PRESS
"From cottage cheese blends to clean-label pints, new protein-packed ice cream and frozen dessert brands are turning indulgence into everyday fuel – and capturing a fast-growing health-conscious market"
"Cottage cheese ice cream brand Smearcase and Newtopia exhibitor also gets a shoutout."
"In a recent episode, I talked with Joe Rotondo, Founder & CEO of Smearcase, shared the story behind launching FroCo—the world’s first frozen cottage cheese dessert. The idea was born during marathon training when Joe couldn't find a high-protein ice cream option. This led him to experiment with cottage cheese and eventually developing a product that offers 40 grams of protein per pint. Smearcase quickly scaled from a kitchen experiment to being stocked in over 100 stores, including Whole Foods and Sprouts, within a year. The brand's name, "Smearcase," is derived from the German word "schmierkäse," meaning cottage cheese, reflecting its roots and mission to redefine healthy indulgence. This is a great episode for an emerging brand founder (especially in frozen)!"
"On this episode, we’re joined by Joe Rotondo and Drew DiSpirito, the co-founders of Smearcase — the world’s first frozen cottage cheese dessert, also known as FroCo. What started as a post-run craving turned into one of the most disruptive frozen product launches in recent memory. Smearcase packs 40 grams of protein per pint, uses clean-label ingredients (no gums, no seed oils), and is now stocked in over 100 stores including Whole Foods and Sprouts, less than a year after launch. In this episode, we dive into how Joe and Drew went from first prototype to shelf in six months, what it took to scale with a co-packer from day one, and why they believe “speed over perfection” is their greatest competitive advantage. We also talk product innovation, navigating frozen logistics, why they trademarked “FroCo,” and what’s coming next as they prepare for West Coast expansion."
"An unfortunately named company called Smearcase makes a cottage-cheese-based ice cream that is the best of both those worlds."
"The 15 Best High-Protein Packaged Products
They’ll help you hit your nutrition goals—and actually taste great.
The ingredients list is simple. The sugar is real. The flavor is a cross between the salty kick or cottage cheese and the easygoing sweetness of vanilla ice cream. And the protein count? At 13 grams per serving? Come on."
"Make it Pennsylvania Dutch and make it sexy.
Smearcase is ice cream made from cottage cheese, and what’s cool about the name is that it sounds a little naughty but you don’t know why.“Smearcase” is not making a sex joke. It feels messy and punk, yet has a legit cultural reference (from the German word “schmierkäse” for spreadable cheese). That tension is what makes a great name. It’s sneaky sexy.And if you think cottage cheese is Granny, think again. Thanks to Good Culture and TikTok, cottage cheese isn’t granny anymore."
Smearcase is the first and only frozen cottage cheese, offering the highest-protein ice cream on the market. The first and only FroCo (frozen cottage cheese), offering the highest-protein ice cream on the market—40 grams per pint—boosted with collagen, low-fat, and free from artificial gums or sweeteners."
Innovation rarely comes from reimagining traditional products in the crowded ice cream and frozen dessert market. Yet that’s precisely what Joseph Rotondo and his business partner Drew DiSpirito have accomplished with SmearCase—a frozen cottage cheese product (or “froco” as industry insiders now call it) rapidly capturing market share and consumer imagination. Their journey offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs looking to disrupt established categories."
The conversation touches on how to stand out against competition and how authenticity can be a powerful differentiator. Finally, the Joe shares insights on creating luck through action and advice for entrepreneurs innovating in traditional food categories."
Smearcase California Milk Advisory Board Excelerator Pitch Competition
Smearcase frozen cottage cheese pitches the CMAB and wins $30k in grant money
Healthy New You
Smearcase FroCo Ice Cream
"This is the next BIG thing--it’s so amazing that it sold out on the company’s website last year. With up to 44 grams of protein per serving, a boost of collagen, and half the fat of regular ice cream, dessert no longer has to be on the naughty list. It’s so rich and creamy that you’d never guess it’s powered by cottage cheese (seriously, NEVER guess!). Enjoy in a bowl or add a scoop to the blender and up your smoothie game.
Flavors (seriously delicious): Vanilla Bean, Peanut Butter, Mocha Joe
Nutrition (per serving): 39-44 grams protein"
Have you ever wondered how a simple post-workout craving can lead to the creation of a groundbreaking product? What does it take to disrupt the traditional ice cream market with a healthy alternative? In this podcast, our host Grace Kennedy sits down with Joseph Rotondo, founder & CEO of Smearcase, the innovative brand behind the world’s first frozen cottage cheese. Joseph shares his journey from that initial craving to crafting a protein-packed dessert that’s redefining indulgence. Discover how Smearcase is not only changing the perception of cottage cheese but also setting new standards in branding and product development."
We have 1,300 brands on the CPGD website, these were the 20 most viewed brands in 2024....!!!
1.) Single & Fat
2.) Butt
3.) Smearcase
"On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Joe Rotondo, Founder and CEO of Smearcase, about reinventing ice cream with healthier alternatives. Joe discusses the inspiration behind Smearcase, the importance of a sense of place in ensuring product integrity and sustainability, and the future direction of Smearcase, focusing on mastering classic, high-quality flavors."
Smearcase is breaking new ground with its cottage cheese-based ice cream. This innovative product is the first of its kind to hit the market, offering a whopping 40 grams of protein per pint. Infused with collagen, Smearcase ice cream is designed to be a 'better-for-you' dessert option that doesn't compromise on taste. Unlike traditional ice creams laden with artificial gums and sweeteners, Smearcase prides itself on clean, natural ingredients. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth while staying committed to their health goals."
Smearcase is powered by cottage cheese & boosted with collagen. The founder created the product with his sister in his NYC apartment when was training for Runningman & realized there were no protein packed ice creams on the market.
The ice cream is made in the heart of NY’s Hudson Valley & has 40 grams of protein per pint 🍦"
"Smearcase brings cottage cheese ice cream to the frozen aisle.
Even though most Americans consume enough protein, they continue to want more and companies at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City are delivering with increasing innovation and sophistication across categories and occasions, including snacks, one-the-go solutions and even dessert."
Smearcase, makers of cottage cheese ice cream infused with collagen."
"The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), in partnership with VentureFuel, has announced the eight finalists for the 6th Real California Milk Excelerator during the program's kick-off in Davis, Calif.
This year's competition, centered on health and wellness, focuses on harnessing the nutritional benefits of real dairy and features startups with products designed to improve digestion, boost cognitive function, provide balanced nutrition, support hydration, and deliver sustainable, convenient solutions for busy lifestyles.
Smearcase is the first cottage cheese-based ice cream on the market infused with collagen. Featuring the most protein per pint of ice cream at 40 grams, this 'better-for-you' ice cream does not use artificial gums or sweeteners."
"The past few years have been good for cottage cheese. It was seen on toast topped with avocado, turned into cookie dough, used as a vegetable dip with mustard, and featured along with other social media trends on TikTok.
Continuing the trend is Smearcase’s FroCo, a brand turning cottage cheese into an ice cream-like product formulated with collagen. Founder Joe Rotondo heard about the cottage cheese trend on social media but “tuned out the noise” to create an “authentic ice cream brand.”"
"Smearcase’s mission – to “revolutionize the ice cream aisle by offering the most protein-packed frozen option available” – is certainly closer to success with its official launch!
Ice cream lovers looking for a guilt-free yet indulgent ice cream can find Smearcase’s range in select stores across New York City. The brand’s three core flavors are made with premium ingredients, including cottage cheese, collagen, and farm-fresh dairy."
Let’s talk about Smearcase—a brand that didn’t just jump into a new category; they created it.
I mean, Cottage Cheese Ice Cream? That’s bold. And honestly, they nailed it.
Being first to market with something so unique is both a blessing and a challenge."
factor when food shopping. Thanks to its numerous health benefits, protein's popularity will continue to grow going forward. With
social media recently fueling a cottage cheese renaissance, this offers
another way to appeal to these younger demographics, thanks to its high
protein content.
US brand Smearcase claims to have launched the 'first-of-its-kind frozen
cottage cheese' in June 2024. One pint is said to contain 40 grams of
protein, and is also boosted with collagen.
Cottage cheese has become trendy in and of itself. But ice cream made from cottage cheese? A company called Smearcase is giving it a go, saying it has all the taste of traditional ice cream but with the benefit of added protein (plus, it’s lower in fat)."
At the show, I tried three flavors: vanilla, peanut butter, and chocolate. With my years of experience in the ice cream industry, I can tell you Joe is onto something big. The nutritional benefits of his products, combined with their great taste, give him the potential to create a brand new market and make a name for himself as your next Protein Dealer.
If he can lock down his flavours he could be onto the next Froyo sensation."
Smearcase introduces FroCo. This first-of-its kind frozen dairy dessert starts with cottage cheese as its base ingredient. The product comes in 5-ounce single-serve containers and 14-ounce multi-serve pints in three varieties: Mocha Joe, Peanut Butter and Vanilla Bean. The product is enhanced with collagen. It’s marketed as having half the fat and seven-times the protein of regular ice cream."
High protein frozen cottage cheese.
"LOCKEDin - JOE ROTONDO'S ROCKY (CLARK) ROAD TO the WORLDS #1 PROTEIN ICE CREAM, SMEARCASE"