High-protein foods and snacks have become a cornerstone of modern diets beyond simply grabbing a protein bar or protein shake. And one product starting to ‘gain’ popularity in the fitness community is protein cheese.
Combining indulgence with nutrition, it’s an increasingly popular choice for everyone from gym-goers to busy professionals looking for smarter snack options.
But what makes protein cheese such a standout? The ES Best Shopping team spoke to Robert Graham, managing director of Graham’s Family Dairy and Andrew Shepherd, performance nutrition lead at Loughborough University for their expert cheese and fitness insights.
Why protein cheese is trending
Demand for high-protein, nutrient-dense foods has soared, with consumers prioritising meals that don’t feel overly processed. Protein cheese fits this brief perfectly, offering a clean, versatile option that’s rich in protein yet low in calories.
Since launching their high-protein cheese range, Graham explains: “Consumers are increasingly looking for high-protein foods that aren’t ultra-processed. This demand is driving innovation, and products like protein cottage cheese are bridging the gap between health, quality and convenience.
“As people continue to avoid ultra-processed foods, our protein cottage cheese provides an option for a naturally made product with a clean ingredients deck, relying on natural dairy goodness for the great taste. Dairy protein is a popular choice because it is simple, naturally high in protein, and familiar to consumers, making it a staple for those looking to increase their protein intake without resorting to highly processed products.”
Protein cheese, particularly varieties like cottage cheese, delivers on these expectations while being a flexible ingredient for meals or snacks.
How to choose the best protein cheese
When selecting a protein cheese, there are a few key things to consider according to Graham:
According to Graham, working with local farmers helps ensure high-quality ingredients while maintaining sustainability—a key factor for conscious consumers.
The health benefits of protein cheese
The appeal of protein cheese isn’t just its taste; it’s packed with nutritional benefits that make it a valuable addition to your diet.
Performance nutrition expert Shepherd highlights: “With its high protein and calcium content, protein cottage cheese promotes muscle recovery and bone health. It’s a convenient, nutritious option for anyone maintaining a balanced diet.”
How we tested
The ES Best Shopping team rigorously tested a variety of protein cheeses, with a particular focus on their macro and calorie count. Especially given that I’m a professional bodybuilder with strict dietary needs. We evaluated each product’s protein content to ensure it aligned with our health goals while keeping an eye on the calorie count to avoid unnecessary excess.
As cheese connoisseurs, we didn’t just stop at the nutritional breakdown; taste was a key factor in our assessment too. We sampled the cheeses for flavour, texture, and overall enjoyment, considering how each would fit into a balanced, high-protein diet without compromising on quality or taste.
Read more for the best protein cheese.
Graham's Quark Naturally Fat Free
I might be a bit biased, since I’m from Glasgow, but Scottish dairy brand Graham’s has been my go-to for their high-protein range for years. From protein yoghurts to cheeses, the brand has mastered the balance of taste and nutrition. As well as the high protein cheese range, their Quark Naturally Fat Free is a particular favourite of mine and still scores well as a protein boost.
It’s creamy, smooth and naturally fat-free. I usually have it on fruit for a quick snack but it also works well with smoked salmon or on a baked potato for a creamy texture with less fat.
Buy now £1.20, Waitrose
Cathedral City High Protein Half Fat Grated Mature Cheddar Cheese
As someone always trying to balance nutrition and flavour, I find it hard to beat something that ticks all the boxes. However, the Cathedral City cheese is naturally high in protein, 7.5g per slice to be exact, which makes it the perfect addition to my meals when I need a quick protein boost.
It’s 100 per cent natural, and despite being half the fat of standard cheddar, it’s still firm, creamy and full of flavour. I’d never guess it’s a lighter option just by tasting it.
Buy now £2.55, Amazon
M&S Cheddar Cheese Clouds
Even with my treat meals, I always make sure there is some kind of benefit in them so the protein boost in this snack is a bonus for me. I’m sometimes skeptical about snacks that promise high protein and taste, but M&S Cheddar Cheese Clouds are a total surprise. They’re made from 100 per cent baked cheddar and you get 8g of protein per bag.
At 118 calories per bag, the portion is a little on the small side but still satisfying and helps to keep me from overindulging. They’re perfect as a quick snack, especially if you’re avoiding carbs or need a keto-friendly option.
Buy now £1.25, Ocado
Myprotein Two Salted Caramel Cheesecakes
When it comes to low-calorie sweet treats, I’m always up for trying something new, so I gave these salted caramel cheesecakes a shot. Again, the portion size is on the small side, which might be disappointing if you’re after a full-on dessert experience. That said, what they lack in size, they make up for in flavour. The salted caramel topping is rich, pairing well with the creamy cheesecake layer.
I wouldn’t call them my ultimate cheesecake fix, but they’re an easy freezer staple when I’m in the mood for something sweet without going overboard while dieting.
Buy now £4.00, Iceland
Eatlean Protein Grated
I like Eatlean Protein Grated best melted - it has a pleasant texture and mild cheese taste, plus it doesn’t derail dietary goals. It’s a lactose-free cheese, which has 90 per cent less fat than standard cheddar, making it a good option for anyone on a low-fat diet.
Handmade with British cow’s milk in Cheshire, try it with paninis or as a pizza topping.
Buy now £2.25, Sainsbury's
Granarolo High Protein Mozzarella
The Granarolo High Protein Mozzarella is really tasty - also with 20g of protein per serving and just 5 per cent fat. What makes it even better is that it’s lactose-free. It’s creamy, mild, and versatile, making it an easy swap for regular mozzarella in pretty much any recipe.
I also like that it’s made with 100 per cent Italian milk, giving it an authentic quality that you can taste. And look at the price! It ticks all the boxes – high protein, low fat, and perfect for anyone focused on nutrition without compromising on flavour.
Buy now £0.93, Waitrose
Piatnica High Protein Cottage Cheese
I’ve tried a lot of cottage cheeses, but Piatnica High Protein Cottage Cheese is a standout for me. With 30g of protein per pot and just 3 per cent fat, it’s the perfect balance of nutrition and indulgence. Whether it’s breakfast on toast, a quick post-workout snack, or even a creamy addition to recipes, it always delivers on taste and texture.
What sets it apart is the creaminess. Unlike many high-protein options that feel dense or dry, this one is rich and smooth with a slightly grainy texture. I also appreciate the clean ingredient list, with no unnecessary additives.
Buy now £1.20, Sainsbury's
M&S High Protein Halloumi Shakshuka
If you fancy a full-on high-protein cheese meal in just three minutes, M&S’ High Protein Halloumi Shakshuka combines a rich tomato and butterbean sauce with roasted peppers, kale, butternut squash and perfectly melted halloumi.
What makes it a standout for me is its balance of flavour and nutrition. Each pack delivers 24g of protein, three of your five a day, and 472 calories.
It’s a true time-saver too. On busy days, I can microwave it in minutes and still enjoy a proper meal that feels homemade. Whether you’re after a vegetarian option or just looking to up your protein intake, this shakshuka ticks all the boxes.
Buy now £5.50, M&S
Verdict
Graham's Quark Naturally Fat Free combines high protein content with a smooth, creamy texture that’s naturally fat-free. It delivers a guilt-free way to boost protein intake without sacrificing taste. Its versatility makes it ideal for various meals, whether as a snack with fruit, paired with smoked salmon, or used as a creamy topping on a baked potato.
Unlike many other protein-rich products, it maintains a light, enjoyable flavour that doesn’t overwhelm, making it a standout choice for those looking to balance nutrition with taste.
