Randy Chandler
Halloumi is a semi-hard cheese made from goat, sheep, or cow's milk. It is known for its firm texture and salty, tangy taste. This cheese has gained popularity in recent years and is often grilled or fried, adding to its savoury flavour. Halloumi is a good source of protein and calcium, which are essential for bone health and muscle growth. However, it is also high in sodium and saturated fat, which may be a concern for those watching their salt intake or maintaining a balanced diet. Halloumi is suitable for gluten-free and low-carb diets, and its lactose content is generally tolerated by those with lactose intolerance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | Halloumi is a low-carb cheese |
| Calories | High-calorie cheese, with a sizable percentage of calories from fat (70%) |
| Fat | High-fat cheese, especially when fried or cooked in oil |
| Protein | Good source of protein |
| Calcium | Good source of calcium |
| Sodium | High in sodium |
| Lactose | Contains lactose, but goat's milk contains slightly less lactose than cow's milk |
| Texture | Semi-hard, semi-firm, firm, or un-ripened with a chewy texture |
| Taste | Savory, salty, tangy |
| Type of milk | Made from the milk of goats, sheep, or cows |
| Origin | Originated from the island of Cyprus, traditionally made from sheep's milk |
| Storage | Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a year if unopened; after opening, store in salt water in an airtight container and consume within two weeks |
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What You'll Learn
Halloumi is high in protein and calcium
Halloumi is a semi-hard, semi-firm, or firm cheese with a unique savoury flavour and a chewy texture. It is traditionally made from sheep's milk in Cyprus but can also be made from goat's or cow's milk. Halloumi is known for its high melting point, which makes it suitable for baking, grilling, or frying without losing its shape.
Halloumi is a good source of protein and calcium. A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of halloumi provides 7 grams of protein. Protein is essential for various aspects of health, including hormone production, immune function, tissue repair, and muscle growth. It also helps with proper growth and development and supports weight management. Calcium plays a crucial role in muscle function, nerve transmission, bone health, and hormone secretion. Consuming halloumi can help enhance bone health and may offer protection against type 2 diabetes.
The recommended way to consume halloumi is in moderation as part of a balanced diet. While it offers nutritional benefits, halloumi is also high in sodium and saturated fat. A single slice of halloumi can contain up to 13% of the daily recommended sodium intake. Additionally, the fat and calorie content of halloumi can increase if it is fried or cooked in oil. For those watching their salt or fat intake, reduced-fat or reduced-salt versions of halloumi are available.
Halloumi is a versatile cheese that can be added to various dishes. It can be grilled, fried, or baked, giving it a crispy exterior while remaining chewy on the inside. It can be served on its own or paired with fresh fruit, tomatoes, toasted sesame seeds, or honey. Halloumi is also suitable for vegetarian, gluten-free, low-carb, and keto diets.
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It's also high in salt and saturated fat
Halloumi is a semi-hard, semi-firm, unripened cheese with a unique savoury flavour and a firm, chewy texture. It is typically made from the milk of goats, sheep, or cows. It is often grilled or fried, which enhances its salty taste and gives it a slightly crispy exterior.
While halloumi is a good source of protein and calcium, it is also high in salt and saturated fat. A single thin slice of halloumi (roughly 25 grams) contains about 5 grams of protein, but it is also high in sodium, with up to 13% of the daily recommended value in just one slice. This means that consuming too much halloumi can easily lead to exceeding the daily recommended sodium intake.
The saturated fat content of halloumi is also notable, with one slice contributing a good portion of the daily recommended value. However, it is important to note that recent research has suggested that saturated fat may not be as detrimental to health as once believed. In particular, a 2022 study found that saturated fats do not appear to impact cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular mortality, or total mortality. Nevertheless, it is generally recommended to consume halloumi in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
The high salt and fat content of halloumi can be mitigated to some extent by choosing reduced-fat or reduced-salt versions of the cheese. For example, mozzarella is a lower-fat and lower-salt alternative that still provides a gooey and creamy texture when melted. Similarly, ricotta contains half the calories of halloumi and is lower in salt, although it has a more subtle flavour.
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It's suitable for gluten-free and low-carb diets
Halloumi cheese is suitable for gluten-free and low-carb diets. The cheese is naturally gluten-free, and its low-carb content makes it a good option for those watching their carbohydrate intake.
Halloumi is a semi-hard, semi-firm, unripened cheese with a unique, savoury flavour and a firm, chewy texture. It is traditionally made from sheep's milk in Cyprus, but it can also be made from goat's or cow's milk. The cheese has a high melting point, so it can be baked, grilled, or fried without losing its shape, making it a versatile ingredient for many recipes.
Halloumi is a good source of protein and calcium, which are important for bone health and muscle growth. It also contains other essential nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin B12, riboflavin, phosphorus, and zinc. However, it is high in sodium and saturated fat, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
The cheese is a popular choice for those following a gluten-free or low-carb diet. Its high protein content makes it a filling and satisfying option for meals and snacks. It can be added to salads, wraps, tacos, burgers, and more. Halloumi is also a good option for those with lactose intolerance, as goat's milk contains slightly less lactose than cow's milk.
While halloumi is a nutritious and tasty option for gluten-free and low-carb diets, it is important to be mindful of its salt and fat content. There are reduced-fat and reduced-salt versions available, and it is recommended to consume halloumi in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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It's typically made from goat, sheep, or cow's milk
Halloumi is a semi-hard, semi-firm, unripened cheese with a unique savoury flavour and a firm, chewy texture. It is typically made from goat, sheep, or cow's milk. The production process involves heating milk and adding rennet, a substance used to separate the curds and whey. The curds are then drained, pressed into a mould, and poached in salted whey before being brined in the refrigerator.
Halloumi is a popular dairy product that originated in Cyprus and has been consumed in Greece for hundreds of years. It is now enjoyed worldwide and is especially popular in the UK. Halloumi is known for its high melting point, which makes it ideal for baking, grilling, or frying without losing its shape. It is often served cooked, enhancing its signature salty taste and creating a slightly crispy exterior.
Halloumi is a good source of protein and calcium, which are essential for bone health and muscle function. It also contains healthy fats, vitamin A, vitamin B12, riboflavin, phosphorus, and zinc. However, it is high in sodium and saturated fat, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Individuals on gluten-free or low-carb diets can comfortably include halloumi in their meals. It may also be a better option for those with lactose intolerance, as goat's milk contains slightly less lactose than cow's milk. However, those with a dairy allergy should avoid halloumi as it contains casein and whey, which can cause allergic reactions.
When adding halloumi to your diet, it is important to be mindful of its high salt and fat content. Reduced-fat or reduced-salt versions of halloumi are available, and mozzarella and ricotta are suggested as lower-fat alternatives. Overall, halloumi is a versatile and tasty cheese that can be enjoyed in various dishes, but its nutritional content should be considered when consumed regularly.
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It's semi-hard, unripened, and brined
Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened, and brined cheese. It is a popular dairy product with a unique savoury flavour and firm texture. The cheese is typically made from the milk of goats, sheep, or cows. The milk is heated and rennet, a substance used to coagulate milk, is added to separate the curds and whey. The curds are then drained and pressed into a mould. Once the curds have become firm, they are poached in salted whey and brined in a refrigerator. This brining process gives halloumi its distinctive salty taste.
Halloumi is a good source of protein and calcium. It also contains vitamin A, vitamin B12, riboflavin, phosphorus, and zinc. However, it is high in sodium and saturated fat, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. When cooked, halloumi becomes crispy on the outside while remaining firm and chewy on the inside, making it a versatile ingredient that can be added to salads, wraps, tacos, and burgers.
Halloumi is a popular choice for those on low-carb or keto diets as it is considered a low-carb food. Its high protein and calcium content make it a good option for vegetarians, who may have diets that are typically high in carbohydrates and low in protein. However, it is important to note that the fat and calorie content of halloumi can increase if it is fried or cooked in oil. Additionally, when served with refined carbohydrates like batter or burger buns, the overall carb intake of the meal increases.
While halloumi is a nutritious cheese, it may not be suitable for everyone. For those watching their salt intake, halloumi can be high in sodium, with some brands containing more salt than others. For those concerned about the high-fat content, a reduced-fat version of halloumi is available, although this may increase the carbohydrate or sugar content of the cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Halloumi cheese is a low-carb cheese, so it can be comfortably included in low-carb diets.
Halloumi cheese is a good source of protein and calcium. It may also be easier to digest for people with lactose intolerance.
Halloumi cheese is high in sodium, saturated fat, and calories. It may not be a good option for those with high blood pressure or heart disease.
