What is the Lowest Calorie Cheese?
Cheese is a popular dairy product that is enjoyed by people all over the world. However, with its rich and creamy texture, it can also be a significant source of calories. If you’re watching your weight or following a diet, it’s essential to know which cheese options are the lowest in calories. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide some valuable insights on the calories in different types of cheese.
What is the Lowest Calorie Cheese?
The lowest calorie cheese is Ricotta Cheese, with approximately 55 calories per ounce (28 grams). Ricotta cheese is an Italian cheese made from whey, which is a byproduct of cheese production. It’s a soft, creamy cheese that’s often used in pasta fillings, lasagna, and cannoli.
Top 5 Lowest Calorie Cheeses
Here are the top 5 lowest calorie cheeses, along with their approximate calorie count per ounce (28 grams):
| Cheese Type | Calories per Ounce (28g) |
|---|---|
| 1. Ricotta Cheese | 55 |
| 2. Cottage Cheese | 63 |
| 3. Feta Cheese | 72 |
| 4. Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese | 75 |
| 5. Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cheese | 78 |
Why is Ricotta Cheese the Lowest in Calories?
Ricotta cheese is the lowest in calories due to its high water content and low fat content. It’s made from whey, which is a byproduct of cheese production, and has a natural moisture level of around 80%. This means that ricotta cheese is not only lower in calories but also higher in protein and lower in fat compared to other types of cheese.
Other Low-Calorie Cheese Options
In addition to ricotta cheese, there are other low-calorie cheese options that you can consider:
- Cottage Cheese: With approximately 63 calories per ounce (28 grams), cottage cheese is a great source of protein and calcium.
- Feta Cheese: Feta cheese has a tangy flavor and a crumbly texture, with approximately 72 calories per ounce (28 grams).
- Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese: This type of mozzarella cheese has a lower fat content compared to regular mozzarella cheese, with approximately 75 calories per ounce (28 grams).
- Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cheese: This type of mozzarella cheese has a lower moisture content compared to regular mozzarella cheese, with approximately 78 calories per ounce (28 grams).
Tips for Choosing the Right Cheese
When choosing a low-calorie cheese, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Read the Label: Check the nutrition label to ensure that the cheese you’re choosing is low in calories and fat.
- Choose Low-Fat Options: Opt for low-fat or part-skim cheese options to reduce your calorie intake.
- Be Mindful of Portion Sizes: Cheese can be high in calories, so be mindful of your portion sizes and balance your diet accordingly.
- Experiment with Different Cheeses: Try different types of cheese to find the one that you enjoy the most and that fits within your calorie budget.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ricotta cheese is the lowest calorie cheese option, with approximately 55 calories per ounce (28 grams). However, there are other low-calorie cheese options available, including cottage cheese, feta cheese, part-skim mozzarella cheese, and low-moisture mozzarella cheese. By choosing the right cheese and being mindful of portion sizes, you can enjoy the flavor and benefits of cheese while keeping your calorie intake in check.