Smoothie with Cottage Cheese: The Ultimate GD-Friendly Protein Boost
Hi, Julija here — founder of HIgedi and a longtime cottage cheese fan. I actually loved cottage cheese way before it got famous (if you can call it that!) and started popping up all over social media. But here’s the funny part: I didn’t actually discover cottage cheese in smoothies during my gestational diabetes diagnosis — back then, it never really clicked for me that cottage cheese is a perfect protein booster for smoothies. Like... why didn’t someone shake me and say, "Hey Julija, it's basically protein-packed Greek yogurt with a lower carb count and a silky finish in a blender!" Honestly, I totally missed out on that combo and feel a bit petty about it now! Since then, I’ve been adding it to my smoothies regularly, and my now 3-year-old “sugar baby” gives them two thumbs up!
That’s why I’m excited to share these smoothie recipes featuring cottage cheese — to help you easily add this creamy, protein-packed ingredient into your routine. And if you’re not usually a “cottage cheese person,” don’t worry: you probably won’t even notice it’s there. Instead, you’ll get that smooth creaminess and the protein power that helps balance carbs and keep blood sugar steady.
All of these recipes use 1/2 cup cottage cheese and 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk as a base, but feel free to add more liquid, swap almond milk for unsweetened coconut milk (or any milk that works for your blood sugar), and use either full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese.
If you want more low-carb smoothie ideas from my gestational diabetes journey, check out my previous post here: 12 Low-Carb Smoothie Recipes That Worked for Me During GD.
Why Cottage Cheese Works So Well in Smoothies
Cottage cheese is an underrated gem for smoothies, especially when you’re watching your carbs. It adds creaminess similar to Greek yogurt but with a slightly milder tang and often fewer carbs. It’s also naturally low in sugar, high in protein, and provides important nutrients like calcium and B vitamins. Plus, it’s rich in casein protein, which digests slowly and helps keep you feeling full longer — perfect for managing blood sugar levels. Its mild flavor blends easily with fruits, cocoa, or spices, letting the other ingredients shine while giving you a thick, satisfying texture.
10 Cottage Cheese Smoothie Recipes
Let’s dive deep into cottage cheese smoothies — protein-packed, blood sugar-friendly, and full of flavor.
1. Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie
Tastes like dessert, fuels like a balanced breakfast.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: sweetener, ice
Add everything to your blender and blend until creamy. Taste, sweeten if needed, and enjoy!
2. Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie
Decadent, filling, and protein-rich.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tbsp natural peanut butter
Optional: sweetener, ice
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Add ice for extra chill.
3. Green Protein Smoothie
Sneaky greens + balanced macros = morning win.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup spinach
1/2 avocado
1 tsp lemon juice
Optional: sweetener, ice
Blend until silky smooth. Add sweetener if needed. Refreshing and nutrient-rich!
4. Blueberry Almond Smoothie
Berry antioxidants + healthy fat + protein = perfection.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup blueberries
1 tbsp almond butter
Optional: sweetener, ice
Blend all ingredients until creamy, add sweetener to taste.
5. Cinnamon Roll Smoothie
All the cozy vibes...
Ingredients:
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp almond extract
Optional: sweetener, ice
Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust spice and sweetness to your liking.
6. Carrot Cake Smoothie
A protein-packed spin on dessert.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/3 cup shredded carrot
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg
1-2 tsp (sugar-free) maple syrup or sweetener of choice
Optional: whipped cream
Blend well and top with a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy!
7. Tropical Coconut Smoothie
Feels like vacation. Works like a snack.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1/2 cup pineapple chunks (reduce for lower carbs)
Optional: sweetener, ice
Blend it all together until smooth. Sip slowly and enjoy the tropical vibes.
8. Cherry Almond Smoothie
Sweet, tart, and rich in antioxidants.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup frozen cherries
1 tbsp almond butter
Few drops almond extract
Blend until creamy and sweet. Taste and adjust.
9. Mocha Smoothie
Because sometimes, coffee is the vibe.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp instant coffee granules
Optional: sweetener, ice, whipped cream
Blend until frothy and creamy. Add a little ice and top with a dollop of whipped cream (optional but fun).
10. Cinnamon Apple Smoothie
Tastes like apple pie, balances like a pro.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 apple, chopped (Granny Smith is great)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Optional: sweetener, ice
Toss everything into your blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
Final Thoughts
Whether you love cottage cheese or just tolerate it, it deserves a spot in your GD smoothie rotation. It blends beautifully, packs in protein, and helps make carbs more manageable — all without dominating the flavor.
Let these recipes inspire your next blend, and don’t forget to check out my 12 low-carb smoothie recipe guide here: 12 Smoothie Ideas for Gestational Diabetes.
Got a favorite flavor combo? DM me or share it with the community — I’m always up for new cottage cheese converts!
