Randy Chandler
Cheese is a beloved snack food, but which type of cheese is the best for snacking? There are hundreds of varieties of cheese, and the type of milk used, production method, and added bacteria or enzymes can all affect the flavor and nutritional content. Some popular snack cheeses include string cheese, Tillamook cheddar, and goat cheese. For those who are dairy-free, Daiya vegan cheese has been described as cheesy and salty. If you're looking for a healthy snack, ricotta served with fruit is a sweet-and-salty option, and mozzarella is lower in sodium and calories than most other cheeses. Blue cheese, brie, and cheddar are high in fat and contain small amounts of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been proven to help prevent obesity, heart disease, and reduce inflammation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Salty, nutty, tangy, creamy, mild |
| Texture | Waxy, pliable, soft, hard, gritty |
| Type | String, block, blue, goat, vegan, full-fat, cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, feta, Camembert, Brie |
| Health Benefits | High in protein, calcium, phosphorus, good bacteria, and enzymes; may help prevent obesity, heart disease, osteoporosis, and reduce inflammation |
| Dietary Considerations | Not permitted in the first 30 days of the Whole30 diet; individuals on a Paleo diet typically do not consume dairy but may make exceptions for cheese |
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What You'll Learn
String cheese
In the United States, string cheese generally refers to snack-sized servings of low-moisture mozzarella. This form of string cheese is roughly cylindrical, about 6 inches (15 cm) long and less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. The cheese used is commonly a form of mozzarella, or a combination of mozzarella and cheddar. This type of string cheese gets its name because it can be eaten by pulling strips of cheese from the cylinder along its length and eating these strings.
In Mexico, the first type of string cheese was invented in 1885 by Leobarda Castellanos García at 14 years old. A very popular type of string cheese called quesillo is sold today in balls of various sizes. It is also known as Oaxaca cheese or "queso Oaxaca", referring to the place where it was invented, and now it's widely popular in all Mexican territories.
In Armenia, traditional string cheese, chechil, is made with a white base. The type of milk used usually comes from an aged goat or sheep, and it is seasoned with black cumin and mahleb. It is traditionally sold in the form of a braided endless loop. The cheese forms into strings due to how it is pulled during processing. It is also made in Syria and Turkey, both countries with significant Armenian populations. Russia is the primary importer of chechil.
Some of the best string cheese brands include Frigo Cheese Heads String Cheese, Crystal Farms String Cheese, and Good & Gather String Cheese.
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Cheddar
For a snack on the go, there are several options available, including the Sargento Smokehouse Cheddar cheese sticks, which are piquant and come in 0.7-oz portions. Moon Cheese also offers a Cheddar Believe It snack bundle, which is a keto-friendly, high-protein, low-carb snack.
For a healthier option, The Laughing Cow offers low-calorie cheddar wedges that can be paired with whole-grain crackers or fruit to make a calcium-rich, high-fibre snack. Cheddar cheese crisps, such as those offered by ParmCrisps and Taco Bell, are also keto-friendly, low-carb, and high-protein options.
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Mozzarella
When choosing mozzarella for snacking, look for fresh mozzarella, which is perfect for slicing and melting. You can find mozzarella in most grocery stores, and it is often sold in snack-sized portions or string cheese formats, making it a convenient and portable snack option.
In summary, mozzarella is an excellent choice for snacking due to its mild flavour, versatility, and nutritional benefits. It can be enjoyed in a variety of ways and is widely available, making it a convenient and tasty snack option.
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Blue cheese
One of the simplest ways to enjoy blue cheese is on a cracker, perhaps with a drizzle of honey to complement the tangy, creamy flavour. It can also be spread on a cracker with a little added honey, or served with toasted pecans.
For a more unusual snack, blue cheese can be used in sweet dishes. It can be added to a dessert, such as a puff pastry bite, or used in a grilled cheese sandwich. Blue cheese can also be crumbled over a salad, or used in a salad dressing.
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Parmesan
One of the most popular ways to enjoy Parmesan as a snack is in the form of crispy, golden Parmesan crisps. These crisps are easy to make at home and are a delicious, crunchy treat that can be enjoyed on their own or as a topping for various dishes. To make Parmesan crisps, simply arrange small mounds of grated Parmesan on a lined baking tray and lightly flatten them. Bake in the oven at 360°F/180°C for around 8 minutes, or until golden and crispy. You can also get creative by adding your favourite herbs and spices to the cheese before baking. Some popular options include za'atar, dukkah, smoked paprika, or everything bagel seasoning.
These homemade Parmesan crisps are a perfect keto and low-carb snack option, providing a good source of protein and calcium. They can be enjoyed as a standalone snack, or paired with dips like marinara sauce or basil pesto. They also make a great crunchy addition to salads, soups, or even as a garnish on pasta dishes. With a shelf life of up to 3 weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature, Parmesan crisps are a convenient and tasty snack option for cheese lovers.
In addition to crisps, Parmesan can also be enjoyed as a snack in other forms. Shaved or grated Parmesan can be a tasty topping for crackers or a charcuterie board. Its savoury flavour and crunchy texture make it a versatile ingredient that can enhance the taste and texture of many dishes. When snacking on Parmesan, it's important to note that it is not lacto-vegetarian due to the use of animal rennet. However, vegetarian options are available, such as the BelGioioso brand, which offers Parmesan made without animal rennet.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many varieties of cheese that make for great snacks. Some popular options include string cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, blue cheese, and feta.
Yes, there are individually wrapped Daiya vegan cheese snacks that are reportedly "cheesy and salty."
Keto-friendly cheeses include blue cheese, brie, camembert, and cheddar.
Vermont Creamery Bijou Crottin is a small round of goat cheese that comes in a pack of two, making them great snacks.
Cheese, particularly high-fat cheeses such as blue cheese, brie, and cheddar, contain small amounts of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been proven to help prevent obesity, heart disease, and reduce inflammation. Cheese also contains beneficial bacteria that can improve gut health and immunity.
