Not Cream Cheese, Not Greek Yogurt: The German Dairy Item That's Higher In Protein And Just As Creamy

For lactose-lovers, finding a new-to-you dairy product can be quite the delight. Whether you're looking for something to mix up with nuts and berries for a wholesome parfait or a savory-style dip for your favorite chips, Greek yogurt, cream cheese, sour cream, and labneh are all reliable choices. Next time, give your meal an extra protein boost with quark — a German dairy product that, while actually a soft cheese, sometimes gets confused with yogurt.

This German cheese has a significant amount of vitamins A and B, with generally lower levels of both fat and lactose. Quark typically contains more protein than Greek yogurt and less sodium than cottage cheese. Notably, a single cup of quark has around 32 grams of protein compared with a cup of cream cheese, which has about 14 grams. Though a cup of Greek yogurt has approximately 20 grams of protein, neither this nor cream cheese can quite compare to the content of quark.

Taste- and texture-wise, quark is characterized by a creamy, yogurt-like consistency and a tangy flavor with light notes of acidity. Given its nutrient-rich nature and versatility, quark is also among the best substitutes for ricotta. There's a lot you can do with this useful dairy ingredient.

You can use quark like any other soft cheese, yogurt, or similar dairy product. Spread it on bread and crackers or fresh fruits and vegetables, or mix it with your preferred seasonings to make a picture-perfect dip. Contained in a complementary ramekin or dish, it makes a healthy, yet eye-catching addition to any snacking or grazing board. 

Quark is also a common ingredient in items to try at a German bakery. These include a German cheesecake known as käsekuchen, a poppy seed cake called mohnkuchen, and schnecken, which are swirled pastries that are offered in a number of different fillings. When a schnecken is filled with quark, it is referred to as quarkschnecken. 

Try swapping quark for yogurt to bulk up your favorite recipes with more protein. Mix up quark with scrambled eggs and veggies into a luscious frittata or batch of egg bites. It also makes a great addition to your pancake batter for a German-style take called quark pfannkuchen. You can even find drinkable quark for a yogurt-style beverage that's both delicious and nutritious.