Calories in Gouda Cheese: Full Nutrition Breakdown

Gouda is a semi-hard Dutch cheese with a rich, slightly sweet and nutty flavor that intensifies with aging. It is a good source of protein and calcium, and its smooth, dense texture makes it one of the most popular cheeses worldwide. Here is a complete breakdown of gouda cheese nutrition by serving size.

Calories by serving size:

Gouda is also a notable source of vitamin K2, vitamin B12, zinc, and phosphorus. Aged gouda in particular is rich in vitamin K2, which plays an important role in calcium metabolism and bone health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does aged gouda differ from young gouda nutritionally?

Aged gouda is denser and more concentrated than young gouda because it loses moisture during the extended aging process. This means aged gouda is slightly higher in calories, protein, fat, and calcium per ounce compared to young gouda. The flavor also shifts from mild and creamy in young gouda (aged 4 weeks) to deeply caramelized and crystalline in aged varieties (aged 12 months or more).

How many calories are in a slice of gouda?

A standard deli slice of gouda weighing about 22 grams contains approximately 79 calories. Thicker slices used for snacking or cheese boards may weigh closer to an ounce (28 grams) and provide about 101 calories. When building sandwiches, using one to two slices adds between 79 and 157 calories.

Is gouda cheese high in calcium?

Yes, gouda is an excellent source of calcium, providing about 198 mg per ounce, which is roughly 15% of the daily recommended value. Aged gouda tends to have even higher calcium concentrations due to its lower moisture content. Regular consumption of calcium-rich cheeses like gouda supports bone density and dental health.

How does smoked gouda compare nutritionally to regular gouda?

Smoked gouda has a very similar nutritional profile to regular gouda, with approximately 101 calories, 7.1 grams of protein, and 7.8 grams of fat per ounce. The smoking process adds a distinctive smoky flavor but does not significantly alter the macronutrient or mineral content. Some commercially smoked gouda may use smoke flavoring rather than traditional smoking methods.

How does gouda compare to cheddar cheese?

Gouda and cheddar are close in calories, with gouda at about 101 calories per ounce and cheddar at about 113 calories per ounce. Gouda has slightly less fat (7.8 g vs 9.3 g per ounce) and similar protein content. One notable difference is that gouda is significantly higher in vitamin K2 than cheddar, a nutrient important for directing calcium into bones rather than arteries.