All About Low Fat Cheese

Dear Shelly:
The good news is that more than ever before there are some great options for your clients. Remember though, that although cheese producers have seen the "light" and understand that shoppers want more low fat cheeses - the taste and mouth feel of a full fat cheese is hard to replicate with other ingredients. It is important to read the labels and look at the ingredients that are being substituted as a replacement for fat, sometimes these ingredients can be allergens.

There are two types of cheeses that have lower fat – those natural cheeses which are lower in fat by the nature of their variety and the processed type. Our recommendation is to use the natural styles which for most palates are still more satisfying, and therefore your clients will actually consume less. The low fat processed, or imitation cheeses mostly contain additional ingredients and may include added sodium, sugar, soy or oils. Some brands use skim or nonfat milks, most use vegetable gums for texture, and some do not contain enough milk fat to be even legally called "cheese".

Here's our list of cheeses that are naturally lower in fat (based on a one ounce portion size) and do not have any artificial ingredients or other additives:
(For comparison – the best selling American Cheese Slices contain on average: 9 grams of fat, 5 grams of Saturated Fat and 110 calories.)
Feta contains: 6 grams fat, 4 grams saturated fat and 75 calories.
Goat Cheese (soft) contains: 6 grams fat, 4 grams saturated fat and 76 calories.
Mozzarella contains: 6 grams fat, 4 grams saturated fat and 90 calories.
Parmesan contains: 7 grams fat, 4 grams saturated fat and 110 calories.
Provolone contains: 7 grams fat, 5 grams saturated fat and 100 calories.

Nutritional information listed are averages, have been rounded to nearest grams and may differ from brand to brand.

Enjoy!

For our SupermarketGuru.com ratings of individual cheeses and other foods and beverages CLICK HERE.