Patrick Oconnell
Apples and cheese are a popular food pairing, but is this combination healthy? Apples are a nutritious fruit, rich in fibre and vitamins, while cheese is a good source of protein and calcium. When eaten together, apples and cheese create a balanced snack, offering a mix of sweet and savoury flavours. The protein and fibre in this snack can help keep you full, making it a healthier option than other snacks like a whole-grain scone, which provides fewer nutrients and around 400 calories.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | A small apple and one ounce of cheddar cheese comes in at just under 200 calories. A whole-wheat pita, half an apple and 2 ounces of low-fat cheddar cheese has 200 calories. A medium apple with light string cheese has around 155 calories. |
| Nutrients | Protein, fiber, carbohydrates, calcium, vitamins and minerals. |
| Health Benefits | Helps prevent binging and aids in weight loss. |
| Apple Types | Red, yellow, pink, green, Honey Crisp, Gala, Granny Smith. |
| Cheese Types | Cheddar, cottage cheese, low-fat Swiss cheese, string cheese, Muenster, Gouda, Parmigiano Reggiano, Brie, Gruyère, Bleu cheese, Manchego, Gorgonzola. |
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What You'll Learn
Apples and cheese are a healthy snack option
The nutritional content of this snack will depend on the type of apple and cheese used, as well as the quantity consumed. For example, a medium apple paired with light string cheese has around 155 calories, 7 grams of protein, 26 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of fat. On the other hand, a small apple and one ounce of cheddar cheese comes in at just under 200 calories, with 7.5 grams of protein, 27 grams of carbohydrates and 1 gram of fat.
When it comes to specific varieties, Granny Smith apples are known for their tartness and pair well with creamy cheeses like Pepper Jack or Manchego. Sweeter apples, like the Gala variety, are better suited to sharp, nutty cheddars like Cabot Extra Sharp Cheddar. Honey Crisp apples, with their red and yellow skin and sweet honey notes, are an ideal match for the nutty sharpness of Alpine Cheddar.
There are many ways to enjoy apples and cheese as a snack. You can keep it simple with apple slices and cheese cubes, or get creative with mini sandwiches made by coring an apple, slicing it crosswise, and adding a dollop of cottage cheese on top. For a hot snack, try roasting a stuffed whole-wheat pita in the oven until the cheese melts, or use a panini press to make a grilled cheese sandwich with apple slices.
So, if you're looking for a nutritious and tasty snack option, apples and cheese are definitely worth considering!
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Apples and cheese can help with weight loss
Apples and cheese are a tasty and healthy snack, offering a great balance of sweet and savoury flavours. They can also be an effective tool for weight loss. Firstly, apples and cheese are a low-calorie snack option. A small apple and one ounce of cheddar cheese comes in at under 200 calories, with 7.5 grams of protein, 27 grams of carbohydrates and 1 gram of fat. This is a far healthier option than a whole-grain scone, which has 400 calories and little nutritional value.
Apples and cheese are also a great way to satisfy cravings for sweet and savoury foods, preventing binging and aiding in weight loss. The protein and fibre in this snack will keep you feeling full for longer, reducing the urge to snack between meals.
The versatility of apples and cheese also helps with weight loss. There are many varieties of both apples and cheese, offering a range of flavours and textures to suit different tastes and preferences. For example, a crisp, sweet Honey Crisp apple pairs well with the nutty sharpness of Cabot Alpine Cheddar. Granny Smith apples, known for their tartness, can be balanced with the creamy texture and spice of Cabot Pepper Jack. Gala apples, with their mildly sweet, vanilla taste, are a perfect match for the sharp, nutty flavour of Triple Play Cheddar.
Apples and cheese can also be prepared in a variety of ways to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. For a quick, filling snack, apple cubes and low-fat cheddar cheese can be tossed into a pita. For added flavour, sprinkle with ground cinnamon or diced nuts. For a hot snack, the pita can be baked in the oven until the cheese melts. Apples and cheese can also be made into mini sandwiches or grilled cheese.
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Apples and cheese are a good source of protein
Apples are a powerhouse of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, and are a widely recognized and consumed fruit. They are a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, all of which contribute to overall health. While apples may not be a significant source of protein, offering around 0.4 to 0.5 grams of protein per medium-sized apple, there are ways to incorporate them into high-protein meals and snacks. For instance, slicing an apple and pairing it with cheese can provide a nutritious and satisfying snack.
The protein content of apples can vary depending on the variety, with some types known to have higher protein content than others. Recommended protein-rich apple varieties include Red Delicious, Granny Smith, and Honeycrisp. It is also important to choose ripe apples that have been stored properly to ensure maximum nutritional value.
Cheese, on the other hand, is an excellent source of protein. When combined with apples, they can make for a balanced and healthy snack. For example, the crisp and fragrant Gala apple pairs well with the bite of Cabot Extra Sharp Cheddar. The Granny Smith apple, known for its tartness, can be balanced with the creamy texture and spice of Cabot Pepper Jack. Honey Crisp apples, with their red and yellow skin and sweet taste, are complemented by the nutty sharpness of Cabot Alpine Cheddar.
In addition to cheese, apples can be paired with other high-protein foods like peanut butter, almond butter, hummus, chicken, or tuna to boost their protein content. Apple-based protein supplements have also gained popularity as a plant-based alternative to traditional protein powders.
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Apples and cheese have fewer calories than a whole-grain scone
Apples and cheese are a tasty and healthy snack option. While apples are sweet, tart, crunchy, or soft, different types of cheese add their own distinct flavours and textures to the mix. For instance, cheddar cheese, which has a sharp, nutty flavour, goes well with sweeter apples, while gouda's creamy texture is a perfect match for the tartness of Granny Smith apples. Apples and cheese also make for a great sandwich, with the addition of cinnamon, honey, walnuts, or even caramelized onions.
Apples and cheese are not only delicious but also a nutritious snack option. A small apple and one ounce of cheddar cheese come in at just under 200 calories. This snack is packed with protein, fibre, carbohydrates, and calcium. The protein and fibre in this snack will also keep you full for longer.
A plate of mini sandwiches made from one medium apple and 1/4 cup of 1% cottage cheese has 135 calories, 7.5 grams of protein, 27 grams of carbohydrates, and 1 gram of fat. Even an apple grilled cheese made with one slice of whole-grain bread, a quarter of an apple, and 1 ounce of shredded low-fat Muenster cheese has only 140 calories, 9 grams of protein, 20 grams of carbohydrates, and 4 grams of fat.
In comparison, a whole-grain scone has 400 calories and does not offer much in terms of nutrients. Hence, apples and cheese are not only a tasty treat but also a healthier option than a whole-grain scone.
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Different types of apples and cheese pair well together
Apples and cheese are a perfect combination of sweet and savoury. While some people may not enjoy the combination of cheese and fruit, many different types of apples and cheese pair well together.
A classic pairing is apple pie with cheddar cheese. For a healthier option, try sliced apple with cheddar cheese. The crisp, fragrant flavour of a Gala apple, for example, goes well with the naturally-aged bite of Cabot Extra Sharp Cheddar. The Granny Smith apple variety is known for its tartness, which can be balanced by the creamy texture of Cabot Pepper Jack cheese, which also adds a little spice.
For a sweeter option, the Honey Crisp apple variety has sweet honey notes that pair well with the nutty sharpness of Cabot Alpine Cheddar. The Braeburn apple is another sweet, high-impact flavoured apple that requires a bold cheese to stand up to it, such as Cabot Habanero Cheddar. The Fuji apple is also a versatile variety, great for snacking, baking, or adding to a dish, and its sweetness and bright flavour are complemented by Cabot Vermont Sharp Cheddar.
For those who enjoy blue cheese, the crispness and sweetness of a Fuji apple can also pair well with the strong flavour of Gorgonzola.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, apples and cheese are a healthy snack option. A small apple and one ounce of cheddar cheese comes in at just under 200 calories. This snack is packed with protein, fiber, carbohydrates, and calcium.
There are many ways to prepare apple and cheese snacks. Some examples include:
- Dipping apple wedges in cottage cheese
- Mini sandwiches made from apple slices and cottage cheese
- A whole-wheat pita stuffed with cubes of apple and low-fat cheddar cheese
- A grilled cheese sandwich made with apple slices and cheddar or Muenster cheese
- Apple slices with melted Brie and brown sugar
- Apple slices with sharp cheddar and caramelized onions
Some other fruit and cheese combinations include pears with Gouda or walnuts and blue cheese.
