EXCLUSIVE FOOD SELECTION – INTERNATIONAL BRANDS – HORECA – RETAIL – SELECTED BRANDS –EXCLUSIVE FOOD SELECTION – INTERNATIONAL BRANDS – HORECA – RETAIL – SELECTED BRANDS –
Is feta a full-fat cheese?
This is one of the most common questions when we talk about the Mediterranean diet. The short answer is that feta cheese has a moderate fat content, falling somewhere in the middle when compared with other popular cheeses.
How high in fat is feta cheese?
The fat content of feta depends on its composition (traditionally a blend of sheep’s and goat’s milk). To understand this better, we can compare it with other cheeses:
| Type of cheese | Fat content (approx.) | Ranking |
| Cream Cheese | 35% – 40% | High in fat |
| Cheddar / Manchego | 32% – 38% | High in fat |
| Feta cheese | 21% – 25% | Moderate |
| Fresh mozzarella | 18% – 22% | Moderate / Low |
| Requesón (Ricotta) | 8% – 12% | Low in fat |
Key points about body fat and health
- Fewer calories than mature cheeses. As it has a high water content (it is preserved in brine), feta is less calorie-dense than cheeses such as Parmesan or Gouda.
- Fat profile. As it is made from sheep’s and goat’s milk, it contains fatty acids that are generally easier to digest than those found in cow’s milk. It also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which is associated with metabolic benefits.
- Intense flavour, smaller quantities. Due to its strong, salty flavour, it is usually used in smaller quantities than other cheeses, which helps to control the total fat and calorie intake in a dish.
Watch out for the sodium. More than the fat, the factor to watch out for in feta is its high salt content. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can rinse the block of cheese under fresh water before eating it to reduce the excess sodium.
