Best organic cottage cheese

Top pick: Good Culture Organic Whole Milk Cottage Cheese (16 oz). It's the one most people mean when they say cottage cheese tastes good — thick, creamy curds, live cultures, and a short ingredient list, with no gums or fillers doing the work. Buy the plain whole-milk version and add your own salt, pepper or fruit.

Who the others suit:

• Good Culture Organic Low-Fat — same thick texture with less fat, if you're watching calories but don't want watery curds.
• Good Culture Lactose Free — for anyone who loves the texture but not the lactose; single-serve cups are handy for lunches.
• Nancy's Organic Whole Milk — tangier, cultured flavor with live probiotics; best if you like cottage cheese with real bite.
• Organic Valley (2% or 4%) — the reliable everyday choice, widely stocked and mild enough for kids or baking.
• 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic — a straightforward, no-frills organic tub; good value if you go through a lot of it.
• Probiotic 4% (16 oz) — for probiotic-focused eaters who want a smaller-brand option.

Look for "organic" plus live and active cultures on the label, and check the date — cottage cheese turns quickly once opened.