Sometimes you want something cold and sweet, but not heavy. This snack is a layer of sugar-free jello under a layer of whipped cottage cheese. An extra packet of plain gelatin adds protein and makes the jello firmer. One cup has 12 g of protein and about 70 calories.
Serving size: 1 jar (about 190 ml): about 7 tbsp jello (105 ml) topped with 6 tbsp whipped cottage cheese (85 g). Makes: 4 servings. Use 8 oz (240 ml) jars or cups.
Why This Works on GLP-1
- Small and light. Each cup is about 70 calories. You can eat it slowly, a few spoons at a time.
- Protein in a snack. Cottage cheese and gelatin give 12 g of protein per jar.
- Almost no fat. Each cup has under 1 g of fat.
- Cold and smooth. Many people find cold, soft foods easy to eat.
Ingredients
For the jello layer:
- 1 box (0.3 oz / 8.5 g) sugar-free gelatin dessert mix, any flavor
- 1 envelope (1/4 oz / 7 g) unflavored gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water (240 ml)
- 3/4 cup cold water (180 ml)
For the topping:
- 1 1/2 cups low-fat (1%) cottage cheese (339 g)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, optional
Instructions
- Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the cold water in a bowl. Let it sit for 2 minutes.
- Stir the sugar-free gelatin mix into the boiling water until fully dissolved, about 2 minutes.
- Pour the hot mixture into the bowl with the soaked gelatin. Stir until clear.
- Divide between 4 jars, about 7 tbsp (105 ml) each.
- Chill for 2 to 3 hours, until set.
- Blend the cottage cheese and vanilla for 1 to 2 minutes, until smooth like thick yogurt.
- Spoon 6 tbsp (85 g) whipped cottage cheese on top of each jello cup. Serve cold.
A blender or food processor works best. A stick blender in a tall cup also works.
Why Add Plain Gelatin?
Based on USDA data, unflavored gelatin powder is about 86% protein. One envelope adds about 6 g of protein to the whole batch. Gelatin is not a complete protein, so most of the protein here comes from cottage cheese. Low-fat cottage cheese has about 12 g of protein per 100 g.
Nutrition Per Serving (1 Jar)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71 | 12.3 g | 4.0 g | 0.9 g | 0 g |
Values are calculated from USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy) for the ingredients above, using reduced-calorie gelatin dessert mix. Brands vary, so check your labels.
Tips
Storage
Keep the cups covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Add the cottage cheese topping the day you eat them, or up to 2 days ahead.
Meal prep
Make the 4 jello cups on Sunday and put lids on them. Whip the cottage cheese and keep it in one covered container. Top one cup when you want a snack.
Variations
- Fruit: add 2 tbsp (20 g) diced strawberries on top.
- Lemon: use lemon jello and add a little lemon zest to the topping.
- Layered: use 2 jello flavors on different days.
Want a bigger breakfast? Try our Protein Greek Yogurt Bowl for Small Appetites. For more ideas and a simple plate guide, see our GLP-1 friendly recipes guide.
FAQ
Is protein jello a good snack on GLP-1 medication?
It can be a light option when you want something small and cold. Each cup has 12 g of protein and about 70 calories. Ask your doctor or a registered dietitian what fits your needs.
Why does the cottage cheese need to be whipped?
Blending makes it smooth, with no curds. It tastes like a thick, mild cream on top of the jello.
Can I use regular jello instead of sugar-free?
Yes, but it adds sugar and calories. A regular 3 oz box adds about 75 calories per jar in this recipe. Check the label on your box.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian about your nutrition while on GLP-1 medication.
