Cheese Calories

Cheese is produced using either pasteurized or raw milk that has then been heated up with active cultures and a coagulant. The leftover whey curdles are then drained and the product is left to store and age. It not only adds a depth of flavor to dishes, but it can also be enjoyed on its own, and can be beneficial for the body all at the same time! The aspect to be aware of when choosing a healthy cheese would be the fat content of the product itself. Full fat dairy is high in calories, which can negatively impact the body and a weight loss plan. Highly-processed cheeses also contain more artificial ingredients. These you can spot in the ingredients list. Overall, it's best to opt for natural cheeses with less processing. Swiss, colby, mozzarella, ricotta—those are just a few of the great options to choose from!

There are several different varieties of cheese, including hard, semi-hard and soft cheeses. Hard and semi-hard cheeses have been aged longer, contain less moisture and have a more robust flavor. While hard cheeses can have a higher calorie count compared to the softer cheeses, this doesn’t mean that they can’t fit into a balanced diet as well and with portion moderation. Soft cheeses as a group are characterized by a more mild flavor compared to harder cheeses and will be creamier in texture. These are also generally considered the healthier go-to options as we discussed before. Feel free to enjoy a small portion of cheese as a flavor-kick for your dishes or a pick-me-up snack throughout the day.