Healthiest Types of Cheese to Try Now

Cheese gets a bad rap sometimes for being indulgent, but honestly, when you pick the right ones, it can be a powerhouse in your diet. We’re talking options loaded with good stuff like protein for muscle repair, calcium to keep bones solid, and even some probiotics that might give your gut a boost. Not all cheeses are created equal, though – some are lower in salt or fat, making them smarter picks for everyday eating. I’ve sifted through the details to highlight the standouts, based on solid nutrition info, so you can feel good about grating, crumbling, or melting them into your favorites. Plus, it’s fun to experiment and see how they change up a simple dish.

That’s where apps like ReciMe come in handy for folks like us who love collecting recipes but hate the chaos. With our app, you can save all those cheese-focused ideas from Instagram or your grandma’s notes right on your phone, no more digging through folders. It even sorts your grocery lists by aisle, so grabbing that gouda or feta feels effortless. Our community shares tons of ways to use these cheeses in meal plans, helping you waste less and cook more of what you crave. Whether you’re planning a week’s worth of dinners or just a quick snack, it’s like having a kitchen buddy that keeps everything organized. Give it a spin, and you’ll wonder how you managed without it.

Top Healthiest Cheeses for Your Menus

Cheese is a staple in many kitchens, and it’s no wonder why – it’s versatile, packed with flavor, and can fit into all sorts of dishes, from quick breakfasts to hearty dinners. The ReciMe community loves experimenting with cheeses that not only taste great but also bring some solid nutrition to the table. Here’s a rundown of cheeses that are worth adding to meal plans, with details on what makes them stand out and how they can work in everyday cooking. These picks are based on their nutrient profiles, and they’re perfect for tossing into recipes saved on your phone or scribbled from a family cookbook.

1. Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese, with its curdy texture, is a total protein champ that’s low-cal, so it’s my pick for staying full without overdoing it. Awesome for weight management or boosting calcium, I blend it into smoothies, top toast with it, or turn it into a dip for veggies when I need a quick snack.

A 25g serving of cottage cheese provides:

• 26kcals/108kJ
• 2.4g protein
• 1.5g fat
• 0.8g saturated fat
• 32mg calcium
• 0.15g salt

2. Gouda

Gouda has that warm, nutty sweetness that just feels comforting in colder weather dishes or on a casual cheese platter. This semi-hard cheese, with its classic bubbly holes from the fermentation process, melts beautifully and adds richness without overwhelming. It’s loaded with calcium and vitamin K2, which are awesome for bone health, and it holds its own in hearty recipes. I love shaving it over some roasted Brussels sprouts or stirring it into a potato soup for an easy, soul-warming supper.
A 25g serving of Gouda provides:

• 89kcals/372kJ
• 6.3g protein
• 7.7g fat
• 5.1g saturated fat
• 193mg calcium
• 0.578g salt

3. Goat’s Cheese

Goat’s cheese brings a zesty tang that wakes up any plate – creamy enough to spread or crumble, it’s fantastic on salads or toast. It’s often easier on the stomach thanks to lower lactose and those medium-chain fats that your body handles better. I’ve found it pairs great in a veggie frittata or a fresh salad with berries and walnuts for a light lunch that feels fancy.

A 25g serving of goat’s cheese provides:

• 66-68 calories and 276-286 kJ
• 5.3g protein
• 6.5g fat
• 4.5g saturated fat
• 33mg calcium
• 0.375g salt

4. Paneer

Paneer is that soft, fresh Indian cheese that’s a star in curries or on the grill because it doesn’t melt away. No animal rennet means it’s vegetarian-friendly, and its super-low salt is a win if you’re keeping an eye on sodium. Plus, it sneaks in vitamins A and D for general wellness. Cube it up for a veggie curry or grill it with spices and veggies for a fun side dish.

A 25g serving of paneer provides:

• 73 calories and 306 kJ
• 6.5g protein
• 6.1g fat
• 3.9g saturated fat
• 34mg calcium
• 0.02g salt

5. Feta

Feta’s briny tang is unbeatable in salads or bakes – made from sheep or goat milk, it has CLA that might help with body goals. It’s saltier from the brine, so a little goes far. Crumble it over grilled veggies or stir into a Greek-style dip for that Mediterranean vibe.

A 25g serving of feta provides:

• 66 calories/276 kilojoules
• 3.9g protein
• 5.0g fat
• 3.4g saturated fat
• 90mg calcium
• 0.625g salt

6. Mozzarella

Mozzarella’s soft, gooey stretch is what makes it so fun – think perfect melts in pizzas or sandwiches. It’s on the lighter side for calories and salt, and some versions even have probiotics from the milk. A classic caprese with tomatoes and basil is my go-to, or bake it into a veggie lasagna for a crowd-pleaser dinner.

A 25g serving of mozzarella provides:

• 75-81 calories and 316-339 kilojoules
• 4.7g protein
• 5.1g fat
• 3.4g saturated fat
• 90mg calcium
• 0.30g salt

7. Ricotta

Ricotta is light and creamy, working wonders in sweet or savory stuff alike. Made from whey, it’s got digestible protein that’s great post-workout, and it’s lower in fat for when you want something easygoing. Spread it on whole-grain toast with honey and fruit, or mix into pasta for a creamy twist without the heaviness.

A 25g serving of ricotta provides:

• 35-36 calories and 149 kilojoules
• 2.4g protein
• 2.8g fat
• 1.7g saturated fat
• 60mg calcium
• 0.06g salt

8. Parmesan

Parmesan is all about that intense, nutty flavor and gritty texture – ideal for grating over pasta or enjoying as a snack. Aged for over a year, it keeps lactose low, so it’s usually fine for dairy-sensitive folks, and it’s brimming with calcium and phosphorus for strong bones. I grate it onto everything from soups to roasted greens, or even pair it with fresh fruit for a quick, balanced bite.

A 25g serving of parmesan provides:

• 104kcals/432kJ
• 9.1g protein
• 7.4g fat
• 4.8g saturated fat
• 256mg calcium
• 0.412g salt

9. Quark

Quark, a German fresh cheese, is like yogurt’s creamier cousin, with a high protein punch and barely any fat. It’s perfect for blending into smoothies or using as a base for herby dips. Its mild flavor makes it super versatile for breakfast bowls or even a light cheesecake. The ReciMe community swears by it for healthy dessert recipes you can save for later.
A 25g serving of quark provides:

• 28 kcals/117 kJ
• 3.5g protein
• 0.5g fat
• 0.3g saturated fat
• 30mg calcium
• 0.10g salt

10. Cream Cheese (Low-Fat)

Low-fat cream cheese is smooth and mild, perfect for spreads or lightening up recipes. It’s got a decent protein hit and works in everything from bagel toppings to creamy dips. Mix it with herbs for a quick spread or use it in a ReciMe-saved cheesecake recipe for a healthier dessert. It’s a versatile choice for keeping things light.
A 25g serving of low-fat cream cheese provides:

• 40 kcals/167 kJ
• 2.8g protein
• 2.5g fat
• 1.5g saturated fat
• 35mg calcium
• 0.12g salt

11. Brynza

Brynza, a soft Ukrainian cheese often made from sheep’s milk, brings a tangy, slightly salty flavor that’s a hit in Eastern European dishes. It’s lower in fat than many cheeses and offers calcium for bone health. Crumble it over borscht or mix it into dumplings for a taste of home. ReciMe users in Ukraine love saving brynza recipes for traditional meals.
A 25g serving of brynza provides:

• 60 kcals/251 kJ
• 4.0g protein
• 4.5g fat
• 2.8g saturated fat
• 80mg calcium
• 0.50g salt

12. Fromage Frais

Fromage frais is a French fresh cheese with a smooth, yogurt-like texture and a mild taste. It’s super low in fat and calories, making it great for light dishes like fruit parfaits or creamy salad dressings. Its high protein content keeps you full, and it’s a favorite in ReciMe for breakfast recipes or healthy snacks.
A 25g serving of fromage frais provides:

• 30 kcals/125 kJ
• 3.0g protein
• 0.8g fat
• 0.5g saturated fat
• 25mg calcium
• 0.08g salt

13. Mascarpone (Low-Fat)

Low-fat mascarpone offers the creamy richness of its full-fat cousin but with fewer calories. It’s perfect for light desserts or creamy pasta sauces. Mix it with fruit for a quick treat or use it in a ReciMe-saved tiramisu recipe for a healthier twist. Its smooth texture makes it a versatile addition to any meal plan.
A 25g serving of low-fat mascarpone provides:

• 50 kcals/209 kJ
• 2.0g protein
• 4.0g fat
• 2.5g saturated fat
• 30mg calcium
• 0.05g salt

14. Skyr

Skyr, an Icelandic cheese similar to thick yogurt, is a protein powerhouse with minimal fat. It’s great for breakfast bowls with granola or as a base for savory dips. Its creamy texture and mild flavor make it a hit for healthy recipes. ReciMe users love it for smoothies or as a substitute for sour cream in saved recipes.
A 25g serving of skyr provides:

• 27 kcals/113 kJ
• 3.8g protein
• 0.2g fat
• 0.1g saturated fat
• 35mg calcium
• 0.07g salt

Cheese can be a great addition to meal plans, whether you’re tossing it into a quick lunch or building a full dinner around it. These options offer a mix of flavors and nutrients, so it’s easy to find one that fits your recipes and grocery list. Keep portions in check, especially for higher-fat or saltier varieties, and you’ve got a solid ingredient for dishes that feel both indulgent and smart.

Pairing Cheeses with Everyday Ingredients

This is where the fun starts – mixing these cheeses with whatever’s already in your fridge or pantry to make quick, tasty meals without a special trip to the store. I love how it turns basic stuff into something special. For example:

• Gouda with roasted potatoes or sliced apples for a sweet-savory combo that’s perfect for fall snacking.
• Edam melted over canned beans or in a grilled cheese with whatever bread you’ve got on hand.
• Goat’s cheese on scrambled eggs or drizzled with honey and nuts for a breakfast that feels gourmet.
• Parmesan grated into jarred pasta sauce or over popcorn for an easy movie-night upgrade. It’s all about sparking those “aha” moments with pantry staples, keeping your grocery runs simple and your meals exciting.

Swapping Cheeses for Dietary Needs

Everyone’s got their own eating quirks, and cheese is surprisingly adaptable for tweaking recipes to fit. Whether you’re dialing back salt, handling lactose, or going lighter, here’s how to make swaps that keep things delicious. From what I’ve seen in the ReciMe shares:

• Try paneer in place of feta for salads if you’re vegetarian or need low-salt – it’s mild but holds up well.
• Go for parmesan or goat’s cheese instead of mozzarella on pizzas for less lactose while still getting that melt.
• Swap ricotta or cottage cheese into dips or bakes when you want a protein boost without cheddar’s richness. Think adapting a family curry or morning smoothie – our community has tons of real tweaks like this to keep meals inclusive and yummy.

Wrapping It Up: Making Cheese Part of Your Kitchen Routine

Bottom line, cheese doesn’t have to be just a splurge – it’s a clever way to boost flavor and nutrition in your everyday eats without much fuss. Take gouda for that melty bone support or feta for a tangy salad lift; these picks prove you can enjoy the perks like better gut health or stronger bones while keeping things balanced. In the ReciMe crowd, I’ve noticed how people make these cheeses regulars, from solo snacks to big family spreads. The trick is portion control and creativity with what you’ve got, so every bite feels good. Next time you’re sketching out meals, sneak one in – it could become your new staple. And if you’re anything like me, tracking those recipe successes in ReciMe makes it all click, with easy saves and community tweaks.

Frequently Asked Questions