The unhealthiest cheeses are often highly processed options like cheese singles, sprays, and dips (e.g., Cheez Whiz, Velveeta) due to high sodium, fat, and additives; rich soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and Mascarpone for their high saturated fat; and some strong blues like Roquefort for extreme salt. Ultimately, moderation is key, but processed cheese products and high-fat, high-sodium varieties are generally considered the least healthy choices.
Unhealthy Cheeses
Five of the healthiest cheeses
Here are the 10 most caloric cheeses, according to their average caloric values, per 100g of cheese: Boursin = 400 to 435 Kcal. Ossau Iraty = 400 Kcal. Parmesan = 390 Kcal.
Feta also has potential health benefits; it supports bone health with calcium and phosphorus, and its probiotics may aid gut health. However, its high sodium can raise blood pressure, and its saturated fats should be limited. Enjoy feta in a range of recipes, from salads to pizzas.
Let this list help guide your cheese choices for heart health.
Halloumi is a calorie-dense cheese, with 94 calories per 30g slice. That's more than Brie (90), feta (84), Camembert (78), mozzarella (71) and ricotta (31). However, it's less than hard cheeses such as Cheddar (125) and red Leicester (121).
Cottage cheese
A soft white cheese made from the loose curds of cow's milk, cottage cheese has a unique protein-to-calorie ratio. It's this high protein combined with low calorie content that makes cottage cheese a good choice for weight management, with studies suggesting it may even be as satiating as eating an egg.
5 Tasty Low-Calorie Cheeses
When eaten regularly in large quantities halloumi can be considered unhealthy, as this fried cheese is pretty high in saturated fat and salt. However, when eaten sporadically as part of a balanced diet, halloumi has a range of health benefits, as it's high in calcium and protein.
Any cheese with an ingredients list of only milk, salt, and enzymes/cultures (like cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, gouda, feta, goat cheese, cottage cheese, etc.) is 100% real cheese, while "American Cheese" or "cheese products" often contain added emulsifiers and flavorings, making them processed rather than purely natural cheese. Always check the label: if it lists more than milk, salt, and enzymes (like sodium citrate, whey, artificial flavors), it's a cheese product.
Yet most cheese varieties contain a fair bit of saturated fat and sodium — two things people with heart disease are often urged to limit. Still, there's no need to banish cheese from your diet. In fact, a daily serving of this popular dairy product may be good for your heart.
Casu martzu (Sardinian: [ˈkazu ˈmaɾtsu]; lit. 'rotten cheese') is a Sardinian sheep milk cheese that contains live fly maggots.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends pregnant women, adults aged 65 and older, and people who have weakened immune systems avoid eating all queso fresco-type cheeses.
Cottage cheese is identified as the healthiest cheese because it's naturally low in fat, calories, and sodium while being high in protein, calcium, and other key nutrients.
For Less Cholesterol, Choose Low-Fat Cheese
Low-fat cheeses, like low-fat cottage cheese and ricotta cheese or nonfat cheddar, have very little cholesterol. In fact, low-fat cottage cheese has only 3.4 mg. Nonfat cheddar has a total of 5 mg (low-fat, on the other hand, has 6 mg).
Typically, probiotics are in cheeses that have been aged but not heated afterward. This includes both soft and hard cheeses, including Swiss, provolone, Gouda, cheddar, Edam, Gruyère, and cottage cheese.
Yes, feta cheese is generally a healthy choice in moderation, offering protein, calcium, probiotics, and vitamins, while being lower in calories and fat than many other cheeses, but its high sodium content requires mindful portion control, especially for those watching blood pressure. It supports bone health, gut health, and provides beneficial fatty acids like CLA, making it a nutritious addition to a balanced diet when consumed in reasonable amounts.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is low in fat and is loaded with casein proteins making it a healthy cheese option. Besides, research shows that snacking on cottage cheese before bed can speed up your metabolism which could aid weight loss. In 1oz./28g of Cottage cheese there are: 20 calories.
Dietitians recommend opting for feta, gouda, goat, fresh mozzarella or any grass-fed cheese. Pair these cheeses with lifestyle habits, like exercise and sleep, to help lower inflammation.
Cheese. Some types are more likely to raise your blood pressure than others. Keep it down with cheeses that are naturally low in sodium, like Swiss, which has 75 milligrams per 1-ounce serving. Goat, ricotta, and fresh mozzarella are good, too.
Yes, ricotta cheese is generally healthy as a nutritious, high-protein, and calcium-rich dairy option, especially when choosing part-skim or low-fat versions to reduce fat, but moderation is key, and checking sodium levels on labels is wise. It offers essential nutrients like calcium for bones, B vitamins for energy, and whey protein that supports muscle health, making it a versatile choice for sweet or savory dishes within a balanced diet.
But if you enjoy a rubber-textured to crystalline consistency, Edam might be the better pick. Cheddar has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Edam offers a sweet, milky, nutty, buttery profile, ideal for different meals.
If you prefer a soft, white, aged in brine cheese, go for Feta. But if you enjoy a semihard consistency, Halloumi might be the better pick. Feta has a sharp to mild taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Halloumi offers a mild, salty profile, ideal for different meals.