½ cup (medium) of Ricotta (124 g) has 216 calories. That works out to 174 calories per 100 g. It contains 3.7 g of carbs, 14 g of protein, 16.2 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its 0.4 mg of B2 covers 33% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 27 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

What is Ricotta?

Ricotta is a fresh Italian cheese traditionally made by reheating the whey left over from making other cheeses. It is soft, white and moist, with a slightly grainy curd and a mild, milky flavour.

In Italy, it appears in both savoury dishes such as lasagne and stuffed pasta, and sweets such as cannoli. Elsewhere, it is also spooned onto toast, folded into pancakes or served with fruit and honey. Ricotta offers protein as well as calcium; it provides 11.3 g of protein per 100 g. Its gentle flavour makes it easy to pair with herbs and vegetables for a simple meal, or with fruit for breakfast.

Ricotta Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

174

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

· 1% DV

Protein

11.3g

· 23% DV

Fat

13.1g

· 17% DV

Fiber

· 0% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 7% · Protein 26% · Fat 67%

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Ricotta Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

0.35mg · 27% DV

B12

0.4µg · 17% DV

Vitamin A

120µg · 13% DV

0.5mg · 10% DV

Minerals

Calcium

207mg · 21% DV

Phosphorus

140mg · 20% DV

Selenium

8.5µg · 15% DV

Iodine

16µg · 11% DV

Potassium ⭐

135mg · 4% DV

How Nutritious Is Ricotta?

Nutrient density

Medium

55/ 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

40/ 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.

Ricotta Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Low

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

Low

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

How to Burn Off Ricotta

To burn the 174 calories in 100 g:

🚶

43min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

18min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

24min

Cycling

🏊

20min

Swimming

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

Is 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 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 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

Ricotta Fat Profile

SATURATED

8.3g

MONOUNSATURATED

3.2g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.3g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 5.5:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (5.5:1).

Compare Ricotta

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🥒

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60 kcal

🧀

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402 kcal

🧀

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370 kcal

🥛

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64 kcal

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Frequently Asked Questions About Ricotta

What is ricotta cheese, and how is it made?

Ricotta is a soft Italian cheese with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Traditionally, it is made by heating whey left over from cheesemaking so its remaining proteins form curds; some commercial ricotta is also made with milk.

How do you use ricotta cheese?

Ricotta cheese works in both savory and sweet dishes. Spoon it into lasagna or stuffed pasta, spread it on toast, or mix it into pancake, cake, and cheesecake batters; herbs and seasoning make it an easy savory filling.

What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese is a practical ricotta substitute in many fillings and baked dishes. Blend or mash it for a smoother texture; for desserts, drained cottage cheese or cream cheese can work, though each gives a different richness and flavor.

Can you freeze ricotta cheese?

Yes, you can freeze ricotta cheese, but thawing can make it grainier and more watery. Freeze it in an airtight container, thaw it in the refrigerator, then stir it well and use it in cooked dishes such as pasta sauce or lasagna.

How long does ricotta cheese last after opening?

Keep opened ricotta cheese tightly covered in the refrigerator and follow the storage directions and use-by date on its package. Discard it if you notice mold, an unusual smell, or a changed appearance rather than tasting it to check.

Is ricotta cheese the same as cottage cheese?

No, ricotta and cottage cheese are different cheeses. Ricotta is usually finer, creamier, and mildly sweet, while cottage cheese has distinct curds and a tangier taste; either can replace the other in some recipes, but the texture will change.

Does ricotta cheese melt when cooked?

Ricotta cheese does not melt into a smooth, stretchy layer like mozzarella. It softens when heated and may stay slightly grainy, which is why recipes often combine it with other ingredients in pasta fillings and baked dishes.

How do you make ricotta cheese at home?

You can make a ricotta-style cheese at home by heating milk and adding lemon juice or vinegar to form curds. Strain the curds through clean cheesecloth; this quick homemade version may differ from traditional whey-based ricotta.

Why is ricotta cheese watery, and how do you drain it?

Ricotta can be watery because it naturally holds whey, and liquid may collect in the container. For a thicker texture, let it drain in a fine-mesh strainer or clean cheesecloth in the refrigerator; keep it chilled while draining.

Can you eat ricotta cheese without cooking it?

Yes, ricotta cheese can be eaten straight from the package without cooking. Choose ricotta made with pasteurized milk, keep it refrigerated, and follow the package’s storage instructions after opening.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 29, 2026