Cheese is probably the most beloved dairy product. Nowadays there are hundreds of different types of cheeses. They differ in shape, flavor, texture, etc. We like to add it to almost anything. The salty flavor it provides is a great addition to fast food, but also to home-cooked meals. It doesn’t matter if we are talking about a burger or a salad, all of us can agree that cheese makes a world of a difference. But is cheese healthy for us? Depending on how cheese is made, the nutrients it contains vary. But does this also go for protein? Does cheese have protein or does that also depend on how it’s made? If you want to learn more about this, just keep on reading!
How Much Protein Does Cheese Have? :
So does cheese have protein? The answer is that it depends on the type of cheese you are talking about. There are many types of cheese that are an excellent source of nutrients and among those – protein.
1. Mozzarella, how much protein does this commonly-used cheese have?
Let’s start off with mozzarella, a most commonly-eaten cheese. It’s white and very soft and found in most Italian dishes. Hence, it’s origin is Italy and is made from the milk of cow or Italian buffalo. Unlike other cheeses, mozzarella is not high in calories or sodium. It contains a normal amount of both. It also has bacteria that function as probiotics which boost your immune system and keep you healthy. In one ounce of mozzarella which is 27 grams – there are 6 grams of protein. That means that mozzarella is one of the cheeses with the highest protein level. So next time you enjoy a bowl of salad be sure to add some mozzarella if you want to increase your protein intake.
2. Blue Cheese
So next in the list does cheese have protein, we have blue cheese. This is made with a mold from the milk of a goat, sheep, or cow. This is the reason why some people are afraid to eat it. But they shouldn’t be. Proven to be helpful in boosting your cardiovascular system, blue cheese is actually very nutritious and healthy. While some cheese is not very rich in calcium, blue cheese is. This means that it is also very healthy for your bones. It is perfectly healthy so just don’t mind the blue veins and the strange smell. Blue cheese, like mozzarella, also contains 6 grams of protein in one ounce. So you can try mixing it up in a dish or eat it on its own. Pairing it with a glass of wine is a good idea too.
3. Swiss cheese
You might recognize swiss cheese with its holes from a lot of kids’ movies. As you might have guessed by its name, it comes from Switzerland and is usually made from cow’s milk. Unlike some other cheeses, swiss cheese has less sodium and fat. This means that it is an excellent choice for people that have blood pressure problems. There are up to 8 grams of protein in one ounce of this cheese. So when asking does cheese has protein, know that swiss cheese definitely does. So next time you make yourself a sandwich, make sure you add a slice or two.
4. Parmesan, how much protein does this cheese have?
Well, does cheese have protein? Parmesan certainly does. Some might even go as calling parmesan the king of protein. Unlike most cheeses, where you have to pasteurize the milk before making it, parmesan is made with unpasteurized milk usually from a cow. You might wonder, but isn’t that dangerous? Well, there is a catch. The milk has to age a minimum of a year or 12 months. Bacteria found in the unpasteurized milk are killed. So the process of making this salty and delicious cheese is not an easy one. But you might agree with us when we say it’s worth it. Pasta won’t be pasta without some parmesan on top. It is packed with nutrients and obviously tasty.
Parmesan contains a lot of phosphorus as well as calcium both of which are necessary for healthy bones. And if that isn’t enough, you should probably know that one ounce of parmesan contains up to 10 grams of protein. Almost double the protein mozzarella and blue cheese contain. So if you ever want to sprinkle some more parmesan on your pizza or pasta – do it!
5. Feta
Feta cheese originates from Greece. Even though sometimes goat milk can be thrown into the mix, it is usually made out of sheep’s milk,. Unlike other cheeses that can sometimes be very caloric, feta is not. It is usually very low in calories. However, feta can contain a lot of sodium so buyers need to be careful when buying it especially if they are on a low-sodium diet. In regards to protein, it’s similar to mozzarella and blue cheese – in one ounce of it there are 6 grams of protein.
Conclusion :
So all in all, does cheese have protein? The answer is yes. Even though some cheeses more than others, all of them contain a fair amount of protein in them. So if you are a vegetarian and want to increase your protein intake or even if you are not but just want to add some protein to your diet, then cheese is the right choice for you. All of the cheeses mentioned above are an excellent source of protein, but you should also be aware of the other nutrients they contain. Some are rich in calcium and can improve your bone health and boost up your energy, but some are also rich in sodium that most people like to stay away from. That said, cheese can be a healthy choice in your diet. And it’s never a bad idea to read up on some of the products you are buying!
Do you ever wonder if all types can be frozen? Check my previous post on how cream cheese should be freeze in this post. If you are on the look-out for a new cheese-grater, check out Amazon shop today.