Smearcase, a New York City–based startup, is positioning itself at the intersection of high-protein dairy and functional indulgence with a cottage cheese–based ice cream formulated with added collagen. The brand recently won the $100,000 Grand Prize at the 7th Real California Milk (RCM) Excelerator product innovation competition, an award determined by year-over-year sales growth.

From a formulation standpoint, Smearcase stands out for delivering approximately 40g of protein per pint, a level that exceeds most protein-enhanced frozen desserts currently on the market. The product uses cottage cheese as its primary dairy base and avoids artificial gums and sweeteners, aligning with clean-label and “better-for-you” positioning. The inclusion of collagen reflects growing interest in functional ingredients that extend beyond basic nutrition, particularly among active and health-focused consumers.

For product developers, the brand illustrates how traditional dairy ingredients can be reformulated into new formats to meet demand for protein-forward indulgence without relying on stabilizers commonly used in ice cream. The product also highlights a broader trend toward hybrid categories that blur the lines between sports nutrition, functional foods and everyday treats.

Smearcase has expanded distribution regionally at Whole Foods and plans to enter Sprouts Farmers Market locations in the first quarter of 2026. The RCM Excelerator prize will support marketing and retail activation efforts, including in-store promotions and sampling, as the brand continues to scale.