Patrick Oconnell
Halloumi and goat's cheese are both popular cheeses with unique textures and tastes. Halloumi, a semi-hard cheese made from goat, sheep, or cow's milk, is known for its tangy taste and chewy texture. Goat's cheese, on the other hand, is a soft, tangy cheese made solely from goat's milk. Both cheeses are good sources of protein and calcium, but they also contain varying levels of fat, salt, and lactose, which may impact their healthiness. So, which is healthier, halloumi or goat's cheese? Let's delve into the nutritional profiles of each and find out.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | Halloumi: Cyprus; Goats cheese: varies |
| Main type of milk used | Halloumi: goat, sheep or cow; Goats cheese: goat |
| Texture | Halloumi: semi-hard, firm; Goats cheese: soft |
| Taste | Halloumi: tangy, savoury; Goats cheese: tangy |
| Fat content | Halloumi: 20.5g-25g per 100g; Goats cheese: 26g-28g per 100g |
| Saturated fat content | Halloumi: 13.1g per 100g; Goats cheese: 19g per 100g |
| Salt content | Halloumi: high; Goats cheese: high |
| Calories | Halloumi: 276 per 100g; Goats cheese: 368 per 100g |
| Nutritional value | Both are good sources of protein and calcium; Goats cheese is rich in vitamin D |
| Health concerns | Both are high in salt and saturated fat; Goats cheese is easier to digest than cow's cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Halloumi is high in protein, calcium, salt and fat
Halloumi is a semi-hard, un-ripened, brined cheese that can be made from cow's, sheep's, or goat's milk. It is known for its unique texture and taste and has gained popularity in recent years. Halloumi is high in protein, calcium, salt, and fat, and its nutritional profile can vary slightly depending on how it is prepared.
Protein is an essential macronutrient that helps build and repair body tissues, and halloumi is a good source of it. A 30-gram serving of halloumi provides about a quarter of the daily calcium requirement, which is essential for muscle and nerve function and strong, healthy bones and teeth.
However, halloumi is also high in salt, which may be a concern for those watching their sodium intake. The brining and poaching processes used in halloumi production contribute to its high salt content. Additionally, halloumi is a fatty cheese, with around 20-25 grams of fat per 100 grams of cheese, which is higher than some popular classic cheeses like brie.
While goat's cheese is also high in fat, with about 26 grams of fat per 100 grams, it is lower in lactose and may be easier to digest than cow's milk cheese. Goat's cheese is also a good source of vitamin D and protein. Overall, goat's cheese is considered a healthier option than full-fat cow's milk cheeses like cheddar.
In conclusion, while halloumi is high in protein, calcium, salt, and fat, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Lighter versions of halloumi with reduced fat content are available, but even these may still have high salt and saturated fat levels. Consumers should be mindful of portion sizes and check labels carefully.
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Goat's cheese is rich in vitamin D and has less lactose
Goat's cheese, also known as chevre, is a tangy, soft cheese made from goat's milk. It is available in several forms, including spreadable logs, crumbles, and varieties that resemble brie. Goat's cheese is considered healthier than other cheeses because it is rich in vitamin D and has less lactose.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps the body absorb calcium. While cheese is a great source of calcium, goat's cheese stands out for its vitamin D content, which may not be present in lower-fat dairy products. In addition, goat's cheese has a similar lactose content to other semi-soft cheeses like brie or feta but is lower in lactose than wetter cheeses like ricotta and cottage cheese. This makes it a good option for those with lactose intolerance or sensitivity.
Goat's cheese also has a unique composition that makes it easier to digest than cow's milk cheeses. Its fat globules are more easily digested and are non-mucous forming. This may be why a study of centenarians found that all the participants consumed goat's milk. Goat's cheese is also a good source of tryptophan, an essential amino acid that the body uses to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for well-being, positive mood, and healthy sleep.
While goat's cheese has these health benefits, it is still considered a "high-fat" product, with about 26g of fat per 100g, similar to Brie and Edam. It also contains salt, with about as much salt as Camembert. Therefore, while goat's cheese has its advantages, it should still be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Goat's cheese is easier to digest and has more medium-chain fatty acids
Halloumi and goat's cheese are both high in calcium, which is essential for bone health. However, goat's cheese is easier to digest and has more medium-chain fatty acids.
Goat's cheese, or chevre, is a tangy, soft cheese made from goat's milk. It is available in several forms, including spreadable logs, crumbles, and varieties resembling brie. Goat's cheese contains more medium-chain fatty acids than cow's milk. These types of fat are rapidly absorbed by the body and less likely to be stored as fat. Goat's cheese may be easier for some people to digest than cow's milk cheese because goat's milk is lower in lactose and contains different proteins.
Halloumi, on the other hand, is a semi-hard, un-ripened, brined cheese that can be made from cow, sheep, or goat milk. It has a unique savory flavor and a firm, chewy texture. While halloumi is a great source of calcium, it is also high in salt and fat. A 100-gram serving of halloumi contains around 25 grams of fat, including 13 grams of saturated fat. For this reason, it is recommended to consume halloumi in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
In terms of digestibility, goat's cheese has the advantage due to the lower lactose content and different protein composition of goat's milk. This makes it a good option for those with lactose intolerance or sensitivity. Additionally, the fat globules in goat's milk are more easily digested than those in cow's milk.
While both cheeses have their nutritional benefits, goat's cheese takes the lead in terms of digestibility and the presence of medium-chain fatty acids. However, it is important to remember that cheese, in general, is high in fat and salt, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Halloumi is a semi-hard, un-ripened, brined cheese
Goat's cheese, on the other hand, is typically a soft, tangy cheese made from goat's milk. It is available in various forms, such as spreadable logs, crumbles, and varieties resembling Brie. Goat's cheese is considered a 'high-fat' product, containing about 26g of fat per 100g, similar to Brie and Edam. It also contains a similar amount of salt as Camembert. Despite being rich in vitamin D, goat's cheese is not the healthiest option and is best enjoyed in moderation.
In terms of nutritional value, both halloumi and goat's cheese offer some benefits. Halloumi is a good source of protein and calcium, while goat's cheese is rich in vitamin D and has a lower lactose content than cow's milk cheese. However, both cheeses are high in fat and salt, which can have negative health impacts if consumed in excess.
When comparing the two cheeses, it is worth noting that halloumi has a higher melting point, making it more versatile in cooking. It can be baked, grilled, or fried without losing its shape, adding a crispy texture and enhancing its flavour. Goat's cheese, while delicious, may not have the same versatility in cooked dishes due to its lower melting point.
Overall, both halloumi and goat's cheese can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. Halloumi may offer slightly more nutritional benefits due to its higher protein and calcium content, but goat's cheese is easier to digest and has a lower lactose content, making it a better option for those with lactose intolerance.
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Goat's cheese is a healthier option than full-fat Cheddar and Stilton
While cheese is a great source of protein and calcium, it is often high in saturated fat and salt. This means that eating too much cheese could lead to high cholesterol and high blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is best to consume cheese in moderation.
Goat's cheese, also known as chevre, is a tangy, soft cheese made from goat's milk. It is available in several forms, including spreadable logs, crumbles, and varieties made to resemble Brie. Goat's cheese contains about 26g of fat per 100g, which is similar to the fat content in Brie and Edam. It also contains about as much salt as Camembert. Despite being considered a "high-fat" product, goat's cheese is still a healthier option than full-fat Cheddar and super fatty Stilton.
Goat's cheese is touted as being better for people with lactose intolerance than soft cheeses made from cow's milk. It has a similar lactose content to other semi-soft cheeses such as Brie or Feta but is lower in lactose than cow's milk cheeses and contains proteins that may make it easier to digest.
Nutritionally, goat's milk has many advantages over cow's milk, and therefore, cheeses made with goat's milk are often a healthier option. The composition of goat's milk makes it quite similar to mother's milk, and the fat globules present are far more easily digested than the fat present in cow's milk. Additionally, a scientific study of people who had lived beyond the age of 100 showed that all of the centenarians were consumers of goat's milk.
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Frequently asked questions
Both cheeses are high in protein and calcium, but they are also both high in salt and saturated fat. Goat's cheese is considered a 'high-fat' product, but it is lower in lactose than cow's milk cheeses and contains proteins that may make it easier to digest. Halloumi is also high in fat, with its total fat contribution being higher than some popular classics, like brie. It is also naturally salty.
Cheese can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, but it is best consumed in moderation. In the UK, the standard portion size is 30g, and it is recommended that your daily diet features three 30g portions of dairy products.
Lower-fat cheeses such as mozzarella, feta, cottage cheese, and ricotta provide less saturated fat.
