Private equity firm buys majority stake in Good Culture as cottage cheese rebounds

Private equity firm L Catterton is purchasing a majority stake in cottage cheese maker Good Culture, the clean label brand known for modernizing cottage cheese and turning it into a popular choice for consumers looking for a high-protein snack made with simple ingredients.

The deal comes amid an increase in Good Culture’s sales of cottage cheese, which the company says has nearly quadrupled in the last few years, as the cottage cheese category has reignited, growing by almost 60% over the same period.

The final details of the transaction have not been disclosed, and the deal, which is subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026. The acquisition positions the brand for accelerated expansion.

Cottage cheese is known for containing essential amino acids, which help with muscle repair and recovery, enhance muscle strength, and support muscle building. It has become a go-to snack for consumers looking to boost protein in their diets. Its popularity is boosted by the short ingredient list and its convenient format. 

“This marks a monumental moment for Good Culture as we embark on this next phase of growth with L Catterton,” says Jesse Merrill, co-founder & CEO of Good Culture. “In 2014, I realized there was massive whitespace in a stale category that was lacking innovation. Our mission with Good Culture was to modernize cottage cheese with real, simple ingredients, and redefine it as a versatile and craveable high-protein food.” 

“Looking ahead, we’re excited to work alongside L Catterton, a proven and well-respected operator in the consumer space, to bring our products to even more consumers nationwide while staying true to our quality, team, and mission.” 

Good Culture is credited for “transforming a once-dormant corner and making cottage cheese into one of the most exciting and versatile items in food,” notes Andrew Taub, managing partner of L Catterton’s Flagship Fund.

Good Culture’s next phase of growth

An investor group led by Manna Tree has been a partner in building the brand since investing in Good Culture, which is a Certified B Corp, in 2022. The company says it plans to reinvest in Good Culture alongside L Catterton.

The majority investment enables Good Culture to increase its production capacity and expand national distribution, keeping pace with growing demand from retail partners and making its products more accessible to consumers.

High protein trends

The deal comes amid a surge in sales and popularity for cottage cheese, which has become a highly sought-after product because of its high protein content. 

Protein trends are booming as highlighted by Innova Market Insights’ Top Ten Trends for 2026, which details how consumers increasingly seek products with tangible benefits. The market researcher crowns “Powerhouse Protein” as the #1 trend for this year, detailing consumers’ pursuit of protein for overall health across various formats and occasions. 

Over the past year, milk and milk drinks have ranked as the number one product with protein claims that consumers say they have purchased. Almost 60% of global F&B consumers report actively incorporating more protein into their diets.

Alongside cottage cheese, Good Culture also makes sour cream and cream cheese from milk from cows raised on family farms, with no artificial ingredients, gums, stabilizers, or additives.