Calories in Mozzarella Cheese: Full Nutrition Breakdown

Mozzarella is a mild, semi-soft Italian cheese available in several varieties including fresh, part-skim, and whole milk. Part-skim mozzarella is the most common type used for cooking and is notably lower in calories and fat than many other cheeses. Here is a complete breakdown of mozzarella cheese nutrition by serving size.

Calories by serving size:

Mozzarella is a good source of phosphorus, zinc, and vitamin B12. Part-skim mozzarella stands out among cheeses for its favorable protein-to-fat ratio, making it a popular choice for those seeking a lower-calorie cheese option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does part-skim mozzarella compare to whole milk mozzarella?

Part-skim mozzarella has about 85 calories and 6.3 grams of fat per ounce compared to 90 calories and 7 grams of fat in whole milk mozzarella. Part-skim also has slightly more protein (7 g vs 6.3 g) and significantly more calcium (222 mg vs 146 mg) per ounce. The taste difference is subtle, with whole milk mozzarella being slightly creamier and softer.

How many calories are in fresh mozzarella?

Fresh mozzarella contains approximately 70 calories per ounce (28 g), making it the lowest-calorie mozzarella variety. It has a higher moisture content than aged mozzarella, which accounts for fewer calories per gram. A typical thick slice of fresh mozzarella for a caprese salad weighs about 30 to 35 grams and contains roughly 75 to 85 calories.

Is mozzarella the best cheese for pizza?

Part-skim low-moisture mozzarella is the classic pizza cheese because it melts evenly, stretches well, and browns nicely without releasing too much oil. At about 85 calories and 6.3 grams of fat per ounce, it is also one of the lower-calorie melting cheeses available. A typical pizza serving uses about 2 ounces of mozzarella, adding approximately 170 calories from cheese alone.

How much protein is in mozzarella cheese?

Part-skim mozzarella provides about 7 grams of protein per ounce, which is comparable to cheddar cheese and equivalent to one egg. A cup of shredded part-skim mozzarella delivers roughly 28 grams of protein. Its protein-to-calorie ratio is one of the best among common cheeses, making it a smart choice for those prioritizing protein intake.

How does mozzarella compare to cheddar cheese?

Part-skim mozzarella has 85 calories per ounce compared to 113 for cheddar, making it about 25% lower in calories. Mozzarella also has less total fat (6.3 g vs 9.3 g) and less saturated fat (3.7 g vs 5.9 g) per ounce while providing a comparable 7 grams of protein. Part-skim mozzarella actually delivers more calcium per ounce (222 mg vs 200 mg) than cheddar, making it a nutritionally efficient cheese choice.