Does Cheese Have Carbs? What You Need to Know for Your Diet

November 30, 2025 •

3 min read

While cheese is primarily known for its protein and fat content, all cheeses do contain some amount of carbohydrates. The level of carbs depends heavily on the cheese type, with aged varieties having much lower amounts than fresh ones. Understanding the factors that influence the carbohydrate content can be a game-changer for those on low-carb diets like keto.

Quick Summary

Cheese contains some carbohydrates, primarily from residual lactose, though most natural varieties are very low in carbs. Aged cheeses tend to have the lowest content, while fresher or processed cheeses have slightly higher amounts. This varies significantly between different cheese types.

Key Points

Lactose is the Source: The primary source of carbs in cheese is lactose, the natural sugar found in milk.
Aging Reduces Carbs: The longer a cheese is aged, the more lactose is fermented by bacteria, resulting in a lower carb content.
Hard vs. Soft: Hard, aged cheeses like Parmesan and Cheddar typically have the lowest carb count, while fresher varieties like cottage cheese have more.
Processed Cheeses are Higher in Carbs: Processed cheese products often contain added starches and emulsifiers, significantly increasing their carbohydrate content.
Keto-Friendly Cheeses: Hard cheeses such as Parmesan and aged Cheddar, along with soft-ripened cheeses like Brie, are highly compatible with keto and other low-carb diets.
Check the Label: To manage carb intake effectively, especially with softer or processed options, always check the nutrition facts label for specific carb content.

The Source of Carbohydrates in Cheese

Carbohydrates in cheese come mainly from lactose, the natural sugar found in milk. During the cheesemaking process, several factors influence how much lactose remains in the final product. Milk is separated into curds (solids) and whey (liquid). The majority of the lactose is removed with the whey, which is discarded or used for other purposes.

Fermentation is another key process where bacteria consume the remaining lactose. The longer a cheese is aged, the more time these bacteria have to break down the lactose, resulting in a lower carbohydrate count. For this reason, very hard, aged cheeses like Parmesan are often nearly carb-free. Conversely, fresher cheeses that haven't undergone extensive aging will retain more of their original lactose content, leading to a slightly higher carb count.

Comparison of Hard, Soft, and Processed Cheeses

There is a notable difference in carb content between various cheese types. Hard and soft cheeses, both considered natural, generally have lower carbs than their processed counterparts. Processed cheese often contains added ingredients like emulsifiers and starches, which can increase the overall carb count.

Here is a comparison of typical carbohydrate content per 100g (approx. 3.5 ounces) for different cheese types:


Cheese Type	Total Carbs (g) per 100g	Notes
Cheddar	~0.4g	An aged, hard cheese with very low carbs.
Parmesan	~0.9g	Very aged and nearly carb-free.
Brie	~0.5g	A soft-ripened cheese, also very low in carbs.
Swiss	~1.3g	A hard cheese with slightly more carbs than cheddar.
Mozzarella	~2.2g	A semi-soft cheese with more lactose than hard varieties.
Feta	~1.5g	A crumbly, soft cheese that's relatively low-carb.
Cottage Cheese	~3.4g	A fresh, curd-based cheese that retains more whey.
Processed American	~5-9g	Can contain added starches and milk solids.

How the Cheesemaking Process Impacts Carbs

Draining the Whey: The initial step of separating curds from whey is crucial. The more whey that is drained off, the more lactose is removed, and the lower the final carb content will be. This is a major reason why fresh cheeses like ricotta or cottage cheese have higher carbs, as they retain more whey.
Bacterial Fermentation: Bacteria added during cheesemaking consume the lactose and convert it into lactic acid. This process is what gives aged cheeses their distinct flavor profile and contributes to their minimal carb count. The aging process allows these bacteria more time to work.
Aging Time: Cheeses aged for longer periods have lower carb content. As Parmesan is aged for months or even years, its lactose is almost completely consumed, leaving virtually no carbohydrates. This is why aged cheeses are a staple in low-carb and ketogenic diets.
Processing Methods: Unlike natural cheeses, processed cheese products are often manufactured by blending fresh and aged cheese with other additives, including starches and emulsifiers. These added ingredients are the primary source of extra carbohydrates in processed cheese, making it a less ideal option for carb-conscious individuals.

Choosing Cheese for a Low-Carb Diet

For those following a low-carb diet like keto, choosing the right cheese is essential. Focus on hard, aged cheeses, as they offer the lowest carb content and highest flavor intensity. Soft, natural cheeses can be enjoyed in moderation, but be mindful of portion sizes. Processed cheeses and spreads should be limited due to their higher carb and additive content.

Aged Hard Cheeses: Parmesan, aged cheddar, and Swiss are excellent choices. They are not only low in carbs but also packed with flavor, meaning a little goes a long way.
Soft Natural Cheeses: Brie and Camembert are also very low in carbs and can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Goat cheese is another solid, low-carb option.
Cheeses to be Mindful of: Cottage cheese and ricotta are higher in carbs and should be consumed in moderation, especially on strict low-carb plans. Always check the label, as variations exist.

Conclusion

So, does cheese have carbs? The answer is yes, but for most natural, aged varieties, the amount is minimal. The source of these carbs is lactose, the milk sugar, which is largely removed during the cheesemaking process and consumed by bacteria as the cheese ages. Hard, aged cheeses have the lowest carb content, making them ideal for low-carb and keto diets. Fresher cheeses, as well as processed cheese products with added ingredients, will contain slightly higher levels. By choosing wisely, you can enjoy cheese as a delicious and nutrient-rich part of a carb-conscious diet. For more detailed nutritional information on specific foods, reliable resources like the USDA Nutrient Database are invaluable.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, all cheeses contain some amount of carbohydrates, though in most natural varieties the amount is very low, often less than one gram per serving. This is because cheese is made from milk, which contains the milk sugar lactose.

Aged cheeses have fewer carbs because the lactose in the cheese is broken down by bacteria during the aging process. The longer the cheese is aged, the more lactose is consumed, resulting in a lower carbohydrate count.

Very hard, aged cheeses typically have the lowest carb content. For example, Parmesan and aged Cheddar often contain minimal to no carbohydrates per serving due to extensive aging and lactose breakdown.

Yes, soft cheeses like Brie contain a small amount of carbohydrates, but they are still very low-carb. A 100g serving of Brie has only about 0.5 grams of carbs, making it a good option for low-carb diets.

Cottage cheese has a higher carb count because it is a fresh cheese that retains more of the liquid whey, which contains lactose, compared to harder, aged cheeses. A half-cup serving can contain a few grams of carbohydrates.

Processed cheese products are often higher in carbohydrates than natural cheeses. They can contain added ingredients like emulsifiers and starches, which contribute to a higher carb count per serving.

Yes, most natural cheeses are an excellent choice for a keto diet due to their high fat, moderate protein, and very low carbohydrate content. Hard, aged varieties are especially keto-friendly.