The Best and Worst Cheeses to Choose

The keto diet is a low carb, high fat diet often used to promote weight loss.

The diet traditionally limits carbohydrate intake to less than 50 grams per day to maintain ketosis, a state in which your body uses fat instead of carbohydrates as its main fuel source.

For that reason, certain foods are better suited for the keto diet than others. In particular, cheese is an ideal keto food due to its high fat, moderate protein, and low carb content.

This article reviews some of the best and worst types of cheese to eat when following a keto diet.

Those who follow a keto diet severely limit their carbohydrate intake.

Further, keto dieters typically prioritize foods that are high in fat to make up for the calories they miss out on when restricting carbs.

This means cheese is an excellent food option because most types are high in fat, moderate in protein, and low in carbs.

Still, some cheeses are more suitable than others due to variations in fat content and level of processing.

Summary

Cheese is an ideal keto food due to its high fat, moderate protein, and low carb content. Still, some types may be better than others due to variations in fat content and level of processing.

These cheeses boast a high fat content and are minimally processed, so they’re a perfect match for the keto diet.

Cheddar cheese

Cheddar is a popular yellow cheese.

Varieties range in flavor from sharp to mild, so most people can find a type that suits their taste preferences.

Per 1-ounce (28-gram) serving, a mild cheddar cheese provides 9 grams of fat, 7 grams of protein, and less than 1 gram of carbs. This means it’s a good fit for the keto diet (1).

With a perfect balance of acidity and creaminess and a fairly low melting point, it’s great for melting atop sandwiches, lettuce-wrapped burgers, low carb bread, and casseroles.

Gouda

Gouda is a slightly sweet, creamy, yellow-hued cheese made from cow’s milk.

With 8 grams of fat, 7 grams of protein, and only 1 gram of carbs per 1-ounce (28-gram) serving, it fits well into the keto diet (2).

Gouda has a fairly low melting point, so it can be used to top burgers or added to your favorite keto mac and cheese recipe.

Goat cheese

Goat cheese, also known as chevre, is a creamy cheese made from goat’s milk. It boasts a tart flavor that is sometimes described as gamy or earthy.

A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving provides 9 grams of fat, 7 grams of protein, and minimal carbs, making it an excellent cheese to enjoy when following the keto diet (3).

While not particularly good for melting, goat cheese works well in appetizers, salads, casseroles, and omelets.

In addition, goat cheese is lower in lactose than many other kinds of cheese made from cow’s milk. As such, people with lactose intolerance may be better able to digest it (4).

Blue cheese

Blue cheese is a unique cheese. It’s made using cultures of a specific type of mold to develop deep flavors and a creamy texture.

Its keto-approved nutrient profile includes 8 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, and 1 gram of carbs per 1-ounce (28-gram) serving (5).

Blue cheese is great when added fresh to salads, blended into a dip, or made into a sauce to enjoy with vegetable noodles or steaks.

Summary

Some of the best cheeses to eat on the keto diet are cheddar, Gouda, blue cheese, and goat cheese due to their suitable high fat and low carb content.

Cheeses to avoid on the keto diet include higher-carb and processed varieties.

Cottage cheese

Cottage cheese is a fresh cheese made by separating casein curds and liquid whey — the two major milk proteins.

While cottage cheese is generally considered a healthy cheese option, its nutrient profile doesn’t work well with the keto diet.

A 1/2-cup (114-gram) serving of full-fat cottage cheese provides 5 grams of fat, 14 grams of protein, and 5 grams of carbs (6).

While it’s not particularly high in carbs, even small amounts add up quickly. Thus, it’s best not to eat too much cottage cheese when on a keto diet.

Low fat cheese

Considering that the keto diet focuses on high fat, low carb foods, it’s best to avoid low fat cheese varieties.

Regular cheddar provides 9 grams of fat per 1-ounce (28-gram) serving. For comparison, the same serving size of low fat cheddar or colby cheese has about 2 grams of fat. You can even buy nonfat cheese, which has no fat (1, 7, 8).

If your goal is to fuel your body with fat through ketosis, you should stick to full-fat cheese.

Processed cheeses

Another cheese category you’ll likely want to avoid if following a keto diet is processed cheeses.

This includes varieties like American cheese, spray-can cheese, and other products that contain a mix of cheese and noncheese ingredients.

While they usually have plenty of fat, they tend to also contain ingredients that you wouldn’t find in naturally produced cheeses. These may include whey powder, canola oil, added colors, and preservatives (9, 10).

A high intake of processed foods has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and other diseases. That means you should limit how many processed foods you eat, regardless of whether you follow the keto diet (11, 12).

Summary

While most cheeses fit well into the keto diet, some types are not ideal due to their nutrient ratios and level of processing. These include cottage cheese and low fat and processed cheeses.

The keto diet is a low carb, high fat diet. It requires strict adherence to maintain ketosis, a state in which your body uses fat instead of carbs as its primary fuel source.

To make up for calories lost through carb restriction, keto dieters eat many high fat foods such as cheese.

Some cheeses suit the keto diet better than others. This mainly comes down to their carb and fat content and level of processing.

The best keto cheeses include cheddar, Gouda, goat cheese, and blue cheese, while the worst are cottage cheese and low fat and processed varieties.

If you’re following the keto diet or know someone who is, be sure to keep these cheeses in mind to promote ketosis and meet dietary goals.

Just one thing

Try this today: Hungry for a snack? Make these keto-friendly appetizer bites. Spread goat cheese on a thick slice of cucumber, top with smoked salmon or turkey, and finish with another cucumber slice. Assemble with a toothpick and enjoy! You can add fresh dill, “everything bagel” seasoning, or mashed avocado for extra flavor.

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The Best and Worst Types of Cheeses for the Keto Diet – People’s Choice Beef Jerky

Cheese is one of the most popular foods people consume while following a ketogenic diet because it is high in fat, moderate in protein, and low in carbs. 

The keto diet follows these 3 main principles making some cheeses more acceptable than others.

This article compares some of the best and worst types of cheeses to eat while following a ketogenic lifestyle.

PRO TIP: Pair our Jerky Crisps with your favorite cheese for the perfect Keto snack.

Best Keto-Friendly Cheeses to Eat

Asadero Cheese

Serving Size: 1oz

• Total Fat – 8g
• Carbs – 1g

Asadero Cheese is a mild, semi-soft cheese that is made from Northern Mexico and especially prevalent in Chihuahua. The texture is very similar to string cheese and is made using a special process where the cheese is stretched and kneaded. 

Cheddar Cheese

Serving Size: 1oz

• Total Fat – 9g
• Carbs – <1g

Cheddar cheese is one of the most popular cheeses for its range in flavor, perfect balance of acidity, and creaminess. With its high fat content and almost little to no carbs it makes for the perfect keto cheese. 

Gouda 

Serving Size: 1oz

• Total Fat – 7g
• Carbs – <1g

Gouda is a sweet, creamy, yellow cow’s milk cheese originating from the Netherlands. It has a low melting point so it’s a great addition to a burger.

Goat Cheese

Serving Size: 1oz

• Total Fat – 9g
• Carbs – 0g

Goat Cheese is one of the best choices for someone following a keto diet because it contains zero carbs. It also is made from goat milk which means it contains less lactose (a naturally occurring sugar in dairy) and proteins that make it easier to digest. People with lactose intolerances may be better able to digest it. Goat cheese is tangy, creamy, and perfect for appetizers, salads and omelets. 

Blue Cheese 

Serving Size: 1oz

• Total Fat – 8g
• Carbs – <1g

Blue Cheese is definitely not for everyone as it has a very strong flavor. It’s made from using cultures of a specific type of mold and has a creamy, crumbly texture. With 1 gram of carbs per 1-ounce serving it’s another keto approved cheese and is great for salads or dips.

Cheeses to Avoid on a Keto Diet

Low-Fat Cheese 

Serving Size: 1 slice

• Total Fat – 4g
• Carbs – 0g

Because the ketogenic diet focuses on a high fat diet, consuming low fat cheeses isn’t the best move. You should avoid these types of cheeses and sticks to full-fat cheeses. A 1-ounce serving of low fat cheddar or colby cheese has about 2 grams of fat, therefore, it’s better to eat the full fat options. 

Processed Cheese 

Serving Size: 1 slice

• Total Fat – 8g
• Carbs – 1g

Processed cheeses are definitely on the list of cheese types to avoid because they tend to contain ingredients that you wouldn’t find in naturally produced cheeses. Some of these ingredients include added colors, preservatives, whey powders and canola oils. Whether you’re following a ketogenic diet or not, it’s best to avoid this category altogether. 

Cottage Cheese 

Serving Size: 1 cup

• Total Fat – 10g
• Carbs – 6g

While Cottage Cheese is generally considered a healthy snack option, it’s not the most ideal type of cheese for keto dieters. In a 1 cup serving of full-fat cottage cheese, it contains 10 grams of fat and 7 grams of carbs. While the carb content may still seem low, even small amounts can quickly add up on a keto diet so it’s best to avoid this type of cheese altogether.

Bottom Line

The ketogenic diet comprises of eating high fat, moderate protein, and low carbs.

Some cheeses are more suitable for this type of diet than others because of their carb and fat content as well as level of processing. 

The best types of ketogenic cheeses include cheddar, Gouda, goat cheese, and blue cheese while the worst types include anything processed, low fat or cottage cheese. 

Be sure to keep these cheeses in mind if you’re following a low-carb or keto diet. 

About The Author

Sara Bianchetti

A food fanatic and lover of all things beef. You can find Sara loving on her dog Pearl, exploring new wine bars, or experimenting with makeup as she has an unhealthy obsession with all things beauty.

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How to eat on a keto diet – what to eat to lose weight quickly.

The popularity of the keto diet is due to its effectiveness in the fight against excess weight. It has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, digestion, and also reduces the risk of cancer, Alzheimer’s disease. In this material, we will tell you what foods you need to eat on a ketogenic diet.

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Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.

Animal proteins

Seafood

Fish is not only almost free of carbohydrates, but also rich in B vitamins, potassium and selenium. As for seafood, everything is very individual here. So, shrimp and most crabs do not contain carbohydrates, but they are present in oysters and octopuses. The best choice for those on a keto diet is oily fish. It is rich in omega-3 acids, which help to normalize blood glucose and insulin levels, which is especially important for overweight and obese people. Frequent consumption of fish improves brain function and also reduces the risk of diseases.

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Meat and poultry

Meat and poultry are considered staples of the keto diet. Fresh meat and poultry are carb-free and rich in B vitamins. They are also an excellent source of high-quality protein, which helps maintain muscle mass during a low-carb diet. It is better to choose grass-fed meat, as it contains more omega-3s and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) than meat from grain-fed animals.

Eggs

Eggs are a good source of protein. One large egg contains less than 1 gram of carbs and about 6 grams of protein, making it ideal for the keto diet. Eggs have been proven to increase the production of hormones responsible for feeling full. It is important to eat whole eggs rather than egg whites, as most of the nutrients are found in the yolk. First of all, these are the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which improve eye health.

Milk and dairy products

Cheese

There are hundreds of types of cheese, most of which are low in carbs and high in fat, making them ideal for the keto diet. Cheese contains CLA, which promotes weight loss. In addition, eating cheese regularly can help reduce the loss of muscle mass and strength that comes with age. A 12-week study in older adults found that those who ate 200 grams of ricotta per day experienced less loss of muscle mass and muscle strength than those who did not eat the same amount of cheese. Here are some low carb cheeses for the keto diet: blue cheese, brie, camembert, cheddar, chevre, cottage cheese, feta, goat, halloumi, havarti, mascarpone, mozzarella, parmesan, and more.

Cottage cheese and Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt and cottage cheese are a healthy food with a high protein content. Although they contain some carbs, you can eat them in moderation on a keto diet. Both yogurt and cottage cheese have been proven to help reduce appetite and induce a feeling of satiety. Either one is a delicious snack on its own, but you can pair them with chopped nuts, cinnamon, or other spices for a quick keto treat.

Cream

Cream consists of the fatty part of fresh milk, which is separated during processing. This dairy is low in carbs and high in fat, making it ideal for keto. For many years, butter and cream were thought to cause heart disease due to their high saturated fat content. However, several large studies have shown that saturated fat is not associated with heart disease. Moderate consumption of dairy products with a high fat content, on the contrary, reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. Like other full-fat dairy products, butter and cream are high in CLA, which can help promote fat loss.

Plant Milk

Several varieties of plant milk are keto friendly, including soy, almond, and coconut. Choose unsweetened options, as sweetened milk contains too much sugar. Also, oat milk should be avoided because even unsweetened oat milk contains too many carbohydrates.

Vegetables

Green leafy vegetables

Green leafy vegetables are low in carbs, making them ideal for a keto diet. They are also excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Plus, herbs like oregano and rosemary add rich flavor to dishes and are virtually carb-free. Here are some keto-friendly leafy vegetables: cabbage, kohlrabi, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, arugula, chard, spinach, lettuce, dill, parsley, basil, sorrel, thyme, sage, mint, oregano, cilantro, basil, rosemary and lemongrass.

Pepper

There are several varieties of pepper, all of which are suitable for the keto diet. Although they are technically fruits, in cooking they are treated like vegetables. Peppers are a rich source of vitamin C. For example, one bell pepper provides 107% of the daily value of vitamin C.

Squash, eggplant, pumpkin

Squash and eggplant are some of the most popular foods on the keto diet. With the help of a spiralizer, you can cook squash noodles, which will be an excellent substitute for pasta or noodles. You can grate zucchini to make an alternative to rice or add them to baked goods. You can also cut into thin slices, mix with olive oil, salt and pepper and enjoy as a cold salad.

High-fat vegetables

Avocados and olives are high in healthy fats, high in fiber and very low in net carbohydrates. Oleuropein, an antioxidant in olives, has anti-inflammatory properties. According to a study, people who ate one avocado a day suffered less heart disease.

Other plant products

Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are healthy, high in fat and low in carbohydrates. Frequent consumption of nuts reduces the risk of heart disease, certain cancers, depression, and other chronic diseases. In addition, nuts and seeds are rich in fiber, which makes you feel fuller and reduces your appetite, thereby helping you not to overeat. While most nuts and seeds are low in net carbohydrates, their amounts vary greatly depending on the type. Least carbs—and therefore best for keto—are: almonds, macadamia nuts, pecans, walnuts, chia seeds, and flax seeds.

Berries

Most fruits are too high in carbohydrates to eat on a keto diet, but berries are an exception. Berries, especially raspberries and strawberries, are low in carbs and high in fiber. They are also rich in antioxidants, which slow down aging and reduce the risk of a number of diseases.

Shirataki Noodles

Shirataki Noodles are the perfect addition to the keto diet. They contain less than 1 gram of net carbs and only 15 calories per serving. These noodles are made from a viscous fiber called glucomannan, which has a number of health benefits. Viscous fiber forms a gel that slows down the movement of food through the digestive tract. It reduces hunger and blood sugar spikes, which promotes weight loss and helps treat diabetes.

Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate is a delicious source of antioxidants. Dark chocolate contains flavanols, which help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure and maintaining arterial health. Surprisingly, you can eat chocolate on keto. However, it is important to choose a dark one that contains at least 70% cocoa, and preferably more, and eat it in moderation.

Fats and oils

Olive Oil

Olive oil is rich in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that has been shown to reduce risk factors for heart disease. In addition, extra virgin olive oil is high in polyphenolic antioxidants, plant compounds that further boost heart health. It’s the perfect base for salad dressings. Olive oil is best used for low heat cooking or added to dishes after cooking. Other great vegetable oils that are suitable for the keto diet are coconut oil and avocado oil.

Butter and ghee

Butter contains a small amount of carbohydrates, while ghee does not contain any. Ghee is butter made by heating and removing milk solids. It has a concentrated buttery flavor and is widely used in Indian cuisine. Like other types of full-fat dairy products, butter and ghee are not unhealthy as previously thought.

Drinks

Unsweetened coffee and tea

Coffee and tea are healthy drinks without carbohydrates. They contain caffeine, which improves metabolism, increases performance, attention and improves mood. What’s more, coffee and tea drinkers have been shown to have a significantly reduced risk of developing diabetes. In fact, those who consume the most coffee have the lowest risk. You can add heavy cream to coffee or tea, but it is better to avoid drinks with the addition of syrups.

Unsweetened sparkling water

Unsweetened sparkling water is a great choice on a keto diet. It does not contain sugar and is very refreshing.

Photo: Getty images, Shutterstock

the best and worst cheeses to choose from – Drink-Drink

07/04/2022 DrinkDrinkAdmin

Contents

• Why eat cheese on a keto diet?
• Best cheeses to eat
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Gouda
  • Goat cheese
  • Blue cheese
• Worst cheeses to eat
  • Cottage cheese
  • Low fat cheese
  • Processed cheeses
• Bottom line 9 0177
• 8 foods to eat on a ketogenic diet
  • Just one

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet often used for weight loss.

The diet traditionally restricts carbohydrate intake to less than 50 grams per day to maintain ketosis, a state in which your body uses fat instead of carbohydrates as its primary fuel source.

For this reason, some foods are better for the keto diet than others. Cheese, in particular, is ideal for the keto diet due to its high fat content, moderate amount of protein, and low carb content.

This article looks at some of the best and worst types of cheese to eat while on the keto diet.

Why eat cheese on a keto diet?

Keto dieters severely limit carbohydrate intake.

In addition, keto dieters tend to prefer high-fat foods to make up for the calories they miss out on when they restrict carbohydrates.

This means that cheese is an excellent food item because most cheeses are high in fat, moderate in protein and low in carbohydrates.

However, some cheeses are more suitable than others due to differences in fat content and degree of processing.

Conclusion

Cheese is an ideal food for the keto diet due to its high fat content, moderate protein content, and low carbohydrate content. However, some types may be better than others due to differences in fat content and degree of processing.

The Best Cheeses to Eat

These cheeses are high in fat and minimally processed, making them perfect for the keto diet.

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar is a popular yellow cheese.

Flavors range from spicy to mild, so most people can find a type that suits their taste preferences.

One gram serving (1 gram) of soft cheddar cheese contains 28 grams of fat, 9 grams of protein, and less than 7 grams of carbohydrates. This means it’s a good fit for the keto diet (1).

With the perfect balance of acidity and creaminess and a fairly low melting point, it’s great for melting sandwiches, salad-wrapped burgers, low-carb breads and casseroles.

Gouda

Gouda is a slightly sweet yellow cream cheese made from cow’s milk.

With 8 grams of fat, 7 grams of protein, and just 1 gram of carbs per 1 ounce (28 grams) serving, it fits well into the keto diet (2).

Gouda has a fairly low melting point, so it can be used to make burgers or added to your favorite keto mac and cheese recipe.

Goat cheese

Goat cheese, also known as chevre, is a cream cheese made from goat’s milk. It boasts a tart flavor that is sometimes described as playful or earthy.

A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving provides 9 grams of fat, 7 grams of protein, and minimal carbs, making it a great cheese to enjoy on a keto diet (3).

Although not particularly good for melting, goat cheese is good for appetizers, salads, casseroles and omelettes.

Goat cheese is also lower in lactose than many other types of cow’s milk cheese. Thus, people with lactose intolerance can digest it better (4).

Blue cheese

Blue cheese is a unique cheese. It is produced using cultures of a particular type of mold to impart a deep flavor and creamy texture.

Its keto-approved nutrient profile includes 8 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, and 1 gram of carbs per 1 ounce (28 grams) serving.5).

Blue cheese is good fresh when added to salads, mixed with sauces, or made into a sauce that can be enjoyed with vegetable noodles or steaks.

Conclusion

Some of the best cheeses to eat on a keto diet are cheddar, gouda, blue cheese, and goat cheese due to their suitably high fat and low carb content.

Worst Cheeses to Eat

Cheeses to avoid on a keto diet include high carb and processed varieties.

Curd

Curd is a fresh cheese made by separating casein curd and liquid whey, the two main milk proteins.

Although cottage cheese is generally considered a healthy option for cheese, its nutritional profile does not play well with a keto diet.

A 1/2 cup (114 grams) serving of high-fat cottage cheese contains 5 grams of fat, 14 grams of protein, and 5 grams of carbohydrates (6).

Although not particularly high in carbohydrates, even small amounts accumulate quickly. Thus, it is best not to eat too much cottage cheese on a keto diet.

Low Fat Cheese

Given that the keto diet focuses on foods high in fat and low in carbs, it is best to avoid low fat cheeses.

Regular Cheddar contains 9 grams of fat per 1 ounce (28 grams) serving. In comparison, the same serving of fat-free cheddar or colby cheese contains about 2 grams of fat. You can even buy fat-free cheese that has no fat (1, 7, 8).

If your goal is to fuel your body with fat through ketosis, you should stick with whole-fat cheese.

Processed Cheeses

Another category of cheese that you should probably avoid if you’re on a keto diet is processed cheese.

This includes varieties such as American cheese, aerosol cheese and other products containing a mixture of cheesy and non-cheese ingredients.

Although they are usually high in fat, they also usually contain ingredients that you will not find in natural cheeses. It can be whey powder, canola oil, colorants and preservatives.9, 10).

High consumption of processed foods has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and other diseases. This means you should limit the amount of processed foods you eat, whether or not you’re on a keto diet. 11, 12).

Conclusion

While most cheeses are good for a keto diet, some types are not ideal due to the ratio of nutrients and level of processing. These include cottage cheese and low-fat and processed cheeses.

Bottom line

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet. This requires a strict diet to maintain ketosis, a state in which your body uses fat instead of carbs as its primary fuel source.

To compensate for the calorie loss due to carbohydrate restriction, keto dieters eat a lot of high-fat foods such as cheese.

Some cheeses are better for the keto diet than others. It basically comes down to their carb and fat content, as well as the degree of processing.

The best keto cheeses include cheddar, gouda, goat and blue cheese, while the worst are cottage cheese and low-fat and processed varieties.

If you are on the keto diet or know someone who is on the diet, be sure to keep these cheeses in mind to promote ketosis and reach your dietary goals.