Is Cottage doubles Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing claims and dive straight into the ingredient label. For Cottage doubles, the verdict is clear immediately due to the composition of the base product.

The primary component is lowfat cottage cheese. This is defined by its dairy content: cultured pasteurized skim milk and cream. In the world of veganism, any ingredient derived from animal milk—whether it's skim or whole—is strictly off-limits. The presence of cream further solidifies its non-vegan status, as it is a high-fat dairy extract.

Even if we ignore the dairy, the topping presents other hurdles for strict vegans. The peach topping includes natural flavors. While this term is vague, in dairy-based products, 'natural flavors' can sometimes hide animal-derived compounds used to enhance taste, though the primary offender here remains the milk and cream.

Finally, the texture of the cottage cheese is maintained by tapioca starch, which is plant-derived and vegan-friendly. However, the inclusion of modified corn starch in the topping is also plant-based. The dealbreaker is unequivocally the dairy base.

Nutritional Value

While Cottage doubles are not vegan, they do offer a specific nutritional profile that appeals to many. The product is designed as a high-protein snack. The combination of cottage cheese and fruit provides a balance of macronutrients.

Because it is made with lowfat cottage cheese, the saturated fat content is relatively controlled compared to full-fat cheeses. However, consumers should be mindful of the added sugars found in the peach topping. Ingredients like sugar and modified corn starch contribute to the calorie count without offering significant micronutrients.

For those not following a vegan diet, this product fits well into a high-protein, moderate-carb diet plan. It provides satiety through protein and a quick energy boost from the fruit sugars, making it a viable post-workout snack or breakfast option.