Frederic Melton
Parmesan cheese is often enjoyed as a topping on pasta dishes, but is it a low-sodium option? Cheese is typically high in sodium, but some varieties are lower in sodium than others. For example, cottage cheese, ricotta, and Swiss cheese are lower-sodium options. Parmesan cheese is considered a lower-sodium cheese, but only if used sparingly as a topping. Some manufacturers offer reduced-sodium options, which can be a good choice for those on a low-sodium diet. However, it's important to remember that sodium and fat can add up quickly, so it's always a good idea to check nutrition labels and be mindful of portion sizes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Parmesan Cheese a low-sodium option | Yes, if used sparingly. |
| Low-sodium cheese options | Cottage cheese, ricotta, cream cheese, fresh mozzarella, Swiss cheese, and pepper jack. |
| Reduced-fat, low-sodium Parmesan cheese options | Kraft 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese, Reduced-fat grated parmesan from Kraft |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Parmesan is a low-sodium cheese option
Cheese is usually high in sodium, so it may be surprising to learn that Parmesan is considered a low-sodium cheese option.
Parmesan is a hard, aged cheese with a strong, salty flavour. Its sharp taste means that less is needed to season a dish compared to other cheeses. This makes Parmesan a good low-sodium alternative, provided it is used sparingly.
Some Parmesan cheese products are marketed as low-sodium, with one option containing only 80mg of sodium per serving (2 teaspoons). For comparison, regular grated Parmesan contains 1.5 grams of fat and 120 mgs of sodium in the same amount. Another product contains less than 140mg of sodium per serving.
If you are watching your sodium intake, it is important to be mindful of how much Parmesan you are consuming, as it can still contribute a significant amount of sodium to your diet if used in large quantities.
The Truth About Enzyme Modified Parmesan Cheese for Vegetarians
You may want to see also
Kraft's reduced-fat Parmesan has less sodium
Cheese is typically high in sodium, so it may not be the first food you think of when considering a low-sodium diet. However, some cheeses are lower in sodium than others, and Parmesan is one of them—but only if you use it sparingly.
Kraft's reduced-fat grated Parmesan is a great option for those looking to cut down on sodium. A serving of Kraft's reduced-fat Parmesan contains only 80mg of sodium, which is 40mg less than the same amount of regular grated Parmesan. This may not seem like a huge difference, but sodium can quickly add up, so any reduction is beneficial.
The reason for the reduced sodium content in Kraft's product is likely due to the lower fat content. Fat and sodium often go hand in hand, so when reducing one, the other usually decreases as well. In this case, Kraft's reduced-fat Parmesan has 1 gram of fat per tablespoon, compared to 1.5 grams in the regular variety.
It's important to note that while Kraft's reduced-fat Parmesan is a better option in terms of sodium and fat content, it may not have the same rich flavor as regular Parmesan. Manufacturers often add artificial ingredients to low-sodium cheeses to make up for the lack of salty taste. However, if you're watching your sodium intake, this product can be a great way to include cheese in your diet while still enjoying the unique flavor that Parmesan adds to dishes.
Is Olive Garden's Parmesan Cheese Vegetarian?
You may want to see also
Low-sodium Parmesan has <140mg of sodium
Cheese is usually high in sodium, so it may not be the best option for people on low-salt diets. However, some cheeses are lower in sodium than others, and Parmesan is one of them—but only if you use a light hand when sprinkling it on your food.
Some manufacturers have also started producing reduced-sodium Parmesan cheese, which contains less than 140mg of sodium. For example, Kraft 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese has only 80mg of sodium per serving (2 teaspoons or 1 tablespoon). This is significantly less than the 120mg of sodium in the same amount of regular grated Parmesan.
If you're watching your sodium intake, it's important to be mindful of how much Parmesan you're consuming, as the sodium content can vary depending on the brand and the serving size. It's always a good idea to check the nutrition label and, if you have specific dietary needs or concerns, consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
In addition to Parmesan, other cheeses that are typically lower in sodium include cottage cheese, ricotta, cream cheese, fresh mozzarella, and Swiss cheese. On the other hand, cheeses like Halloumi, blues, feta, and processed cheeses tend to be higher in sodium.
Parmesan Kraft Cheese: Safe During Pregnancy?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Other low-sodium cheeses
While cheese is usually high in sodium, some varieties contain less salt and can fit into a low-sodium diet. According to the FDA, anything under 140mg of sodium per serving is considered low sodium.
Fresh Mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella is a softer variety of mozzarella sold in liquid. It is a perfect lower-sodium cheese option, with only 53 mg of sodium per ounce. It is also extremely low in lactose, making it a potential dairy option for people with lactose intolerance. You can enjoy it in a Caprese sandwich, on top of a fresh veggie salad, or in Caprese-stuffed portobello mushrooms.
Swiss
Swiss cheese is a good low-sodium option as it cooks longer, which removes some of the salt. You can enjoy it in Mushroom-Swiss Turkey Burgers or on top of toast, in a sandwich, or as an ingredient in lasagna.
Ricotta
Ricotta is a versatile cheese with only 136 mg of sodium per half-cup. It can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes, such as Eggplant Lasagna Rolls, Fig & Ricotta Overnight Oats, or classic lasagna.
Mascarpone
Mascarpone is a creamy, buttery cheese that is relatively high in fat but low in sodium, with only 15 mg of sodium per tablespoon. A little goes a long way with this cheese, and it can be enjoyed in dishes such as Mascarpone & Berries Toast or Creamy Spinach Pasta.
Cottage Cheese
Some varieties of cottage cheese are also low in sodium.
Parmesan Cheese Safety During Pregnancy
You may want to see also
High-sodium cheeses to avoid
Cheese is usually high in fat and sodium, and while some cheeses are lower in sodium, such as cottage cheese, ricotta, cream cheese, fresh mozzarella, Swiss cheese, and pepper jack, others are significantly higher. In general, the older and harder a cheese is, the higher its sodium content.
If you are looking to cut down on your sodium intake, there are several types of cheese you should avoid due to their high salt content. These include:
- Halloumi: This brine-stored cheese is a popular grilling cheese, but it is high in sodium.
- Blue Cheese: Blue cheese is another brine-stored cheese with a high sodium content.
- Feta: Like halloumi and blue cheese, feta is stored in brine, making it a high-sodium cheese.
- Processed Cheeses: Processed cheese slices often have added salt and other seasonings, increasing their sodium content.
- Parmesan: Parmesan is an extra-hard, ripened cheese with a very high sodium content. The FDA's sodium target for Parmesan is 1820mg/100g, which is 80% of the daily sodium allowance.
- Romano: Similar to Parmesan, Romano is a hard, grated cheese with a high sodium target set by the FDA.
- Gruyere: Gruyere is a hard cheese with a long ripening period, which increases its sodium content.
- Provolone: Provolone is another hard, aged cheese with high sodium levels.
- Mature Cheddar: Cheddar is a popular cheese in many parts of the world, but the mature variety has higher sodium levels due to its longer ripening period.
While it may be challenging to find low-sodium options for these cheeses, some manufacturers offer reduced-sodium versions of certain products, such as grated Parmesan. However, it is important to read labels carefully, as reduced-fat versions may not always have lower sodium levels. Additionally, some manufacturers may add artificial ingredients to compensate for the reduced saltiness in low-sodium cheeses.
Is Olive Garden's Parmesan Cheese Pasteurized?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Parmesan cheese is generally considered to be low-sodium, especially when used sparingly as a topping. For example, Kraft 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese has only 80mg of sodium per serving (2 teaspoons).
Yes, other cheeses that are often lower in sodium include cottage cheese, ricotta, cream cheese, fresh mozzarella, and Swiss cheese.
Yes, if you're trying to avoid excess sodium, it's best to stay away from halloumi, blues, feta, and processed cheeses.
According to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, it is recommended that we eat no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. However, some experts suggest an even lower intake of closer to 1,500 milligrams, especially if you have high blood pressure, kidney disease, or other health conditions where eating too much salt is a concern.
