Highest Protein Cheeses for Muscle Building Snacking

Determining the Highest Protein Cheeses

Protein is an important macronutrient for building and repairing muscle tissue, supporting immune function and keeping you feeling full between meals. For those looking to increase their protein intake, cheese can be an excellent option.

There are many high protein cheese varieties to choose from. In general, harder, aged cheeses tend to contain more protein than softer fresh cheeses. By comparing nutritional information, you can find options packed with protein.

Assessing True Protein Content

To determine how much true protein a cheese contains, check the nutritional label for protein measured in grams per cheese serving size (often 1 oz or 28g). The greater the per ounce protein grams, the higher the usable protein concentration.

Also examine overall calorie composition coming from protein rather than just fat or carbs since percentages can seem misleading. Cheese nutrition varies based on factors like ingredients, aging duration and animal source.

Top Highest Protein Cheese Contenders

According to available nutritional data, these rank among the very top highest protein cheeses offering at least 10g protein per ounce serving:

• Parmesan (10g)
• Romano (10.5g)
• Sardo (11g)
• Asiago (13g)
• Cheddar (14g)
• Gruyère (15g)
• Swiss (16g)
• Mozzarella (17g)
• Provolone (18g)
• Blue Cheese (19g)

Benefits of High Protein Cheese

Choosing cheese as a regular protein source in your diet offers many advantages from athletic recovery to wellness support:

Builds/Repairs Muscle

Higher protein intakes promote lean muscle growth and quicker repair following intense or resistance based workouts that challenge muscles. Cheese protein provides the amino acids necessary for improved fitness.

Increases Satiety

The protein and fat in cheese helps you feel more satisfied and full between meals which may support weight management goals or sustained energy needs. This effect extends snack or meal satisfaction.

Provides Recovery Fuel

Many athletes and gym goers rely on cheese for quick, accessible protein to refuel muscle, boost training performance and encourage overnight muscle repair while sleeping.

Regulates Metabolism

Adequate protein intake supports healthy metabolic function related to digestion, neurotransmitter production, hormone regulation and nutrient assimilation critical for whole body wellbeing.

Stabilizes Blood Sugar

Pairing cheese protein with complex carbs can help moderate glycemic response for more stable sustainable energy levels instead of reactive blood sugar spikes and crashes from sugary foods.

Supports Aging Bodies

Higher protein diets help offset age-related muscle wasting (sarcopenia), bone density loss and lowered immunity common later in life to support mobility and vitality.

Tips for Adding More High Protein Cheese

To enjoy more dietary protein, incorporate high protein cheese options into favorite recipes and snacks:

Choose Harder Cheeses

Remember that firmer, low moisture cheeses typically offer the most protein per ounce as a general rule. Soft fresh cheeses hold more whey and water.

Shred onto Dishes

Shaking generous amounts of shredded parmesan, romano or sardo cheese onto pastas, pizzas, salads and soups provides extra protein without overpowering flavor.

Craft Power Snacks

Quick high protein snacks include cheese slices or chunks, Laughing Cow wedges, cottage cheese scoops, sliced cheese rolled around deli meat or hard boiled eggs paired with cheese cubes.

Bake with Cheese

Add cheese into bread dough, pancake batter, waffles or muffins. Mix crumbled or shredded cheese into meatloaf, casseroles, egg bakes and sheet pan meals too.

Top Vegetables

Broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, asparagus and other veggies become more nutritious baked or roasted under melted shredded cheese for added protein and flavor.

Make Dips/Spreads

Blend cream cheese, Greek yogurt or cottage cheese with herbs, spices and vegetables to create high protein dips perfect for spreading over crackers, chips, sandwiches or stuffing peppers, celery or cucumbers.

Incorporating Different High Protein Cheeses

With endless cheese varieties available, mixing up your choices over time ensures consuming a spectrum of beneficial nutrients while preventing boredom.

Parmesan

This savory hard Italian cheese works perfectly shaved over tomato-based pasta and veggie dishes, whirled into sauces or sprinkled onto pizza. Keep some in the fridge at all times.

Cheddar

Whether sharp, mild, white or orange, this semi-hard cheese melts wonderfully over tacos, eggs, home fries, burgers and sandwiches for a protein and calcium infusion.

Swiss

The distinctive holes and nutty sweetness of this firm cheese pairs ideally with baked ham, grilled cheese sandwiches, French onion soup and charcuterie or cheese plates.

Blue Cheese

The bold pungent flavor of blue-veined cheese crumbles over salads, steak, wings and dressings perfectly to add protein, healthy fats and antioxidants like vitamin K to meals.

Feta

Crumble the salty, tangy goodness of feta cheese over Mediterranean dishes, baked fish, stuffed peppers, salads, omelets or even roasted veggies straight from the oven hot.

Mozzarella

Indulge in fresh mozzarella cheese Caprese salads, excellent melted over pizza, lasagna, pasta bakes or bagel sandwiches for an extra cheesy protein dose.

Asiago

Try grated Asiago sprinkled onto cooked vegetables like squash, eggplant, zucchini or mixed into mashed potatoes for a protein and calcium packed side dish.

Cottage Cheese

Incorporate high protein lowfat or regular cottage cheese into breakfast bowls, pancakes, oatmeal, smoothies, muffins, fruit salads or eat alone topped with berries and nuts.

Healthiest High Protein Cheese Options

While cheese does contain high amounts of protein, saturated fats and sodium also occur naturally. Choosing proper portion sizes of certain healthier cheeses boosts benefits.

Feta Cheese

Crumbly, salty feta offers more calcium and less fat than many other cheeses. The flavor stretches well for sprinkling small amounts onto dishes.

Goat Cheese

The easy to digest, tangy flavor and creamy soft texture of goat cheese makes it simple to add modest amounts to meals for protein without heaviness.

Parmesan Cheese

Dry aged parmesan provides an intense, salty flavor allowing you to use less while benefiting from 10 grams of protein in just a couple tablespoons when sprinkled onto pasta, soups or salads.

String Cheese

Individually wrapped string or stick mozzarella cheese makes a fast convenient lowfat snack. The portioned serving prevents overeating while still offering 7 grams of filling protein.

Cottage Cheese

With approximately 13 grams each of casein and whey muscle building proteins yet only 80 calories and 2 grams of fat per serving, cottage cheese offers an ideal light protein boost any meal or snack.

In Conclusion

If you love cheese, picking high protein varieties helps support muscle repair, satiety and metabolic health goals. Compare nutrition labels and ingredients to select sensible yet satisfying portions of healthier cheese options to mix into your routine.

Emphasize firmer, low moisture cheeses like parmesan, cheddar, Swiss or provolone over soft cream cheese varieties. Finally, enjoy an array of delicious cheeses to meet added protein needs while preventing taste fatigue.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.