Frederic Melton
Cheese is a beloved food for many, but is it a carb? The answer is yes, but only in small amounts. Cheese is also a great source of protein and can be a healthy snack. The carb content varies depending on the type of cheese. For example, goat cheese, blue cheese, and Swiss cheese have very low-carb content, while cottage cheese and ricotta cheese have higher carb content. Some plant-based cheeses may also contain more carbs. When it comes to the keto diet, a popular low-carb diet, cheese is generally considered keto-friendly, especially aged cheeses, sharp cheddar, and full-fat varieties. However, it's important to watch portion sizes as cheese is high in calories and fat, which can slow weight loss.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | Cheese does contain carbohydrates, but only in small amounts. The carb content in cheese comes mainly from lactose, a natural sugar found in dairy. Most natural cheeses contain less than one gram of carbohydrates per serving. |
| Low-carb options | Goat cheese, blue cheese, Swiss cheese, Parmesan cheese, feta cheese, cheddar, gouda, cream cheese, and aged cheeses are all low-carb options. |
| High-carb options | Cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, and cheesecake are higher in carbs. |
| Keto-friendly | Cheese is generally considered keto-friendly due to its high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-carb content. However, some cheeses are more suitable than others due to variations in fat content and processing. |
| Calories | Cheese is high in calories, which can slow weight loss if consumed in large quantities. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese is a carb but only in small amounts
Cheese is indeed a carb, but only in small amounts. The carb content in cheese comes mainly from lactose, a natural sugar found in dairy. The amount of carbohydrates varies depending on the type of cheese. Most natural cheeses contain less than one gram of carbohydrates per serving, making them a great option for low-carb diets.
Foods with fewer than 15 grams of carbs per serving are generally considered low in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are one of three essential macronutrients, along with protein and fat. The body breaks down carbohydrates into simple sugars, primarily glucose, which serves as the body's preferred energy source.
Cheese is a great source of protein and can be a healthy snack. For the lowest carb content, opt for aged cheeses, as they contain less lactose and, therefore, fewer carbs. Examples of low-carb cheeses include goat cheese, blue cheese, Swiss cheese, Parmesan cheese, and feta cheese. These cheeses can be enjoyed as part of a keto diet, which is a low-carb, high-fat diet.
However, it is important to note that cheese is high in fat and calories, so it should be consumed in moderation, especially if one is trying to lose weight. Additionally, some people may be lactose intolerant, so it is important to check the lactose content of different cheeses.
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Carb content varies depending on the type of cheese
Cheese is a food that contains carbohydrates, albeit in small amounts. The carb content in cheese comes from lactose, a natural sugar found in dairy. The amount of carbs varies depending on the type of cheese, with most natural cheeses containing less than one gram of carbohydrates per serving. Foods with fewer than 15 grams of carbs per serving are generally considered low in carbohydrates.
Some cheeses are better suited to low-carb diets than others. For example, goat cheese, made from goat's milk, is mild-tasting, low in sodium, and high in B vitamins. A 1-ounce serving of soft goat cheese contains zero carbs, making it an excellent choice for a low-carb or ketogenic diet. Feta cheese, made from sheep's and/or goat's milk, also has virtually no carbohydrates per 1-ounce serving.
Blue cheese, a unique cheese made using cultures of a specific type of mold, has a keto-approved nutrient profile. One slice (21 grams) contains 0.5 grams of carbs, 6 grams of protein, and 8 grams of fat. Blue cheese is a flavorful and low-carb option for snacking or topping dishes.
Swiss cheese is another option with low carb content. It is high in protein and contains just 0.4 grams of carbohydrates per 1-ounce serving. This sweet and nutty cheese is a staple in sandwiches and can also be used in soups, melted on toast, or on crackers.
On the other hand, some cheeses are higher in carbs. For example, ricotta cheese is a popular Italian dairy product with a mild taste that suits both savory and sweet dishes. However, a half-cup serving of whole milk ricotta cheese contains 8.85 grams of carbohydrates, so it may not be the best option for a low-carb diet. Cottage cheese is also higher in carbs, with a 1-cup serving of 2% cottage cheese containing 9.48 grams of carbs.
The level of processing and fat content can also affect the carb count in cheese. Reduced-fat cheeses tend to have more carbs than their full-fat counterparts because they contain added fillers to replicate the texture and meltability of full-fat cheese. Additionally, flavored and sweetened cream cheeses, such as strawberry or blueberry, should be avoided on low-carb diets.
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Some plant-based cheeses contain more carbs
While cheese is generally considered to be low-carb, some cheeses contain more carbs than others. The carb content in cheese comes mainly from lactose, a natural sugar found in dairy. The amount of carbs in cheese varies based on the type of cheese, how it is processed, and the ingredients used.
Some plant-based cheeses, for example, may contain more carbs than their dairy-based counterparts. This is because they often contain added fillers to replicate the texture and meltiness of full-fat cheese. It is important to check the labels of plant-based cheeses to understand their nutritional content. Reduced-fat cheeses also tend to have more carbs than full-fat cheeses due to the added fillers.
Processed cheeses, such as American cheese, can also vary in their carb content depending on the brand and how they are processed. These cheeses are often highly processed and contain stabilizers, fillers, and oils that are not nutritionally beneficial.
When it comes to specific types of cheese, some varieties have higher carb counts than others. For example, cottage cheese and ricotta cheese are higher in carbs and may not be suitable for low-carb or keto diets. A 1-cup serving of 2% cottage cheese contains 9.48 grams of carbs, while a 1/2-cup serving of ricotta cheese contains 9 grams of carbs.
On the other hand, aged cheeses tend to have lower carb content as they contain less lactose. Extra-aged goat cheese, for instance, is not only rich in flavor but also low in carbohydrates. Other low-carb options include blue cheese, goat cheese, feta cheese, Swiss cheese, and Parmesan cheese. These cheeses typically have less than 1 gram of carbohydrates per serving, making them excellent choices for low-carb or keto diets.
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Aged cheeses have the lowest carb content
Cheese is a food that contains carbohydrates, but only in small amounts. The carb content in cheese comes mainly from lactose, a natural sugar found in dairy. The amount of carbs varies based on the type of cheese. Most natural cheeses contain less than one gram of carbohydrates per serving, making them a great option for low-carb diets.
Goat cheese, made from goat's milk, is mild-tasting, low in sodium, and high in B vitamins. You'll get zero carbs in a 1-ounce serving of soft goat cheese. This makes it an excellent choice for someone with a low-carb or ketogenic diet. Blue cheese is another keto favourite, with one slice (21 g) containing 0.5 g of carbs, 4.5 g of protein, and 6 g of fat.
Some cheeses are higher in carbs and should be consumed in moderation on a low-carb diet. These include cottage cheese, cream cheese, and ricotta cheese. Cottage cheese contains 9.48 g of carbs per 1-cup serving, while cream cheese contains 1 g of carbs per 1-ounce serving. Ricotta cheese is also high in carbs, with a 1/2-cup serving containing 9 g of carbs.
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Cheese is high in fat and calories
While cheese is a great source of protein and can be a healthy snack, it is high in fat and calories. For instance, a ¾-oz slice of sharp cheddar contains 86 calories and 7 g of fat. Similarly, goat cheese, a keto favourite, contains 103 calories and 8 g of fat per ounce. Blue cheese, another keto favourite, contains 74 calories and 6 g of fat per slice.
The high-fat content of cheese makes it a good option for those on a keto diet, which is a low-carb, high-fat diet. However, it is important to be mindful of portion sizes, especially if you are trying to lose weight. Eating a lot of cheese can slow down weight loss and cause digestive issues.
Some cheeses are higher in fat than others. For example, cheddar ranges from mild to extra sharp, and the sharper varieties tend to have a bigger dose of flavour, so you may be satisfied with a smaller amount. Other high-fat cheeses include gouda, feta, and Swiss cheese.
Reduced-fat cheeses tend to have more carbs than their full-fat counterparts because they contain added fillers to replicate the texture and meltiness of full-fat cheese. So, if you are on a keto diet, it is important to consider not just the fat content but also the carb content of the cheese you are choosing.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese does contain carbohydrates, but only in small amounts. The carb content in cheese comes mainly from lactose, a natural sugar found in dairy.
Some cheeses with low carbs include goat cheese, blue cheese, parmesan cheese, and Swiss cheese.
Cheeses with relatively high carbs include cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, and cream cheese.
Yes, cheese is generally keto-friendly due to its high-fat, moderate protein, and low-carb content. However, it's important to watch your portion sizes and choose minimally processed cheeses.
While cheese is a tasty and nutritious option for many, it is high in calories and fat, which can impact weight loss goals. Additionally, some people may experience digestive issues or lactose intolerance when consuming large amounts of cheese.
