You have a recipe that calls for ricotta but don’t know which to use.
With several brands, types, and textures available, you may be wondering which is the best ricotta cheese for your needs.
Here we have a round-up of five excellent ricotta suggestions for your culinary consideration.
Table Of Contents
Top 5 Ricotta Cheese Reviews
- 365 by Whole Foods Market – Best Ricotta Cheese Brand
- Galbani Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese – Best Ricotta Cheese for Lasagna
- Frigo Whole Milk Ricotta – Best Store-Bought Ricotta Cheese
- Kite Hill Almond Milk Ricotta Cheese Alternative – Best Vegan & Dairy-free Ricotta Cheese
- Galbani Part-Skim Ricotta Cheese – Best Low-Fat Ricotta Cheese
Different situations and tastes call for unique ingredients, but the best always stands out from the rest.
1. 365 by Whole Foods Market
 Best Overall |
This ricotta cheese store brand manufactured by 365 by Whole Foods Market offers an affordable product made from natural cow’s milk that hasn’t been treated with rBST.
Features
- Made with whole cow’s milk
- 15-ounce resealable tub
- Kosher
- Vegetarian
Two key factors make great ricotta cheese. It all comes down to sweetness and texture, regardless of the brand. It should also be sweet and smooth, separating it from cottage cheese.
365 by Whole Foods makes a fine ricotta cheese that is not only affordable, but you’ll find it has the creamiest texture and the perfect touch of sweetness.
You’ll enjoy 365 by Whole Foods Market in lasagna or any other dish that calls for ricotta. It will keep its texture and flavor through the cooking process giving you a dazzling final dish.
Benefits
- Affordable
- Very creamy texture
- Easy to find
Cons
- Not organic
2. Galbani Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese
 Best for Lasagna |
Galbani Whole Milk Ricotta cheese is whole milk ricotta that will give your lasagna a rich and creamy flavor that holds together when sliced.
Features
- Made with whole cow’s milk
- 15-ounce resealable tub
- Kosher
- Vegetarian
Galbani makes a whole milk ricotta cheese that emphasizes lasagna’s extra-creamy and thick nature.
Just one 15-ounce container of Galbani is the perfect amount for a pan of lasagna, and larger containers are also available with resealable lids.
It’s the perfect addition to lasagna or baked pasta, but you can also use it for desserts like thick and decadent cheesecakes or creamy-filled cannolis.
Benefits
- Extra-creamy texture
- Affordable
- Smooth enough to be eaten on its own
- Thick enough for baked pasta recipes
Cons
- Can be difficult to find in-store
3. Frigo Whole Milk Ricotta
 Best Store-Bought |
Finding the best budget-friendly, great-tasting store-bought ricotta is as simple as choosing Frigo Whole Milk ricotta for cooking or enjoying with berries.
Features
- Made with whole cow’s milk
- 15-ounce resealable tub
- 100 calories per serving
Authentic, homemade ricotta cheese may be challenging to come by unless you know a little store or farm making their own.
Frigo is a close second and one of many factory-made ricotta cheese brands available.
If you prefer to buy Frigo ricotta cheese at the grocery store look for it in the deli section. If it’s unavailable, try Galbani; it comes in at a close tie for the best overall store brand.
Benefits
- Creamy texture
- Smooth enough to be eaten on its own
- Budget-friendly
- Available in a skim-milk option
Cons
- Not as thick as other brands
- Not organic
4. Kite Hill Almond Milk Ricotta Cheese Alternative
 Best Vegan & Dairy-Free |
Just because you’re vegan doesn’t mean you don’t deserve an excellent ricotta cheese alternate. Kite Hill Almond Milk ricotta tastes great and supports a plant-based diet [1].
It is also is the best dairy-free option for those with a dairy intolerance or allergy.
Features
- Made with almond milk
- 8-ounce resealable tub
- Vegan, soy-free, gluten-free, kosher, and Non-GMO Project verified
The highest-rated vegan ricotta cheese is from Kite Hill, made from almond milk rather than cow’s milk.
The almond milk gives it a classic texture and taste that any lasagna or pizza Bianca lover will approve of.
Years ago, finding a delicious ricotta cheese alternative was difficult, and now you can get Kite Hill Almond Milk ricotta alternative on Amazon and delivered to your door.
Benefits
- Creamy texture
- Buttery with a hint of sweetness
- Can be used in sweet and savory dishes in a 1:1 ratio
- Can be frozen before use
Cons
- More expensive
- Can’t be eaten by people with nut allergies
5. Galbani Part-Skim Ricotta Cheese
 Best Low-Fat |
The best low-fat ricotta cheese comes to you from a brand already on our list: Galbani.
Features
- Made with partly-skimmed cow’s milk
- 15-ounce resealable tub
- Lower-fat than whole milk ricotta
- Kosher
The same brands that bring you whole-milk ricotta also offer low-fat options. Galbani Part-Skim Milk Ricotta contains less salt and fat than other cheeses.
It may not be as thick and creamy as whole milk options, but it will still taste great and can be frozen if you won’t be using all of the ricotta at once.
Benefits
- Extra-creamy texture
- Available in plain and flavored
- Use in savory dishes
- Can be frozen for up to two months before use
Cons
- Not as thick as whole milk ricotta
How to Choose Your Best Ricotta Cheese
How Much Do You Need
Check your recipe for how much you should buy.
Containers of ricotta cheese range from 8 ounces to 3 pounds in weight and last 3-5 days in the refrigerator once you open it.
What Do You Use it For
Also, consider what part the ricotta will play.
Pasta dishes and pizza require whole milk or vegan ricotta with a thicker texture, while lower-fat ricotta will do well in desserts.
FAQs About Ricotta Cheese
What is the best type of ricotta?
The best type of ricotta is the one you enjoy eating.
There are excellent characteristics to many kinds of ricotta. Whole milk ricotta has the richest texture and flavor, but low-fat alternatives taste great in traditional recipes.
If you are vegan or dairy-free, try an alternative made of almond milk.
How do you make ricotta taste better?
Most cooks find the taste of ricotta delightful on its own. It has a mild, sweet, nutty flavor like many other soft cheeses.
Or, try adding some seasonings to the ricotta mixture to make it more interesting.
Can you eat ricotta raw?
Yes. You can eat ricotta fresh from the store like any other cheese in the dairy department.
However, avoid eating recipes that add an egg into the ricotta mixture to fortify the cheese layer until after baking.
Final Thoughts
This list of the six best ricotta cheeses should offer something for everyone. Are you dairy-free or vegan? Ricotta alternatives are delicious and just like the conventional version.
Try out one of the products listed above and experience some of the best ricotta cheese available.
