Bushra Griffith
Cheddar and Parmesan are two of the most popular cheeses globally, with the former being the most popular in the UK and the second most popular in the US. Both cheeses are made from cow's milk and are rich in calcium, protein, and vitamin A. However, they differ in terms of origin, taste, texture, and nutritional content. So, which is healthier?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | Cheddar: English; Parmesan: Italian |
| Texture | Cheddar: semi-hard; Parmesan: hard |
| Colour | Cheddar: pale yellow to off-white; Parmesan: straw-coloured |
| Taste | Cheddar: sharp; Parmesan: rich, nutty, umami |
| Ageing Time | Cheddar: several months; Parmesan: 12-16 months |
| Milk Type | Cheddar: cow's milk; Parmesan: cow's milk (whole and skimmed) |
| Calories | Cheddar: 403 per 100g; Parmesan: 392 per 100g |
| Protein | Cheddar: 22.9g per 100g; Parmesan: 35.8g per 100g |
| Saturated Fat | Cheddar: 18.9g per 100g; Parmesan: 14.9g per 100g |
| Cholesterol | Cheddar: 99mg per 100g; Parmesan: 68mg per 100g |
| Vitamin A | Cheddar: 337ug per 100g; Parmesan: 207ug per 100g |
| Vitamin D | Cheddar: 24iu per 100g; Parmesan: 19iu per 100g |
| Calcium | Cheddar: 710mg per 100g; Parmesan: 1184mg per 100g |
| Iron | Cheddar: 0.14mg per 100g; Parmesan: 0.82mg per 100g |
| Potassium | Cheddar: 76mg per 100g; Parmesan: 92mg per 100g |
| Sodium | Cheddar: High; Parmesan: High |
| Vitamin K2 | Cheddar: Rich; Parmesan: N/A |
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What You'll Learn
Parmesan has more protein, calcium, and iron
Parmesan and cheddar cheese are both high in protein, calcium, and iron. However, Parmesan has more of these nutrients. For example, Parmesan has 56% more protein than cheddar cheese, with 35.8g of protein per 100 grams compared to 22.9g in cheddar. Similarly, Parmesan has 67% more calcium than cheddar, containing 1184mg of calcium per 100 grams compared to 710mg in cheddar. Finally, Parmesan has 486% more iron than cheddar, with 0.82mg of iron per 100 grams compared to 0.14mg in cheddar.
In addition to being rich in protein and calcium, cheddar cheese is also a source of vitamin K2, which is important for heart and bone health. Vitamin K2 prevents calcium from building up in the arteries and veins, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease. Parmesan, on the other hand, is a hard, aged cheese with a gritty texture and a salty, nutty flavor. It is made from raw, unpasteurized cow's milk that is aged for at least 12 months to kill harmful bacteria and produce a complex flavor. Parmesan is also a low-lactose cheese, which may be easier for some people to digest.
Both cheeses are high in saturated fat and sodium, with cheddar having 27% more saturated fat and Parmesan having more sodium. Cheddar cheese is also the most popular type of cheese in the UK and the second most popular in the US, while Parmesan is commonly used in Italian dishes and can be substituted for cheddar in recipes.
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Cheddar has more vitamin A, folate, and linoleic acid
Cheddar and Parmesan cheese have slightly different nutritional profiles. While Parmesan is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin A, it is also high in saturated fat and sodium. Cheddar, on the other hand, is a good source of vitamin K2, which is important for heart and bone health. It also contains more vitamin A, folate, and linoleic acid than Parmesan.
Vitamin K2, found in Cheddar, plays a crucial role in maintaining heart health by preventing calcium buildup in the arteries and veins, thereby reducing the risk of blockages and heart disease. Cheddar cheese is also a rich source of vitamin A, an essential nutrient for maintaining healthy vision, supporting the immune system, and promoting cell growth.
Cheddar cheese also contains folate, a B vitamin that is essential for several bodily functions. Folate plays a critical role in the production of red blood cells and the synthesis of DNA, and it helps to prevent neural tube defects during pregnancy. In addition, Cheddar has a higher content of linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid. Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid, meaning the body cannot produce it and must obtain it from dietary sources. It plays a vital role in maintaining cell membrane structure and function, as well as contributing to overall health by supporting various physiological processes.
When comparing the two cheeses, it is worth noting that Parmesan cheese has its own unique benefits. It has a stronger flavour, so a smaller amount can be used, and it is a good source of calcium and phosphorus, which promote bone health. However, when it comes to vitamin A, folate, and linoleic acid content, Cheddar cheese takes the lead.
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Parmesan has less cholesterol and fewer calories
Parmesan and cheddar cheese are both high in calcium, protein, and vitamin A. However, parmesan has less cholesterol and fewer calories. Parmesan has 31% less cholesterol than cheddar cheese, with 68mg of cholesterol per 100 grams compared to cheddar's 99mg. In terms of calories, parmesan has 392 calories per 100 grams, while cheddar has 403 calories. Parmesan's strong flavour means that a smaller amount is typically used, which can make it a healthier option.
Both cheeses are made from cow's milk, but the process differs. Cheddar is made by kneading the curd with salt, cutting it into cubes to drain the whey, and then maturing it at a constant temperature. Parmesan, on the other hand, is made by mixing whole milk with naturally skimmed milk, adding starter whey, and raising the temperature. Calf rennet is then added, and the mixture is left to curdle. The curd is broken into small pieces, collected in muslin, and aged for 12 to 16 months.
While parmesan has less cholesterol and fewer calories, it is important to consider other nutritional aspects. Cheddar, for example, has more vitamin A, with 337ug per 100 grams compared to parmesan's 207ug. Additionally, cheddar has more folate, while parmesan has more niacin. Both cheeses are high in saturated fat, but cheddar has 27% more, with 18.9g of saturated fat per 100 grams compared to parmesan's 14.9g.
When it comes to substituting cheddar with parmesan, it is recommended to use a smaller amount of parmesan due to its stronger flavour. This can be especially useful when grating cheese for pasta dishes like lasagne or making a cheese sauce. Parmesan is also commonly used in Italian dishes, grated over pasta, stirred into soups and risottos, or even eaten on its own.
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Cheddar is less expensive and has more vitamin K2
Cheddar cheese is a hard English cheese that originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England, and has been produced there since at least the 12th century. It is now made anywhere in the world and is the most popular type of cheese in the UK. Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk that has been matured for several months. Its colour ranges from white to yellow, and its taste can vary from mild to extra sharp depending on the variety. Cheddar is rich in protein and calcium and is a source of vitamin K2, which is important for heart and bone health. Vitamin K2 prevents calcium from building up in your arteries and veins, reducing the risk of heart disease. Cheddar is also a good source of vitamin A and contains more folate than parmesan.
On the other hand, parmesan is a hard Italian cheese that has been made in and around the Italian province of Parma for centuries. It is made from raw, unpasteurized cow's milk that is aged for at least 12 months to kill harmful bacteria and produce a complex flavour. Parmesan has a rich, salty, nutty flavour and a straw-coloured, granular texture. It is often grated over pasta dishes, stirred into soups and risottos, or eaten on its own. Parmesan is also high in calcium, promoting bone health, and contains more protein, vitamin A, and iron than cheddar.
When it comes to price, cheddar is generally less expensive than parmesan. Cheddar cheese prices can vary depending on the type, with mild cheddar costing around $4.99 per pound and extra-sharp cheddar ranging from $12.99 to $21.99 per pound. Parmesan, on the other hand, typically costs around $6.89 per pound.
In summary, while both cheeses offer nutritional benefits, cheddar stands out for its higher content of vitamin K2, which is important for maintaining heart and bone health. Additionally, its wider availability and lower cost make it a more accessible and affordable option compared to parmesan.
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Parmesan has a stronger flavour and is harder
Parmesan is a hard Italian cheese with a rich, umami flavour. It is made from raw, unpasteurised cow's milk and aged for at least 12 months to develop its complex, nutty taste. Cheddar, on the other hand, is a semi-hard English cheese with a sharp, tangy flavour. It is also made from cow's milk but is matured for a shorter period, typically a few months, resulting in a less intense flavour.
The key difference between the two cheeses is the ageing process. Parmesan's lengthy ageing process gives it a harder texture and a more concentrated flavour. This means that a little goes a long way, and you can use less of it compared to cheddar. Parmesan's strong flavour makes it a popular ingredient in Italian dishes, often grated over pasta, stirred into soups or risottos, or eaten on its own. Its harder texture also makes it ideal for grating, adding a savoury boost to dishes.
In terms of nutrition, Parmesan and cheddar have some similarities. Both cheeses are high in calcium, protein, vitamin A, and saturated fat. However, Parmesan stands out for its higher calcium content, with 67% more calcium per 100 grams than cheddar. Parmesan is also a good source of phosphorus, which, along with its high calcium content, may promote bone health. It has lower cholesterol, fewer calories, and more protein than cheddar. Parmesan is also a good source of iron, with 486% more iron per 100 grams than cheddar.
When it comes to taste and texture, Parmesan's harder texture and stronger flavour make it a versatile ingredient that can enhance a variety of dishes. Its ageing process not only contributes to its flavour and texture but also reduces lactose levels, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance. Parmesan's mineral-binding compounds make it an excellent source of bone-building minerals, further adding to its nutritional benefits.
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Frequently asked questions
Parmesan and cheddar cheese are both high in calcium, calories, protein, and saturated fat. Cheddar has 27% more saturated fat than parmesan, but parmesan has 67% more calcium. Cheddar is also a source of vitamin K2, which is important for heart and bone health. Parmesan is a low-lactose cheese and has more iron and protein than cheddar. Overall, both cheeses have similar nutritional profiles, and neither can be considered 'healthy' due to their high-fat content.
Cheddar cheese has slightly more calories than parmesan, with 403 calories per 100g compared to 392 calories for parmesan.
Cheddar cheese is less expensive than parmesan.
Cheddar has a sharp taste, with a colour ranging from pale yellow to off-white. Parmesan has a rich, umami flavour and is typically straw-coloured.
Yes, you can substitute parmesan with asiago, grana padano, or romano cheese. Parmesan can also be used in place of cheddar as it has a strong flavour, so a smaller amount is required.
