The Healthiest Cheeses, Ranked: Your Guide to Dairy's Nutritional Powerhouses

Ricotta, the Italian whey cheese, holds its own due to its primary composition being whey protein, a fast-absorbing protein source that is uniquely rich in all nine essential amino acids necessary for human physiological function. The rapid assimilation rate of whey is highly beneficial for muscle synthesis and repair, making ricotta a staple for athletes or those prioritizing muscle mass; moreover, its production from re-cooked whey results in a final product that is characteristically lower in salt and saturated fat compared to many aged, hard cheeses.