Ricotta Cheese Calories & Nutrition Facts
Whey-based Italian cheese with high protein and moderate fat, versatile in cooking.
Quick answer
How many calories are in Ricotta Cheese?
Ricotta Cheese has 174 calories per 100g. A 1/4 cup (62g) has about 108 calories. It is a moderate-calorie food, with most calories coming from fat.
Practical Portion Guide for Ricotta Cheese
| Portion | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Net carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 cup (62g) | 108 kcal | 6.8g | 1.9g | 1.9g | 8.1g |
| 1/2 cup (124g) | 216 kcal | 13.6g | 3.7g | 3.7g | 16.1g |
| 2 tbsp dollop (31g) | 54 kcal | 3.4g | 0.9g | 0.9g | 4.0g |
| 100g reference | 174 kcal | 11.0g | 3.0g | 3.0g | 13.0g |
Full-fat and part-skim ricotta are different for calories and fat. Measure by cup or grams because spoonfuls vary widely.
Serving Size Calculator
Macros Breakdown (per 100g)
Diet Suitability
How Ricotta Cheese Fits Into a Diet
Ricotta cheese is useful for adding protein, calcium, and creamy texture to toast, pasta, pancakes, eggs, desserts, and high-protein snacks.
Pair ricotta with fruit, whole-grain toast, pasta, eggs, vegetables, or lean protein depending on whether you want a snack or a full meal.
Whole-milk, part-skim, fat-free, whipped, sweetened, and restaurant ricotta preparations can change calories, sodium, and fat.
Plan Around Ricotta Cheese
Compare Ricotta Cheese With Similar Dairy
Use this comparison when choosing a serving. Calories alone do not tell the full story: protein, fiber, fat, sodium, and realistic portion size determine whether a food fits your plan.
| Food | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ricotta Cheese | 174 kcal | 11g | 3g | 13g | 0g |
| Whole Milk | 61 kcal | 3.2g | 4.8g | 3.3g | 0g |
| Greek Yogurt (Plain) | 97 kcal | 9g | 3.6g | 5g | 0g |
| Cheddar Cheese | 402 kcal | 25g | 1.3g | 33g | 0g |
| Mozzarella Cheese | 280 kcal | 28g | 2.2g | 17g | 0g |
| Butter | 717 kcal | 0.9g | 0.1g | 81g | 0g |
All comparison values use each food's 100-unit reference so foods can be compared on the same basis.
Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
Minerals
Complete Nutrition Facts (per 100g)
Methodology & Nutrition Data Sources
How we calculate nutrition data for Ricotta Cheese: Our calorie and macronutrient data integrates multiple authoritative federal nutrition databases. Values shown reflect standard serving sizes unless specified, based on USDA laboratory analysis of raw and prepared food samples.
- Calorie and macronutrient data sourced from the USDA FoodData Central — the comprehensive federal nutrition database covering 1M+ food items with full nutrient profiles.
- Daily Value percentages (% DV) based on FDA Daily Value reference amounts for a 2,000 calorie diet, as established under 21 CFR 101.9.
- Dietary reference intakes (DRI) for vitamins and minerals from the NIH Dietary Reference Intake tables — the gold standard for nutrient adequacy assessment.
- Glycemic index values cross-referenced with Harvard Health Glycemic Index Reference and University of Sydney GI database.
- Dietary guidelines context from the HHS/USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 — the federal evidence-based nutrition guidance.
Authoritative nutrition data sources:
- USDA FoodData Central — comprehensive food composition database
- FDA Nutrition Facts Label rules — % Daily Value methodology
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — vitamin and mineral research
- CDC Nutrition — Public Health Guidance — chronic disease and diet
- HHS/USDA Dietary Guidelines 2020–2025 — federal nutrition recommendations
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health — The Nutrition Source — evidence-based dietary guidance
Nutrition Disclaimer: Calorie and nutrient values are based on standard USDA reference data and may vary by brand, preparation method, ripeness, and cooking technique. These values are for informational purposes only and should not replace personalized dietary advice from a registered dietitian. Individuals with medical conditions should consult a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · USDA FoodData Central & FDA Nutrition data current as of latest release
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in Ricotta Cheese?
Ricotta Cheese contains 174 calories per 100g serving. This includes 44 calories from protein, 12 calories from carbohydrates, and 117 calories from fat.
Is Ricotta Cheese good for weight loss?
Ricotta Cheese can be part of a weight loss diet with 174 calories per 100g. Monitor portion sizes and balance it with other low-calorie foods throughout the day.
How much protein is in Ricotta Cheese?
Ricotta Cheese contains 11g of protein per 100g. This provides a moderate amount of protein, contributing well to daily protein goals.
What serving size should I track for Ricotta Cheese?
Track Ricotta Cheese by grams when precision matters. A practical starting point is 1/4 cup (62g), which is about 108 calories. For packaged, restaurant, fried, sauced, or sweetened versions, use the product label because brand formulas can differ from the plain reference.
Is Ricotta Cheese keto-friendly?
Yes, Ricotta Cheese is keto-friendly with only 3g of carbohydrates per 100g. It fits well within the typical keto macro limits of 20-50g net carbs per day.
Is Ricotta Cheese good for diabetics?
Ricotta Cheese is generally suitable for people with diabetes. Its carbohydrate content and fiber help support stable blood sugar levels. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
What vitamins and minerals are in Ricotta Cheese?
Ricotta Cheese is a good source of vitamins A, B12, B2 and minerals including Calcium, Phosphorus, Selenium, Zinc. These nutrients support various bodily functions from energy metabolism to immune health.
Where does Calorique get nutrition data for Ricotta Cheese?
Calorique standardizes Ricotta Cheese nutrition values per 100g using USDA FoodData Central reference fields where available, then scales the data into realistic serving sizes. FDA Nutrition Facts methodology and authoritative nutrition references are used for context. This page was last reviewed May 17, 2026.
Related Calculators
Whole Milk
61 cal · 3.2g protein per 100g
Greek Yogurt (Plain)
97 cal · 9g protein per 100g
Cheddar Cheese
402 cal · 25g protein per 100g
Mozzarella Cheese
280 cal · 28g protein per 100g
Butter
717 cal · 0.9g protein per 100g
Heavy Cream
340 cal · 2.1g protein per 100ml
Parmesan Cheese
431 cal · 38g protein per 100g
Skim Milk (Non-fat)
34 cal · 3.4g protein per 100ml