Frederic Melton
Blue cheese and feta are both popular cheeses with distinct flavours and textures. They are both known to be rich in calcium, protein, and vitamins. However, they have also gained a reputation for being high in fat, particularly saturated fat, which has raised concerns among health-conscious consumers. So, are feta and blue cheese high or low in fat? This article will explore the fat content of these two cheeses and provide insights into their nutritional profiles.
Are Feta and Blue Cheese High or Low in Fat?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Feta cheese | Feta is a Greek cheese that is lower in fat than many other cheeses, but it is high in salt and cholesterol. |
| Blue cheese | Blue cheese is higher in fat, saturated fat, calories, protein, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, and vitamins B5 and A. |
| High-fat cheeses | Popular cheeses like Cheddar, American, and Danish Blue are high in fat. Other high-fat cheeses include Brie, Mascarpone, and Stilton. |
| Low-fat cheeses | Low-fat cheeses include non-fat or low-fat versions of Cheddar, Swiss, cottage cheese, ricotta, and mozzarella. |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese has more fat and calories than feta
Blue cheese and feta are both high in saturated fat and sodium, which can increase the risk of atherosclerosis and hypertension. However, blue cheese has more fat and calories than feta.
Blue cheese is an aged cheese with a strong flavour and a distinctive appearance due to its blue or grey veins. It is typically made with cow's milk and the Penicillium roqueforti fungus. Blue cheese is a good source of calcium, which can promote bone health and prevent osteoporosis. It also contains less lactose, which may be a better option for lactose-intolerant individuals. However, blue cheese is high in calories, total fat, and saturated fat. For example, Danish Blue cheese contains 29% fat per 100g (19% saturated) and is even higher in salt than other cheeses.
Feta, on the other hand, is a fresh, white cheese that is a staple of Greek cuisine. It is usually made from sheep or goat's milk and has a tangy and sharp taste. Feta is lower in fat than many other cheeses, with around 20% fat content (14% saturated) and is also lower in calories. However, it is high in salt and cholesterol, so it should be consumed in moderation. Feta is also a good source of probiotics, which can enhance gut health and digestion.
While both blue cheese and feta have their own nutritional profiles, it is important to remember that cheese can be part of a healthy and well-balanced diet when consumed in moderation. The key is to balance flavour and portion size, as suggested by registered dietitian nutritionist Sara Haas.
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Feta is a good source of CLA, which may reduce body fat
Feta cheese is a Greek staple, traditionally made from sheep's and goat's milk. It is a white, salty and crumbly cheese with a tangy flavour. Feta is a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamins. It is also rich in phosphorus, which may help maintain bone density.
Feta contains a fatty acid known as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Studies have shown that CLA may help reduce body fat and improve body composition in the long term. A 2019 study found that taking 3 grams of a CLA supplement per day for 3 months was associated with decreased body fat mass and body fat percentage compared to a placebo. However, it is important to note that the effects of CLA on weight loss are modest and may be small and unreliable.
Feta cheese is also a source of probiotics, which can promote a healthy gut and support immune system function. The probiotic yeasts in feta may also aid in lowering the pH in the stomach, which is key for a healthy gut.
While feta has potential health benefits, it is important to consume it in moderation due to its high sodium and saturated fat content. Excessive sodium in the diet has been linked to high blood pressure and other ongoing health issues. Additionally, saturated fats should be limited to less than 10% of your daily calorie intake.
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Blue cheese has less lactose and more calcium than feta
Feta and blue cheese are both high in calcium, which is essential for bone and teeth health. Calcium-rich foods are linked to an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. However, blue cheese contains more calcium than feta. Blue cheese is also richer in zinc and phosphorus. Both cheeses are also high in sodium, but blue cheese contains higher amounts.
Feta is a Greek cheese that's typically made from sheep's or goat's milk. It's a soft, white cheese with a salty taste. It's packaged in brine to preserve freshness, which makes it high in sodium. Feta is lower in calories than most other cheeses, but it's higher in cholesterol and carbohydrates. It's also richer in B-complex vitamins and vitamin B12.
Blue cheese, on the other hand, is an aged cheese made with cow's milk and the Penicillium roqueforti fungus. It has a strong, tangy taste and a longer shelf life than feta. Blue cheese is higher in calories, fat, and saturated fats than feta. It's also a good source of vitamins A and B5.
In terms of lactose content, blue cheese contains less lactose than feta, making it a better option for lactose-intolerant individuals.
While both cheeses have their own unique characteristics and nutritional profiles, it's important to remember that cheese should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Feta is a fresh cheese with a short shelf life
The longevity of feta cheese depends on its packaging and storage conditions. When stored in the refrigerator, unopened feta cheese can last for up to six months. It is recommended to keep it in its original sealed packaging, such as brine or vacuum-sealed plastic wrap, to maintain moisture levels and prevent spoilage. This packaging helps retain the optimal texture and flavour of the cheese while keeping out harmful bacteria.
Once the package of feta cheese is opened, it is crucial to consume it within a certain timeframe to maintain its taste and texture. Opened feta cheese should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If not stored in brine, it will typically last for about five to seven days.
To extend the shelf life of feta cheese, it can be submerged in brine, a saltwater solution that helps preserve texture and flavour. With proper brine storage, feta can last for up to a month in the refrigerator. Additionally, freezing feta cheese is an option that can extend its shelf life by several months. However, freezing may alter the texture of the cheese, making it slightly crumblier, although the flavour usually remains intact.
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Blue cheese is aged and has a longer shelf life
Blue cheese is a strong-tasting, aged cheese with a long shelf life. It is made with cow's milk and Penicillium roqueforti fungus. It is often served on charcuterie boards with wine. Blue cheese has a shelf life of one to six months, depending on its packaging and whether it is sealed airtight. Once opened, it should be consumed within three to four weeks. Crumbled blue cheese has a shorter lifespan of one to two weeks due to a larger surface area exposed to air and bacteria.
Blue cheese is known to develop an ammonia smell as it ages, due to the natural breakdown of proteins by the bacteria present in the cheese. This scent is normal, but if it becomes overpowering, it indicates that the cheese has gone bad and should not be consumed.
Blue cheese is higher in calories, sodium, and fat (including saturated fats) than feta cheese. It is also a richer source of calcium, zinc, phosphorus, and vitamins B5 and A. However, feta contains higher amounts of carbohydrates, cholesterol, and B-complex vitamins. Both cheeses are high in probiotics and lactobacilli, which promote gut health and digestion.
Feta cheese, a fresh cheese made from sheep or goat's milk, has a shorter shelf life of about seven days when refrigerated. It is commonly used in salads, pasta, and sandwiches. Feta is higher in salt and cholesterol but lower in calories than blue cheese. It also contains CLA, a fatty acid linked to changes in body composition and potentially reduced body fat.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta and blue cheese are both high in fat, with blue cheese containing higher amounts of fat and saturated fats. Feta is lower in fat than many other cheeses, with around 20% fat and 14% saturated fat. Blue cheese contains 29% fat and 19% saturated fat.
Low-fat cheeses include non-fat and low-fat versions of Swiss, cheddar, cottage cheese, ricotta, and mozzarella.
Other types of cheese that are high in fat include mascarpone, brie, and stilton.
