Cheese: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits

Endlessly versatile, sometimes surprising and very delicious, cheese is a perennial crowd favorite. Find out why.

Is Cheese Good for You? 

Is cheese good for you? Absolutely! Cheese offers numerous health benefits. It is a good source of essential nutrients and can be part of a balanced diet.

Health Benefits of Cheese 

The health benefits of cheese are numerous. Here are some key benefits of cheese:

  • Bone Health: The calcium and phosphorus content in cheese makes it a good choice for maintaining healthy bones and teeth.
  • Muscle Growth: Cheese is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
  • Immune Support: Nutrients like vitamin B12 and selenium help support a healthy immune system.
  • Weight Management: Certain types of cheese can help with weight management due to their high protein content, which can increase feelings of fullness.

Cheese Nutrition Chart

To understand the nutritional content of cheese better, refer to the following cheese nutrition chart (values per 100g serving):

NutrientAmount
Calories402 Kcal
Protein25g
Fat33g
Calcium721mg
Phosphorus512mg
Vitamin B121.4mcg
Selenium15.5mcg

Cheese Nutrition Facts 

Cheese offers many essential nutrients that provide health benefits. Here are some cheese nutrition facts:

  • Calcium: Essential for strong bones and teeth
  • Protein: Important for muscle growth and repair
  • Phosphorus: Works with calcium to build bones
  • Vitamin B12: Supports the nervous system and energy production
  • Selenium: Plays a crucial role in metabolism and immune function



Cheese Can Please a Crowd!

Natural cheese is a fermented food made from four basic ingredients including milk, salt, “good bacteria,” and an enzyme called rennet. Cheesemakers use different proportions of this foundational formula coupled with different aging processes to create a variety of cheeses of differing textures, flavors and colors.

But cheese delivers benefits beyond its culinary canvas and delicious variety—it also makes significant contributions to a nutritious diet. Cheese provides eight essential nutrients that benefit wellness. Cheese is a good source of calcium, protein and phosphorus, three nutrients particularly important to help build and maintain healthy bones. Cheese also provides selenium and B12, which in addition to its protein, help support a healthy immune system.

With hundreds of varieties of cheese available—from creamy and melty to firm and chewy—there is an option for almost every palate and diet, even low-sodium. It’s a part of countless recipes, from breakfast to lunch to dinner, and snacks in between. There might even be cheese in your favorite dessert. Cheese is the perfect pairing for almost everything—from fruits, veggies, whole grains, beans and more!

Whatever your preference, cheese is a versatile, craveable way to add nutrition to your diet. Explore the tastiest ways to use cheese in our recipes and see for yourself.

Types of Cheese 

Cheese comes in an incredible variety of forms, textures, and flavors. Here are some popular cheese types:

  • Cheddar: A firm cheese with a rich, sharp flavor
  • Mozzarella: A soft cheese known for its stretchiness, perfect for pizzas
  • Blue Cheese: A strong-flavored cheese with blue veins
  • Brie: A soft, creamy cheese with a mild, buttery flavor
  • Parmesan: A hard, granular cheese often used for grating
  • Cottage Cheese: A soft and mild cheese made from milk curds

Is Cheese a Dairy Product? 

Yes, cheese is a dairy product. It is made from milk and contains many of the same nutrients found in milk. This makes it a great addition to a nutritious diet.