Patrick Oconnell
Feta and cheddar are both popular types of cheese, with feta being a traditional Greek cheese and cheddar originating from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England. While both cheeses are rich in calcium and protein, they differ in terms of fat content, with feta being lower in fat than cheddar. Cheddar is made from cow's milk, while feta is traditionally made from sheep's or goat's milk, although some modern varieties use cow's milk. This difference in milk sources contributes to the variation in fat content between the two cheeses. Feta has a lower calorie count and is considered a reasonable option in moderation, while cheddar contains higher amounts of total fat, saturated fat, and calories. However, it is important to note that both cheeses are high in sodium and should be consumed in moderation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | Feta has fewer calories than Cheddar |
| Fat | Feta has less fat than Cheddar |
| Saturated Fat | Feta has less saturated fat than Cheddar |
| Protein | Cheddar has more protein than Feta |
| Carbohydrates | Both have similar amounts of carbs and are classified as low-carb |
| Glycemic Index | Feta has a higher glycemic index than Cheddar |
| Vitamins | Feta is richer in B-complex vitamins; Cheddar is richer in vitamin A |
| Sodium | Feta has more sodium than Cheddar |
| Cholesterol | Both have similar cholesterol content |
| Minerals | Cheddar is richer in minerals than Feta |
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What You'll Learn
Feta has less fat and fewer calories than cheddar
Feta cheese is a soft, salty white cheese that originated in Greece. It is typically made from sheep's or goat's milk, although it can also be made from cow's milk. Feta has a strong flavour, so a little goes a long way. It is packaged in brine to preserve freshness, which makes it high in sodium. However, feta is lower in fat and calories than most other cheeses, including cheddar.
Cheddar cheese, on the other hand, is a semi-hard cheese that originated in the English village of Cheddar in Somerset. It is now made all over the world and is the most popular type of cheese in the UK. Cheddar is typically made from cow's milk and can be white, off-white, or yellow. The taste varies depending on the length of ageing and the region it is made in, ranging from mild to extra sharp.
When comparing feta and cheddar cheese, it is important to note that they have different nutritional profiles. Feta has a higher glycemic index and lower protein content than cheddar. It also contains more sodium and B complex vitamins. Cheddar, on the other hand, is richer in vitamin A and other minerals such as zinc, phosphorus, and calcium.
In terms of fat content, feta cheese is lower in total fat and saturated fat than cheddar. A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of feta contains around 20% fat, with 14% saturated fat. Cheddar, on the other hand, contains about 35% fat, with 22% saturated fat. This makes feta a healthier option in terms of fat content.
Feta cheese is also lower in calories than cheddar. Cheddar contains nearly 400 calories per 100g, while feta has significantly fewer calories. This is partly because feta is often made with sheep's or goat's milk, which has smaller fat globules that are easier to absorb than cow's milk.
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Cheddar contains more protein, zinc, phosphorus, calcium and vitamin A
Feta cheese is a soft, salty white cheese that originated in Greece. It is typically made from sheep's or goat's milk, although some varieties are made with cow's milk. Feta is lower in fat than most other cheeses, but it is high in sodium. It also contains saturated fats, which should be limited to less than 10% of your daily calorie intake.
Cheddar cheese, on the other hand, is a semi-hard cheese that originated in the English village of Cheddar in Somerset. It is usually made from cow's milk and can be white, off-white, or yellow. Cheddar is a rich source of protein, zinc, phosphorus, calcium, and vitamin A. It has higher amounts of fat, calories, and saturated fats compared to feta.
When it comes to nutrition, cheddar cheese boasts a more impressive profile than feta cheese in certain areas. Firstly, cheddar contains significantly more protein. This makes it a great option for those looking to increase their protein intake while still enjoying a delicious, creamy cheese. Secondly, cheddar is notably higher in zinc. Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. By including cheddar in their diet, individuals can benefit from enhanced zinc levels, promoting overall health and well-being.
In addition to its superior protein and zinc content, cheddar cheese also surpasses feta in terms of phosphorus, calcium, and vitamin A content. Phosphorus is essential for bone health, energy production, and kidney function, while calcium is critical for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin, is important for various biological processes, including vision, immune function, and cell growth. Therefore, by consuming cheddar cheese, individuals can benefit from increased intake of these vital nutrients.
While feta cheese may lag behind in these specific nutrients, it is important to note that it excels in other areas. Feta is a good source of B complex vitamins and contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been linked to reduced body fat and improved body composition. Additionally, feta's unique flavour and texture make it a popular choice for salads and Mediterranean dishes.
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Feta contains more sodium and B complex vitamins
Feta cheese is a soft, salty white cheese that originated in Greece. It is traditionally made from sheep's or goat's milk, although today it is also available made from cow's milk. Feta has a strong flavour, so a little goes a long way. It is packaged in brine to preserve its freshness, which is why it has a high sodium content.
Feta is a good source of B complex vitamins and calcium. Calcium helps maintain healthy teeth and bones, and the phosphorus in feta is also linked to improved bone density and osteoporosis prevention. Feta also contains a fatty acid known as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been shown to help reduce body fat. However, these studies are not consistent, and further testing is needed.
Feta is also a source of probiotics, which are good bacteria that promote a healthy gut and support the immune system. It is lower in fat than many other cheeses and is considered a reasonable option to eat in moderation. However, it is important to note that feta has a high sodium content, which has been linked to high blood pressure and other ongoing health issues.
In comparison, cheddar cheese is a widely popular semi-hard cheese that originated in England. It is made from cow's milk and can be white, off-white, or yellow. Cheddar is rich in vitamin K2, which is important for heart and bone health as it prevents calcium from building up in arteries and veins, reducing the risk of heart disease. Cheddar also has a higher protein content than feta.
Both feta and cheddar are high in sodium, with feta containing higher amounts. They are both good sources of calcium, although the phosphorus in feta may weaken bones in people with kidney disease. While feta is lower in fat than cheddar, it is important to note that it has a higher saturated fat content, which is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
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Cheddar is linked to a higher risk of atherosclerosis
Feta and cheddar are both high in sodium, but feta contains higher amounts. Feta is also a good source of B complex vitamins, while cheddar is richer in vitamin A. Cheddar is also a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin K2, which is important for preventing calcium buildup in arteries and veins, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.
On the other hand, cheddar has higher amounts of total fat and saturated fat, which is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This is because saturated fat can raise levels of LDL cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. Therefore, while both cheeses are similar in overall healthiness, the higher fat content in cheddar means it is linked to a higher risk of atherosclerosis than feta.
Atherosclerosis is a specific type of cardiovascular disease caused by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. This buildup is often caused by high levels of LDL cholesterol, which is directly influenced by the amount of saturated fat in one's diet. As cheddar has higher levels of saturated fat, it is more likely to contribute to this condition than feta.
It is important to note that while feta has a lower fat content, it is still considered a high-fat food and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Additionally, feta is often packaged in brine to preserve freshness, which contributes to its high sodium content. Excessive sodium intake has been linked to high blood pressure and other health issues such as kidney disease, stroke, and heart disease. Therefore, while feta may be the healthier option when comparing the two cheeses, it is still important to consume it in moderation.
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Feta is linked to a higher risk of hypertension
Feta cheese is a soft, salty white cheese that originated in Greece. It is typically made from sheep's or goat's milk, although some varieties are made with cow's milk. Feta is a popular cheese with a strong flavour, and is often used in Greek salads or crumbled over other dishes.
While feta is a good source of nutrients like calcium and protein, it has been linked to a higher risk of hypertension due to its high sodium content. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a serious condition that can lead to other health issues such as kidney disease, stroke, and heart disease. Excessive sodium intake is a major contributor to high blood pressure, and feta cheese is packaged in brine to preserve freshness, resulting in higher sodium levels. Therefore, those at risk of hypertension should limit their consumption of feta cheese and other high-sodium foods.
In comparison, cheddar cheese, which is prepared with cow's milk, has a lower sodium content than feta. Cheddar is also a rich source of vitamin K2, which is important for heart and bone health. Vitamin K2 helps prevent calcium buildup in the arteries and veins, reducing the risk of blockages and heart disease. By preventing calcium deposits, vitamin K2 plays a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular health.
While feta cheese has a higher risk of hypertension due to its sodium content, it is important to note that both feta and cheddar cheeses are high in saturated fats. A high intake of saturated fats is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, feta has a lower fat content than cheddar, which may make it a more moderate choice for those conscious of their fat intake.
Overall, when it comes to cardiovascular health, feta cheese's high sodium content contributes to a higher risk of hypertension compared to cheddar cheese. However, both cheeses should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, and individuals should be mindful of their total sodium and saturated fat intake to maintain optimal health.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese is lower in fat than cheddar cheese, which has about 35% fat (22% saturated). Feta is also lower in calories than most other cheeses, but it is packaged in brine to preserve freshness, so it can be high in sodium.
Feta is a soft, salty white cheese that is traditionally made from sheep's or goat's milk. However, feta available in the market can also be made from cow's milk.
Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk that has been matured for several months. It can be white, off-white, or yellow.
Other low-fat cheeses include goat cheese, Swiss cheese, and reduced-fat versions of cheddar and brie.
