Andy Montoya
Mascarpone cheese is a soft and creamy Italian cheese with a high-calorie content—approximately 435 Kcal/100 grams. It is made from the acid coagulation of milk cream and has a mild taste, making it a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savoury dishes. With a macronutrient composition of 3% carbs, 93% fat, and 3% protein, mascarpone is a good source of calcium and phosphorus, providing 143mg and 73mg per 100 grams, respectively. While it is not considered a health food, mascarpone offers some nutritional benefits and is a popular choice for adding depth and richness to culinary creations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbs | 3% |
| Calories | 120-130 per serving |
| Fat | 93% |
| Protein | 3% |
| Calcium | Moderate |
| Phosphorous | 16.5% |
| Sodium | Low |
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What You'll Learn
Mascarpone cheese nutrition facts
Mascarpone cheese is a soft and creamy Italian cheese with a mild taste and a rich, buttery flavour. It is made from the acid coagulation of milk cream, usually from cow's milk, and has a high butterfat content of around 75%.
Mascarpone is a good source of calcium, providing about 143mg per 100 grams. It also contains moderate amounts of phosphorus, which, along with calcium, plays an important role in bone strengthening and growth. The cheese has a small amount of protein—approximately 4.6 grams per 100 grams—but it contains all the essential amino acids.
Mascarpone is a high-calorie food, with approximately 435 calories per 100 grams. It also has a high-fat content, with 44.5 grams of fat per 100 grams, of which 21.04 grams are saturated fats. A 1/4 cup serving of mascarpone contains approximately 120 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 3% carbs, 93% fat, and 3% protein.
In comparison to other cheeses, mascarpone has a slightly lower carb and protein content. For example, cream cheese has a higher protein content, which may make it a more filling option for spreads and dips. However, mascarpone's higher fat content gives it a richer taste and texture, making it a popular choice for desserts.
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How does it compare to cream cheese?
Mascarpone and cream cheese are both white, soft cheeses with a mild taste, but they have distinct differences. Mascarpone, also known as Italian cream cheese, is a rich, spreadable cow's milk cheese with a high percentage of butterfat. It has a mildly sweet, almost nutty flavour with a fresh, buttery character. It is less tangy than comparable cheeses like ricotta and American cream cheese. It has a looser, velvety texture and a rich mouthfeel, similar to a double-crème brie.
Cream cheese, on the other hand, is a soft cow's milk cheese containing a high percentage of milk fat. It has a smooth texture that is soft and easily spreadable. It is more stable and firm due to the use of rennet to curd the milk. Cream cheese has a tangy, acidic taste, and its base ingredient is whole milk, whereas mascarpone's base ingredient is heavy cream. Cream cheese was invented in 1873 by William A. Lawrence, a dairyman from upstate New York, while mascarpone was introduced in Italy in the 16th century.
In terms of nutrition, mascarpone has a higher fat content than cream cheese, averaging 60-70% fat compared to 30-55% for cream cheese. A 1/4 cup serving of mascarpone cheese contains approximately 120 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 3% carbs, 93% fat, and 3% protein. A similar serving of cream cheese would likely have a lower calorie count and slightly higher carbohydrate content, given its lower fat percentage.
While both cheeses are commonly used in cheesecakes, mascarpone is known to yield a more decadent and less tangy result. It is also a popular ingredient in Italian desserts like tiramisu. Cream cheese, on the other hand, is a key ingredient in traditional cheesecakes and a popular spread for bagels.
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Is it a healthy option?
Mascarpone cheese is a soft and creamy Italian cheese with a mild taste, often used in desserts such as tiramisu, cheesecakes and zabaglione. It is also used in savoury dishes, such as chicken or vegetable stuffing, dips, sauces and soups.
A serving of mascarpone contains around 120-130 calories, with a high fat content of around 13-14g per serving, and 4.6g of protein per 100g. It is a good source of calcium, providing about 143mg per 100g, as well as phosphorus, which are important for bone health.
With its high fat and calorie content, mascarpone is not typically considered a health food. Dieticians do not recommend it for those on a low-calorie diet, as it contains around 435 calories per 100g. However, it does offer some nutritional benefits, including a good source of calcium and phosphorus. It also has a rich taste and texture, which can be appealing in small amounts, adding depth to cooking.
When comparing mascarpone to cream cheese, mascarpone has a slightly lower carb and protein content. Cream cheese, however, contains more sodium, so mascarpone may be a better option for those watching their salt intake. Mascarpone is also traditionally made from cow's milk, whereas cream cheese can be made with a variety of milk types and processes. Ultimately, both cheeses have their unique places in the culinary world, and the choice between the two may come down to personal preference or recipe requirements.
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What is the serving size?
The serving size for mascarpone cheese is not standardised and depends on various factors, including the specific product, the dish it is being used in, and individual dietary requirements and preferences.
Mascarpone cheese is a soft, creamy, high-calorie cheese with a mild taste and a rich texture. It is a versatile ingredient used in both sweet and savoury dishes. The cheese is recognised as a good source of calcium and contains a moderate amount of protein.
When used as a spread or topping, a serving size of 1/4 cup (around 62g) is often suggested. This amount of mascarpone cheese provides approximately 120 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 3% carbs, 93% fat, and 3% protein. This means that there are around 3.6 carbs in a 1/4 cup serving of mascarpone cheese.
However, it is important to note that the carb content of mascarpone cheese can vary slightly between different brands and products. For example, one source states that a single serving of Sorrento Mascarpone contains 2g of total carbs, while another suggests that mascarpone cheese generally has a carb content of around 3%. This slight variation can be attributed to factors such as the specific ingredients and manufacturing processes used by different producers.
Additionally, the serving size of mascarpone cheese can also depend on the dish it is being used in. For example, when used as an ingredient in desserts such as tiramisu, cheesecake, or zabaglione, the required amount of mascarpone cheese may be specified in grams or tablespoons, resulting in a different serving size. Similarly, when used as a topping for dishes like cakes, donuts, or bagels, the serving size may be smaller than when used as a spread on bread or crostini.
Furthermore, individual dietary requirements and preferences can also influence the serving size of mascarpone cheese. For those on a low-calorie or low-fat diet, dieticians often recommend opting for lower-calorie alternatives or reducing the serving size to align with their dietary goals. On the other hand, those with higher energy needs or a focus on increasing their calcium or protein intake may choose to adjust their serving size accordingly.
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Can it be substituted for cream cheese?
One serving of mascarpone cheese contains around 2 grams of carbohydrates, 13 grams of fat, 2 grams of protein, and 130 calories. When it comes to substituting mascarpone cheese for cream cheese, it is definitely possible and may even be preferable for some people. Those who find cream cheese too sour may enjoy the taste of mascarpone better, as it is used in desserts like tiramisu and can be substituted in cheesecakes and pie crusts. In terms of consistency, mascarpone is softer than cream cheese due to its higher fat content, which is typically around 60-75% compared to cream cheese's 33%. This means that when substituting mascarpone for cream cheese in recipes, it may be necessary to cut down on the amount of mascarpone used or add extra ingredients to balance the higher fat content. For example, when making a cheesecake, it is recommended to stir the mascarpone gently by hand first to loosen it, and then carefully beat in the remaining ingredients. Additionally, some extra lemon juice can be added to cut through the richness of the mascarpone.
When substituting mascarpone for cream cheese in baking, it is important to use it straight out of the fridge due to its high-fat content, as it will break easily. Lightly beating it or softening it with a spatula before incorporating it into the other ingredients can help with this. In terms of a 1:1 substitution, it is generally safe to replace cream cheese with mascarpone, especially in baked goods like cheesecakes and banana bread. Some people have even used a combination of ricotta and mascarpone for a cheesecake with good results. However, it is important to note that the higher fat content of mascarpone may affect the texture and consistency of the final product, so it may require some experimentation to get the desired results.
Overall, substituting mascarpone cheese for cream cheese can be a great option for those who want a milder, less sour taste in their dishes. While the higher fat content of mascarpone may require some adjustments to the recipe, it is generally a suitable replacement for cream cheese in terms of taste and functionality.
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Frequently asked questions
Mascarpone cheese contains 3% carbs, with 2g of carbs per serving.
There are approximately 350 calories per 100 grams of mascarpone cheese. A 1/4 cup serving of mascarpone cheese contains 120 calories.
Mascarpone is a fresh, soft, and creamy cheese made from the acid coagulation of milk cream. It is traditionally made from cow's milk and has a butterfat content of around 75%.
