Can I eat cheese on a keto diet - and if so, which types? | You Ask, We Answer (2024)

Last updated 17/01/2024

The Ketogenic diet or “keto” diet is a low carbohydrate and high fat eating plan. Whilst there are variations of the keto diet, they all consist of high levels of fat, moderate protein and very low levels of carbohydrate. The ratio of these macronutrients is generally 55 to 60% fat, 30 to 35% protein and 5 to 10% carbohydrate.1

The table below provides the macronutrient percentages of some common cheese varieties. All contain either minimal or no carbohydrate and varying amounts of protein and fat. Any type of cheese can be included on the keto diet, as long as total dietary carbohydrate intake remains low enough to keep the body in nutritional ketosis (using stored fat instead of carbohydrate to fuel the brain and body).

Cheese type

Carbohydrate %

Total Fat %

Protein %

Brie

31.5

18.2

Camembert

23.8

20.4

Mozzarella

22.1

22.2

Parmesan (fresh)

28.8

35.1

Feta cheese

0.4

22.3

16.6

Cheddar cheese (regular fat)

0.5

32.8

24.6

Cottage cheese

1.8

5.7

15.4

Source: Food Standards Australia New Zealand. (2011). NUTTAB 2010 – Australian Food Composition Tables.

The keto diet may have benefits for weight loss, but it is important to seek professional advice to ensure all your dietary requirements are being met. An Accredited Practising Dietitian can provide expert advice to help you eat well when following a keto diet plan.

Can I eat cheese on a keto diet - and if so, which types? | You Ask, We Answer (2024)

FAQs

Can I eat cheese on a keto diet - and if so, which types? | You Ask, We Answer? ›

All types of cheese are allowed on the keto diet, as cheese is relatively low in carbohydrate, which complies with the key principle of the keto diet. The Ketogenic diet or “keto” diet is a low carbohydrate and high fat eating plan.

What kind of cheese is allowed on keto? ›

Some cheeses suit the keto diet better than others. This mainly comes down to their carb and fat content and level of processing. The best keto cheeses include cheddar, Gouda, goat cheese, and blue cheese, while the worst are cottage cheese and low fat and processed varieties.

Can I eat as much cheese as I want on keto? ›

Moderation is key. So, if you're having cheese as part of a weight loss strategy like keto, make sure you know your daily calorie limit along with your protein and fat macronutrient needs. As mentioned earlier, 1-3 ounces should fit well into a keto diet plan.

Is Mozzarella cheese keto-friendly? ›

Unlike most cheeses, Mozzarella is enjoyed fresh, rather than being aged! With a total carb count of 1 gram per ounce, it is yet another keto-friendly cheese to keep on-hand. Mozzarella also contains probiotics, which have shown to improve digestive health and emotional health!

Can you eat feta cheese on a keto diet? ›

Over all the hundreds of cheeses that are available, the best ones for a keto diet include: cheddar, blue cheese, goat's cheese, feta, halloumi, cream cheese and cottage cheese. Cheese should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Is Greek yogurt keto? ›

Is Greek Yogurt Keto? Yes! Especially for those of us who struggle to meet protein needs, Greek yogurt is an excellent choice on the keto diet. A 3/4 cup serving of full fat Greek yogurt has 5g of carbs, 9g of fat, and 15g of protein, making it my favorite choice for the keto diet.

Will I stay in ketosis if I eat cheese? ›

All types of cheese are allowed on the keto diet, as cheese is relatively low in carbohydrate, which complies with the key principle of the keto diet. The Ketogenic diet or “keto” diet is a low carbohydrate and high fat eating plan.

Are tomatoes ok on keto? ›

Can you eat tomatoes on the keto diet? "Tomatoes are keto," says Abby Langer, R.D., author of Good Food, Bad Diet. "They're low in carbs, so they fit perfectly into keto." One whole medium tomato contains roughly 5 grams of carbohydrates, of which 1.5 grams are fiber and 3 grams are sugar.

Which cheese has no carbs? ›

Goat cheese is an excellent choice for someone following the keto diet. It contains 0 carbs, making it a great way to hit your macros — 1 ounce (oz) of goat cheese also offers 103 calories, 8 g of fat, and 6 g of protein, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Is cheese pizza OK for keto? ›

Folks who love cheese and pizza together will be relieved to know that there are many cheese types that go well with a keto diet. Here are some of the cheeses you can add to your pizza without feeling guilty: Mozzarella cheese (shredded or fresh) Pepper jack cheese.

Is hummus keto? ›

While hummus is suitable for the keto diet, you'll want to limit yourself to a small amount. Consider using it as a garnish rather than as a dip, and avoid dessert flavors. You may also want to consider other low carb dips and spreads, such as baba ganoush, pate, or black soybean hummus.

Are cucumbers keto? ›

Cucumber is another popular salad vegetable. It contains many essential nutrients, including vitamin K. Cucumber is also suitable for the keto diet, as its carb content is just 3.63 g per 100 g. To make the carb content lower, a person can peel the cucumber before eating it.

Is olive oil keto? ›

The answer is a resounding yes! In fact, many believe that extra virgin olive oil, known for a wide range of health benefits, is the single best oil for a keto lifestyle. Most importantly for keto, olive oil is low in saturated fat and high in monounsaturated fat, making it a perfect fit for all versions of the diet.

What cheese slices are best for keto? ›

Below are some of the top cheeses to choose when you need to add some flair and flavor to your keto diet.
  • Parmesan. Parmesan is the reason so many keto followers love a crouton-free Caesar salad. ...
  • Mascarpone. ...
  • Gouda. ...
  • Cheddar. ...
  • Swiss.

What is a keto substitute for cheese? ›

Keto Substitute for Cheese: Cauliflower “Cheese”

Cauliflower is one of my favorite foods – you can use it to create so much! Plus, it's healthy and Keto-friendly. So check out this recipe for a nut-free, sliceable dairy-free cheese.

Why is cheese keto but not milk? ›

Cow's milk is high in lactose, a type of carbohydrate, so it is not suitable for a keto diet. Milk and related dairy products are essential ingredients in many people's diets. You may enjoy pouring milk on your morning cereal, mixing sweet creamer into your coffee, and adding cream cheese to savory pasta dishes.

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