
Parmesan cheese is a dry cheese with a high calorie content. The number of calories in Parmesan cheese varies depending on the quantity consumed. For example, one tablespoon of dry grated Parmesan cheese contains 26 calories, while 100 grams of Parmesan cheese contains 420 calories. The calorie content of Parmesan cheese is higher than that of cream cheese, which has 295 calories per 100 grams. The difference in calorie content between Parmesan and cream cheese is attributed to the water content and the concentration of the product.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories (per 100 grams) | 420 |
| Calories (per tablespoon) | 26 |
| Carbohydrates (per tablespoon) | 0.9 g |
| Net Carbohydrates (per tablespoon) | 0.9 g |
| Fat (per tablespoon) | 1.7 g |
| Protein (per tablespoon) | 1.8 g |
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What You'll Learn

Parmesan cheese is a dry cheese
Parmesan cheese is a dry, hard cheese with a rich, sharp flavour and a granular texture. It is made from skimmed or partially skimmed cow's milk and contains significantly less water than softer cheeses like mozzarella. Parmesan has a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages when monks in Italy first produced it as a cheese that could be stored for extended periods. Known as "Caseus Parmensis" or "cheese from Parma", it takes its name from the Italian province of Parma, one of the designated areas for its production, along with Reggio Emilia, Bologna, Modena, and Mantua.
The premium variety of Parmesan is called Parmigiano Reggiano, and it is the only variety that can legally bear this name if produced in these specific Italian provinces. This variety of Parmesan is generally aged for at least two years, contributing to its distinct flavour and texture. The lengthy ageing process, along with the specific areas of production and strict regulations, set Parmigiano Reggiano apart from other types of Parmesan produced in countries like the US, Argentina, and Australia.
While Parmesan is indeed high in calories, it offers a range of health benefits due to its dense nutritional content. It is an excellent source of calcium and protein, and its hard, dry nature makes it a long-lasting addition to any kitchen. Its granular texture makes it ideal for grating over pasta, salads, hot popcorn, or steamed vegetables. It can also be baked to create Parmesan crisps or grated and combined with other ingredients to form a breading for chicken or fish.
When purchasing Parmesan, it is important to distinguish between the premium Parmigiano Reggiano and other varieties. The former is characterised by its specific production regions, strict quality control, and longer ageing periods, resulting in a rich flavour and granular texture. While other varieties of Parmesan can still be tasty, they may not possess the same complexity of flavour or adhere to the same stringent standards as Parmigiano Reggiano.
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100g of Parmesan contains 420 calories
Parmesan cheese is a dry cheese that is known to be high in calories. Specifically, 100g of Parmesan contains 420 calories. This calorie count is significantly higher than that of cream cheese, which has 295 calories per 100g. The higher calorie content in Parmesan is due to its dry nature, resulting in a more concentrated form compared to semi-solid cheeses like cream cheese, which have a higher water content.
The calorie density of Parmesan cheese is notable, with 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan providing approximately 26 calories. This quantity also contains 0.9g of total and net carbs, 1.7g of fat, and 1.8g of protein. The fat content in Parmesan is lower than that of cream cheese, which is 85% fat by calorie, while Parmesan is 58%.
The nutritional value of food can vary due to several factors, including genetic, environmental, and processing variables, as well as cooking and preparation techniques. However, the high calorie content of Parmesan cheese per gram is a consistent characteristic.
When considering a daily diet, it is important to note that the recommended daily calorie intake is generally set at 2,000 calories. However, individual energy needs may vary, resulting in higher or lower daily values. The contribution of a serving of Parmesan cheese to this daily intake can be significant, especially given its relatively small serving size.
In conclusion, 100g of Parmesan cheese contains 420 calories, contributing a substantial amount of energy to one's daily diet. This calorie content is higher than that of other cheeses, such as cream cheese, due to Parmesan's dry nature and lower water content. As with all foods, moderation and awareness of portion sizes are important to maintain a balanced and healthy diet.
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Parmesan has 58% fat by calorie
Parmesan cheese is a dry cheese with a high calorie density. In fact, 100 grams of Parmesan cheese contains 420 calories. When compared to other cheeses, Parmesan has a higher calorie density due to its lack of water content. For example, cream cheese, which has a higher fat content by calorie, contains only 295 calories per 100 grams. This is because cream cheese still contains a lot of water, reducing its caloric density. Parmesan, on the other hand, is completely dry, resulting in a more concentrated calorie content.
While Parmesan cheese has a high-calorie density, it is important to note that the fat content is relatively lower. Parmesan cheese is 58% fat by calorie, which means that out of those 420 calories in 100 grams of Parmesan, 243.6 calories come from fat. This is significantly lower than the fat content in cream cheese, which is 85% fat by calorie.
The reason for this discrepancy lies in the difference in water content between the two cheeses. Cream cheese, being a semi-solid food, contains more water, which reduces the proportion of calories coming from fat. Parmesan, as a dry cheese, has a lower water content, resulting in a higher proportion of calories from fat.
It is worth mentioning that the nutritional composition of food can vary due to various factors, including genetic, environmental, and processing variables, as well as cooking and preparation techniques. Therefore, the values provided may be approximations and can vary slightly in different products or batches. Nonetheless, Parmesan cheese remains a high-calorie, moderately fatty cheese, beloved by many for its distinct flavor and texture.
In summary, Parmesan cheese exhibits a high-calorie density due to its dry nature, resulting in 420 calories per 100 grams, with approximately 58% of those calories derived from fat. This unique nutritional profile sets it apart from other cheeses and contributes to its popularity in various dishes, adding both flavor and nutritional value.
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1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan contains 26 calories
Parmesan cheese is a dry cheese with a high calorie content. Its calorie density is due to its dryness, as it contains no water. In comparison, cream cheese has a lower calorie content per gram but a higher fat percentage. According to the Cronometer database, 100 grams of Parmesan cheese contains 420 calories, while the same weight of cream cheese contains 295 calories.
Parmesan cheese is often consumed grated, and the calorie content of one tablespoon of grated Parmesan is approximately 26 calories. This amount provides 0.9 grams of total carbohydrates, 0.9 grams of net carbohydrates, 1.7 grams of fat, and 1.8 grams of protein. The calorie content of Parmesan cheese can vary due to various factors, including genetic, environmental, and processing variables, as well as differences in manufacturing and preparation techniques.
When considering the nutritional value of Parmesan cheese, it is essential to look beyond calories. Parmesan cheese is a good source of protein and contains other essential nutrients. The % Daily Value (DV) is a useful metric that indicates how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. This value is based on a 2,000-calorie daily diet, but actual daily values may differ depending on individual energy needs.
It is worth noting that the nutritional composition of food can vary due to several factors. These factors include genetic and environmental factors, processing variables, changes in manufacturer formulations, and cooking and preparation techniques. Therefore, it is important to consider the nutritional information provided as approximations, especially when comparing different types of cheese, such as Parmesan and cream cheese.
In conclusion, while 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan contains 26 calories, the nutritional profile of Parmesan cheese encompasses various other nutrients that contribute to its overall impact on one's diet and health. It is important to consider portion sizes and the nutritional content of other foods consumed in conjunction with Parmesan cheese to make informed dietary choices.
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Parmesan has more calories per gram than cream cheese
Parmesan cheese has a higher calorie density than cream cheese due to its lower water content and different macronutrient composition. When comparing the calories in Parmesan and cream cheese, it is important to consider the weight of the cheese, as a given weight of Parmesan cheese will contain more calories than the same weight of cream cheese.
According to the Cronometer database, 100 grams of Parmesan cheese contains 420 calories, while 100 grams of cream cheese contains 295 calories. This difference in calorie content is primarily due to the varying moisture levels in the two cheeses. Parmesan is a dry cheese, with a lower water content, resulting in a more concentrated calorie density. In contrast, cream cheese has a higher water content, which dilutes its overall calorie density.
The macronutrient composition of the cheeses also plays a role in their calorie content. Cream cheese has a higher fat percentage by caloric value, with 85% fat compared to Parmesan's 58% fat. However, fat is the most calorie-dense macronutrient, and the higher proportion of fat in cream cheese contributes to its overall calorie content.
The way the cheeses are processed and prepared can also impact their calorie content. The nutritional values provided on food labels are based on the specific product and may not account for variations in manufacturing processes, cooking methods, or serving sizes. Therefore, it is essential to consider the specific context when comparing the calorie content of different cheeses.
In summary, Parmesan cheese has more calories per gram than cream cheese due to its lower water content and higher concentration of calories. However, cream cheese has a higher proportion of fat by caloric value, contributing to its overall calorie content. The processing, preparation, and serving size can also impact the calorie content of cheeses.
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Frequently asked questions
There are about 26 calories in a tablespoon of grated parmesan cheese.
There are about 420 calories in 100 grams of parmesan cheese.
Parmesan cheese is a dry cheese, so it has a higher caloric density than cream cheese, which has a higher water content.
The time it takes to burn off 22 calories of grated parmesan cheese depends on your energy needs and level of physical activity.
There are about 0.9 grams of total carbs and 0.9 grams of net carbs in a tablespoon of grated parmesan cheese.

























