Cottage cheese mixed with honey, fruit or nut butters is a traditional snack, but according to Tastewise’s 2024 Trend Report, late night snack cravings are going to be satisfied by cottage cheese in 2024. Consumers are looking for protein, flavor, versatility and customization, and honey is one ingredient that checks all the boxes.
Consumer interest in protein-packed cottage cheese is up 300% over the last two years, and the high protein in cottage cheese combined with the carbohydrates and amino acids in honey can be appealing to consumers. In fact, 22% of cottage cheese occasions are already in the snacking space. Late night eaters are switching out ice cream and grabbing cottage cheese from the refrigerator, marking the refresh as a new “dining occasion.”
“Versatile preparation and nutritional content makes (cottage cheese) a perfect choice for late-night snacking,” Tastewise’s report says.
Manufacturers are adding honey to cottage cheese for a number of reasons:
- Honey adds a natural sweetness to cottage cheese, enhancing its flavor and making it more palatable, especially for those who may find plain cottage cheese bland.
- Cottage cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, while honey provides natural sugars, antioxidants, and small amounts of vitamins and minerals. Together, they create a nutrient-rich combination.
- The protein content in cottage cheese, combined with the sweetness of honey, can contribute to a sense of fullness and satiety, perfect for late night satisfaction.
Want to formulate the next delicious, craveable late-night snack? Peel open these honey cottage cheese products for inspiration:
