The Healthiest Cheese On the Planet (2024)

Published on January 22, 2020

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The Healthiest Cheese On the Planet (1)

Though this rich form of dairy can sometimes be high in fat and calories, the healthiest cheese can also be loaded with key nutrients. So choose wisely, and the good will outweigh the bad.

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The Healthiest Cheese You Can Buy

The Healthiest Cheese On the Planet (2)

You probably think you need to say goodbye to your beloved cheese if you want to eat healthier or drop a few pounds. But don't completely restrict yourself from the gooey goodness just yet. Cheese can get a bad rap for being high in calories or fat, but Samantha Lynch, M.S., R.D., C.D.N., says it's actually a great source of calcium, protein, and vitamin D. "People shy away from cheese, but there are other important nutrients this dairy can provide." We tracked down the best of the best when it comes to healthiest cheeses so you can choose wisely and enjoy greatly.

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Feta

The Healthiest Cheese On the Planet (3)

This popular Mediterranean cheese comes in blocks or crumbles, and because of its strong flavor, you won't need a lot of it to get the full effect. "Feta gives you a lot of bang for your buck," says Lynch. At only 75 calories an ounce (that's about a one-inch cube), this healthiest cheese is on the lower end of the fat-and-calorie spectrum. What's more, since feta is typically made from goat's milk, it can be a great choice if you're sensitive to lactose. (

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Goat Cheese

The Healthiest Cheese On the Planet (4)

You may be surprised to learn this creamy, spreadable option is one of the healthiest cheeses, but it's low cal, just like feta—plus it packs a bigger protein punch. With more than 5 grams of protein per ounce, you can skip the meat on your next salad. Lynch suggests trying it with beets (say, in this recipe for Roasted Beet Noodles with Goat Cheese and Pecans) for a delicious antioxidant-rich combo.

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Cottage Cheese

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Instead of mindlessly snacking on cubed cheese (those calories added up fast—oops!), dip a spoon into protein-packed cottage cheese. This diet-friendly food has a whopping 16 grams of protein in just half a cup, says Lynch. Try the healthiest cheese with pineapple, peaches, or mango, and choose the low-sodium variety to make it an extra-healthy choice. Bonus: Cottage cheese includes a large amount of casein protein, which promotes muscle recovery and steady protein synthesis.

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Provolone

Build a better sandwich every time with a slice of this healthiest cheese. When compared to other common sandwich options (e.g., cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella), Lynch says provolone gets the win. Just one ounce provides 21 percent of your recommended daily value of calcium.

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Ricotta

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This Italian sheep's milk cheese is a familiar ingredient in everything from lasagna to dessert. And Lynch says although whole-milk and part-skim varieties of this healthiest cheese are both low-cal—49 and 39 for one ounce respectively, "you can get away with part-skim ricotta in recipes. I don't think the flavor is compromised, especially when combined with other ingredients," she says.

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Neufchâtel

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The fraternal French twin of cream cheese looks and tastes very similar to its American relative, but has one-third the fat—score! "It can be used in place of cream cheese on bagels or crackers, and in frostings and dips, too," says Lynch.

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Parmesan

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This versatile healthiest cheese comes in many forms, and Lynch recommends using the grated version in everything from omelets (swap American or cheddar) to popcorn (swap butter and salt) to save calories and cut back on fat while still getting a boost of flavor. Parm is a great example of why there's much more to a healthy diet than watching calories. It clocks in at 112 calories per ounce, but with that you also get more than 8 grams of satisfying protein.

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The Healthiest Cheese On the Planet (2024)

FAQs

What cheese can I eat trying to lose weight? ›

The best of these are the fresh cheeses. Fresh cheeses are the ones that are soft and creamy. They include cottage cheese, cream cheese, mascarpone, mozzarella and ricotta. You may think of these in terms of the high-fat recipes that they are often part of, but that's not the only way to eat them.

What cheese doesn't cause inflammation? ›

Goat cheese

“This is because the casein protein in goat cheese doesn't cause inflammatory effects as associated with other kinds of dairy,” Neumann says. Goat cheese is also high in selenium, a nutrient that helps protect the body against inflammation.

Which cheeses are not processed? ›

What are the least processed cheeses?
  • Ricotta cheese.
  • Goat cheese.
  • Feta cheese.
  • Cottage cheese.
Jan 20, 2023

What cheese is a Superfood? ›

Probiotics found in Swiss cheeses - such as Emmental and Gruyère – could help reduce inflammation and subsequently boost immunity.

What is the most unhealthy cheese? ›

Although extremely tasty on that cheese plate, soft cheeses such as Camembert, brie and triple-crème (cheese enriched with cream) fall into the “less healthy” category because of their saturated fat content.

Should I stop eating cheese to lose belly fat? ›

The flatter-belly fix: You don't have to eliminate all cheese in your diet–it is a good source of calcium, after all. Try to cut back on those that are highest in saturated fat, like ricotta and cheddar.

What is the least fattening cheese? ›

5 Cheeses Full of Taste but Low in Calories
  • Parmesan. Calories per serving: 20* Serving size: 1 tablespoon. ...
  • Part-Skim Mozzarella. Calories per serving: 70-80. Serving size: 1 slice/stick. ...
  • Camembert. Calories per serving: 85. Serving size: 1 oz. ( ...
  • Swiss cheese. Calories per serving: 100. ...
  • Cottage Cheese. Calories per serving: 164.

What are the 10 worst inflammatory foods? ›

  • 01 of 10. High Fructose Corn Syrup. ...
  • 02 of 10. Processed Foods with Added Sugar. ...
  • 03 of 10. Soda and Other Sugar-Sweetened Beverages. ...
  • 04 of 10. Trans Fats. ...
  • 05 of 10. Refined Carbohydrates. ...
  • 06 of 10. Red Meat. ...
  • 07 of 10. Processed Meats. ...
  • 08 of 10. French Fries and Other Deep-Fried Foods.
May 5, 2024

Is peanut butter inflammatory? ›

Are peanuts inflammatory? The short answer is no, and in fact, peanuts and some peanut products like peanut butter have been shown to be anti-inflammatory. Inflammation in the body is a mechanism thought to be at the center of the majority of chronic diseases.

Is coffee inflammatory? ›

Research suggests that coffee does not cause inflammation in most people—even if your norm is more than one or two caffeinated cups a day. In fact, it's quite the opposite. According to a 2021 study in Nutrients, coffee may have anti-inflammatory effects on the body.

Which cheese to avoid? ›

Unhealthy Cheeses
  • Halloumi Cheese. Be aware of how much of this squeaky cheese you're adding to your morning bagel and salads! ...
  • Goats/ Blue Cheese. 1 oz. ...
  • Roquefort Cheese. Roquefort is a processed blue cheese and is incredibly high in sodium. ...
  • Parmesan. ...
  • Cheddar Cheese.
Apr 20, 2017

What is the healthiest cheese to buy at the grocery store? ›

If you're looking for more protein in your diet, raid your local grocery store for cottage cheese and parmesan. If you're concerned with the amount of sodium in your diet, grab a ball of mozzarella. And if you want to feel stronger, healthier, and possibly even live longer, reach for that block of Swiss.

What brand is 100% real cheese? ›

Sargento® Slices are always 100% real, natural cheese. Pasteurized Process Cheese Food is only required to contain 51% real, natural cheese.

What is the healthiest cheese for your gut? ›

Aged cheeses beneficial for your gut include Cheddar, cottage cheese, Gouda, provolone and Swiss. While some cheeses contain beneficial probiotics, be sure to eat them in moderation since most types of cheese are calorie-dense and high in saturated fat.

What cheese is the healthiest for your heart? ›

Using lower-fat cheeses – such as mozzarella, feta, cottage cheese or reduced-fat cheeses – will provide less saturated fat.

What is the #1 rated cheese? ›

Favorite? Considered to be among the world's top quality cheeses, Parmigiano Reggiano is made with raw, semi-skimmed milk from cows grazing on fresh grass and hay. It has a hard, gritty texture and its flavors range from nutty to robust and slightly piquant, depending on how long the cheese had matured.

What cheese has health benefits? ›

While all cheeses should be eaten in moderation, there are some that are a good addition to your shopping list, including swiss, feta, part-skim mozzarella, parmesan, and cottage cheese (2). These are a great source of many essential vitamins and minerals, and can help you avoid common health issues.

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