Frederic Melton
Soft cheese is a versatile dairy product, often used as a spread on crackers or bread. It is made from milk and has a similar nutrient profile, containing calcium, vitamins, and minerals. The calorie count of soft cheese varies depending on the brand and type of milk used. For example, a half-cup of 4% full-fat cottage cheese contains about 120 calories, whereas a serving of Tesco's Everyday Value Full-Fat Soft Philly-style cheese contains 245 calories.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 calories per half-cup of soft cheese like 4% full-fat cottage cheese |
| Calories | 245 calories per serving of soft cheese (Everyday Value, Full-fat Soft Philly-style - Tesco) |
| Macronutrient breakdown | 6% carbs, 86% fat, and 8% protein |
| Nutritional value | Rich in calcium, vitamins, and minerals |
| Health benefits | Improved bone health and lower blood pressure |
| Fat content | High in saturated fats |
| Protein | Low in protein |
| Lactose | Low in lactose |
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What You'll Learn
Soft cheese calories vary by brand and type of milk
Soft cheese is a nutrient-dense food, providing protein, vitamins, minerals, and fats. The number of calories in soft cheese varies depending on the brand and the type of milk used. For example, a half-cup of 4% full-fat cottage cheese has about 120 calories, whereas a serving of Tesco's Everyday Value full-fat soft Philly-style cheese contains 245 calories.
The calorie count of soft cheese is influenced by the fat content of the milk used, the processing methods employed, and the age of the cheese. Full-fat dairy products tend to be high in calories, which can negatively impact weight loss plans. Therefore, it is generally recommended to consume full-fat cheeses in moderation.
Different types of milk yield varying flavours of soft cheese. Cow's milk cheese tends to be rich and buttery, goat's milk cheeses carry a sharp tang, and sheep's milk cheeses have a mild nutty flavour. The texture of soft cheese can range from creamy and smooth, like cream cheese, to crumbly, like feta.
Cream cheese, a popular type of soft cheese, is a good source of vitamin A and antioxidants. It may also have probiotic effects. However, cream cheese is low in protein and high in fat and calories, so it is best enjoyed in moderation. Whipped cream cheese is a lower-calorie alternative to regular cream cheese.
In addition to their high calorie content, some soft cheeses are also high in sodium. However, cheeses like goat cheese, whole-milk mozzarella, and Swiss cheese are low in sodium, with only 50-100 mg per serving.
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Nutritional value of soft cheese
Soft cheese is a nutrient-dense food that provides a good source of vitamins and minerals, in addition to some protein and fat. The exact nutritional composition of soft cheese varies depending on the type of milk used and the production method.
A half-cup of soft cheese, such as 4% full-fat cottage cheese, contains approximately 120 calories, 14 grams of protein, 3 grams of saturated fat, and 80 milligrams of calcium. Other types of soft cheese, such as cream cheese, are high in fat and contain smaller amounts of carbohydrates and protein. Cream cheese is a good source of vitamin A, providing about 10% of the daily recommended intake in a 1-ounce (28-gram) serving. It is also a source of riboflavin (vitamin B2) and has a lower protein content compared to other soft cheeses like brie and goat cheese.
The nutritional value of soft cheese is influenced by the type of milk used in its production. For example, cow's milk cheese tends to have a rich and buttery flavour, while goat's milk cheeses carry a sharp tang, and sheep's milk cheeses offer a mild nutty flavour. Soft cheeses are also affected by the climate, temperature, diet of the animal, and the timing of milking, resulting in variations in flavour even within the same type of cheese produced in different regions.
In terms of health benefits, soft cheese is known for its high calcium content, which is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Additionally, soft cheese contains vitamin B, which aids in the absorption and utilisation of calcium. A study conducted in Spain found that individuals who consumed more low-fat dairy products like soft cheese had a significantly lower risk of developing high blood pressure over a two-year period. However, it is important to note that full-fat soft cheeses can be high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which may have negative impacts on health when consumed in excess.
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Health benefits of soft cheese
The calorie count of soft cheese varies depending on the type of cheese and the type of milk used. For example, a serving of full-fat soft cheese contains 245 calories, while feta, a soft cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk, is lower in fat and calories than many other cheeses. Mozzarella, another soft cheese, is also lower in calories and sodium compared to most other cheeses.
Soft cheeses, in general, offer several health benefits due to their nutritional content. They are a good source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Consuming adequate amounts of calcium through foods like soft cheese can help prevent bone-related conditions such as osteoporosis, which is characterized by bone density loss.
Some soft cheeses are also a source of vitamin B, which aids in the absorption and utilization of calcium. Additionally, soft cheeses contain fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A and water-soluble vitamins like vitamin B12, vitamin B2, and folate.
Specific types of soft cheeses offer unique health benefits. For instance, goat cheese, a soft cheese made from goat's milk, contains medium-chain fatty acids that are rapidly absorbed by the body and less likely to be stored as fat. Goat cheese may also be easier to digest for some individuals due to its lower lactose content and different protein composition compared to cow's milk cheeses.
Cottage cheese, another variety of soft cheese, has a high protein-to-calorie ratio, making it a good option for weight management. Studies suggest that it may be as satisfying as eating an egg, which can aid in controlling calorie intake. Cottage cheese can be particularly beneficial for those at risk of osteoporosis or individuals seeking to increase their calcium and protein intake.
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Soft cheese with lowest calories
Soft cheese is a good source of vitamins and minerals, as well as protein and fat. However, full-fat dairy is high in calories, which can negatively impact the body and weight loss plans.
One of the lowest-calorie soft cheeses is feta, a soft, salty white cheese that originated in Greece. Feta is typically made from sheep's or goat's milk, with sheep's milk giving it a tangier, sharper taste. Goat's milk feta is milder, and goat's cheese is also easier for some people to digest than cow's milk cheese. Feta is also often packaged in brine to preserve its freshness, so it can be high in sodium. However, it is usually lower in calories than other cheeses.
Cottage cheese is another soft, white cheese that is often recommended for weight loss. It is high in protein and low in calories, and several studies suggest that eating high-protein foods like cottage cheese can increase feelings of fullness and help reduce overall calorie intake.
Other low-calorie soft cheeses include part-skim mozzarella, which has 70 calories per slice, and Camembert, which has 85 calories per ounce.
For those who are lactose intolerant, Parmesan is a good option as it contains lower levels of lactose compared to other cheeses. It is also high in protein, which helps to keep you satisfied for longer, and has just 70-80 calories per slice.
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How to calculate soft cheese calories
The calorie count of soft cheese varies depending on the specific type of soft cheese, the type of milk used, and the processing methods. For example, a half-cup of 4% full-fat cottage cheese has about 120 calories, whereas a serving of full-fat soft Philly-style cheese contains 245 calories.
To calculate the calorie count of a specific type of soft cheese, you can refer to online calorie calculators or nutrition labels. These sources will provide you with detailed nutritional information, including the calorie content. Additionally, some websites offer calorie charts that outline the calorie counts for various types of soft cheese.
It's important to note that the nutritional value of soft cheese is influenced by factors such as the type of milk used and the processing methods. Soft cheese made from full-fat dairy will have a higher calorie count than those made from low-fat or reduced-fat dairy. Processing methods, such as the addition of additives and the use of different coagulants, can also impact the calorie content.
When calculating the calorie count of soft cheese, it's essential to consider the serving size. The calorie count provided on nutrition labels or online sources is typically per serving, so you may need to adjust the value based on the amount of soft cheese you consume.
Additionally, soft cheese provides several health benefits due to its nutritional content. It is a good source of calcium, which is essential for bone health, and it contains vitamin B, which aids in calcium absorption. Some types of soft cheese, such as cottage cheese, have been associated with a lower risk of developing high blood pressure when consumed as part of a low-fat diet. However, it's important to remember that full-fat dairy products, including some soft cheeses, can have a negative impact on weight loss plans due to their high-calorie content.
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Frequently asked questions
The number of calories in soft cheese varies depending on the type of cheese, the type of milk used, and the cheese's fat content. For example, a half-cup of 4% full-fat cottage cheese has about 120 calories, whereas a serving of Tesco's Everyday Value full-fat soft Philly-style cheese contains 245 calories.
Soft cheese is rich in calcium, which is essential for healthy bones and teeth. It also contains vitamin B, which helps the body absorb and utilise calcium. A Spanish study of over 5,000 adults found that those who consumed more low-fat soft cheese had a 54% lower risk of developing high blood pressure over a two-year period.
Soft cheeses include cream cheese, cottage cheese, brie, camembert, feta, gorgonzola, mozzarella, and ricotta.
