with fruit. It provides protein, with 11.39 g per 100 g, and makes a useful choice when you want a creamy ingredient without the richness of many cheeses. Pair it with fresh produce for a lighter meal.
How Nutritious Is Low-fat ricotta?
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 Low-fat 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 ricotta Contain Allergens?
Contains these allergens:
Which Diets Is Low-fat 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 ricotta Fat Profile
SATURATED
6.16g
MONOUNSATURATED
2.75g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.31g
Omega 6:3 ratio 3.4:1
Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.