How many calories are in cheese?

When we talk about fats in food, we often think negatively. We also tend to associate cheese with fat, although, as we will see, that is not the whole story.

Fat is thought to cause weight gain because 1 g provides 9 kcal, while 1 g of protein or 1 g of carbohydrate provides 4 kcal. The same amount of fat therefore provides twice the calories of protein or carbohydrate. Advising people not to overindulge in high-fat foods makes sense, but recommending that they eliminate or reduce them is a catastrophic mistake.

Fat alone does not cause weight gain. We gain weight when we are in a calorie surplus, whatever we eat: when we consume more calories than we burn. In a deficit, the body will use that fat for some of its many functions.

How many calories are in each type of cheese?

Cheese is rich in fat, but healthy fat. It also has many health benefits: it contains folic acid, supports breast milk production, strengthens the immune system, improves the appearance of skin thanks to vitamin B, and is rich in protein.

We can therefore conclude that cheese can be included in any diet. However, avoid a calorie surplus, whether from cheese or any other food. To help, here are the calories in the most common types of cheese:

Calories in mild cheese

One of the lower-calorie varieties: 100 g of mild cheese provides 316 kcal.

Calories in mature cheese

One of the higher-calorie cheeses, but also a favourite among cheese lovers. A 100 g portion of mature cheese provides 452 kcal.

Calories in semi-mature cheese

Moderate in intensity, between mature cheese and mild or fresh cheese, with a calorie content in between too. A 100 g portion of semi-mature cheese provides 371 kcal.

Calories in cheese spread

This depends greatly on the cheese used. In general, 100 g of cheese spread provides 342 kcal.

Calories in fresh cheese

Alongside mild cheese, fresh cheese is one of the lower-calorie varieties. A 100 g portion provides 316 kcal.

Calories in Parmesan

This delicious pasta essential is also one of the higher-calorie varieties listed: 100 g contains 431 kcal.

In conclusion, rather than judging a food by its fat content, consider the food itself: its origins, processing and accompanying ingredients. Fats are essential, and cheese is a good source of good fats. Without them, we become ill; too much is harmful too. Ultimately, it is a matter of common sense.