
Cotija cheese is a dry, grated Mexican cheese with a rich flavour. It is often used as a topping or garnish on Mexican dishes and can be mixed into sauces. One ounce of Cacique Cotija cheese contains 100 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 0% carbs, 75% fat, and 25% protein. The calorie count for Cotija cheese can vary slightly depending on the brand and specific product, but on average, one ounce of Cotija cheese contains around 90-100 calories.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90-100 |
| Macronutrient breakdown | 0% carbs, 75% fat, and 25% protein |
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Nutritional value: 100 calories, 0% carbs, 75% fat, 25% protein
Cotija cheese is a dry, grated Mexican cheese with a rich flavour. It is often used as a topping or garnish on Mexican dishes and can be mixed into sauces. Nutritional information for Cotija cheese is provided per 1-oz (28-gram) serving.
Cotija cheese is a calorie-dense food, with 100 calories per 1-oz serving. This calorie content is relatively high compared to other types of cheese. For example, a 1-oz serving of cheddar cheese typically contains around 115 calories.
The breakdown of macronutrients in Cotija cheese is as follows: 0% carbohydrates, 75% fat, and 25% protein. This means that out of the 100 calories in a 1-oz serving, 75 calories come from fat, and 25 calories come from protein. There are no calories from carbohydrates in Cotija cheese.
The high fat content in Cotija cheese contributes to its rich flavour and texture. However, it's important to note that the type of fat in cheese is primarily saturated fat, which can raise "bad" LDL cholesterol levels in the body if consumed in excess. Therefore, while Cotija cheese can add flavour to dishes, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
In terms of micronutrients, Cotija cheese provides some essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Calcium, and Iron, although the amounts vary depending on the brand and specific product. For example, a 1-oz serving of Cacique Cotija Cheese provides 4% of the daily value of Vitamin A, 15% of Calcium, and 0% of Vitamin C and Iron, based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
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Comparable to Parmesan
Cotija cheese is a dry, grated Mexican cheese with a rich, sharp flavour. It is often used as a topping or garnish on Mexican dishes, such as tacos, tostadas, and elote (Mexican street corn). It can also be mixed into sauces to add depth and flavour. In terms of nutritional value, 1 ounce of Cacique Cotija cheese contains 100 calories.
Cotija cheese is commonly compared to Parmesan cheese, another hard and salty variety. Parmesan is aged for a longer period, typically between 12 and 36 months, resulting in its intense flavour and hard texture. In contrast, Cotija cheese is aged for a shorter duration, usually a few weeks to a few months, leading to its crumbly texture and bold salty taste. Despite their differences, both cheeses are versatile and can enhance the flavour profile of dishes in unique ways.
When fresh, Cotija cheese is white and salty, resembling Feta cheese in texture. However, as it ages, Cotija becomes harder and crumbly, similar to Parmigiano-Reggiano. Its flavour also intensifies, making it a suitable substitute for Parmesan in many dishes. For example, aged Cotija can be grated over pasta, salads, and soups, just like Parmesan, to add a rich, umami flavour.
Other cheeses that are similar to Cotija and Parmesan include Romano cheese, an aged, hard, and salty Italian variety, and Manchego cheese, a popular Spanish cheese also made in Mexico. These cheeses offer similar characteristics and can be used to enhance dishes that call for a bold, salty, and crumbly cheese.
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Best used as a topping or garnish
Cotija cheese is a Mexican cheese that is commonly used in a variety of dishes. It is named after the town of Cotija in the state of Michoacán, Mexico, where it originated. It is made from cow's milk and aged for several months, and has a dry, crumbly texture with a salty, tangy, and sharp flavour. It is often referred to as the "Parmesan of Mexico".
Cotija cheese is a popular topping or garnish due to its crumbly texture and strong flavour. It can be used to add a salty, tangy, or nutty kick to many dishes. It is especially popular in Mexican cuisine, where it is used to top tacos, enchiladas, refried beans, and elotes (Mexican street corn). It can also be used to add flavour to salads, soups, pasta, and steamed vegetables.
One of the most popular uses of Cotija cheese is in making elotes, or Mexican street corn. Elote is grilled corn on the cob that is typically covered in a mixture of mayonnaise, chilli powder, lime juice, and Cotija cheese. It can also be made with sweet corn, creamy Cotija cheese, tangy lime juice, and spicy chilli powder as a side dish or appetiser.
Cotija cheese is also a great addition to salads. It can be used in a Mexican street corn salad, or as a topping on a chicken, corn, avocado, and black bean salad. It can also be used in a creamy salad dressing flavoured with cilantro, toasted pumpkin seeds, garlic, and roasted Anaheim chile peppers, which can be used on a green salad with extra Cotija cheese on top.
In addition to salads and corn dishes, Cotija cheese is a popular topping for nachos, enchiladas, and chiles rellenos (stuffed chile peppers). It can also be used as a garnish for soups, adding a sharp, salty flavour.
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Burn off with exercise: swimming (8 mins), jogging (10-11 mins), cycling (14-15 mins), walking (25-28 mins)
There are approximately 52 calories in 1 ounce of cotija cheese. Here are some examples of exercises and the duration needed to burn off those calories:
Swimming (8 minutes)
Swimming is a full-body workout that provides several benefits, including improved mood, cardiovascular health, and increased flexibility. The number of calories burned while swimming depends on various factors, such as your weight, swimming stroke, and speed. For example, a person weighing 140 pounds can burn 117 calories by casually treading water for 30 minutes, while a more intensive butterfly stroke can burn up to 460 calories in the same duration.
Jogging (10-11 minutes)
The number of calories burned while jogging depends on factors such as weight and speed. For example, an individual weighing 100 pounds jogging at 5 mph will burn approximately 362 calories per hour.
Cycling (14-15 minutes)
The number of calories burned while cycling depends on factors such as intensity, individual metabolism, and technique. Cycling at a higher intensity, such as on hills or off-road, will burn more calories than on a flat surface. The faster you pedal, the more calories you will burn.
Walking (25-28 minutes)
The number of calories burned while walking depends on factors such as weight, walking speed, and terrain. Walking on an incline or incorporating intervals of moderate and brisk walking can increase the number of calories burned. Additionally, walking for longer durations can be effective for burning fat, as lower-intensity exercises utilize more fat as fuel compared to higher-intensity exercises.
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Daily value contribution depends on individual energy needs
Cotija cheese is a dry, grated cheese that is typically used as a topping or garnish on Mexican dishes. It can also be mixed into sauces. This cheese is named after a small town in southern Mexico and is often compared to Parmesan cheese.
One ounce of Cacique Cotija cheese contains 100 calories. The macronutrient breakdown is 0% carbs, 75% fat, and 25% protein. The calorie content of this cheese is higher than the daily value (DV) contribution of other cheeses, such as Parmesan, which has only 23 calories per ounce.
The % Daily Value (DV) indicates how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. A 2,000 calorie diet is commonly used as a general guideline for nutritional advice. However, it is important to remember that individual energy needs vary, and your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your energy expenditure and health goals. For example, if you are physically active and burn more calories throughout the day, your calorie intake may need to be higher to meet your energy needs. On the other hand, if you are trying to lose weight, you may aim for a calorie deficit and choose foods that align with a lower calorie intake.
The calorie content of foods is an important consideration when creating a meal plan that aligns with your health and fitness goals. While Cotija cheese may be a tasty addition to a meal, it is essential to be mindful of portion sizes and the overall calorie content of your meals to ensure they align with your individual energy needs and nutritional goals. Consulting with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian can provide personalized guidance on how your daily values may fluctuate based on your specific circumstances.
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Frequently asked questions
There are 100 calories in 1 oz of Cacique Cotija cheese.
There are 90 calories in 1 oz of Cacique Queso Cotija Grated Cheese.
Cotija cheese contains 0% carbs, 75% fat, and 25% protein.
The amount of time it takes to burn off 100 calories of Cotija cheese depends on the type of physical activity. For example, it would take about 8 minutes of swimming, 11 minutes of jogging, 15 minutes of cycling, or 28 minutes of walking to burn off those calories.

























