Cottage Cheese Boom: Good Culture Valued at $500 Million

Private Equity Backs Dairy Growth

Cottage cheese, once dismissed as a bland diet food for older generations, is enjoying a remarkable resurgence in the United States. Private‑equity firm L Catterton has struck a deal valuing Good Culture, a leading cottage cheese maker, at over $500 million, according to The Wall Street Journal. The investment underscores the growing appeal of protein‑rich foods among younger consumers and the transformation of cottage cheese into a mainstream staple.

Explosive Sales Growth

Good Culture has seen its sales surge nearly 300% over the past three years, far outpacing the broader cottage cheese industry, which itself grew by around 60% during the same period. The company’s rapid rise reflects shifting consumer preferences toward high‑protein, versatile foods that can be incorporated into everyday meals.

TikTok and the Youth Factor

Social media has played a pivotal role in the revival. On TikTok, cottage cheese has become a trending ingredient, with younger consumers showcasing creative recipes that range from pancakes and smoothies to dips and desserts. This viral popularity has helped reposition cottage cheese from a niche product into a fashionable, health‑forward choice.

Meeting Demand

Co‑founder and CEO Jesse Merrill acknowledged that Good Culture has struggled to keep pace with surging demand. The fresh capital from L Catterton will be used to expand production capacity and strengthen supply chains, ensuring the company can meet growing retailer and consumer needs.

Policy Tailwinds

Adding to the momentum, new federal dietary guidelines from the Trump administration recommend increased protein consumption. This policy shift could further accelerate demand for cottage cheese and other protein‑dense foods, giving companies like Good Culture a significant tailwind.

Outlook

With strong consumer trends, social media buzz, and supportive dietary guidelines, cottage cheese is no longer just a retro diet food. Good Culture’s valuation and growth trajectory highlight how a traditional dairy product has reinvented itself as a modern, protein‑rich powerhouse in the evolving food industry.