We all love cheese, but there are lots of cheese products that have too much fat, sodium or other unhealthy ingredients. Plenty of reduced-fat cheeses are available, but many of them contain chemical additives that make them taste artificial—kind of like plastic. Fortunately, you can find delicious options made with low-fat milk—if you know what to look for.
My advice (recommendations are based on a one-ounce serving)…
Limit the fat content. Don’t exceed 5 g of total fat.Get enough calcium. Aim for at least 20% of the daily value (DV)—the percentage of a nutrient that you need to consume each day (based on a 2,000-calorie diet).Watch out for sodium. Stick to 250 mg or less per serving.Keep an eye on calories. Look for no more than 80 calories per serving.My top picks…
CABOT
50% Reduced Fat Cheddar
One ounce (one-inch cube*): 4.5 g total fat… 3 g saturated fat… 0 g trans fat… 8 g protein… 170 mg sodium… 20% DV calcium… 70 calories.
FINLANDIA
Imported Light Swiss Deli Slices
One slice (about ¾ ounce): 3 g total fat… 2 g saturated fat… 0 g trans fat… 7 g protein… 110 mg sodium… 22% DV calcium… 57 calories.
THE LAUGHING COW
Mini Babybel Light
One round piece (about ¾ ounce): 3 g total fat… 1.5 g saturated fat… 0 g trans fat… 6 g protein… 160 mg sodium… 20% DV calcium… 50 calories.
*Nutritional breakdowns are based on serving sizes that vary slightly, depending on the form of the cheese—sliced, cubed or individually wrapped.