How Many Mozzarella Balls Are in 1 oz? A Comprehensive Guide

December 10, 2025 •

3 min read

Depending on the type, a single ounce of mozzarella can contain anywhere from 1 to over 10 balls. This dramatic variation makes knowing precisely how many mozzarella balls are in 1 oz crucial for accurate recipe and nutritional calculations.

Quick Summary

The exact count of mozzarella balls per ounce depends on their specific size, ranging from tiny pearls to cherry-sized ciliegine and larger bocconcini.

Key Points

Size is Key: The number of mozzarella balls in one ounce varies dramatically depending on their size, which can range from tiny pearls to larger bite-sized pieces.
Perlini Count: One ounce typically contains approximately 10 to 12 pearl-sized mozzarella balls (perlini), based on common product weights.
Ciliegine Count: For cherry-sized mozzarella balls (ciliegine), you can expect about three balls per one-ounce serving.
Bocconcini Count: A single one-ounce serving of larger, bite-sized bocconcini may consist of just one ball or even a fraction of a single ball.
Use a Scale: The most accurate method for measuring is to use a kitchen scale to weigh the cheese, as individual ball sizes and brand specifications can differ.
Drain the Liquid: For fresh mozzarella packed in water or brine, always drain the liquid before weighing to get an accurate measurement of the cheese alone.

The Different Sizes of Fresh Mozzarella Balls

To accurately determine how many mozzarella balls are in 1 oz, you must first understand the different sizes available. The names, which are often Italian in origin, refer to the approximate size of the cheese ball. Brands may vary slightly, but these are the general categories.

Perlini (Pearls): The smallest of the fresh mozzarella balls, these are typically pea-sized or pearl-sized, perfect for sprinkling over salads or pasta.
Ciliegine (Cherry): Slightly larger than perlini, these balls are about the size of a cherry, making them an excellent choice for caprese skewers and appetizers.
Bocconcini (Small Mouthfuls): These are larger still, often around the size of a golf ball or small egg, and are versatile for many dishes, including salads and pasta.
Ovolini (Small Eggs): Larger than bocconcini, ovolini are egg-shaped balls, and are almost always larger than a single ounce.

Approximate Count of Mozzarella Balls Per Ounce

Since the size and weight of mozzarella balls are not standardized across all brands, the number of balls in a single ounce will vary. However, based on common product packaging, we can provide some useful estimates.

Perlini (Pearls) Per Ounce

Mozzarella pearls are the smallest and most numerous type per ounce. Brands like BelGioioso produce pearls that are approximately 2.5 grams each. Given that 1 ounce is approximately 28 grams, you can expect around 11 to 12 pearls per ounce (28g / 2.5g = 11.2).

Ciliegine (Cherry-sized) Per Ounce

For cherry-sized ciliegine, the count is much lower. A popular 1 oz snack pack of BelGioioso brand ciliegine contains three balls. This makes each ball roughly 1/3 of an ounce. It's important to note that other manufacturers might have slightly different sizes, so always check the label.

Bocconcini (Bite-sized) Per Ounce

Bocconcini are significantly larger than ciliegine. Some versions are about 1.5 ounces each, while others can be 2 ounces or more. This means you would get less than one bocconcini ball per ounce, and for many brands, a single ball would be your entire 1 oz serving.

Comparison of Mozzarella Ball Sizes


Size Name	Approximate Weight Per Ball	Approximate Number Per 1 oz	Best For
Perlini	2.5 grams	11–12	Salads, pasta, and pizzas
Ciliegine	9–10 grams (1/3 oz)	3	Caprese skewers, appetizers, snacks
Bocconcini	1.5–2 oz or more	< 1	Large salads, grilled dishes

Factors Influencing Mozzarella Ball Count

Several factors can cause variations in the number of balls per ounce. Understanding these can help you get the most accurate measurement for your recipe.

Brand and Manufacturer: Different cheese producers have their own size specifications for mozzarella balls. A ciliegine from one brand may be slightly larger or smaller than another, affecting the per-ounce count.
Packing Liquid: Fresh mozzarella is often sold in whey or a light brine. The stated weight on the package typically includes this liquid. It is best to drain the mozzarella before weighing to get an accurate measurement of the cheese itself.
Type of Mozzarella: While this article focuses on fresh mozzarella, different types of cheese (e.g., low-moisture, shredded) have different densities and are not comparable in the same way. Always consider the cheese type when measuring by weight. You can learn more about the variations of mozzarella on a site like The Spruce Eats.

Using a Kitchen Scale for Accuracy

For any recipe that requires a precise weight of mozzarella, a kitchen scale is the most reliable tool. While it's helpful to know the approximate counts for different ball sizes, individual balls can still have slight variations. A digital scale removes all guesswork, ensuring you add the exact amount of cheese your recipe calls for.

Conclusion

There is no single answer to the question, 'How many mozzarella balls are in 1 oz?' The count is completely dependent on the size of the mozzarella ball, which can be as many as 12 small pearls or a fraction of a single large bocconcini. To ensure accuracy in your cooking and nutrition tracking, identifying the specific size you are using and weighing it with a kitchen scale is the most reliable approach. This guide provides a clear roadmap for navigating the different sizes and making the most informed choice for your next recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Without a scale, it is nearly impossible to measure mozzarella balls accurately by weight, as their size and density can vary. Using a digital kitchen scale is the only way to get a precise one-ounce measurement.

You can typically expect around 10 to 12 mozzarella pearls (perlini) to make up a one-ounce serving, with each pearl weighing approximately 2.5 grams.

Ciliegine are small, cherry-sized mozzarella balls, while bocconcini are larger, bite-sized balls. This size difference means a 1 oz serving would contain significantly fewer bocconcini.

The calorie count can vary by brand and type, but a 1 oz serving of fresh mozzarella is often around 70 calories.

Yes, ciliegine (cherry-sized) mozzarella balls are a classic choice for caprese salad, especially for skewers or small bites.

Yes, some brands produce low-moisture mozzarella in ball form, though it is more common to find it as a solid block or in shredded form. The weight of these balls would also be a factor in determining the count per ounce.

Fresh mozzarella is packed in water, whey, or brine to keep it moist and maintain its fresh, delicate texture. Always drain this liquid before weighing the cheese.