PRESS
2024
"Smearcase introduced FroCo, the first-of-its kind frozen dairy dessert made with cottage cheese as its base ingredient. The product comes in 14-ounce multi-serve pints in three varieties: Mocha Joe, Peanut Butter and Vanilla Bean. It is enhanced with collagen and is marketed as having half the fat and seven-times the protein of regular ice cream."
"Joe is the Founder & CEO of Smearcase, the first frozen cottage cheese ice cream (FroCo) on the market. Smearcase is the most protein-dense ice cream on the market with over 40 grams of protein per pint and boosted with collagen. Launched in July 2024 in NYC, Smearcase has quickly expanded to over 60 stores in the tri-state area and is set to debut in Sprouts and Whole Foods in 2025."
"Smearcase, a cottage-cheese-based ice cream, represented by founder and CEO, Joe Rotondo"
"Ice cream brands are also taking note launching high-protein SKU's. Startup's such as east coast-based Smearcase have taken DIY cottage cheese ice cream trend into the grocery store."
"Smearcase is FroCo, a trademarked name for the world’s first cottage cheese-based frozen dairy dessert. The product is infused with collagen and provides 40 grams of dairy protein per pint. Smearcase was the People’s Choice winner."
The 2024 Real California Milk Excelerator cohort
"Joe is the founder and owner of Smearcase! A protein packed cottage cheese ice cream! This local, small business is changing the protein dessert game! This idea inspired Joe when he was craving some ice cream while trying to remain health conscious, eating a bowl of cottage cheese when the idea popped into his mind. He immediately started working on it with his sister Gianna and soon brought in business partner, Drew. Since starting this business, it’s been thriving! Smearcase is powered by cottage cheese and boosted with collagen. In one pint, you’ll get 40g of protein with HALF the fat. They are located in 40 stores across the New York metro area, or you can go to their website and check their store map!"
"Smearcase: The Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
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 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."
"With all the cottage cheese recipes we’ve been seeing online, it was only a matter of time before brands started to throw their hats into the ring. One of which is Smearcase, a new cottage-cheese ice cream brand. That’s right, the main ingredient here is cottage cheese. Smearcase blends cottage cheese with milk, cane sugar, and a collagen-rich protein blend, packing a lot of protein into each pint, ranging from 39 to 44 grams, depending on the flavor."
"NYC-based entrepreneurs Joe Rotondo and Drew DiSpirito met while both living in NYC and they both had that entrepreneurial itch early on – Joe ran a sustainable denim company and Drew ran an athleisure company. Through the years they would often meet to discuss their companies and one day Joe mentioned his idea for a cottage-cheese based ice cream. Drew was all in on the idea and the two partnered and started Smearcase, the first cottage cheese-based ice cream on the market infused with collagen."
"Sharing a new small business that is changing the protein & dessert game - @eatsmearcase!
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 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 🍦"
Food Navigator
"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 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."
"Meet Joe Rotondo, inventor of Frozen Cottage Cheese "FroCo" and founder of Smearcase, a brand disrupting the ice cream industry with their unique protein-packed cottage cheese ice cream."
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.
"Ice cream barely had any protein, which made no sense since it’s made from dairy, a great protein source. On top of that, the ingredient lists were filled with artificial sweeteners, palm oils, and fillers—things I wasn’t about. I left empty-handed, went home, and ate my usual dessert of cottage cheese with honey and blueberries. But it wasn’t as satisfying as ice cream. That’s when it hit me: why wasn’t there a high-protein ice cream?"
"The California Milk Advisory Board, in partnership with VentureFuel, has named eight startups focusing on health and wellness using the benefits of dairy and innovating products to improve digestion, boost cognitive function, provide balanced nutrition, support hydration and deliver sustainable and convenient solutions, for its sixth Real California Milk Excelerator.
Smearcase: A brand turning cottage cheese into an ice cream-like product formulated with collagen."
"From high-protein dairy to coffee with collagen: Who’s made it into the 2024 Real California Milk Excelerator final? We look at the food and beverage start-ups that will go head-to-head in the 6th edition of the competition.
Smearcase, makers of cottage cheese ice cream infused with collagen."
Smearcase, makers of cottage cheese ice cream infused with collagen."
Real California Milk Excelerator (PR Newswire)
"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 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."
Dairy Processing
"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.”"
"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.”"
"High-Protein Ice Cream from Smearcase! United States"
"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."
"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."
"Americans can’t get enough daily protein, and food and beverage brands are rushing to cram more protein into more products. Naturally, interest in classic high-protein foods like cottage cheese has surged. Now, startups are looking to find a way into the trend by launching new versions of food that have yet to be touched by the protein wave - Smearcase’s FroCo’s frozen cottage-cheese ice cream"
"People want protein-packed foods. People are looking for different ways to consume cottage cheese. I think this is the way to do it. We’re getting those cottage cheese consumers to the frozen aisle to enjoy the food they love.”
"The Brand That Made Cottage Cheese Ice Cream a thing.
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."
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."
"Is frozen cottage cheese (froco) the new froyo?"
In recent years, high protein content has gained popularity as an important
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.
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.
"Say cheese — in different ways
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)."
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)."
"Enter Smearcase, the first FroCo-based ice cream company. What is FroCo? It stands for Frozen Cottage Cheese, and honestly, don’t knock it until you try it. The founder, Joe, is incredibly passionate about the product, and rightfully so. He has taken what was once an archaic style of cheese-making and transformed it into a beautifully creamy, protein-packed dessert.
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."
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."
"Following TikTok-viral cottage cheese ice cream recipes, Smearcase is introducing a first-of-its-kind frozen dairy dessert using cottage cheese as its primary ingredient. FroCo ice cream boasts 40 grams of protein per pint thanks to a nourishing base of cottage cheese and a boost from collagen."
"A NEW SPIN ON HIGH-PROTEIN ICE CREAM
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."
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."
"Satisfying Snacks. Specialty snacks that offer satiety through ingredients like protein as well as snacks that leave consumers feeling satisfied since they’re comforting and often indulgent, are trending. Findings of SFA’s soon-to-be released State of the Specialty Food Industry report, 2024-25 Edition, show that Chips, Chocolate, and Ice Cream are three of the fastest growing specialty categories. Smearcase Frozen Cottage Cheese Ice Cream. Booth 4218"
Always Early Club
High protein frozen cottage cheese.
High protein frozen cottage cheese.
"Summer Fancy Food: Glucose Control Callouts, Vevan Refreshes Branding:
Food and beverage brands took over New York City this week for the annual Summer Fancy Food Show hosted by the Specialty Food Association. Here’s a first look at some of the new products, innovative brands and industry trends we’re tracking from the event."
"Cottage cheese core... If you're on TikTok, you see cottage cheese literally everywhere. It's all the rage with the girlies-- people are making cottage cheese tortillas for crying out loud. (SOS) But "cottage cheese ice cream" has gone particularly viral. So I was especially intrigued by Smearcase, a cottage cheese-powered ice cream with 40g of protein per pint. They call themselves this decade's Halo Top and, I think, did a great job riding a cultural moment."
"Making our debut at the Summer Fancy Food Show is a significant milestone for Smearcase, We're thrilled to introduce our innovative ice cream to retail buyers and industry professionals, and we believe our unique approach to high-protein, low-fat ice cream will resonate with health-conscious consumers and ice cream lovers alike."
"I had the pleasure chatting with Joe Rotondo from Smearcase, we talked about his upcoming product, "FroCo" frozen cottage cheese ice cream and how the popularity of this in general has exploded over the past few years as protein becomes center stage - not to mention as more require it as they ride the GLP-1 wave.
Smearcase launches at Pop Up Grocer and Happier Grocery in July as their first retail point. As protein reigns supreme as the ultimate health hack, will frozen cottage cheese become this new decade's Halo Top?"
2023
SELF STARTER SHOW
"LOCKEDin - JOE ROTONDO'S ROCKY (CLARK) ROAD TO the WORLDS #1 PROTEIN ICE CREAM, SMEARCASE"
"LOCKEDin - JOE ROTONDO'S ROCKY (CLARK) ROAD TO the WORLDS #1 PROTEIN ICE CREAM, SMEARCASE"