10 Best Cheeses to Eat on a Low Carb Diet (Healthy & Delicious Choices)
Introduction
If you’re following a low carb diet or exploring the keto lifestyle, one question often pops up: what is the best cheese to eat on a low carb diet? Cheese is not only delicious but also rich in protein, calcium, and healthy fats. The good news is that most cheeses are naturally low in carbohydrates, making them excellent choices for anyone watching their carb intake.
But not all cheeses are created equal—some are higher in carbs, while others are nearly carb-free. In this article, we’ll explore the top low carb cheese options, compare their nutrition facts, and help you decide which cheese fits best into your lifestyle.
✅ Is Cheese Allowed on a Low Carb Diet?
Yes! Cheese is one of the most versatile foods on a low carb or keto diet. Most cheeses are:
- Low in carbs (0–2 grams per serving)
- High in fat (supports ketosis)
- Rich in protein (helps with satiety)
- Packed with calcium & vitamins
Cheese can be enjoyed as a snack, melted over meals, or incorporated into low carb diet cheese recipes.
🧀 What is the Best Cheese to Eat on a Low Carb Diet?
The best cheeses are those with minimal carbs, high fat, and good protein content. Let’s look at the top 10 low carb cheeses ranked by taste, nutrition, and versatility.
🥇 1. Cheddar Cheese (Keto-Friendly Classic)
- Carbs: 0.4g per ounce
- Why It’s Great: Cheddar is versatile, keto-friendly, and one of the most popular low carb cheese options.
- Best Use: Slices for burgers, grated for salads, or cheese crisps.
🥈 2. Parmesan Cheese (Aged & Flavorful)
- Carbs: 1g per ounce
- Why It’s Great: Rich in flavor with minimal carbs, Parmesan is excellent for adding a salty crunch.
- Best Use: Sprinkled over pasta alternatives, salads, or roasted veggies.
- Related Keyword: Parmesan carbs per serving
🥉 3. Mozzarella Cheese
- Carbs: 1g per ounce (whole milk)
- Why It’s Great: A favorite in keto-friendly recipes, mozzarella is creamy, mild, and satisfying.
- Best Use: Low carb pizza, string cheese for snacks, or caprese salads.
4. Goat Cheese
- Carbs: 0.6g per ounce
- Why It’s Great: Easier to digest (great for lactose-sensitive individuals) and rich in tangy flavor.
- Best Use: Spread on low carb crackers or in salads.
- LSI Keyword: goat cheese carbs
5. Blue Cheese
- Carbs: 0.7g per ounce
- Why It’s Great: Strong flavor means a little goes a long way. It’s a high fat, low carb cheese.
- Best Use: Crumbled over steak or salads.
6. Cream Cheese
- Carbs: 1g per ounce
- Why It’s Great: Creamy, spreadable, and perfect for low carb cheese dip ideas.
- Best Use: Keto cheesecakes, fat bombs, or dips.
- Related Keyword: cream cheese on low carb
7. Swiss Cheese
- Carbs: 1.5g per ounce
- Why It’s Great: Mild, nutty flavor with good protein.
- Best Use: Melted in sandwiches or egg dishes.
8. Cottage Cheese (Keto or Not?)
- Carbs: 3–4g per ½ cup
- Why It’s Great: Higher in carbs than aged cheeses but still popular in low carb diet dairy choices.
- Tip: Choose full-fat cottage cheese for better satiety.
9. Provolone
- Carbs: 0.6g per ounce
- Why It’s Great: Smooth, slightly tangy flavor, great for melting.
- Best Use: Low carb cheese snacks, wraps, and sandwiches.
10. Ricotta Cheese
- Carbs: 3g per ½ cup
- Why It’s Great: Soft, creamy, and excellent for low carb diet cheese recipes.
- Best Use: Stuffed mushrooms, lasagna made with zucchini layers.
📊 Table: Carbs in Popular Cheeses
| Cheese Type | Carbs (per ounce) | Keto-Friendly Rating |
| Cheddar | 0.4g | ✅ Excellent |
| Parmesan | 1g | ✅ Excellent |
| Mozzarella | 1g | ✅ Excellent |
| Goat Cheese | 0.6g | ✅ Excellent |
| Blue Cheese | 0.7g | ✅ Excellent |
| Cream Cheese | 1g | ✅ Excellent |
| Swiss Cheese | 1.5g | 👍 Good |
| Cottage Cheese | 3–4g (½ cup) | ⚠️ Moderate |
| Provolone | 0.6g | ✅ Excellent |
| Ricotta | 3g (½ cup) | ⚠️ Moderate |
🥗 Low Carb Cheese Snacks You’ll Love
- Cheese crisps (baked cheddar or parmesan)
- String cheese for on-the-go
- Cream cheese & cucumber bites
- Cheese platter for keto diet (mix aged cheeses, nuts, olives)
- Keto cheese dip with veggies
⚖️ Aged Cheese vs Fresh Cheese: Which is Better?
- Aged Cheeses (cheddar, parmesan, blue) → Lower in carbs, more intense flavor.
- Fresh Cheeses (mozzarella, ricotta, cottage) → Slightly higher in carbs but creamier.
👉 If you’re aiming for zero carb cheese list options, stick with aged cheeses.
🌟 Healthiest Cheese for Weight Loss
While all low carb cheeses are keto-friendly, the healthiest cheese for weight loss is one that:
- Is high in protein (for satiety)
- Low in carbs (keeps you in ketosis)
- Moderately high in fat (healthy fats, not processed)
Top Choices: Cheddar, Parmesan, and Mozzarella.
🧾 Quick Tips for Choosing the Best Dairy for a Low Carb Diet
- Always check nutrition labels (some brands add fillers).
- Go for full-fat cheese vs low-fat cheese on keto.
- Opt for lactose free low carb cheese if sensitive.
- Choose no carb cheese brands for stricter keto.
❓ FAQs About Cheese & Low Carb Diet
Q1: Which cheese has the least carbs?
Cheddar, Parmesan, Provolone, and Goat Cheese contain less than 1g carbs per ounce.
Q2: Is cottage cheese keto-friendly?
It’s moderate carb (3–4g per serving). Best in small portions or for low carb (not strict keto).
Q3: Can I eat cheese every day on keto?
Yes, but stick to aged cheeses for lower carbs and avoid overeating processed cheese.
Q4: What’s the healthiest cheese for weight loss?
Parmesan and Cheddar are excellent choices since they’re high in protein and low in carbs.
Q5: Are string cheese sticks good for a low carb snack?
Absolutely! They’re convenient, portion-controlled, and usually under 1g carb per stick.
Conclusion
So, what is the best cheese to eat on a low carb diet? The answer depends on your preferences, but aged cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Goat Cheese top the list for low carb, high protein, and delicious flavor.
Cheese is more than just a tasty addition—it’s a powerful ally in the ketogenic lifestyle, helping you stay full, satisfied, and on track with your health goals. By making smart choices, you can enjoy cheese daily without breaking your carb limit.