Keto Cheese Guide: The Best Cheeses for Your Diet

What Cheese Can You Eat on Keto?

Curious about how cheese fits into your low-carb lifestyle? Keto cheese features varieties high in fats and proteins but low in carbs, making them perfect for ketosis.

Think about delicious options like cheddar, blue cheese, and cream cheese—all of which you can enjoy without disrupting ketosis.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best keto-friendly cheeses, from the robust and tangy blue cheese to the creamy and versatile cream cheese.

Tackling avoided cheeses, like American cheese and canned cheese, which can contain more carbs than you might expect.

By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of which cheeses to include in your keto diet and which ones to skip.

A close-up of various types of cheese, including wedges of Parmesan and Brie, arranged on a wooden surface
A close-up of various types of cheese, including wedges of Parmesan and Brie, arranged on a wooden surface

Table of Contents:

Is Cheese Keto Friendly?

A plate with slices of cheese garnished with fresh basil leaves, accompanied by a cheese knife, cherry tomatoes, and arugula on a wooden table
A plate with slices of cheese garnished with fresh basil leaves, accompanied by a cheese knife, cherry tomatoes, and arugula on a wooden table

Absolutely, cheese can be a great addition to your keto diet! Most cheeses are high in fats and protein, which align perfectly with keto’s low-carb, high-fat guidelines.

The key is to choose cheeses that are low in carbohydrates. Natural, unprocessed cheeses like cheddar, blue cheese, and cream cheese typically contain minimal carbs, making them ideal for keto.

However, it’s important to avoid processed cheeses that often have added sugars and fillers, increasing their carb content.

Always check the nutritional labels to ensure your cheese fits within your daily carb limits.

When chosen wisely, cheese can enhance your keto meals, providing flavor, texture, and essential nutrients.

The Best Keto Cheese Options

The best keto cheese options include cheddar, mozzarella, and blue cheese. These varieties are low in carbs and high in saturated fat, making them perfect for a keto diet.

They add rich flavor and creamy texture to meals while supporting ketosis.

Blue Cheese

Wedges of blue cheese arranged on a wooden board with lettuce leaves, dates, and a small bowl of honey
Wedges of blue cheese arranged on a wooden board with lettuce leaves, dates, and a small bowl of honey

Blue cheese is a fantastic choice for those on a keto diet. With its bold, tangy flavor and creamy texture, it adds a delicious punch to salads, dips, and dressings.

Plus, it’s low in carbs, containing only about 0.5 grams of carbs per ounce. Enjoy blue cheese on its own, or pair it with keto-friendly snacks for a flavorful treat.

Nutrition facts:

  • Calories: 74 kcal
  • Total fat: 6 grams
  • Net carbs: 0.5 gram
  • Protein: 4.5 grams

Cheddar Cheese

An assortment of cheeses, pears, and walnuts displayed on a wooden board on a plaid cloth
An assortment of cheeses, pears, and walnuts displayed on a wooden board on a plaid cloth

Cheddar cheese is a versatile and delicious option for keto enthusiasts. With only about 1 gram of carbs per ounce, it’s perfect for snacking, cooking, or adding to your favorite dishes.

Its rich, sharp flavor complements many keto recipes, from casseroles to cheese crisps or ricotta cheese. Cheddar is tasty and helps you stay within your carb limits.

Nutrition facts:

  • Calories: 402 kcal
  • Total fat: 9 grams
  • Net carbs: 1 gram
  • Protein: 7 grams

Cheese Crisps

Cheese crisps are a crunchy, keto-friendly snack that’s easy to love. Virtually carb-free, they’re made by baking or frying slices of cheese until crispy.

You can enjoy them straight from the bag or make your own at home. Perfect for satisfying cravings for something crunchy, cheese crisps are an excellent addition to your keto snack arsenal.

Nutrition facts:

  • Calories: 170 kcal
  • Total fat: 14 grams
  • Net carbs: 1 gram
  • Protein: 11 grams

Cream Cheese

A bowl of cream cheese garnished with a sprig of mint on a gray wooden table
A bowl of cream cheese garnished with a sprig of mint on a gray wooden table

Cream cheese is a keto superstar known for its rich, creamy texture and low-carb content, typically around 1 gram per ounce.

It’s perfect for both sweet and savory keto recipes, from cheesecakes to creamy sauces.

Spread it on low-carb crackers or use it as a base for keto-friendly dips and desserts to add a decadent touch to your meals while staying within your carb limits.

Nutrition facts:

  • Calories: 50.8 kcal
  • Total fat: 8.11 grams
  • Net carbs: 0.992 gram
  • Protein: 2.01 grams

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese is a creamy, tangy delight that’s perfect for a keto diet. With only about 0 grams of carbs per ounce, it’s incredibly low in carbs and high in flavor.

It pairs well with salads, keto-friendly fruits like berries, or simply spread on low-carb crackers. Its unique taste and texture make goat cheese or goat milk a versatile and tasty addition to your keto meals.

Nutrition facts:

  • Calories: 75 kcal
  • Total fat: 6 grams
  • Net carbs: 0 gram
  • Protein: 5 grams

Gouda Cheese

An assortment of sliced cheeses on a wooden cutting board, accompanied by green grapes in the background
An assortment of sliced cheeses on a wooden cutting board, accompanied by green grapes in the background

Gouda cheese, with its mild and slightly sweet flavor, is an excellent choice for keto dieters. Containing about 1 gram of carbs per ounce, it fits well within your daily carb limits.

Gouda is perfect for snacking, slicing onto sandwiches, or melting over low-carb dishes. Its smooth texture and rich taste make it a versatile and delicious option for any keto meal.

Nutrition facts:

  • Calories: 101 kcal
  • Total fat: 7.8 grams
  • Net carbs: 0.6 grams
  • Protein: 7.1 grams

Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese that’s ideal for keto diets, containing roughly 0 grams of carbs per ounce.

Its intense, savory flavor makes it perfect for grating over keto-friendly pasta alternatives, salads, or soups.

Parmesan’s low carb content and rich taste add a delicious boost to your meals, making it a must-have in any keto kitchen.

Nutrition facts:

  • Calories: 112 kcal
  • Total fat: 8 grams
  • Net carbs: 0 gram
  • Protein: 2 grams

Parmigiano Reggiano

Wheels of cheese aging on a wooden shelf in a cheese cellar
Wheels of cheese aging on a wooden shelf in a cheese cellar

Parmigiano Reggiano is a premium variety of Parmesan known for its rich, nutty flavor and crumbly texture.

With about 4.1 grams of carbs per ounce, it’s a keto-friendly cheese that’s perfect for grating over dishes or enjoying in small chunks.

Its intense taste enhances salads, soups, and keto-friendly pasta, making Parmigiano Reggiano a luxurious addition to your keto diet.

Nutrition facts:

  • Calories: 431 kcal
  • Total fat: 29 grams
  • Net carbs: 4.1 grams
  • Protein: 38 grams

Types of Cheese to Avoid on Keto

Now, let’s talk about the cheeses you might want to skip. These varieties tend to have higher carb content or unwanted additives that could mess with your ketosis.

American Cheese

American cheese is best avoided on a keto diet due to its high carb content and added fillers.

This processed cheese often contains added sugars and artificial ingredients that can quickly increase your carb intake.

While it may be convenient, the unhealthy additives and higher carb count make it a less desirable option for those trying to maintain ketosis.

Nutrition facts:

  • Calories: 102 kcal
  • Total fat: 9 grams
  • Net carbs: 1.3 gram
  • Protein: 5 grams

Canned/Spray Cheese

Canned or spray cheese should be avoided on a keto diet. These products are heavily processed and often contain added sugars, starches, and other carb-heavy fillers.

While convenient for quick snacks or toppings, they can quickly derail your keto goals by spiking your carb intake.

Opt for natural cheeses to stay on track with your low-carb lifestyle and avoid the hidden carbs in canned or spray cheese products.

Nutrition facts:

  • Calories: 90 kcal
  • Total fat: 6 grams
  • Net carbs: 2 grams
  • Protein: 5 grams

Cottage Cheese

A glass bowl of fresh cottage cheese garnished with a mint sprig on a wooden table, next to a blue and white checkered cloth
A glass bowl of fresh cottage cheese garnished with a mint sprig on a wooden table, next to a blue and white checkered cloth

Cottage cheese, while high in protein, contains more carbs compared to other cheeses, with about 3-6 grams per half-cup serving.

This higher carb content makes it less suitable for strict keto diets, where carb intake is typically limited to very low levels.

If you enjoy cottage cheese, consume it in moderation and consider its carb content in your overall daily macros to stay within ketosis.

Nutrition facts:

  • Calories: 185 kcal
  • Total fat: 2.7 grams
  • Net carbs: 11 grams
  • Protein: 25 grams

Low-Fat Cheese

Low-fat cheese varieties should be avoided on a keto diet. These cheeses often have higher carb contents compared to their full-fat counterparts because manufacturers add fillers and sugars to enhance flavor.

Opting for full-fat cheeses ensures you’re getting the right balance of fats and proteins without unnecessary carbs, keeping you on track with your ketogenic goals.

Nutrition facts:

  • Calories: 49 kcal
  • Total fat: 2 grams
  • Net carbs: 0.5 grams
  • Protein: 6.9 grams

Processed Cheese

Processed cheeses like cheese spreads and pre-packaged slices are best avoided on keto.

They typically contain added carbs and unhealthy ingredients such as fillers, preservatives, and artificial flavors. These additives can elevate your carb intake and hinder ketosis.

Stick to natural, unprocessed cheeses to ensure you’re getting the full nutritional benefits without compromising your low-carb goals on a ketogenic diet.

Nutrition facts:

  • Calories: 119 kcal
  • Total fat: 9 grams
  • Net carbs: 2 grams
  • Protein: 7 grams

Want to dive deeper into the world of keto diet cheese experience or dairy foods? Check out these articles:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mozzarella Cheese Keto-Friendly?

Yes, mozzarella cheese is highly keto-friendly. It’s low in carbs, with about 1 gram per ounce, making it a versatile option for keto meals.

Fresh mozzarella, in particular, is a popular choice for its creamy texture and mild flavor.

Whether melted over keto pizza or enjoyed in a Caprese salad, mozzarella cheese is a delicious addition to your ketogenic diet.

What Is a Keto Substitute for Cheese?

If you’re looking for a cheese substitute on keto, consider nutritional yeast. It provides a cheesy flavor without the carbs, making it perfect for sprinkling over dishes or mixing into sauces.

Another option is dairy-free cheese made from nuts, such as almond or cashew cheese, which offers a similar texture and taste to traditional cheese without the lactose or carbs.

Is Feta Cheese Keto?

Yes, feta cheese is keto-friendly with approximately 1.2 grams of carbs per ounce. Its tangy flavor and crumbly texture make it a delightful addition to salads, omelets, or simply enjoyed on its own.

Feta’s low-carb content makes it a popular choice among keto enthusiasts looking to add flavor and variety to their meals while staying within their daily carb limits.

Final Thoughts

To sum up our exploration of keto cheese, we’ve covered an array of delicious options that fit perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle.

From tangy blue cheese to versatile cheddar and Parmesan, these cheeses not only satisfy your taste buds but also support your keto goals with their minimal carb content.

Remember to steer clear of high-carb options like American cheese or processed varieties, which can hinder your progress.

Whether you’re just starting out on keto or looking to expand your eat cheese repertoire, making informed choices is key.

For more tips and guides to enhance your keto journey, visit our website. Dive deeper into keto-friendly foods, recipes, and more to keep your diet on track and your taste buds happy.