Cheese is a beloved dairy product that has been a staple in many diets around the world for centuries. It comes in many different varieties, each with its unique flavour and texture. Two of the most popular types of cheese are cheddar and mozzarella. While they may seem similar, there are quite a few differences between the two, especially when it comes to their impact on our health. In this article, we will compare cheddar and mozzarella cheese to determine which one is better for your health.
Cheddar cheese, named after the town of Cheddar in England where it originated, is a hard, aged cheese made from cow's milk. It has a sharp, tangy flavour and a crumbly texture. On the other hand, mozzarella cheese is a soft, fresh cheese made from either cow's or buffalo's milk. It has a mild, slightly sweet taste and a smooth, creamy texture.
Calorie Content
When it comes to calorie content, cheddar and mozzarella cheese are similar. However, it's important to note that moderation is key when it comes to consuming cheese as part of a healthy diet.
Fat Content
The fat content in cheddar and mozzarella cheese differs significantly. Cheddar cheese contains more saturated fat compared to mozzarella, making it less heart-healthy.
Protein Content
Both cheddar and mozzarella cheese are good sources of protein. However, mozzarella contains slightly more protein per ounce compared to cheddar. Therefore, if you are looking to boost your protein intake, mozzarella cheese may be the better choice.
Calcium Content
Calcium is a crucial mineral for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Both cheddar and mozzarella cheese are excellent sources of calcium. However, due to its ageing process, cheddar cheese contains slightly more calcium compared to mozzarella.
Vitamin Content
Cheddar and mozzarella cheese both contain essential vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B12, and riboflavin. However, cheddar cheese has higher levels of vitamin K compared to mozzarella.
Sodium Content
One of the main concerns when it comes to consuming cheese is its high sodium content. When comparing cheddar and mozzarella cheese, mozzarella has significantly lower levels of sodium compared to cheddar.
Lactose Content
Lactose is a type of sugar found in dairy products that can cause digestive issues for those who are intolerant. Cheddar cheese contains a higher amount of lactose compared to mozzarella, making it less suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
In conclusion, both cheddar and mozzarella cheese have their unique nutritional profiles. While they are similar in calorie content, there are some significant differences in their fat, protein, calcium, vitamin, and sodium levels. When it comes to choosing the healthier option between the two, it ultimately depends on your specific dietary needs and goals.
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FAQs
If you're looking to reduce calorie and fat intake, opt for mozzarella, especially the lower-fat varieties. On the other hand, if you're seeking a cheese rich in protein and vitamin K2, cheddar is worth considering. Ultimately, the healthier option depends on your dietary needs and preferences."
Which cheese is healthier, cheddar or mozzarella? ›
Cheddar contains more saturated fat, which is less heart-healthy compared to the fats found in mozzarella. Mozzarella has a lower amount of saturated fat, making it a slightly better option for those watching their heart health.
Which soft cheese is the healthiest? ›
Cottage cheese
A soft white cheese made from the loose curds of cow's milk, cottage cheese has a unique protein-to-calorie ratio. It's this high protein combined with low calorie content that makes cottage cheese a good choice for weight management, with studies suggesting it may even be as satiating as eating an egg.
Does mozzarella have less cholesterol than cheddar? ›
Low-fat mozzarella cheese: A one-ounce serving of the part-skim variety has 18 mg of cholesterol and less than 3 g of saturated fat. Nonfat cheddar cheese: It contains 5mg of cholesterol and 0g of saturated fat per one-ounce serving.
Which cheese is best for lowering cholesterol? ›
If you are limiting your cholesterol or saturated fat intake, or simply want to eat a more heart-healthy diet, the following tips might help: Do a cheese swap: Try using cottage cheese or ricotta instead of high-fat cheeses in your recipes. You may discover that these taste just as good.
Which cheese is superfood? ›
Soft creamy cheeses such as mozzarella, burrata, brie, camembert, feta, goat's cheese and cream cheese and medium cheeses such as gouda, cheddar, wensleydale, provolone and muenster, are loaded with calcium (especially in the rind).
What brand is 100% real cheese? ›
ALWAYS 100% REAL, NATURAL CHEESE
Pasteurized Process Cheese Food is only required to contain 51% natural cheese. Sargento® Slices are always 100% real, natural cheese. Because 100% real, natural cheese belongs on your sandwich.
What cheese is anti-inflammatory? ›
7: Feta and Chevre Cheese
Feta cheese, which is made from sheeps' milk, contains a protein called histidine. When histidine is combined with vitamin B6, it undergoes a molecular process to become histamine, a compound that provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
What soft cheeses to avoid? ›
Dairy products
Don't eat mould-ripened soft cheese, such as brie, camembert and chevre (a type of goat's cheese) and others with a similar rind. You should also avoid ricotta, feta, mozzarella, bocconcini and blue-veined cheeses. These may contain listeria, which can get in during the manufacturing process.
What are the disadvantages of mozzarella cheese? ›
From its high content of saturated fat and calories to its sodium content and potential adverse effects on lactose-intolerant individuals, mozzarella must be consumed in moderation.
Mozzarella is one of the best cheeses to add to a heart-healthy meal plan. "It's a good source of protein and calcium, and even contains probiotics that can benefit gut and immune health," Dr. Chen says. "Fresh mozzarella is also lower in saturated fat and sodium than other cheeses."
Why is mozzarella better than cheddar? ›
Nutrient profile: Mozzarella cheese is a comparatively low fat and low calorie cheese when compared with cheddar cheese, the latter being rich in fat as well as calories. Shelf life: Mozzarella cheese has a long shelf life and can be refrigerated for months.
What is the healthiest cheese for your heart? ›
Using lower-fat cheeses – such as mozzarella, feta, cottage cheese or reduced-fat cheeses – will provide less saturated fat.
What cheese is healthier than mozzarella? ›
Ricotta is an Italian curd cheese made from whey left over from the production of other cheese. Compared to most cheeses, ricotta is a healthier choice because it contains less salt and fat - 10 per cent fat, of which 6 per cent is saturated.
Is cheddar an unhealthy cheese? ›
Cheddar cheese has fairly high levels of saturated fat compared to other dairy products. Eating foods high in saturated fats can raise your cholesterol levels and put you at risk of cardiovascular disease.
Which cheese is best for sandwich cheddar or mozzarella? ›
What cheese is the best to use in a sandwich? Depends on the sandwich. For a grilled cheese, I would go for mozza- the North American form of mozzarella. For ham and cheese, a cheddar, medium for a high quality ham, old for basic deli ham.
Which is better for pizza mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese? ›
What is the best melting cheese for pizza? The undisputed king of meltiness for cheese toppings is mozzarella. Classic mozzarella has the ideal balance of moisture, elasticity, and fat content for meltability.
Which cheese is best for pasta cheddar or mozzarella? ›
Mozzarella is perhaps the best melting cheese for pasta, perfect for a stretchy cheese for pasta that have a lot of sauce or are baked. Great for pasta with cheese dishes like lasagna, chicken parmesan or the best cheese for baked ziti and many cheese bake pasta casserole dishes.
