Bushra Griffith
Soft cheeses are often considered the healthier option, as they have a milder flavour and a creamier texture than hard cheeses. However, this does not necessarily mean that they have fewer calories. While some soft cheeses, such as mozzarella, feta, cottage cheese, and ricotta, are lower in calories than hard cheeses, others, such as brie, camembert, and triple-crème, are considered less healthy due to their high saturated fat content. On the other hand, hard cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan tend to have more calcium and less lactose, resulting in a modest amount of fat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soft cheese has more calories than hard cheese | False |
| Soft cheeses with lower calories | Mozzarella, Feta, Cottage Cheese, Goat Cheese, Ricotta |
| Hard cheeses with higher calories | Cheddar, Swiss, Parmesan |
| Soft cheeses with higher calories | Brie, Camembert, Triple-crème |
| Hard cheeses with lower calories | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
- Soft cheeses like feta, cottage cheese, and mozzarella are lower in calories
- Hard, aged cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan are good sources of vitamins and minerals
- Soft cheeses are generally considered healthier, with a milder flavor and creamier texture
- Hard cheeses have a longer shelf life and are better for those with lactose intolerance
- Soft cheeses like Camembert and triple-crème are less healthy due to their saturated fat content
Soft cheeses like feta, cottage cheese, and mozzarella are lower in calories
Soft cheeses, such as feta, cottage cheese, and mozzarella, are generally lower in calories than hard cheeses. Feta cheese, a soft, salty white cheese originating from Greece, is typically made from sheep's or goat's milk and is often lower in calories than many other cheeses. Similarly, cottage cheese, a soft white cheese made from the loose curds of cow's milk, is recommended for weight loss due to its high protein and low-calorie content. Mozzarella, a soft white cheese with high moisture content, is also lower in sodium and calories than most other cheeses.
On the other hand, hard cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan tend to have higher calorie counts. Cheddar, a semi-hard cheese that originated in England, is made from cow's milk and is higher in fat, calories, and sodium compared to other cheeses. Swiss cheese, which falls into the category of hard cheeses, is also higher in fat and sodium than its softer counterparts. Parmesan, another hard cheese, contains very little lactose, making it a good option for those with lactose intolerance. However, it still falls into the category of hard cheeses with higher calorie counts.
While soft cheeses tend to have lower calories, it's worth noting that some soft cheeses can be exceptions. For example, blue cheese, which can be considered soft or hard depending on its processing, is high in calories and total and saturated fat. Similarly, soft cheeses like Camembert and Brie fall into the ""less healthy" category due to their saturated fat content.
Overall, when comparing soft and hard cheeses, soft cheeses like feta, cottage cheese, and mozzarella tend to be lower in calories, making them a healthier option for those conscious of their calorie intake. However, it's important to remember that the calorie content of cheese can vary depending on the specific type and brand, so checking nutrition labels is always a good idea.
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Hard, aged cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan are good sources of vitamins and minerals
Soft cheeses are generally characterised by a milder flavour and creamier texture than hard cheeses. They are also usually considered the healthier option. However, hard, aged cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan are good sources of vitamins and minerals.
Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese that is rich in protein and calcium, and a good source of vitamin K2, which is important for bone and dental health. It also contains amino acids that stimulate muscle synthesis, making it a good post-workout snack. Swiss cheese is also semi-hard and is typically lower in sodium and fat compared to other hard cheeses. It is also high in protein and calcium. Parmesan is another hard cheese that is rich in calcium and protein. It also has mineral-binding compounds that make it a good source of phosphorus, which is important for bone structure and energy metabolism.
While hard cheeses can have a higher calorie count, they can still be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. Soft cheeses are generally considered the healthier option, but some hard cheeses have more nutritional benefits. For example, mozzarella is a soft cheese that is lower in sodium and calories than most other cheeses, but it is also lower in calcium. Feta is another soft cheese that is often lower in calories, but it can be high in sodium if it is packaged in brine.
To incorporate hard cheeses into your diet, try adding grated or sliced cheese to dishes like pasta, eggs, burgers, or vegetable dishes. You can also enjoy them on a cheese board with fruit and nuts. Remember to practice portion control and be mindful of your overall dietary intake. Consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare provider for personalised advice.
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Soft cheeses are generally considered healthier, with a milder flavor and creamier texture
Soft cheeses, such as mozzarella, feta, cottage cheese, and goat cheese, are generally considered healthier than hard cheeses. They have a milder flavour and a creamier texture compared to harder cheeses. While soft cheeses can vary in their nutritional content, they are often lower in calories, fat, and sodium. For example, mozzarella and feta are lower in sodium and calories than most other cheeses. Mozzarella is also a good source of probiotics, which can improve gut health and boost immunity. Similarly, cottage cheese is very low in calories and fat, while being rich in vitamin B-12, which is essential for nerve and blood cell health. Goat cheese, or chevre, is another soft cheese that is lower in lactose and easier to digest than cheeses made from cow's milk. It also contains beneficial bacteria that can protect the body against illnesses.
On the other hand, hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan, tend to be aged longer and have a richer flavour and longer shelf life. While they are excellent sources of protein and calcium, they often contain higher levels of fat, calories, and sodium. For instance, cheddar is higher in fat, calories, and sodium compared to other cheeses. Similarly, Parmesan has very little lactose, making it a good option for those with lactose intolerance, but it is higher in sodium than softer cheeses.
It is worth noting that the calorie content of cheese can vary depending on the type of milk used and the fat content. Additionally, the portion size also plays a significant role in the overall calorie intake. Keeping portions small and opting for reduced-fat varieties can help include cheese in a balanced diet while managing calorie and fat intake.
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Hard cheeses have a longer shelf life and are better for those with lactose intolerance
Soft cheeses, such as Brie or Camembert, will typically last between one and three weeks in the fridge. Harder cheeses, on the other hand, can last much longer—from a few months to indefinitely. This is because hard cheeses have a lower water content, which means there is less chance for bacteria to grow. Cheddar, for example, is higher in acidity and salt than other cheeses, making it very resistant to bacteria. Hard cheeses also tend to have visible crystallisation, which indicates a loss of moisture that helps the cheese last longer.
Hard cheeses are generally safe to eat for those with lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is caused by a lack of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose, a sugar found in dairy. While it is a misconception that people with lactose intolerance cannot have any dairy, it is true that they should avoid lactose. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, and Parmigiano Reggiano, are virtually lactose-free, containing less than 1 gram of lactose per 1.5-ounce serving. Soft cheeses, on the other hand, such as cottage cheese, ricotta, and cream cheese, contain significantly more lactose.
For those with lactose intolerance, it is important to choose the right types of cheese. Hard, aged cheeses are a good option, as they are lower in lactose. In addition to the cheeses mentioned above, other low-lactose cheese options include cottage cheese or feta cheese made from goat or sheep's milk. Those with lactose intolerance can also look for lactose-free cheese or try other dairy products such as Greek and Icelandic-style yogurts and lactose-free milk.
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Soft cheeses like Camembert and triple-crème are less healthy due to their saturated fat content
Soft cheeses, such as Camembert, brie, and triple-crème, are considered less healthy than hard cheeses due to their saturated fat content. While soft cheeses are generally milder in flavour and creamier in texture, they tend to have a higher fat percentage than hard cheeses.
A dietitian and nutrition coach, Emily Tills, states that "the softer the cheese, the higher the fat." For example, a serving of 1.5 ounces of hard cheese, such as cheddar, provides about 9 grams of saturated fat, which is a significant portion of the daily recommended intake. On the other hand, softer cheeses like Camembert and triple-crème, which are enriched with cream, have even higher saturated fat levels.
Mozzarella, feta, and cottage cheese are notable exceptions among soft cheeses, as they are lower in fat and calories compared to other varieties. These cheeses are often recommended for those watching their weight or trying to reduce their saturated fat intake. For instance, mozzarella is lower in sodium and calories than most cheeses, while feta is typically lower in calories and provides beneficial nutrients like phosphorus. Cottage cheese, in particular, is known for being very low in calories and fat, making it a popular choice for weight loss.
While soft cheeses like Camembert and triple-crème may be less healthy due to their saturated fat content, it's important to remember that cheese can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Moderation is key, and enjoying small portions of cheese can provide a good source of protein, calcium, and other nutrients. Additionally, hard cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan, which are lower in fat, can be excellent alternatives for those conscious of their saturated fat intake.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the type of cheese. While some sources state that soft cheeses tend to be higher in fat and calories, there are exceptions. For example, mozzarella, feta, cottage cheese, and ricotta are all soft cheeses that are lower in fat and calories than hard cheeses like cheddar.
Mozzarella, feta, cottage cheese, and ricotta are all lower in calories compared to other cheeses.
Brie, Camembert, and triple-crème are considered less healthy due to their high saturated fat content.
Yes, the calorie content of cheese can vary depending on the type of milk used and the processing methods. For example, goat cheese tends to be lower in lactose and calories than cow's milk cheese, while hard cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan have more calcium and less lactose due to the removal of whey during processing.
