Introduction
Cheese is a delicious and versatile food that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Unfortunately, not all cheese is created equal. Some cheeses are loaded with unhealthy ingredients and additives that can have a negative impact on your health. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most unhealthy cheeses you can buy and provide healthier alternatives that you can enjoy instead. So, if you’re looking to make healthier cheese choices, read on to find out which cheeses you should avoid and which ones you should eat instead.
This Is the Most Unhealthy Cheese You Can Buy — Eat This Not That
Cheese is a delicious and versatile food that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. But not all cheese is created equal. Some cheeses are much higher in fat and calories than others, making them an unhealthy choice. Here’s a look at the most unhealthy cheese you can buy and what you should eat instead.
The Most Unhealthy Cheese
The most unhealthy cheese you can buy is processed cheese. Processed cheese is made from a combination of cheese and other ingredients, such as emulsifiers, preservatives, and food coloring. It has a longer shelf life than regular cheese, but it is also higher in fat and calories. It also lacks the flavor and texture of real cheese.
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to processed cheese, there are plenty of options. Low-fat cheese, such as feta, cottage cheese, and ricotta, are all lower in fat and calories than processed cheese. You can also opt for reduced-fat versions of your favorite cheeses, such as cheddar and mozzarella. These cheeses are still flavorful and can be used in a variety of recipes.
If you’re looking for a vegan alternative to cheese, there are also plenty of options. Nut-based cheeses, such as cashew cheese and almond cheese, are becoming increasingly popular. These cheeses are lower in fat and calories than traditional cheese and are a great way to add flavor to your meals.
Bottom Line
Processed cheese is the most unhealthy cheese you can buy. It is higher in fat and calories than other types of cheese and lacks the flavor and texture of real cheese. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, opt for low-fat cheese, reduced-fat cheese, or vegan cheese. These options are lower in fat and calories and can still add flavor to your meals.
Before you build your next charcuterie board, you might want to reconsider what cheese(s) you select to accompany your crackers, veggies, and meats. While most grocery stores have an overwhelming number of cheese varieties—some sharp and flavorful, some soft and crumbly, and others just smelly—when it comes to nutrition, the most unhealthy cheese might surprise you.
It’s worth stating up front that cheese isn’t exactly famous for being healthy, but that doesn’t mean you need to avoid it altogether. “All foods, including cheese, can be consumed in moderation,” says Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, FAND, award-winning nutrition expert and author of the best-selling book The Create Your Plate Diabetes Meal Prep Cookbook. “I would not recommend swapping out cheese[s]—they are SO flavorful and delicious,” she adds.
We couldn’t agree more. Still, some cheeses contain a staggering amount of saturated fat, which can have a negative impact on your health goals. And one of the biggest offenders of them all is blue cheese.
One cup (135 g) of crumbled, not packed, blue cheese contains a whopping 25 grams of total saturated fat, making it one of the most unhealthy cheeses you can choose. “A diet high in saturated fat has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease,” Amidor says. That’s because saturated fats are known to increase dangerous levels of LDL cholesterol in the body, according to Harvard Health, which can boost your risk of heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.
In addition to the potential for cardiovascular issues, eating large portions of blue cheese (or any foods that are high in saturated food) on a regular basis can lead to weight gain. Blue cheese is not only high in fat, but it also contains very little amounts of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)—a healthy fat that studies show helps prevent obesity and possibly reduce inflammation. In other words, blue cheese doesn’t have a ton of redeeming qualities (apart from being delicious, of course).
Considering that the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that your diet shouldn’t exceed more than 10% saturated fat per day, just “one ounce of a cheese high in saturated fat certainly falls into those guidelines,” Amidor says.
So, if you are planning to pick up a container of crumbled blue cheese on your next grocery store run, try to be mindful of how much you’re consuming, and remember the golden rule: Everything is fine in moderation.
“I have a delicious and healthy recipe for a Buffalo Chicken Salad and I use one ounce of blue cheese in order to make the dressing,” Amidor says. And fortunately, “a little bit just goes a long way.”
Jordan Summers-Marcouillier