Calories in Blue Cheese: Full Nutrition Breakdown
How many calories are in blue cheese? Serving-by-serving breakdown with full nutrition facts and FAQ.
Blue cheese is a family of strong-flavored cheeses characterized by veins of blue or green mold, with popular varieties including Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Stilton. It is a rich source of protein, calcium, and fat, often used as a salad topping, burger garnish, or in creamy dressings. Here is a complete breakdown of blue cheese nutrition by serving size.
Calories by serving size:
| Serving | Weight | Calories | Protein | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Calcium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon crumbled | ~9 g | 32 kcal | 1.9 g | 2.6 g | 1.7 g | 47 mg |
| 1 oz | ~28 g | 100 kcal | 6.1 g | 8.1 g | 5.3 g | 150 mg |
| 1/4 cup crumbled | ~34 g | 119 kcal | 7.3 g | 9.7 g | 6.3 g | 179 mg |
| 2 oz | ~56 g | 200 kcal | 12.2 g | 16.3 g | 10.6 g | 300 mg |
| 100 g | 100 g | 353 kcal | 21.4 g | 28.7 g | 18.7 g | 528 mg |
Blue cheese is an excellent source of calcium and phosphorus, and provides meaningful amounts of vitamin A, vitamin B12, and riboflavin. Its bold flavor means a small amount goes a long way, which can help with portion control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does blue cheese compare to ranch dressing in calories?
An ounce of blue cheese has about 100 calories, while two tablespoons of blue cheese dressing typically contain around 150 calories due to added oils and cream. Crumbling actual blue cheese over a salad is often a lower-calorie option than using blue cheese or ranch dressing, and it provides more protein and calcium per serving.
Is blue cheese healthy?
Blue cheese offers notable amounts of protein, calcium, and B vitamins, making it a nutrient-dense option in moderate portions. However, it is high in saturated fat and sodium, with about 395 mg of sodium per ounce, so individuals watching their salt or fat intake should be mindful of serving sizes.
How much sodium is in blue cheese?
Blue cheese is one of the saltier cheeses, containing approximately 395 mg of sodium per ounce, which is about 17% of the recommended daily limit. This is higher than many other cheeses like Swiss (about 54 mg per ounce) or mozzarella (about 175 mg per ounce), so it is best enjoyed in moderation.
What is the difference between Roquefort and Gorgonzola?
Roquefort is a French blue cheese made exclusively from sheep's milk, giving it a sharper, tangier, and more crumbly profile with roughly 105 calories per ounce. Gorgonzola is an Italian blue cheese made from cow's milk, available in a milder creamy (dolce) or firmer aged (piccante) variety, with similar calorie counts around 100 calories per ounce.
How many calories are in a tablespoon of crumbled blue cheese?
A tablespoon of crumbled blue cheese weighs about 9 grams and contains approximately 32 calories. This makes it a flavorful yet relatively low-calorie topping for salads, steaks, or baked potatoes when used in small amounts.
How does blue cheese compare to ranch dressing in calories?
Is blue cheese healthy?
How much sodium is in blue cheese?
What is the difference between Roquefort and Gorgonzola?
How many calories are in a tablespoon of crumbled blue cheese?
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