Randy Chandler
Brie is a soft cow's milk cheese that originated in France but is now popular worldwide. It is pale yellow with an edible white mould rind. It is usually served with bread, crackers, or fruit. A 1-ounce (28 grams) serving of brie cheese has 95 calories, 5.9 grams of protein, and 7.9 grams of fat. Approximately 25% of the calories are from protein and 75% are from fat. But is it carb-free?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carb content | 0.1g total carbs per ounce |
| Net carbs | 0.1g per ounce |
| Fat content | 7.8g-7.9g per ounce |
| Protein content | 5.9g per ounce |
| Calories | 95-100 per ounce |
| Vitamins | A, B-12, riboflavin |
| Minerals | Calcium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium |
| Lactose content | 0-2% |
| Gluten content | None |
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What You'll Learn
Brie cheese nutritional content
Brie is a soft cow's milk cheese that originated in France and is now enjoyed worldwide. It is made by adding the enzyme rennet to milk, along with salt and bacteria known as cheese cultures. The mixture is then left to ripen for about a month, during which time white mould forms the rind of the cheese. This rind is perfectly safe to eat.
Brie is a high-fat, nutrient-rich cheese. While it is often made with full-fat milk, it can also be made with partly skimmed milk. A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of brie contains 95 calories, 5.9 grams of protein, and 7.9 grams of fat. Of those 7.9 grams of fat, 4.93 grams are saturated fat, 2.27 grams are monounsaturated fats, and 0.23 grams are polyunsaturated fats. Brie also contains a small amount of lactose, a natural milk sugar.
Brie is a good source of dairy protein, providing 5.9 grams of protein per 28-gram serving. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, vitamin A, and calcium. These nutrients offer various health benefits, such as enhanced immune system response and strong bones. Additionally, the casein protein in brie is popular in the fitness community due to its long-lasting protein-fuelling effects.
Despite its high-fat content, research has shown that there is no direct association between full-fat dairy consumption and body weight. In fact, when eaten in moderation, brie may promote feelings of fullness and aid in weight maintenance. However, excessive consumption may lead to bloating, constipation, and high calorie intake. The recommended serving size of brie is 1 ounce (28 grams), which is about the size of your thumb.
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Health benefits of eating brie cheese
Brie cheese is a soft cheese with a creamy texture and a mild taste and aroma. It is typically served with bread, crackers, fruit, or nuts. While it is high in fat, brie also provides a variety of health benefits due to its nutrient-rich composition.
Firstly, brie is a good source of energy, with 334 calories per 100g, 95 calories per ounce, and 75% fat calories and 25% protein calories. Its high fat and protein content contribute to increased feelings of fullness, which may aid weight loss and appetite control. This is supported by studies showing that a casein-rich diet can help with weight loss, especially when combined with exercise. Casein, a complete protein found in brie, provides all the essential amino acids for maintaining health.
Secondly, brie is a good source of vitamin B12, which is essential for energy production, DNA synthesis, and the normal function of nerve cells. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to megaloblastic anemia, causing weakness and fatigue. Therefore, including brie in your diet can help prevent this deficiency and boost energy levels.
Additionally, brie contains calcium, which is important for maintaining strong bones. It also provides vitamin A, which enhances the immune system response. Early studies suggest that full-fat dairy foods like brie may have heart health benefits, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Moderate consumption of brie is key, as excess can be harmful due to its high sodium content, which can affect blood pressure and kidney function. It is also important to note that people with severe dairy allergies or lactose intolerance should avoid or limit their consumption of brie cheese.
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How to store brie cheese
While Brie cheese is not entirely carb-free, it is considered keto-friendly due to its low net carb content (0.1g per ounce) and high-fat content.
Now, onto the storage guidelines for Brie cheese.
If you have purchased a whole wheel of Brie, it is best stored in its original wrapping, which is designed to maintain moisture while allowing the cheese to breathe. This type of packaging helps keep the Brie cheese fresh for longer. However, if you have a cut piece of Brie, it is recommended to consume it within a few days, buying only as much as you plan to eat. This is because exposing the cut cheese to air for an extended period can impact its quality and flavour.
If you don't intend to consume the cut Brie within a day or two, consider unwrapping it and letting it breathe for a few minutes before rewrapping. This practice helps prevent excess moisture build-up, which can affect the texture and taste of the cheese. Some people use plastic wrap or an open plastic bag with a paper towel to absorb moisture, storing it in the vegetable drawer of their refrigerator to prevent the absorption of strong odours.
Remember, Brie cheese is a living, breathing food product, so it's essential to allow some airflow to prevent the build-up of moisture and the growth of mould.
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Brie cheese and weight loss
Although brie cheese is high in fat, it is also rich in protein, calcium, and vitamins A and B12, which have several health benefits. Research has shown that a casein-rich diet can aid weight loss, especially when combined with exercise. Casein, a type of protein found in most cheeses, including brie, digests slowly, keeping you full for longer and reducing your overall calorie intake.
Brie cheese is also keto-friendly, as it is low in net carbs and high in fats. A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of brie cheese contains 95 calories, 5.9 grams of protein, and 7.9 grams of fat, with no carbohydrates.
Despite its nutritional benefits, brie cheese should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It is also important to note that pregnant women should avoid unpasteurized brie cheese, and those with milk allergies should refrain from eating it.
In conclusion, while brie cheese may not be carb-free, it can be included in a weight loss diet when consumed in appropriate portions due to its high protein and nutrient content, which promote satiety and have positive effects on overall health.
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The history of brie cheese
Brie is a soft-ripened cheese that originated in the historical region of Brie in northern France. The exact origins of Brie cheese are unclear, but it is believed to have been first produced in the 7th century by monks at the monastery of Rueil en Brie. The cheese is made from cow's milk and has a pale yellow, soft, edible rind. It has a creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavor often described as "earthy" and "nutty".
In 774, the Frankish Emperor Charlemagne visited the monastery of Rueil en Brie and found the cheese so delightful that he arranged regular deliveries to his capital, Aachen, in modern-day Germany. In 1217, King Philip II Augustus, the first man to claim the title King of France, gave 200 wheels of Brie to his courtiers as New Year gifts. Brie de Meaux, one of the most famous varieties of Brie cheese, is produced in Meaux in the historical Brie region and has a rich and complex flavor profile. It has been manufactured in the town since the 8th century and was originally known as the "Queen's cheese".
The production of Brie cheese continued to grow in the 19th and 20th centuries, as advancements in transportation and technology made it easier to produce and distribute perishable foods. The first imported wheels of Brie arrived in the United States in 1936, in the newly refrigerated holds of a luxury ocean liner. Today, Brie is one of the world's most popular and widely recognized cheeses, available in various supermarkets and specialty cheese shops worldwide.
The fabrication process of Brie involves bringing milk from local farms, thermizing and pasteurizing it to eliminate harmful bacteria, and then cooling it. The milk is then mixed with natural rennet and allowed to coagulate. Once the curds form, they are cut into large chunks and carefully transferred to circular molds. When the cheese is firm enough, it is removed from the mold, salted, and left to cure until it reaches its full potential.
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Frequently asked questions
No, brie cheese is not carb-free. A 1-ounce serving of brie contains 0.1 grams of total carbs.
Yes, brie cheese is high in fat. A 1-ounce serving contains around 7.8 grams of fat.
Brie cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin B12, and riboflavin. It also contains several other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, phosphorus, selenium, and potassium.
A 1-ounce serving of brie cheese contains around 95 calories.
