Cheese is made in many different forms, flavors, textures, and styles.
When shopping for cheese, you may find:
- Cheddar
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Swiss cheese
- Cottage cheese
- Cream cheese
- Feta
- Goat cheese
- Soft cheese
- Hard cheese
- Reduced-fat cheese
Different cheeses can vary considerably in taste, texture, ingredients, sodium, fat, and serving size.
This can make choosing cheese confusing, especially when several similar products are available.
You do not need to know every type of cheese to make a practical choice.
Start with how you plan to use it, then look at the label and choose a product that fits your preferences and dietary needs.
What Should You Look for When Buying Cheese?
A simple place to start is the type of cheese.
Then consider:
- Flavor
- Texture
- Ingredients
- Serving size
- Protein
- Fat
- Sodium
- Added ingredients
- Package size
- Price
Different cheeses are suited to different meals.
The cheese you choose for a sandwich may be very different from the cheese you want for cooking or a snack.
What Are the Main Types of Cheese?
Cheese can be broadly grouped according to characteristics such as texture and how it is produced.
Common categories include:
- Fresh cheese
- Soft cheese
- Semi-soft cheese
- Semi-hard cheese
- Hard cheese
There are many varieties within each category.
What Is Fresh Cheese?
Fresh cheeses generally have not undergone a long aging process.
Examples include:
- Cottage cheese
- Ricotta
- Some fresh mozzarella
- Cream cheese
Fresh cheeses often have:
- Soft textures
- Mild flavors
- Higher moisture
Their storage lives can differ from aged cheeses, so follow the package instructions.
What Is Soft Cheese?
Soft cheeses generally have a softer texture and higher moisture content than hard cheeses.
Examples include certain varieties of:
- Brie
- Camembert
- Goat cheese
- Soft-ripened cheese
Their flavors can range from mild to strong depending on the variety.
What Is Hard Cheese?
Hard cheeses generally have lower moisture and firmer textures.
Examples include:
- Parmesan
- Pecorino
- Aged cheddar
- Some aged Swiss cheeses
Hard cheeses can have strong flavors, meaning a relatively small amount may be enough to add flavor to a dish.
What Is Cheddar Cheese?
Cheddar is a widely available cheese that can range from mild to sharp.
It can be used in:
- Sandwiches
- Burgers
- Toast
- Pasta
- Casseroles
- Snacks
The flavor and texture can vary depending on how long the cheese has been aged.
What Is Mozzarella?
Mozzarella is known for its soft texture and ability to melt.
It is commonly used in:
- Pizza
- Pasta
- Sandwiches
- Salads
- Baked dishes
Fresh mozzarella and low-moisture mozzarella can have different textures and uses.
What Is Parmesan?
Parmesan-style cheeses are generally hard, aged cheeses with a strong savory flavor.
They are often grated over:
- Pasta
- Soups
- Salads
- Vegetables
- Rice dishes
Because of their strong flavor, small amounts can contribute substantial taste.
What Is Cottage Cheese?
Cottage cheese is a fresh cheese with a soft, curd-like texture.
It is commonly eaten:
- On its own
- With fruit
- With vegetables
- On toast
- In recipes
Different products can vary in fat, sodium, and added ingredients.
What Is Cream Cheese?
Cream cheese is a soft cheese with a smooth texture.
It is commonly used as:
- A spread
- A baking ingredient
- A dip ingredient
- A sandwich ingredient
Flavored cream cheese products may contain additional ingredients, so check the label if you are comparing products.
What Is Feta Cheese?
Feta is a soft, crumbly cheese with a distinctive salty and tangy flavor.
It is often used in:
- Salads
- Grain bowls
- Sandwiches
- Vegetable dishes
- Mediterranean-style meals
Because feta can contain substantial sodium, the serving size can be worth considering.
What Is Goat Cheese?
Goat cheese refers to cheese made using goat’s milk.
It can come in different forms and textures.
Some goat cheeses are:
- Soft
- Creamy
- Crumbly
- Aged
The nutritional profile depends on the specific product.
Does Cheese Contain Protein?
Yes.
Cheese can provide protein, although the amount varies considerably between types.
For example, cottage cheese can be relatively high in protein, while other cheeses may provide different amounts per serving.
Check the Nutrition Facts label when protein content is important to you.
Does Cheese Contain Calcium?
Many dairy cheeses provide calcium.
The amount varies depending on the type of cheese and serving size.
If calcium is an important part of your diet, compare the calcium information where it is provided on the label.
Does Cheese Contain Fat?
Yes.
Most traditional cheeses contain some fat.
The amount can vary considerably between products.
Some cheeses are available in:
- Full-fat versions
- Reduced-fat versions
- Low-fat versions
Compare the Nutrition Facts label rather than assuming that one type always contains less fat.
What Does Reduced-Fat Cheese Mean?
Reduced-fat cheese has less fat than a comparable regular version according to applicable labeling requirements.
Reducing fat can sometimes affect:
- Texture
- Flavor
- Melting
- Mouthfeel
Whether you prefer reduced-fat cheese depends on your dietary needs and taste preferences.
Is Full-Fat Cheese Unhealthy?
Not necessarily.
Cheese can be part of a varied eating pattern.
However, cheese can also be relatively energy-dense and some varieties contain significant amounts of saturated fat and sodium.
Portion size and the rest of your diet matter.
There is no need to classify all cheese as either “healthy” or “unhealthy.”
Does Cheese Contain Sodium?
Yes.
Many cheeses contain sodium, although the amount varies considerably.
Some cheeses can be particularly salty, including certain:
- Feta cheeses
- Processed cheeses
- Aged cheeses
- Cheese spreads
If sodium intake matters to you, compare products using the Nutrition Facts label.
Is Low-Sodium Cheese Available?
Yes.
Some products are specifically formulated with less sodium.
If you are comparing cheeses, look at sodium per serving rather than relying only on the product name.
The amount you eat also affects total sodium intake.
Does Cheese Contain Added Sugar?
Plain cheese generally contains little or no added sugar.
However, flavored or processed cheese products can contain additional ingredients.
If added sugar is important to you, check the ingredient list and Nutrition Facts label.
What Is Processed Cheese?
Processed cheese products are made by processing cheese with other ingredients to create a product with specific characteristics.
They can be designed for:
- Easy melting
- Consistent texture
- Longer storage
- Convenience
The ingredients and nutritional profile can vary considerably between products.
Read the label rather than assuming all processed cheese products are the same.
Is Processed Cheese the Same as Regular Cheese?
No.
Traditional cheeses and processed cheese products can differ in ingredients, production methods, texture, and nutritional composition.
Some processed products may contain additional:
- Emulsifying salts
- Milk ingredients
- Salt
- Flavorings
- Other additives
Check the ingredient list to understand what you are buying.
Should You Buy Sliced, Shredded, or Block Cheese?
All three can be useful.
Block Cheese
Useful when you want to:
- Slice it yourself
- Grate it
- Control portion sizes
Shredded Cheese
Convenient for:
- Pizza
- Pasta
- Toppings
- Cooking
Sliced Cheese
Convenient for:
- Sandwiches
- Burgers
- Toast
Pre-cut products may contain additional ingredients to help prevent pieces from sticking together.
Check the label if this matters to you.
Is Fresh Cheese Better Than Aged Cheese?
Not necessarily.
Fresh and aged cheeses have different characteristics.
Fresh cheese is often:
- Softer
- Milder
- Higher in moisture
Aged cheese is often:
- Firmer
- More concentrated in flavor
- Lower in moisture
Choose according to the meal and flavor you prefer.
Does Aging Change Cheese?
Yes.
Aging can affect:
- Flavor
- Texture
- Aroma
- Moisture
- Concentration of certain nutrients
The exact changes depend on the cheese and aging process.
How Can You Choose Cheese for Sandwiches?
For sandwiches, consider:
- Texture
- Melting ability
- Flavor
- Sodium
- Slice thickness
Mild cheeses can work well with delicate fillings.
Stronger cheeses can add more flavor without requiring a large amount.
How Can You Choose Cheese for Cooking?
For cooking, consider how the cheese behaves when heated.
Some cheeses melt smoothly.
Others are better suited for:
- Grating
- Browning
- Crumbling
- Adding at the end of cooking
Choose the type that matches the recipe.
How Can You Choose Cheese for Pizza?
Mozzarella is commonly used because of its melting characteristics.
However, other cheeses can be combined with mozzarella to create different flavors.
The best choice depends on the style of pizza and the texture you prefer.
How Can You Choose Cheese for Salads?
For salads, consider cheeses that add contrast in:
- Flavor
- Texture
- Saltiness
Examples include:
- Feta
- Goat cheese
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
Because some cheeses are salty, a smaller amount may be enough.
How Can You Choose Cheese for Snacking?
For a simple snack, consider:
- Portion size
- Protein
- Sodium
- Fat
- Flavor
Cheese can be paired with:
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Whole-grain crackers
- Nuts
This can create a more varied snack.
Should You Buy Pre-Shredded Cheese?
Pre-shredded cheese is convenient.
However, some products contain additional ingredients that help keep the shreds separate.
If you want the simplest ingredient list, compare pre-shredded cheese with block cheese.
Convenience can still be a reasonable reason to choose shredded cheese.
How Should You Store Cheese?
Storage depends on the type of cheese.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Keep cheese properly refrigerated when required.
Use clean utensils when handling soft cheeses and reseal packages appropriately.
Different cheeses have different storage lives.
Can Cheese Be Frozen?
Some cheeses can be frozen, although freezing can change their texture.
Hard and semi-hard cheeses may tolerate freezing better for certain cooking uses.
Soft cheeses can behave differently after thawing.
If you freeze cheese, consider whether you plan to use it for cooking or eating directly.
How Can You Choose Cheese on a Budget?
Cheese prices can vary considerably.
Compare:
- Price per weight
- Package size
- Type of cheese
- Brand
- Storage life
- Intended use
A stronger-flavored cheese may also be useful in smaller quantities because you may need less to add flavor.
Should You Buy Organic Cheese?
Organic cheese can be a personal preference.
Organic certification relates to production methods under applicable standards.
It does not automatically mean that a cheese is nutritionally superior.
If organic certification matters to you, look for the appropriate certification on the package.
What Should You Look for on a Cheese Label?
Before buying cheese, check:
Serving Size
Compare nutrition using a similar serving size.
Protein
Useful if protein is one of your priorities.
Calcium
Some cheese products provide substantial calcium.
Saturated Fat
Compare amounts if this is relevant to your dietary goals.
Sodium
Some cheeses can contain considerable sodium.
Ingredients
Check whether the product is traditional cheese or contains additional ingredients.
Package Size
Choose a size that you can use before quality declines.
How Can You Compare Two Cheese Products?
Imagine you are comparing two products.
Cheese A
- Block cheddar
- Higher sodium
- Moderate protein
- Simple ingredient list
- Strong flavor
Cheese B
- Reduced-fat sliced cheese
- Lower fat
- Similar sodium
- Several additional ingredients
- Mild flavor
Neither product is automatically the better choice.
If you want stronger flavor and a simple ingredient list, Cheese A may suit you.
If you prefer a lower-fat option and convenient slices, Cheese B may be more practical.
The important thing is to understand what you are buying.
A Simple Cheese-Buying Checklist
Before buying cheese, ask:
- What am I going to use it for?
- What flavor do I prefer?
- What texture do I prefer?
- How much protein does it provide?
- How much sodium does it contain?
- How much saturated fat does it contain?
- What are the ingredients?
- Do I want block, sliced, or shredded cheese?
- How much will I realistically use?
- Does the package size fit my needs?
These questions are usually enough to make a practical choice.
A Simple Way to Choose Cheese
If you are unsure which cheese to buy, start with the meal.
For sandwiches:
Choose sliced cheese with a texture and flavor you enjoy.
For pizza:
Choose a cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella.
For salads:
Choose a cheese that adds a useful contrast in flavor and texture.
For cooking:
Choose cheese based on how it melts, browns, or grates.
For snacks:
Consider portion size, protein, sodium, and what you will eat alongside it.
For stronger flavor:
Consider aged or strongly flavored cheeses, where a smaller amount may add substantial flavor.
There is no single cheese that everyone needs to buy.
Common Questions About Choosing Cheese
Is cheese a good source of protein?
Many cheeses provide protein, although the amount varies by type and serving size.
Is cheese a good source of calcium?
Many dairy cheeses provide calcium. The amount varies by product.
Is reduced-fat cheese healthier?
Reduced-fat cheese contains less fat than its regular counterpart under applicable labeling standards, but whether it is the better choice depends on your dietary needs and preferences.
Is processed cheese the same as regular cheese?
No. Processed cheese products can contain additional ingredients and are produced differently from traditional cheeses.
Is cottage cheese healthy?
Cottage cheese can be part of a varied eating pattern and can provide protein and other nutrients. Check the label for sodium and other nutrition information.
Is mozzarella healthy?
Mozzarella can fit into a varied eating pattern. The nutritional profile depends on the specific product and serving size.
Is cheese high in sodium?
Some cheeses are relatively high in sodium. Compare the Nutrition Facts label when sodium matters to you.
Does cheese contain added sugar?
Plain cheese generally contains little or no added sugar, but flavored or processed products can contain additional ingredients.
Can cheese be frozen?
Some cheeses can be frozen, although freezing can affect texture.
How should cheese be stored?
Follow the storage instructions on the package and refrigerate cheese when required.
Is expensive cheese better?
Not necessarily. Price can reflect variety, aging, production methods, brand, and other factors rather than simply nutritional quality.
The Simple Takeaway
Choosing cheese is mainly about understanding the type of cheese and how you plan to use it.
Remember:
- Cheese comes in many forms, textures, and flavors.
- Fresh, soft, semi-hard, and hard cheeses have different characteristics.
- Different cheeses can provide different amounts of protein, calcium, fat, and sodium.
- Some cheeses can contain significant amounts of sodium.
- Reduced-fat cheese is not automatically the best choice for everyone.
- Processed cheese products can contain additional ingredients.
- Pre-sliced and shredded cheese can be convenient but may contain additional ingredients.
- Aged cheeses often have stronger flavors, so a smaller amount may be enough.
- The best cheese for cooking may not be the best cheese for snacking.
- Check serving size, sodium, saturated fat, protein, calcium, and ingredients when comparing products.
- Package size and price are also practical considerations.
- No single type of cheese needs to be considered the “best” for everyone.
Cheese can be enjoyed in many different ways.
Choose the type that fits your meal, check the label when necessary, and pay attention to portion size and the rest of your meal.
Sources & Further Reading
U.S. Department of Agriculture — MyPlate
General information about dairy foods and including different food groups in a varied eating pattern.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
General information about Nutrition Facts labels, ingredients, and food labeling.
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health — The Nutrition Source
General information about dairy foods, dietary patterns, and nutrition.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide personalized dietary, nutritional, or medical advice. Individual nutritional needs may vary, so consult a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for advice specific to your circumstances.