Cottage Cheese vs Tuna
Side-by-side macro comparison. Cottage Cheese vs Tuna per their standard serving sizes.
Cottage Cheese
per 100g (1% milkfat)
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Cottage Cheese | Tuna | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 72 cal | 116 cal | -38% Cottage |
| Protein | 12.4g | 26g | -52% Cottage |
| Carbs | 2.7g | 0g | 0% Cottage |
| Fat | 1g | 0.8g | +25% Cottage |
Differences shown relative to Cottage Cheese. Positive = Cottage Cheese has more.
Quick Take
Cottage Cheese delivers 72 calories per serving with 12.4g protein, 2.7g carbs, and 1g fat. Tuna delivers 116 calories with 26g protein, 0g carbs, and 0.8g fat. The most meaningful difference: Cottage Cheese saves 44 calories per serving — meaningful over a week of meals. For protein density per calorie, Tuna wins at 90% of calories from protein.
When to Pick Each
For Cutting / Weight Loss
When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Cottage Cheese gives you 44 more calories of headroom per serving — that's room for an extra snack, more vegetables, or a higher-protein second portion. If protein density matters more (which it does for preserving muscle on a deficit), Tuna delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.
For Bulking / Muscle Gain
For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Tuna brings 116 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Tuna delivers 26g of protein per serving, which directly feeds muscle protein synthesis. The best pick depends on whether you need more total calories or more usable protein.
For Keto / Low-Carb
Both Cottage Cheese and Tuna are keto-friendly with under 10g carbs per serving.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Cottage Cheese or Tuna?
Tuna has more protein: 26g vs 12.4g per serving. That's a difference of 13.6g.
Which has fewer calories, Cottage Cheese or Tuna?
Cottage Cheese has 72 calories per serving vs 116 calories in Tuna — a difference of 44 calories.
Is Cottage Cheese or Tuna better for keto?
Tuna is the better keto choice at 0g carbs per serving vs 2.7g carbs in Cottage Cheese.
Is Cottage Cheese or Tuna better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Cottage Cheese gives you more calorie flexibility (44 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Tuna delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Tuna.
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Tuna
Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.
💪 Muscle Gain
Tuna
Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.
🥑 Low-Carb / Keto
Tuna
Lower carbohydrate content fits keto and low-carb macros without burning your carb budget.
Both fit most balanced diets. These verdicts reflect macro-only comparisons — taste, satiety, cost, and personal preference also matter.
Find Your Personal Macros
The "right" food depends on your individual macro targets. Calculate yours in 60 seconds:
→ Calculate My Macros (Free)Related Comparisons
Other ways Cottage Cheese and Tuna stack up:
Full Cottage Cheese guide • Full Tuna guide • All comparisons