20 Best Protein Cheeses for a Healthier Diet

Including cheeses that have rich proteins in your diet can be a tasty and efficient way to increase the amount of proteins you consume. Cheese is versatile and contains essential nutrients that maintain muscles, strengthen bones and improve general health. The following are the 20 best protein cheeses that experts recommend for a healthy diet.

1. Parmesan

Parmesan is a hard cheese which is aged with high protein levels as well as low lactose making it suitable for people with lactose intolerance. According to nutritional expert, Dr Emily Brown, “Parmesan ranks high among the sources of protein, providing approximately ten grams per ounce towards muscle development and repair.” Additionally, Parmesan complements flavours of different foods such as salads or soups.

2. Swiss

Swiss cheese which has distinct holes on its surface is not only delicious but has good nutritional content too. It contains around eight grams of protein per ounce. According to Dr Mark Wilson, a food nutritionist, “Swiss cheese fits perfectly into an individual’s high-protein eating plan. It features low-fat content while supplying important bone health minerals like calcium and phosphorous.”

3. Pecorino Romano

Pecorino Romano is a hard, salty Italian cheese that is produced from sheep’s milk and has a high protein content. The protein content of an ounce of the cheese is about 9 grams. Sheep’s milk cheese can be a good source of high-quality protein and essential amino acids according to studies published in the Journal of Dairy Science which may augment overall dietary protein requirements.

4. Gruyère

Gruyère, Swiss cheese with its slightly sweet and salty taste, contains around 8 grams per ounce. “Moreover, this variety of cheese also contains vitamins A and D whose presence is crucial for maintaining good eyesight as well as immune function,” says Dr Laura Clark who is an expert in nutrition.

5. Cheddar

There are several different maturities of cheddar, each having strong flavours and being packed with proteins. Proteins contained in one-ounce amount to seven grams. Cheddar is also rich in calcium necessary for healthy bones and teeth as stated by British Nutrition Foundation.

6. Gouda

The Dutch-originated Gouda has a creamy texture and rich flavour with approximately seven grams of protein per ounce. "Because it also has probiotics that maintain the healthiness of the digestive system," says Dr Rachel Adams who works as a food scientist.”

7. Edam

Edam is a mild, semi-hard Dutch cheese that offers around seven grams of protein per ounce. According to Dr Peter Johnson, a nutritionist, it is a high-protein and low-fat cheese for weight watchers who are also looking for proteins in their diet.

8. Fontina

The Italian Cheese Fontina has a creamy consistency and provides a similar amount of 8 grams of proteins per ounce. “Its smooth texture makes it versatile in the kitchen and its rich source of proteins benefits muscle health,” said Dr Claire Roberts, clinical nutritionist.

9. Provolone

Provolone is an Italian cheese with a smooth feel which contains about seven grams of proteins per ounce. Research from the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that eating moderate amounts of cheeses such as provolone can form part of a well-balanced diet necessary for daily protein supply.

10. Emmental

Emmental is a medium-hard Swiss cheese with holes, which offers about eight grams of proteins per ounce. "Besides being one of the primary sources of protein in our diets, Emmental is packed with calcium and other minerals needed to keep bones strong," observes Dr Michael Green, an expert on bone health.

11. Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese has low levels of fat content; hence it is fresh while containing approximately 11 grams. Of proteins for every 100 grams. "Cottage cheese is an excellent choice for those seeking high protein with low fat, making it ideal for weight management and muscle maintenance," as explained by Dr Sarah Lewis, a dietitian.

12. Ricotta

Ricotta, a soft, creamy cheese that processes whey, contains about 7 grams of protein per 100 grams. "Ricotta has a comparably low-fat content to quite a few other cheeses, yet it still holds a fair amount of protein, which is useful for repairing muscles," says Dr Helen Turner, a nutritionist.

13. Quark

Quark is a smooth, fresh dairy product, high in protein—about 14 grams per 100 grams. "Quark is an excellent protein source for vegetarians and those looking to increase their protein intake without added fats," says Dr David Mitchell, a dietitian.

14. Feta

Feta, a brined curd cheese originating from Greece, made with sheep or goat's milk, contains approximately 4 grams of protein per ounce. Dr Anna White, a nutritionist, explained, "Feta has fewer calories and less fat, so it can be a great source of protein for anyone counting their calories."

15. Halloumi

Halloumi is a Cypriot cheese with a high melting point, packing about 7 grams of protein per ounce. "Halloumi is a versatile cheese used in many dishes for added protein," says Dr James Hall, a food scientist.

Find out Is Halloumi Healthy?

16. Mozzarella

Mozzarella, originally made with buffalo milk, is packed with about 7 grams of protein per ounce. "Due to Mozzarella's high moisture content, it tends to be lower in calories but higher in protein, making it a great option for many diets," says registered dietitian Dr Karen Phillips.

17. Monterey Jack

Semi-soft Monterey Jack cheese from California contains around 6 grams of protein per ounce. "Not only does Monterey Jack have a high protein content, but it also contains essential fatty acids to promote heart health," says Dr Robert Collins, a nutritionist.

18. Havarti

Semi-soft and Danish, Havarti cheese contains around 7 grams of protein per ounce. "Given its creamy texture and high protein content, it's delicious and healthy," says dietitian Dr Margaret Davies. 

19. Camembert 

This creamy French cheese arrives with about 6 grams of protein per ounce. "It's a decent source of protein and also probiotics, good for gut health," says nutritionist Dr Alice Reed. 

20. Blue Cheese

Varieties such as Roquefort and Gorgonzola are incredibly strong, with about 6 grams of protein per ounce. According to food scientist Dr Thomas Miller, "Blue cheese is an intense protein source. It contains bioactive compounds that probably are beneficial to your health."

People Also Ask

Is cheese a good source of protein?

Yes, cheese is a good source of protein. It provides high-quality protein that is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall health.

Is eat lean cheese good for you?

Yes, eating lean cheese can be good for you. Lean cheeses are lower in fat and calories while still providing essential nutrients like protein and calcium, making them a healthier option.

Is protein cheese nice?

The taste of protein cheese varies depending on the type and individual preferences. Many people find it enjoyable and appreciate its health benefits, while others might prefer different varieties.

Conclusion

These 20 protein-dense cheeses can range from very useful in meeting nutritional requirements to flipping the scale on flavour and texture alone. Always consult a doctor or dietitian in choosing what's best for your overall health condition. For other high-protein snack ideas, continue to find out our 15 Best Protein Snacks