Calories in Goat Cheese: Full Nutrition Breakdown
How many calories are in goat cheese? Serving-by-serving breakdown with full nutrition facts and FAQ.
Goat cheese, also known as chevre, is a soft, tangy cheese made from goat's milk that is popular in salads, appetizers, and Mediterranean dishes. It is lower in calories and fat than many cow's milk cheeses while providing a good amount of protein, calcium, and easily digestible fats. Here is a complete breakdown of soft goat cheese nutrition by serving size.
Calories by serving size:
| Serving | Weight | Calories | Protein | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Calcium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon | ~9 g | 24 kcal | 1.6 g | 1.9 g | 1.3 g | 12 mg |
| 1 oz | ~28 g | 75 kcal | 5.2 g | 5.9 g | 4.1 g | 40 mg |
| 1/4 cup crumbled | ~28 g | 75 kcal | 5.2 g | 5.9 g | 4.1 g | 40 mg |
| 2 oz (small log portion) | ~56 g | 150 kcal | 10.5 g | 11.9 g | 8.2 g | 80 mg |
| 1 log (4 oz) | ~113 g | 302 kcal | 21.1 g | 23.9 g | 16.5 g | 161 mg |
| 100 g | 100 g | 268 kcal | 18.5 g | 21.1 g | 14.6 g | 140 mg |
Goat cheese provides phosphorus, copper, vitamin A, and B vitamins including riboflavin and niacin. Its fat globules are smaller than those in cow's milk cheese, which may contribute to easier digestion for some people.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does goat cheese compare to cow's milk cheese in calories?
Soft goat cheese contains about 75 calories per ounce, which is lower than many cow's milk cheeses like cheddar (113 kcal/oz), Swiss (108 kcal/oz), or brie (95 kcal/oz). It also has less total fat and saturated fat per serving, making it one of the lighter cheese options while still delivering solid protein content.
Is goat cheese easier to digest than cow cheese?
Many people find goat cheese easier to digest because goat's milk contains smaller fat globules and slightly different casein proteins (more A2 beta-casein) than cow's milk. While goat cheese still contains lactose, its unique protein and fat structure may cause less digestive discomfort for some individuals who struggle with cow's milk dairy products.
How many calories are in a goat cheese log or crumbled serving?
A typical 4-ounce goat cheese log contains about 302 calories total, while a quarter-cup of crumbled goat cheese (about 1 ounce) has approximately 75 calories. When adding goat cheese to salads or appetizers, a 1-ounce portion provides good flavor without excessive calories.
How much protein is in goat cheese?
Soft goat cheese provides about 5.2 grams of protein per ounce, which is slightly lower than harder cheeses like cheddar (7 g/oz) but comparable to brie (6 g/oz). A two-ounce serving delivers over 10 grams of protein, making it a reasonable protein source for snacks and light meals.
Does goat cheese contain less lactose than cow cheese?
Goat cheese does contain lactose, though some studies suggest goat's milk has marginally less lactose than cow's milk. Aged goat cheeses have even less lactose due to the fermentation process, but individuals with true lactose intolerance should still exercise caution and consider their personal tolerance level.
How does goat cheese compare to cow's milk cheese in calories?
Is goat cheese easier to digest than cow cheese?
How many calories are in a goat cheese log or crumbled serving?
How much protein is in goat cheese?
Does goat cheese contain less lactose than cow cheese?
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