Frederic Melton
Swiss cheese, also known as Emmenthal, is a popular variety of cheese with a distinct appearance and flavour. It is characterised by its pale yellow colour and distinctive holes, which range in size from small to large. The number of holes in Swiss cheese can vary, and they are formed during the cheesemaking process due to a combination of carbon dioxide gas production and mechanical punching. While the holes are an iconic feature of Swiss cheese, they do not contribute to the point system used by Weight Watchers, which instead focuses on factors such as calorie counts, serving sizes, and fat and protein content.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of varieties | 500+ |
| Examples | Emmentaler, Appezeller, Sbrinz, Le Gruyère, Tête de Moine |
| Calories | Varies, but Swiss cheese is considered to be higher in fat |
| Weight Watchers Points | 3-4 points per ounce |
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What You'll Learn
Weight Watchers point values for Swiss cheese
The point values for Swiss cheese on Weight Watchers vary depending on the brand and style of the cheese. For example, Laughing Cow Light Swiss cheese is 1 SmartPoint per wedge, whereas Sargento Ultra Thin Swiss Cheese is 3 slices per serving.
It is important to note that while some cheeses are fat-free or reduced-fat, Swiss cheese typically has a higher density of fat solids, similar to Brie. This means that Swiss cheese may have a higher point value compared to other cheeses.
When determining the point value of Swiss cheese, it is always best to refer to the Weight Watchers app or calculator, as the values may change over time. Additionally, the point values can vary depending on the specific Weight Watchers plan being followed, such as the Freestyle, Purple, Blue, or Green plans.
In general, cheese on Weight Watchers can range from 0 to 3 SmartPoints per portion, depending on the type and amount consumed. It is recommended to stick to low-point cheeses or reduce the portion size to fit Swiss cheese into your Weight Watchers plan.
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Swiss cheese varieties
Swiss cheese, typically known as Swiss-type cheese, is made using thermophilic lactic fermentation starters, incubating the curd at a high temperature of 45°C or more. The cheese is then pressed to expel excess moisture, resulting in a firm yet elastic texture and a nutty, buttery flavour. While most Swiss cheeses have few or no holes, some varieties, like Emmental, are known for their large holes. Emmental, also known as Emmentaler, originates from the Emme Valley in the canton of Bern, where it has been crafted from raw cow's milk for centuries.
One of Europe's oldest cheeses, Sbrinz, has been produced in central Switzerland for over two millennia. Made with raw Swiss Brown cow milk, Sbrinz wheels are soaked in brine for 15 days and then aged for a minimum of 16 months. The ageing process, coupled with the use of full-fat milk, gives Sbrinz a dense, crystalline texture and a robust flavour, making it ideal for grating over dishes like risotto and soups.
Le Gruyère, named after the walled city in Fribourg, is another renowned Swiss cheese with a long history dating back to the 12th century. It is crafted from a mixture of skimmed evening milk and full-fat morning milk, imparting a unique flavour and texture. Tête de Moine, known for its bold flavour and texture, is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on a cheese board or melted over roasted potatoes and grilled burgers.
Appenzeller, a Swiss cheese made in the Appenzellerland region for over 700 years, is distinguished by its unique maturation process. The cheese wheels are rubbed with a secret herbal brine containing wine, herbs, spices, and occasionally brandy, imparting a bold, spicy flavour. The maturation process also involves periodically washing the wheels with this brine and ageing them in caves for 7 to 12 months, resulting in a thin blueish line under the rind, indicating successful brining.
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Calorie counts for Swiss cheese
Swiss cheese is a medium-hard cheese made from cow's milk and is known for its distinctive holes, which are formed by bacteria. It is a great source of protein and calcium and offers several other nutrients. However, it is high in saturated fat, contributing to around 23% of an individual's daily value (DV).
A single slice of Swiss cheese, approximately 1 ounce (28 grams), contains 110 calories. This amount also provides 7.5 grams of protein, 0.5 grams of carbohydrates, 9 grams of fat, 5 grams of saturated fat, and various vitamins and minerals. These include calcium (25% DV), magnesium (2.5% DV), phosphorus (16% DV), sodium (2% DV), zinc (8% DV), vitamin A (10% DV), and vitamin B12 (16% DV).
While Swiss cheese is a good source of nutrients, it should be consumed in moderation due to its high saturated fat content. A diet high in saturated fats may lead to increased LDL (bad) cholesterol, raising the risk of plaque buildup in arteries, blood clots, and high blood pressure. For this reason, those with lactose intolerance should generally avoid Swiss cheese, as it may cause diarrhea, belly pain, or excessive bloating.
However, Swiss cheese can be a part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. It is lower in sodium than many other popular cheeses, and its protein and calcium content promote feelings of fullness and support bone health, respectively. Additionally, Swiss cheese provides several important vitamins and minerals, making it a nutrient-rich food choice.
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Swiss cheese as part of a weight loss journey
Swiss cheese is a hard cheese made from cow's milk. It is known for its strong flavour and unique appearance, often containing holes of various sizes. Swiss cheese is a good choice for those on a weight loss journey due to its high protein and calcium content. Protein helps you feel full after meals, and calcium is important for bone health.
Swiss cheese is also a source of other minerals like zinc and phosphorus, as well as vitamins A and B12. Its slightly higher protein content compared to other cheeses makes it a good option for weight loss, as it may be more filling. For example, one ounce of Swiss cheese has 111 calories, 9 grams of fat, and 8 grams of protein. This is similar to the protein content of mild cheddar, which has 7 grams of protein but 110 calories.
Swiss cheese can be a satisfying and nutritious snack when paired with whole grain crackers. It can also be added to salads, pasta dishes, or roasted vegetables. For those following a low-sodium diet, Swiss cheese is a good option due to its low sodium content of just 53 milligrams per ounce.
When incorporating Swiss cheese into a weight loss plan, it is important to be mindful of portion sizes as cheese is calorie-dense. Laughing Cow Light Swiss cheese wedges, for example, are lower in calories and can be a good option for those watching their intake. Overall, Swiss cheese can be a tasty and nutritious addition to a well-rounded weight loss diet.
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History of Swiss cheese
Swiss cheese, or Emmental cheese, was first manufactured in the Emmental area of West Central Switzerland as early as the 14th century. The region's large rolling fields were ideal for dairy cattle grazing, and the local farmers used part of the milk obtained from the cows to make cheese.
The cheese's unique appearance and incredible taste were popularized by a writer through a series of novels on the Emmental dairy and cheese industry. However, Swiss cheese did not gain popularity outside of the Emmental region until the early 1800s when larger quantities of cheese were produced and marketed outside the area. During this time, Switzerland was facing a financial crisis, and many Swiss citizens emigrated to the United States, settling in Wisconsin and founding the town of New Glarus. Some of these immigrants, such as Thomas Hefty, established dairy farms and cheese factories in Wisconsin, making it the number one cheese-producing county in the state.
The holes in Swiss cheese, known as "eyes", are formed by the carbon dioxide bubbles created by bacteria during the late stages of cheese production. The larger the eyes in the cheese, the more pronounced its flavor due to the longer fermentation period. However, cheese with large eyes does not slice well, and U.S. industry regulators have reduced the minimum eye size for Swiss cheese to receive the Grade A stamp.
Today, Swiss cheese is produced in many countries, including the United States, Finland, Estonia, and Ireland, and has become a staple in various recipes such as Cuban sandwiches, fondue, and chicken Cordon Bleu.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the brand and the type of Swiss cheese. For example, Laughing Cow Light Swiss cheese is 1 point per wedge, whereas Sargento Ultra Thin Swiss Cheese is 3 slices per 3 points.
Laughing Cow Light Swiss cheese is a good option at 1 point per wedge.
Other low-point cheeses include President Fat-Free Feta Crumbles, Kraft Fat-Free Cheddar, Kraft Fat-Free Mozzarella, and Velveeta Slices.
The number of points in Swiss cheese will depend on the brand and type of cheese. You can usually find the nutritional information, including the number of points, on the packaging or by searching online.
