The Type Of Cheese That Has More Protein Than Cooked Meat And Fish

When people think of foods high in protein, they tend to imagine meat, eggs, and fish. Meanwhile, cheese is associated with comfort food or fancy charcuterie boards. However, cheese, especially hard cheese, has high protein content. Protein is vital for a healthy body. It builds muscles, strengthens bones, boosts the metabolism, and even speeds the recovery from an injury. So stop by the cheese aisle on your next trip to the grocery store, and look out for these varieties. 

Cheese with High Protein: Parmesan cheese

Parmesan cheese has 35.8 grams of protein per 100 grams of food. Compare that to 100 grams of chicken breast (32 grams), steak (27.3 grams), salmon (24.6 grams), and pork loin (26.2 grams). As for plant-based protein, compare that to 100 grams of lentils (24.6 grams) and almonds (20.3 grams). 

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Cheddar cheese

But parmesan isn’t the only cheese high in protein. As aforementioned, many types of hard cheese have similar nutritional value, although parmesan tops them all. Cheddar is a popular choice for many comfort foods like mac and cheese, grilled cheese, and cheeseburgers. But if you’re trying to eat healthily, swap some ingredients such as white bread for whole grain or try more wholesome cheddar recipes like quiche or soup.

Romano cheese

Like parmesan, Romano is usually grated and sprinkled over other foods. It has a distinct sharp and salty flavor. 

It’s important to note that cheese is high in fat, so although it’s high in protein, it’s best consumed in moderation. And beware of low-fat cheese varieties. They often contain fillers to make up for the reduced fat, so read the ingredients before buying them. Always look for quality cheese.

Mozzarella cheese

Mozzarella cheese is another popular favorite. It’s versatile and can be enjoyed with other foods, like topping a pizza or a salad with tomatoes and balsamic, or on its own. It also contains healthy probiotics including, Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus fermentum, according to a 2019 study published in Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins. Probiotics are vital for gut health and play a role in supporting the immune system.

Swiss cheese

Swiss cheese is a semi-hard cheese with signature cartoonish holes. It’s high in protein and naturally lower in sodium compared to other cheese varieties, making it recommended for people who need to limit their salt intake, like those with high blood pressure. It’s also lower in calories compared to other pressed cheeses.

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Blue cheese

Blue cheese is known for its unique blue marbling. It’s often eaten with fruits, nuts, and salads. Many people tend to enjoy it as a salad dressing as well.

Edam cheese

Edam cheese stands out because of its bright red wax paper. But its protein content also deserves a nod. Its wrapping makes it easy to take on the go for a satisfying and high-protein snack. It typically has a mild flavor, but the aged version can taste sharper. 

Provolone cheese 

Provolone is not only high in protein but it’s also rich in vitamin B12, which is vital for red blood cell formation and the production of DNA. Since B12 is found mainly in poultry and meat, vegetarians may struggle to consume enough in their diets, making provolone cheese a great choice for them.

Gouda cheese

Gouda is a staple for charcuterie board and brunch appetizers. It is creamy with a mild flavor, so it pairs well with all sorts of foods, like paninis and chilis.

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Soft cheese

Don’t discount soft cheese when it comes to upping protein intake. They may not be as high in protein as hard cheeses but they can still contribute to an overall healthy diet. Soft cheeses include cottage cheese, feta, ricotta, and cream cheese. They also tend to be lower in calories compared to hard cheeses. 

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