Whether you’re a cheese connoisseur or simply someone who enjoys indulging in the timeless delight of cheese, it’s essential to be aware of the salt content in your favorite varieties.

Salt plays a crucial role in the flavor and preservation of cheese, but excessive consumption may be detrimental to your health. In this comprehensive guide, we rank 30 different cheeses based on their salt content, helping you make informed choices about your cheese selections. So, let’s dive into this cheesy adventure and discover which cheeses are saltier than others!.

1. Feta Cheese

Feta cheese, known for its tangy and crumbly texture, takes the top spot on our list with its high salt content.

This Greek cheese is traditionally made from sheep’s milk or a mixture of sheep and goat’s milk, and it boasts a delightfully salty flavor that perfectly complements Greek salads and dishes.

2. Blue Cheese

Blue cheese is renowned for its distinct, pungent flavor and characteristic blue veins running through its creamy white interior.

While the specific salt content may vary depending on the variety, blue cheeses tend to have a significantly higher salt concentration, making them perfect for adding that extra savory kick to your culinary creations.

3. Roquefort

This crumbly and creamy cheese hails from the south of France and is famously made from sheep’s milk.

Considered one of the world’s finest blue cheeses, Roquefort boasts intense flavors and an elevated salt content that enhances its overall taste profile.

4. Parmesan

No Italian dish is complete without a sprinkle of grated Parmesan! This hard and sharp-flavored cheese is undoubtedly a staple in many kitchens.

Parmesan’s salt content is moderately high, contributing to its robust and savory taste that beautifully accompanies pasta, soups, and salads.

5. Provolone

Originating from Southern Italy, Provolone is a semi-hard cheese loved for its mild and smoky flavor.

While it may not be the saltiest cheese out there, Provolone still boasts a noticeable salt content, making it an excellent melting cheese for sandwiches, pizzas, and grilled dishes.

6. Camembert

A renowned French cheese, Camembert, offers a creamy, buttery texture and a rich, earthy flavor.

While not as salty as some of the other cheeses on this list, Camembert still contains a moderate amount of sodium, perfectly harmonizing with its delicate taste when paired with crusty bread or fruits.

7. Halloumi

Hailing from Cyprus, Halloumi is a semi-hard, grillable cheese with a distinctive salty taste.

Due to its high melting point, Halloumi can be grilled or fried, resulting in a deliciously golden and slightly salty outer layer paired with a soft, gooey interior.

8. Mozzarella

Mozzarella, the beloved cheese of pizza enthusiasts worldwide, might surprise you. While it’s widely considered to be a creamy and mild cheese, it still contains a moderate amount of salt.

Its versatile nature makes it perfect for everything from gooey pizzas to fresh Caprese salads.

9. Gruyere

Originating from Switzerland, Gruyere is a hard yellow cheese known for its nutty and slightly sweet flavor.

Gruyere’s salt content is relatively moderate, allowing its distinct taste to shine through, making it ideal for melting, baking, or simply enjoying on a cheeseboard.

10. Cheddar

No list of cheeses would be complete without the mention of cheddar. This widely popular cheese comes in various forms, from mild to sharp, but they all have one thing in common—a moderate salt content that contributes to their full-bodied flavors.

Cheddar is a versatile cheese suitable for a wide range of dishes, including sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and cheeseburgers.

11. Swiss Cheese

Known for its characteristic holes or “eyes,” Swiss cheese, including Emmental and Gruyere, contains a moderate amount of salt.

Its mild and nutty flavor profile pairs excellently with deli meats in sandwiches and adds a delightful touch to cheese fondues.

12. Brie

Brie, a classic French cheese, is adored for its soft and creamy texture that effortlessly melts in your mouth. While it may not be the saltiest cheese around, Brie still contains a moderate salt content, enhancing its mild and delicate flavor.

Pair it with fruit or enjoy it as a simple appetizer.

13. Gorgonzola

Gorgonzola, often hailed as the milder cousin of Roquefort, is an Italian blue cheese with a creamy and crumbly texture.

Although it is less salty than Roquefort, Gorgonzola still possesses strong and tangy flavors that beautifully balance its moderate salt content.

14. Fontina

Another cheese originating from Italy, Fontina, boasts a relatively low to moderate salt content.

This semi-soft cheese provides a delicate and nutty taste, making it an excellent choice for melting over savory dishes or incorporating into gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.

15. Gouda

Gouda, a Dutch cheese known for its smooth and mild flavors, contains a relatively low to moderate amount of salt. It is loved for its creamy texture and versatile nature, making it suitable for both snacking and cooking.

16. Manchego

Manchego, a Spanish cheese made from sheep’s milk, exhibits a slightly salty and tangy taste.

While it may not be the saltiest cheese, its unique flavor profile derives from its moderate salt content and the creamy, nutty undertones characteristic of sheep’s milk cheese.

17. Ricotta

Ricotta, a traditional Italian cheese made from whey, boasts a delicate and slightly sweet flavor. This cheese typically has a low salt content, allowing its subtle taste to shine through, particularly when used in desserts or pasta fillings.

18. Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack, a semi-hard cheese native to California, is favored for its mild and buttery flavor. While it is not particularly salty, it contains a moderate amount of salt that adds a subtle tang to its creamy and smooth texture.

19. Pepper Jack

If you prefer a bit of heat in your cheese, Pepper Jack is the perfect choice. Derived from Monterey Jack, this cheese variety contains spicy jalapeno peppers, which can intensify its flavors.

Pepper Jack strikes the perfect balance between salty, creamy, and spicy, making it a popular choice for giving a kick to sandwiches and burgers.

20. Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese, often enjoyed as a healthy snack or salad topper, contains a relatively low salt content. It is known for its mild and slightly tangy flavor, making it a versatile addition to everything from protein-packed breakfasts to light lunches.

21. Colby

Colby cheese, similar to cheddar, possesses a mild flavor with a slightly softer and moister texture. It contains a moderate amount of salt that enhances its natural taste, making it a delightful choice for sandwiches, burgers, and cheese platters.

22. Havarti

Havarti, a Danish cheese with a buttery aroma and creamy texture, contains a moderate salt content. Its flavors are often described as mellow and slightly tangy, making it an excellent cheese to melt over sandwiches or enjoy on its own.

23. Muenster

Muenster cheese is known for its orange rind and creamy texture. Its flavors are characterized as mild and slightly tangy, with a moderate salt content that enhances its overall taste. Muenster cheese is often used in grilled sandwiches and melts.

24. Ricotta Salata

Ricotta Salata, a variation of classic ricotta, is a firm, salty, and dry cheese from Italy. It has a higher salt content than regular ricotta due to the salting process.

The cheese boasts a crumbly texture and a sharp, tangy taste that adds depth to salads and pasta dishes.

25. Edam

Edam cheese, originating from the Netherlands, is known for its vibrant red wax coating and smooth texture.

While its salt content is not particularly high, Edam’s flavors are mild and slightly salty, making it a popular choice for snacking or as a cheese accompaniment to fruits and nuts.

26. Paneer

Paneer, a fresh cheese commonly used in Indian cuisine, contains a relatively low amount of salt. Known for its mild and slightly tangy taste, paneer is a versatile cheese that can be used in curries, grilled dishes, or savory snacks.

27. Goat Cheese (Chevre)

Goat cheese, also known as chevre, is derived from goat’s milk and has a distinctive tart and earthy flavor. While the salt content can vary, most goat cheeses have a moderate salt concentration that complements their unique taste.

Goat cheese can be enjoyed crumbled on salads, spread on bread, or incorporated into various recipes.

28. Cream Cheese

Cream cheese, beloved for its creamy and spreadable texture, contains a relatively low salt content. Its mild and slightly tangy flavor makes it a popular choice for breakfast bagels, cheesecakes, and a myriad of other delightful desserts.

29. Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta cheese, a versatile Italian cheese made from whey, has a low salt content. This milky and slightly sweet cheese is incredibly versatile, lending itself well to both sweet and savory dishes.

From lasagna fillings to cheesecakes, the possibilities with ricotta are endless.

30. Mascarpone

Mascarpone, a creamy and silky Italian cheese, has a relatively low salt content. Its flavors are mild and delicate, with a hint of sweetness that makes it perfect for creating luscious desserts like tiramisu or pairing with fresh fruits.