
Cheese is traditionally made from cow's milk and contains a diverse profile of nutrients, including calcium and protein, as well as others like sodium, cholesterol and saturated fat. Most types of cheese are high in cholesterol, but there are some low-fat cheeses that are lower in cholesterol. For example, an ounce of low-fat cheddar cheese contains just 1.2 milligrams of cholesterol, while an ounce of regular cheddar cheese contains 28 milligrams of cholesterol.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cholesterol content | Most types of cheese are high in cholesterol, but some contain fewer than 20 milligrams per ounce. Low-fat cheeses tend to be lower in cholesterol. |
| Other nutrients | Cheese contains calcium, protein, sodium, and saturated fat. |
| Health concerns | Cheese is associated with cardiovascular risk due to its cholesterol and saturated fat content. However, research suggests that dietary cholesterol does not affect blood cholesterol levels as much as previously thought. |
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What You'll Learn
- Cheese is high in cholesterol and saturated fat
- Research indicates that the cholesterol we eat does not affect blood cholesterol levels as much as was once assumed
- Cheese is made from cow's milk and contains calcium, protein, sodium, cholesterol and saturated fat
- Low-fat cheeses tend to be lower in cholesterol
- Certain cheeses, like Gouda and Gruyere, contain more than 30 milligrams of cholesterol per ounce

Cheese is high in cholesterol and saturated fat
That said, some cheeses are higher in cholesterol and saturated fat than others. For example, an ounce of low-fat cheddar cheese contains just 1.2 milligrams of cholesterol, while an ounce of regular cheddar cheese contains 28 milligrams of cholesterol. Similarly, Provolone and Parmesan contain fewer than 20 milligrams of cholesterol per ounce, while Gouda and Gruyere contain more than 30 milligrams per ounce.
If you're concerned about your cholesterol levels, it's worth noting that low-fat cheeses tend to be lower in cholesterol and saturated fat. Cheese can certainly have a place in a well-balanced diet, as it's a good source of protein and bone-building calcium. However, it's always a good idea to consume cheese in moderation and to be mindful of your overall diet and lifestyle.
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Research indicates that the cholesterol we eat does not affect blood cholesterol levels as much as was once assumed
Cheese is traditionally made from cow's milk and contains a diverse profile of nutrients, including calcium and protein, as well as others like sodium, cholesterol and saturated fat. Most types of cheese are high in cholesterol and saturated fat. However, research indicates that the cholesterol we eat does not affect blood cholesterol levels as much as was once assumed.
Cheese gets a bad reputation because many kinds are high in dietary cholesterol, which is often associated with cardiovascular risk, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). But dietary cholesterol is different from blood cholesterol – the latter is linked with certain heart health concerns. In the past, federal dietary guidelines recommended limiting consumption of dietary cholesterol to 300 milligrams per day.
However, it is now understood that factors including genetics, lifestyle factors and intake of other nutrients, such as saturated fat, have a greater effect on raising blood cholesterol levels. For example, low-fat cheeses tend to be lower in cholesterol and saturated fat. An ounce of low-fat cheddar cheese contains just 1.2 milligrams of cholesterol, while an ounce of regular cheddar cheese contains 28 milligrams of cholesterol.
Different cheeses also have different amounts of cholesterol and fat. Certain cheeses, like Gouda and Gruyere, contain more than 30 milligrams of cholesterol per ounce. Provolone and Parmesan, on the other hand, contain fewer than 20 milligrams per ounce.
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Cheese is made from cow's milk and contains calcium, protein, sodium, cholesterol and saturated fat
Cheese gets a bad reputation because many kinds are high in dietary cholesterol, which is often associated with cardiovascular risk. However, it is important to note that dietary cholesterol is different from blood cholesterol, which is linked to certain heart health concerns. Research indicates that the cholesterol we eat does not affect blood cholesterol levels as much as was once assumed. Rather, it is factors including genetics, lifestyle factors and the intake of other nutrients, such as saturated fat, that have a greater effect on raising blood cholesterol levels.
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Low-fat cheeses tend to be lower in cholesterol
Cheese is made from cow's milk and contains a variety of nutrients, including calcium, protein, sodium, cholesterol and saturated fat. Most types of cheese are high in cholesterol, but low-fat cheeses tend to be lower in cholesterol. For example, an ounce of low-fat cheddar cheese contains just 1.2 milligrams of cholesterol, while an ounce of regular cheddar cheese contains 28 milligrams of cholesterol. Other low-fat cheeses, like low-fat cottage cheese, ricotta cheese and nonfat cheddar, also have very little cholesterol.
It's worth noting that the cholesterol we eat does not affect blood cholesterol levels as much as was once assumed. Research indicates that factors such as genetics, lifestyle and the intake of other nutrients, like saturated fat, have a greater effect on raising blood cholesterol levels.
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Certain cheeses, like Gouda and Gruyere, contain more than 30 milligrams of cholesterol per ounce
Cheese is made from cow's milk and contains a variety of nutrients, including calcium, protein, sodium, cholesterol and saturated fat. Most types of cheese are high in cholesterol and saturated fat, but there are some exceptions. For example, an ounce of low-fat cheddar cheese contains just 1.2 milligrams of cholesterol, while an ounce of regular cheddar cheese contains 28 milligrams. Provolone and Parmesan contain fewer than 20 milligrams of cholesterol per ounce, while Gouda and Gruyere contain more than 30 milligrams per ounce.
It's worth noting that the cholesterol we eat does not affect blood cholesterol levels as much as was once assumed. Factors such as genetics, lifestyle and the intake of other nutrients, like saturated fat, have a greater effect on raising blood cholesterol levels.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cheese contains cholesterol.
Most types of cheese are high in cholesterol, but some have more than others. For example, an ounce of regular cheddar cheese contains 28 milligrams of cholesterol, whereas an ounce of low-fat cheddar cheese contains just 1.2 milligrams.
Gouda and Gruyere contain more than 30 milligrams of cholesterol per ounce.
Provolone and Parmesan contain fewer than 20 milligrams of cholesterol per ounce.
Research indicates that the cholesterol we eat does not affect blood cholesterol levels as much as was once assumed. Factors such as genetics, lifestyle and the intake of other nutrients, such as saturated fat, have a greater effect on raising blood cholesterol levels.

























