
Goat cheese is a popular alternative to cheese made from cow's milk. It is a good source of healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and protein. Goat cheese contains less lactose than cow's milk, making it a better option for people with lactose intolerance. It is also a good source of selenium, an essential trace mineral that helps the body break down DNA-damaging peroxides, reducing the risk of cancer, thyroid disease, and cardiovascular disease. Goat cheese has higher levels of fat than feta but lower than regular cheese. It also contains fewer calories than cheese made from cow's milk.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of fat | Saturated fat, capric acid (a medium-chain fatty acid), polyunsaturated fat, omega-3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid |
| Fat content | About 26g of fat per 100g (considered a "high-fat" product) |
| Nutritional benefits | Good source of selenium, magnesium, niacin (vitamin B3), protein, calcium, phosphorus, copper, vitamin D, vitamin K, vitamin A, riboflavin (vitamin B2), thiamine, probiotics |
| Lactose content | Lower levels of lactose than cow's milk, suitable for people with lactose intolerance |
| Calories | Fewer calories than cow's milk cheese |
| Cardiovascular benefits | May help improve cardiovascular health in overweight and obese individuals |
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What You'll Learn
- Goat cheese is a good source of healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and protein
- It has less lactose and A1 casein than cow's milk, making it a better option for those with lactose intolerance
- Goat cheese is rich in calcium, an essential nutrient for bone health
- Goat cheese has higher levels of fat than cow's milk feta, but lower than other cheeses
- Goat cheese contains probiotics, which promote digestive health and boost immunity

Goat cheese is a good source of healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and protein
Goat cheese is a nutritious food that offers a range of health benefits. While it is a high-fat product, goat cheese is a good source of healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and protein.
Goat cheese contains a range of healthy fats, including medium-chain fatty acids like capric acid, which is also a source of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Goat cheese is also a source of polyunsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which are considered heart-healthy. These fats can improve satiety and aid in weight loss as they are rapidly broken down and absorbed by the body.
Goat cheese is a good source of vitamins and minerals. It is rich in vitamin D, vitamin K, and vitamin B2 (riboflavin), which is important for tissue health and the production of new cells. Goat cheese also contains vitamin B3 (niacin) and vitamin A. Additionally, goat cheese provides essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, copper, selenium, and magnesium. These minerals are important for bone health, with calcium helping to build and strengthen bones and teeth, as well as protect against diseases.
Goat cheese is also a good source of protein, with a one-ounce serving providing 6 grams of protein. The protein in goat cheese is easier to digest than cow's milk protein due to the presence of A2 beta casein, which is less allergenic and inflammatory. Goat cheese also contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can improve digestive health and boost immunity.
Overall, goat cheese is a nutritious food that offers a range of health benefits due to its content of healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and protein. However, it is still important to consume goat cheese in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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It has less lactose and A1 casein than cow's milk, making it a better option for those with lactose intolerance
Goat cheese is a nutritious dairy product packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. It is considered a "high-fat" product, but it contains less fat than regular cheese made with cow's milk. For example, goat cheddar has slightly lower calories and fat content than cow cheddar.
Goat cheese has lower levels of lactose and A1 casein than cow's milk, making it a better option for those with lactose intolerance. Lactose is usually lost when cheese is churned, and goat cheese contains an exceptionally low amount of lactose. This makes it ideal for those who suffer from lactose intolerance. Goat milk also contains significantly lower amounts of A1 casein, a type of protein that may cause milk sensitivity symptoms by causing inflammation in the gut. Goat milk products contain mostly A2 casein, a type of protein that is less allergenic and less inflammatory than the A1 variety.
In addition to being a good option for those with lactose intolerance, goat cheese has several other health benefits. It is a good source of selenium, an essential trace mineral that helps the body break down DNA-damaging peroxides, which can lower the risk of developing conditions like cancer, thyroid disease, and cardiovascular disease. Goat cheese is also high in calcium, an essential nutrient for bones, teeth, and organs. It also contains healthy fats, including medium-chain fatty acids, that can improve satiety and benefit weight loss.
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Goat cheese is rich in calcium, an essential nutrient for bone health
Goat cheese is a nutritious dairy product with a creamy and distinct flavour. It is packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, and is especially rich in calcium, an essential nutrient for bone health.
Goat cheese is a good source of calcium, an essential mineral for maintaining strong and healthy bones. Calcium helps to prevent the onset of osteoporosis and other bone disorders later in life. It is also important for maintaining healthy teeth and organs. A serving of goat cheese delivers 6 grams of protein along with a combination of calcium, phosphorus, and copper—all of which are crucial for bone health.
The recommended serving size for goat cheese is small, typically around one ounce or 28 grams. However, even a small serving provides an impressive amount of nutrients. For example, soft goat cheese contains 39.7 mg of calcium per ounce, according to the USDA and NCCDB. This amounts to 3-4% of the daily recommended intake.
In addition to its calcium content, goat cheese has lower levels of lactose compared to cow's milk, making it a better choice for individuals with lactose intolerance. It also contains less A1 casein, a type of protein that can cause inflammation and digestive issues in some people. Goat cheese is easier to digest and is less likely to trigger allergic reactions compared to cow's milk.
While goat cheese is a good source of calcium and other beneficial nutrients, it is important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Goat cheese is considered a high-fat product, and while it contains healthy fats, excessive consumption may contribute to weight gain.
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Goat cheese has higher levels of fat than cow's milk feta, but lower than other cheeses
Goat cheese is a nutritious dairy product packed with vitamins, minerals, protein, and healthy fats. It contains more vitamins and minerals than cow's milk cheese, including vitamin D, vitamin K, and B vitamins like thiamine, niacin, and riboflavin. Goat cheese is also a good source of selenium, an essential trace mineral that can help lower the risk of developing conditions like cancer, thyroid disease, and cardiovascular disease.
While goat cheese is considered a high-fat product, it has lower levels of fat than most cheeses made from cow's milk. For example, soft goat's cheese contains about 26g of fat per 100g, similar to Brie and Edam, while mozzarella, ricotta, and feta (traditionally made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk) are lower in fat. Goat cheese contains just over half the amount of fat found in regular cheese and has significantly lower amounts of sodium, which is beneficial for heart health.
The fat in goat cheese is mostly saturated fat, which is considered unhealthy in large quantities. However, some studies suggest that consuming full-fat cheese does not increase the risk of heart disease. Goat cheese also contains capric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help combat acne-causing bacteria. Additionally, the fatty acids in goat cheese are metabolized faster than those in cow's cheese, leading to increased satiety and potential weight loss benefits.
Goat cheese has a tangy, earthy flavor and is available in various textures, from soft and spreadable to salty and crumbly. It is a good alternative for those with lactose intolerance, as it contains significantly lower levels of lactose and A1 casein, a type of protein that can cause milk sensitivity symptoms and inflammation in the gut. Overall, goat cheese can be a nutritious and flavorful addition to a balanced diet, but it should be consumed in moderation due to its high-fat content.
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Goat cheese contains probiotics, which promote digestive health and boost immunity
Goat cheese is a nutritious dairy product packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. It is also a good source of protein. Its distinct flavour and creamy texture have made it a popular alternative to cow's milk cheese. Goat cheese is also easier to digest for those with lactose intolerance.
Goat cheese contains probiotics, which are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. Probiotics are friendly bacteria that benefit gut health and boost immunity. They colonize the intestines and compete with any unhealthy bacteria or pathogens that they find there. This can improve the effectiveness of the immune system and reduce vulnerability to illness.
The probiotics in goat cheese can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which is crucial for digestive health. A balanced gut microbiome is associated with better digestion, reduced bloating, and a lower risk of gastrointestinal disorders. Probiotics can also help modulate immune responses, potentially reducing the risk of infections and illnesses. Regular consumption of probiotic-rich foods, such as goat cheese, may help fortify our defences against common ailments.
In addition to consuming probiotic-rich foods like goat cheese, supporting gut health can also be achieved by incorporating a variety of fibre-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Goat cheese is considered a high-fat product, but it contains healthy fats, including medium-chain fatty acids, which can improve satiety and benefit weight loss.
Goat cheese is packed with vitamins, minerals, protein, and heart-healthy fats. It is especially rich in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K, and B vitamins like thiamine, niacin, and riboflavin. Goat cheese also contains less lactose than cow's milk, making it a good option for people with lactose intolerance.
The recommended serving size for goat cheese is small, around one ounce or 28 grams. This amount provides impressive amounts of nutrients, including 6 grams of protein and a combination of calcium, phosphorus, and copper, which are essential for healthy bones.
Goat cheese contains slightly higher levels of fat than feta, but it has less fat than regular cheese made with cow's milk. For example, goat cheddar has slightly lower calories and fat than cow cheddar. Goat cheese is also lower in fat than soft cheeses like Brie and Edam.
While goat cheese has many health benefits, it is still high in saturated fat, which is generally considered unhealthy. However, some studies suggest that eating full-fat cheese may not increase the risk of heart disease. As with all foods, moderation is key to maintaining a healthy diet.
























