Cheese And Protein: Which Types Offer The Most?

Cheese is a great source of protein, and some varieties pack more of a protein punch than others. While cottage cheese is the cheese with the most protein per calorie, Parmesan cheese contains the most protein per gram. Other high-protein cheeses include pecorino romano, gouda, Swiss cheese, and cheddar.

Characteristics

Parmesan: 35.1g protein per 100g

Parmesan cheese is a hard, granular cheese with a rich, nutty flavour and a sharp aroma. It is a beloved cheese, commonly grated over pasta dishes like spaghetti and risotto. However, it can also be used in recipes such as Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites or Parmesan-Crusted Cabbage Steaks.

Parmesan has the highest protein content per 100g among cheeses, with 35.1g of protein, 0g of carbs, and 28.8g of fat. It is also a good source of calcium, supporting bone health.

Being a hard cheese, Parmesan has a low moisture content, which contributes to its high protein concentration. It is also lower in lactose than many other cheeses, making it easier for those with sensitive stomachs to digest.

In addition to its protein content, Parmesan cheese offers several other nutritional benefits. It is a good source of calcium and vitamin D, contributing to bone health and overall nutritional well-being.

When adding Parmesan to your diet, it is important to remember that a little goes a long way. While it is the cheese with the highest protein content, you would typically consume less Parmesan than other cheeses like Edam or Halloumi.

Cottage Cheese: 15.4g protein per 100g

Cottage cheese is a great option for those looking to increase their protein intake. With 15.4g of protein per 100g, it is one of the highest protein cheeses available. It also has a mild flavour and a creamy texture, making it a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes.

Cottage cheese is a low-fat cheese that has long been a staple in healthy eating. It is the cheese with the highest protein per calorie, and its serving size is larger than that of other cheeses, at around half a cup. This means it is more filling and satisfying than other options. Cottage cheese is also lower in fat than most other high-protein cheeses, making it a heart-healthy choice.

In addition to its high protein content, cottage cheese is also a good source of other nutrients. It is a great way to get more calcium in your diet, which is important for bone health. Cottage cheese also contains probiotics, which can offer immunity and digestive benefits.

Cottage cheese is very versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes, including breakfast, snacks, and sweet and savoury treats. For example, you can add it to your toast with some honey for a sweet, protein-filled breakfast. If you don't like the texture of cottage cheese, you can blend it in a blender or food processor to create a creamy texture similar to Greek yogurt.

Overall, cottage cheese is an excellent choice for those looking to increase their protein intake while also enjoying the many other health benefits this cheese has to offer.

Cream Cheese: 8.2g protein per 100g

Cream cheese is a great source of protein, packing 8.2g of protein per 100g. This means that cream cheese can be a good option for those looking to increase their protein intake. In addition to its high protein content, cream cheese is also a good source of fat, with 31.9g of fat per 100g.

When it comes to protein content, cream cheese ranks 15th out of 15 cheeses on a list of the highest protein cheeses. This list includes a variety of cheeses, such as ricotta, cottage cheese, Parmesan, and Swiss cheese, all of which have a higher protein content than cream cheese. For example, ricotta cheese has 10.1g of protein per 100g, while cottage cheese has 15.4g of protein per 100g.

However, it is important to note that cream cheese also has a relatively high-fat content compared to some other cheeses. For instance, ricotta cheese has only 8.7g of fat per 100g, while cottage cheese has 5.7g of fat per 100g. So, while cream cheese may not have the absolute highest protein content, it does offer a good balance of protein and fat, making it a nutritious option overall.

Cream cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It is often spread on toast, bagels, or crackers, and can also be used as a base for dips and spreads. Additionally, cream cheese is a key ingredient in many dessert recipes, such as cheesecakes and cake frostings. Its creamy texture and mild flavour make it a popular choice for those looking to add a rich, indulgent touch to their meals or snacks.

Goat Cheese: 6g protein per 28g

Goat cheese is a great option for those following a keto diet. It contains no carbs, which makes it a good way to hit your macronutrient goals. An ounce (28 grams) of goat cheese provides 103 calories, 8 grams of fat, and 6 grams of protein.

Goat cheese is made from goat's milk, which contains less lactose and different proteins from cow's milk, making it easier to digest. It also has a strong flavour, so a little goes a long way. Goat cheese pairs well with salads and can be a tasty addition to keto meals, adding variety and new textures.

Goat cheese is a good source of protein and can be a nutritious part of a balanced diet. Protein is essential for tissue repair, supporting immune function, muscle recovery, and synthesizing crucial enzymes and hormones. It is made up of amino acids, which are necessary for maintaining muscle mass and cellular health.

In addition to its nutritional benefits, goat cheese can be a delicious and versatile ingredient. It has a slight tang and a creamy texture, making it a great choice for snacks, sandwiches, and cheese boards. It can also be grilled or fried, adding a crispy and golden brown exterior while keeping a chewy and melted interior.

Goat cheese is a healthy and tasty option for those looking to increase their protein intake, especially those following a keto diet. Its distinct flavour and texture make it a delightful addition to a variety of dishes.

Blue Cheese: 20.3g protein per 100g

Blue cheese is a great option for those looking to increase their protein intake, as it contains 20.3g of protein per 100g. This means that blue cheese has one of the highest protein contents among cheeses.

Blue cheese is a strong-flavoured, pungent cheese with a unique appearance due to its distinctive blue veins. It is often paired with fruits and nuts, such as pears, raisins and walnuts, and can also be enjoyed on its own as a snack.

In addition to its high protein content, blue cheese also offers other nutritional benefits. It is a good source of calcium, which is important for bone health, and it contains no carbohydrates. Furthermore, blue cheese is a low-lactose cheese, which makes it easier to digest for those with sensitive stomachs.

When it comes to weight loss, blue cheese can be a good choice as it is lower in fat than some other cheese options. However, it is still important to consume blue cheese, and all cheeses, in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

For those following a keto diet, blue cheese can be a tasty and nutritious option. The keto diet is a high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-carb eating plan, and blue cheese fits within these parameters. Its strong flavour means that a little goes a long way, so you can enjoy the taste and nutritional benefits of blue cheese without exceeding your daily macros.

Frequently asked questions