Cheese is well-known for its delicious taste and versatility in cooking, but did you know that it can also provide a variety of health benefits? Despite being high in calories and fat, certain types of cheese can be included in a healthy diet due to their protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. In this article, we’ll explore the top 30 healthy cheeses that you can enjoy guilt-free.
1) Feta Cheese
Feta cheese is a Greek cheese made from sheep or goat’s milk. It’s lower in calories and fat than most other types of cheese, but still provides a good amount of protein and calcium.
Feta also contains beneficial bacteria that promote gut health.
2) Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese that’s rich in calcium, protein, and vitamin A. It’s low in lactose, making it easier to digest for those with lactose intolerance.
A little parmesan can go a long way in adding flavor to dishes while keeping calories and fat in check.
3) Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a fresh cheese made from the curds of cow’s milk. It’s high in protein and low in fat and calories, making it an ideal choice for weight management and muscle-building.
Cottage cheese is also a good source of calcium and B vitamins.
4) Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese is a soft cheese made from whey leftover from the production of other cheeses. It’s lower in fat and calories than most other cheeses, but still high in protein and calcium.
Ricotta is a common ingredient in Italian dishes such as lasagna and cannoli.
5) Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese is a hard cheese with a distinct nutty flavor. It’s a good source of protein and calcium, and also contains vitamin K2, which plays a role in bone health. Swiss cheese is lower in fat than many other types of cheese.
6) Gouda Cheese
Gouda cheese is a semi-hard cheese with a creamy texture and mild flavor. It’s a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamin B12.
Gouda is also known for its high concentration of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid that may have anti-inflammatory and weight loss benefits.
7) Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese is a hard cheese that’s commonly used in sandwiches and on crackers. It’s a good source of protein and calcium, and also contains vitamin K2.
Cheddar cheese is higher in calories and fat than some other types of cheese, so it should be consumed in moderation.
8) Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella cheese is a soft, mild cheese that’s often used in Italian dishes such as pizza and lasagna. It’s a good source of protein and calcium, and also contains vitamin B12. Mozzarella is lower in fat than some other types of cheese.
9) Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is a pungent cheese with a distinct moldy flavor. It’s a good source of protein and calcium, and also contains vitamin K2. Some studies suggest that the mold in blue cheese may have antimicrobial and immune-boosting effects.
10) Goat Cheese
Goat cheese is a soft cheese with a tangy flavor that’s often used in salads and spreads. It’s lower in calories and fat than most other types of cheese, but still provides a good amount of protein and calcium.
Goat cheese is also a good source of vitamin D.
11) Provolone Cheese
Provolone cheese is a semi-hard cheese with a sharp, smoky flavor. It’s a good source of protein and calcium, and also contains vitamin K2.
Provolone cheese is lower in fat than some other types of cheese and is often used in sandwiches and on pizzas.
12) Gruyere Cheese
Gruyere cheese is a hard, nutty cheese that’s often used in French dishes such as fondue. It’s a good source of protein and calcium, and also contains vitamin K2. Gruyere cheese is lower in fat than some other types of cheese.
13) Colby Cheese
Colby cheese is a semi-hard cheese with a mild flavor and creamy texture. It’s a good source of protein and calcium, and also contains vitamin K2.
Colby cheese is lower in fat than some other types of cheese and is often used in sandwiches and on crackers.
14) Camembert Cheese
Camembert cheese is a soft, creamy cheese with a buttery flavor. It’s a good source of protein and calcium, and also contains vitamin K2. Camembert cheese is higher in fat than some other types of cheese and is often served with crackers and fruit.
15) Asiago Cheese
Asiago cheese is a hard cheese with a sharp, nutty flavor. It’s a good source of protein and calcium, and also contains vitamin K2. Asiago cheese is lower in fat than some other types of cheese and is often used in pasta dishes and on pizzas.
16) Edam Cheese
Edam cheese is a semisoft cheese with a mild flavor. It’s a good source of protein and calcium, and also contains vitamin K2. Edam cheese is lower in fat than some other types of cheese and is often served with crackers and fruit.
17) Brie Cheese
Brie cheese is a soft, creamy cheese with a mild, buttery flavor. It’s a good source of protein and calcium, and also contains vitamin K2. Brie cheese is higher in fat than some other types of cheese and is often served with crackers and fruit.
18) Gorgonzola Cheese
Gorgonzola cheese is a pungent cheese with a blue mold and tangy flavor. It’s a good source of protein and calcium, and also contains vitamin K2.
Gorgonzola cheese is higher in fat than some other types of cheese and is often used in salads and as a topping for pizza.
19) Fontina Cheese
Fontina cheese is a semisoft cheese with a nutty flavor. It’s a good source of protein and calcium, and also contains vitamin K2. Fontina cheese is lower in fat than some other types of cheese and is often used in pasta dishes and on pizzas.
20) Halloumi Cheese
Halloumi cheese is a semisoft cheese with a salty flavor that’s often used in Mediterranean dishes. It’s a good source of protein and calcium, and also contains vitamin K2.
Halloumi cheese is higher in sodium than some other types of cheese, so it should be consumed in moderation.
21) Monterrey Jack Cheese
Monterey Jack cheese is a mild cheese with a smooth texture. It’s a good source of protein and calcium, and also contains vitamin K2.
Monterey Jack cheese is lower in fat than some other types of cheese and is often used in sandwiches and on burgers.
22) Havarti Cheese
Havarti cheese is a semisoft cheese with a buttery flavor. It’s a good source of protein and calcium, and also contains vitamin K2. Havarti cheese is lower in fat than some other types of cheese and is often used in sandwiches and on crackers.
23) Pepper Jack Cheese
Pepper Jack cheese is a spicy cheese that’s often used in Mexican dishes. It’s a good source of protein and calcium, and also contains vitamin K2.
Pepper Jack cheese is higher in sodium than some other types of cheese, so it should be consumed in moderation.
24) Queso Fresco Cheese
Queso Fresco cheese is a fresh cheese with a mild, crumbly texture. It’s a good source of protein and calcium, and also contains vitamin K2. Queso Fresco cheese is lower in fat than some other types of cheese and is often used in Mexican dishes.
25) Roquefort Cheese
Roquefort cheese is a pungent cheese with a distinct moldy flavor. It’s a good source of protein and calcium, and also contains vitamin K2.
Roquefort cheese is higher in fat than some other types of cheese and is often used in salads and as a topping for pizza.
26) Ricotta Salata Cheese
Ricotta Salata cheese is a firm, salty cheese that’s often used in Italian dishes. It’s a good source of protein and calcium, and also contains vitamin K2.
Ricotta Salata cheese is lower in fat than some other types of cheese and is often used in salads and pasta dishes.
27) Cotija Cheese
Cotija cheese is a firm, salty cheese that’s often used in Mexican dishes. It’s a good source of protein and calcium, and also contains vitamin K2.
Cotija cheese is lower in fat than some other types of cheese and is often used in salads and as a topping for tacos.
28) Manchego Cheese
Manchego cheese is a hard, nutty cheese that’s often used in Spanish dishes. It’s a good source of protein and calcium, and also contains vitamin K2.
Manchego cheese is lower in fat than some other types of cheese and is often served with fruit and crackers.
29) Paneer Cheese
Paneer cheese is a fresh cheese often used in Indian dishes. It’s a good source of protein and calcium, and also contains vitamin K2.
Paneer cheese is lower in fat than some other types of cheese and is often used in curries and as a filling for samosas.
30) Caciocavallo Cheese
Caciocavallo cheese is a hard cheese with a sharp, nutty flavor. It’s a good source of protein and calcium, and also contains vitamin K2.
Caciocavallo cheese is lower in fat than some other types of cheese and is often used in Italian dishes such as pizza and pasta.