Frederic Melton
Blue cheese is a flavoursome, fermented cheese with distinctive blue veins or marbling. It is made from cow, sheep, or goat's milk and uses a type of mould that contributes to its signature flavour and colour. Blue cheese is a great source of protein, with 6.1 grams of protein per ounce (28 grams). It is also rich in calcium, vitamins, and minerals, which may help promote immune, cardiovascular, and cognitive functioning. However, blue cheese is high in salt, saturated fat, and calories, so it should be consumed in moderation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Protein | 6.1 grams per ounce (28 grams) |
| Calories | 100 per ounce (28 grams) |
| Fat | 8.1 grams per ounce (28 grams) |
| Carbohydrates | 0.7 grams per ounce |
| Cholesterol | 21 mg per ounce, 7% of the recommended daily value |
| Lactose | Low levels, generally tolerated by lactose-intolerant people |
| Gluten | Gluten-free, but rare cases of gluten-containing medium |
| Vitamins | A, D, E, K, and B vitamins |
| Minerals | Calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium |
| Allergens | Contains milk, not suitable for vegans or those with dairy allergies |
| Mold | Contains Penicillium roqueforti, safe for penicillin and mold allergies |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese is a good source of protein
The protein in blue cheese comes from dairy, specifically the milk used in the cheese-making process. Most blue cheese is made using full-fat cow's milk, although it can also be made from sheep or goat's milk. During production, the whey (another milk protein) is removed, leaving the casein behind.
In addition to its protein content, blue cheese offers other nutritional benefits. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and vitamin A. These nutrients contribute to healthy immune system functioning and promote cardiovascular and cognitive health. Blue cheese also contains a compound called spermidine, which has been linked to improved heart health and increased longevity in studies on mice, rats, and humans.
However, it is important to consume blue cheese in moderation due to its high levels of saturated fat, calories, and sodium. Additionally, those with lactose intolerance should be aware that while blue cheese has lower lactose content than other cheeses, the amount can vary depending on the brand and aging process. For those with dairy allergies, blue cheese and other milk-based products should be avoided unless dairy-free options are available.
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It is made from cow, sheep, or goat's milk
Blue cheese is made from cow's milk, sheep's milk, or goat's milk. The type of milk used depends on the variety of blue cheese being produced. For example, the famous French Roquefort blue cheese is made from sheep's milk. In fact, according to EU law, only cheeses made from sheep's milk and aged in the natural Combalou caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon may be called Roquefort. Prior to 1925, however, Roquefort was sometimes made with a small amount of cow's or goat's milk.
Another popular blue cheese, Gorgonzola, is made from whole cow's milk. This Italian cheese was first made in the village of Gorgonzola and is known for its characteristic blue-green veins, produced by the Penicillium glaucum mould. Other blue cheeses, such as Stilton, are made from cow's milk as well.
Blue cheese can also be made from goat's milk. For example, Murray's blues, which range from thick and fudgy to dense and crumbly, are goat's milk blue cheeses.
The process of making blue cheese involves adding cultures of edible moulds to create blue-green spots or veins throughout the cheese. Blue cheeses vary in flavour, colour, and consistency, and they often have a distinctive smell due to the mould or specially cultivated bacteria.
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It is gluten-free and suitable for those with gluten intolerance
Blue cheese is a great source of protein, with 6.1 grams of protein in a standard 1-ounce (28-gram) serving. The protein in blue cheese is milk protein, which is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids.
Blue cheese is also rich in calcium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, and vitamin A. The calcium in blue cheese is associated with anti-obesity mechanisms that reduce body weight from fat. It is also believed to help protect bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Blue cheese contains a compound known as spermidine, which may delay aging and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Blue cheese is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and many processed foods. While blue cheese is typically gluten-free, it is important to read the food label to ensure it is safe for consumption, as some manufacturers may use gluten-containing ingredients in the production process. For example, mold spores used to make blue cheese are sometimes grown on rye or wheat bread, but blue cheese rarely contains more than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. According to the FDA, a product must contain less than 20 ppm of gluten to be considered gluten-free.
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Blue cheese contains lactose but is tolerated by those with lactose intolerance
Blue cheese is a great source of protein and calcium. It is rich in nutrients and provides several health benefits. For instance, blue cheese can help people achieve healthier bone density and reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis. It also contains a compound known as spermidine, which may delay aging and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Despite these benefits, blue cheese contains lactose. Lactose is a milk sugar found in dairy products that some people cannot digest due to their body's inability to produce the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose into simpler sugars. This condition is known as lactose intolerance and can cause symptoms such as stomach upset, flatulence, diarrhea, bloating, and intestinal inflammation.
However, it is important to note that blue cheese has a low lactose content, ranging from 0% to 2.5%. This means that it can be well-tolerated by most people with lactose intolerance when consumed in moderation. The lactose content in blue cheese is lower than that of other dairy foods, which typically contain about 11 grams of lactose per ounce.
Additionally, the aging process of cheese also plays a role in reducing lactose content. Aged cheeses have lower lactose levels because, over time, the lactose in cheese converts to lactic acid. This means that aged, hard cheeses are often very low in lactose and can be enjoyed by those with lactose intolerance.
In summary, while blue cheese does contain lactose, its low lactose content and the aging process make it a suitable option for individuals with lactose intolerance. However, it is always recommended to read the food label and consult a healthcare provider to ensure it aligns with one's dietary restrictions and specific needs.
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It is not suitable for those with a dairy allergy
Blue cheese is a flavoursome fermented cheese featuring characteristic blue veins or marbling. It is made from cow, sheep, or goat's milk and uses a type of mould called Penicillium roqueforti, which contributes to its signature flavour and blue colour.
Blue cheese is not suitable for those with a dairy allergy. The protein in blue cheese comes from dairy and makes up 24% of the total calories in a 1-ounce serving (28 grams). It is also relatively high in cholesterol, with one ounce of blue cheese containing around 21 mg of cholesterol, which is approximately 7% of the recommended daily value.
Blue cheese is also not suitable for those with lactose intolerance, as it does contain lactose, although the amount is lower compared to other types of cheese. While some people with lactose intolerance can tolerate small amounts, it is important to note that the actual amount of lactose in blue cheese can vary depending on factors such as the specific brand and the aging process.
In addition, blue cheese is not recommended for those who are prone to headaches or migraines, as aged cheeses like blue cheese are a common headache trigger. It is also important to note that spoiled blue cheese can produce substances called mycotoxins that are harmful to health, so it should be stored safely and consumed before it spoils.
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Frequently asked questions
No, blue cheese is a good source of protein. A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of blue cheese contains 6.1 grams of protein, which makes up 24% of the total calories.
Blue cheese is made from cow, sheep, or goat's milk. It gets its distinctive blue veins or marbling from the Penicillium roqueforti mold cultures that are mixed with the milk to start the fermentation process.
Blue cheese is rich in vitamins and minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and vitamins A, D, E, and K. It also contains a compound called spermidine, which has been linked to improved heart health and increased longevity. However, blue cheese is also high in salt, saturated fat, and calories, so it should be consumed in moderation.
Blue cheese does contain lactose, but the amount is generally low enough to be tolerated by people with lactose intolerance. However, the actual amount of lactose can vary depending on the brand and aging process, so it is always good to check the food label.
