Whole food · Dairy and Egg Products
Cotija is a firm, crumbly, salty Mexican cheese traditionally made from cow's milk. Per 100g, it is a high-protein, high-fat food with very low carbohydrate content.
| Water | 40.0 g |
| Energy (Atwater General Factors) | 351 kcal |
| Energy (Atwater Specific Factors) | 352 kcal |
| Nitrogen | 3.7 g |
| Protein | 23.8 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 27.2 g |
| Ash | 6.2 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 2.7 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 700 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.00 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 29.9 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 486 mg |
| Potassium, K | 117 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 1625 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 3.6 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.00 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.02 mg |
| Iodine, I | 64.8 ug |
| Retinol | 167 ug |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) | 0.00 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 15.9 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.84 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 2.6 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 7.4 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 2.6 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 5.9 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.71 g |
| Cholesterol | 89.3 mg |
What does cotija cheese taste like?
It has a strong, salty, and tangy flavor, often compared to a dry Parmesan or feta cheese.
How is cotija cheese typically used?
It is most commonly crumbled over finished dishes like tacos, elote (street corn), beans, and salads as a flavorful topping.
Is cotija cheese a good source of protein?
Yes, it is a high-protein cheese, containing nearly 24 grams of protein per 100-gram serving.
Does cotija cheese contain lactose?
As a hard, aged cheese, it contains very little lactose, making it often more tolerable for those with mild lactose sensitivity.