Guide to Low Protein Cheeses - Varieties, Recipes and Tips

The Complete Guide to Low Protein Cheeses

For those monitoring their protein intake, whether for medical reasons or dietary preferences like keto, finding low protein cheese options can seem challenging. Cheese is often high in protein, but with the right choices, you can still enjoy the creamy, savory goodness while keeping protein levels in check.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about low protein cheeses - from the best options to buy to recipes and serving tips. You don’t have to give up your love of cheese to meet your protein goals!

Why Choose Low Protein Cheese?

There are a few reasons why someone may seek out low protein cheese varieties:

• Medical conditions like renal disease that require limited protein.
• Certain diets like keto that moderating protein intake.
• Digestive issues aggravated by high protein foods.
• Vegetarians and vegans looking to lower overall protein levels.

Substituting low protein cheese allows these individuals to still enjoy the taste of cheese without going over their protein limits.

The Best Low Protein Cheeses

When shopping for low protein cheeses, these options have around 2-4 grams of protein per ounce versus 6-8 grams in regular cheese:

Cream Cheese

With only 2g protein per ounce, cream cheese is a great low protein choice. Use it to make dips, frostings, cheese spreads and more.

Mascarpone

Buttery, soft mascarpone contains about 2.5g protein per ounce. It's delicious in tiramisu and sweet cheese desserts.

Neufchâtel

Neufchâtel has a cream cheese-like texture with around 3g protein per ounce. Spread it on bagels or use in baking.

Ricotta

Part-skim ricotta is nicely low in protein at 5g per 1⁄2 cup serving. Use it in lasagna rolls, manicotti, or gnocchi.

Cottage Cheese

The small curd variety has only 3g protein for a 1⁄4 cup serving. Use in recipes or eat topped with fruit.

Mozzarella

Fresh mozzarella contains about 3g protein per ounce. Sprinkle on pizzas and salads or in appetizer balls.

Feta

Tangy, salty feta has around 3g protein per ounce. Crumble over Mediterranean dishes.

Goat Cheese

Soft, spreadable goat cheese has about 2.5g protein per ounce. Use in dips, sandwiches, stuffings and tarts.

Tips for Cooking with Low Protein Cheese

Cooking and baking with lower protein cheese varieties requires some strategy. Here are some tips:

• Combine with regular cheese for flavor.
• Add nuts, seeds or beans for extra texture.
• Opt for strongly flavored cheese to maximize taste.
• Adjust binding and thickening by adding cornstarch, xanthan gum, or eggs.
• Reduce oven temperature by 25 degrees to prevent over-browning.
• Use cream cheese or ricotta as a lower protein substitute in recipes.

Low Protein Cheese Recipes

Here are some recipe ideas that incorporate lower protein cheese options:

Low Protein Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sandwiches

Use cream cheese or Neufchâtel instead of regular cheese slices.

Two-Ingredient Bagels

Make mini bagels with just cream cheese and self-rising flour.

Vegetable Cream Cheese Lasagna

A delicious vegetarian lasagna with ricotta and cream cheese.

Baked Pumpkin Flan

Pumpkin flan made extra creamy with ricotta and cottage cheese.

Goat Cheese and Walnut Crostini

Top baguette slices with herbed goat cheese, walnuts and honey.

Feta Cheese Dip

Blend feta with Greek yogurt, garlic and spices for a protein-conscious dip.

Ricotta Gnocchi with Brown Butter

Light, fluffy potato gnocchi made with ricotta cheese.

Mozzarella Caprese Skewers

Skewer fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil leaves for an easy appetizer.

Shopping for Low Protein Cheese

Check labels carefully when shopping for low protein cheese. Watch out for:

• Serving sizes - the protein will be lower in smaller servings.
• Fat content - full fat is better than low-fat for less protein.
• Added ingredients - extras like milk and whey boost protein.
• Cheese type - soft, fresh cheeses tend to be lowest.

Buying cheese from specialty cheese shops can offer more low protein varieties. Many large supermarkets now carry alternate cheese options too.

Storing Low Protein Cheese

Proper storage is important for keeping low protein cheese fresh. Follow these tips:

• Buy only what you will use in a short period.
• Keep refrigerated in original packaging until opening.
• Once opened, wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
• Soft cheeses like cream cheese should be discarded if moldy or dried out.
• Harder cheeses can be trimmed if mold appears.

For the best flavor and freshness, use low protein cheeses within 5-7 days of opening.

Low Protein Cheese FAQs

Are there any completely protein-free cheeses?

There is no natural cheese variety that is completely protein-free, since it is made from dairy. But some vegan cheese alternatives made from nuts or starches may be protein-free.

Can eating too much low protein cheese increase potassium levels?

Yes, even low protein cheeses still contain minerals like potassium, so those with kidney issues need to watch portion sizes to avoid increasing potassium too much.

What’s the difference between low protein and low lactose cheese?

Lactose refers to the milk sugar, while protein comes from the casein and whey. So lactose-free cheeses still contain protein.

Is low protein cheese healthier than regular cheese?

Not necessarily - low protein cheeses simply contain less protein but may still be high in fat and calories. Check with your doctor or dietitian.

Can I make my own low protein cheese?

Making homemade low protein cheese is tricky. It's possible but requires very specific ingredients and cheesemaking knowledge.

Discover the Wide World of Lower Protein Cheeses

With so many tasty options to choose from like creamy mascarpone, fresh mozzarella, tangy feta and more, it's easy to work lower protein cheeses into your diet. Use our tips to pick the best varieties, store properly, and cook up delicious low protein cheese recipes. Your favorite cheesy flavors don't have to be off limits!

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.