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.
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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.
% Daily Value: 1/4 cup (62g) vs 100g
Percent Daily Values use the FDA reference amounts for adults (protein 50g, fiber 28g, carbohydrate 275g, fat 78g, sodium 2,300mg, cholesterol 300mg, potassium 4,700mg). The FDA label guide treats 20% DV or more per serving as high and 5% DV or less as low.
| Nutrient | Per 100g | % DV | 1/4 cup (62g) | % DV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 11g | 22% | 6.8g | 14% |
| Dietary fiber | 0g | 0% | 0g | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 3g | 1% | 1.9g | 1% |
| Total fat | 13g | 17% | 8.1g | 10% |
| Sodium | 84mg | 4% | 52mg | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 51mg | 17% | 32mg | 11% |
Source: FDA Daily Values (21 CFR 101.9), checked September 17, 2026.
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)
% DV = percent of the FDA Daily Value for a 2,000-calorie diet, per 100g. Total sugars have no Daily Value; the FDA value applies to added sugars only.
Methodology & Nutrition Data Sources
How we calculate nutrition data for Ricotta Cheese: Calorie and macronutrient values are standardized reference profiles, generally based on USDA FoodData Central entries where available, then scaled to the serving you choose. Entries may come from different FDC data types or releases, and brand or preparation differences can change the numbers.
- Calorie and macronutrient data sourced from the USDA FoodData Central , the federal food composition database used as the main reference where a matching entry exists.
- Daily Value context: for % DV comparisons, use the FDA Daily Value reference amounts for a 2,000 calorie diet (21 CFR 101.9).
- Dietary reference intakes (DRI) for vitamins and minerals are available in the National Academies Dietary Reference Intake tables for further reading; this page does not calculate DRI percentages.
- Glycemic index values are approximate listed values; GI varies by variety, ripeness, and preparation, so compare with the Harvard Health Glycemic Index Reference and the 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 generally based on 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 Priya Lindqvist · Last updated September 17, 2026 · Values may not reflect the newest USDA FoodData Central release
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ricotta Cheese high in protein?
Ricotta Cheese has 11g protein per 100g, which is 22% of the 50g FDA Daily Value. 1/4 cup (62g) supplies about 6.8g, or 14% DV. Under the FDA label guide (20% DV or more per serving is high, 5% or less is low), that serving counts as a moderate protein contribution.
How many calories are in Ricotta Cheese?
Ricotta Cheese contains 174 calories per 100g serving. Using general 4-4-9 calorie factors, that is roughly 44 calories from protein, 12 calories from carbohydrates, and 117 calories from fat; these estimates may not add up exactly to the listed total.
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 may fit a diabetes meal plan, but the useful decision is the actual portion, total carbohydrates, added sugar, and the rest of the meal. People using diabetes medication should follow personalized clinical guidance.
What vitamins and minerals are in Ricotta Cheese?
Calorique's food profile lists vitamins A, B12, B2 and minerals including Calcium, Phosphorus, Selenium, Zinc for Ricotta Cheese. These are general highlights, not measured amounts or a "good source" rating; check USDA FoodData Central or the product label for exact micronutrient values.
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 September 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