Is brie cheese high in calories?

December 6, 2025 •

4 min read

A standard 1-ounce serving of brie cheese contains approximately 95 to 100 calories, with about 75% of its energy coming directly from fat. The answer to "is brie cheese high in calories?" depends on context, but its calorie-dense nature means portion size is crucial for balanced consumption.

Quick Summary

Brie cheese provides around 95 to 100 calories per ounce, primarily from fat, classifying it as calorie-dense. Moderate portions and healthy pairings allow this nutrient-rich cheese to fit into a balanced diet.

Key Points

Calorie Density: Brie cheese is calorie-dense, with a single 1-ounce serving containing approximately 95-100 calories, largely from fat.
Fat Content: The majority of calories in brie come from its fat content, which is high compared to lower-fat cheeses like mozzarella or feta.
Rich in Nutrients: Despite its calorie density, brie is a good source of protein, calcium, and B vitamins, particularly vitamin B12.
Portion Control is Key: A healthy approach to eating brie involves mindful consumption and sticking to a 1-ounce serving size to manage calorie intake.
Preparation Matters: How brie is prepared, such as baking it in pastry or adding sugary toppings, can significantly increase the overall calorie count.
Healthy Pairings: Pairing brie with fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain crackers can help balance its richness and increase fiber intake.

Understanding Brie's Nutritional Profile

Brie is a soft cow's milk cheese originating from France, known for its creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor. While delicious, its indulgent taste often leads to concerns about its calorie content. An average 1-ounce (28-gram) serving provides approximately 95 calories, 7.9 grams of fat (including about 5 grams of saturated fat), and nearly 6 grams of protein. This macronutrient breakdown, with a high proportion of calories from fat, is what contributes to its energy density.

Beyond just calories, brie is also a source of important micronutrients. It provides calcium for bone health, vitamin B12 for energy metabolism, and vitamin A for vision and immune function. Interestingly, due to its ripening process, it also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a healthy fat with potential anti-inflammatory and other beneficial effects.

Key Nutritional Information (per 1-ounce serving)

Calories: ~95-100 kcal
Total Fat: ~8 g
Saturated Fat: ~5 g
Protein: ~6 g
Carbohydrates: Very low (~0.1 g)
Sodium: ~178 mg
Vitamin B12: High content
Calcium: Moderate content

Brie vs. Other Cheeses: A Calorie Comparison

To put brie's calorie count into perspective, it helps to compare it with other popular cheeses. While harder cheeses are often denser and higher in calories per ounce, brie's high fat content places it in a similar range to many. Here is a comparative table based on typical 1-ounce servings:


Cheese Type	Calories (per 1 oz)	Notes
Brie	~95 kcal	Creamy soft cheese, most calories from fat.
Cheddar	~113 kcal	Harder, aged cheese, generally higher in calories.
Mozzarella (whole milk)	~85 kcal	Softer than cheddar, typically lower in calories.
Feta	~75 kcal	Lower calorie option, crumbly texture.
Goat Cheese	~98 kcal	Often a slightly lower-fat alternative to brie.

This comparison shows that brie is not the highest-calorie cheese on the market, but it is certainly not the lowest. The key differentiator is often moisture content; softer, wetter cheeses like feta and mozzarella tend to be lower in calories by weight than denser, aged cheeses like parmesan or cheddar. However, the "triple-cream" variety of brie is enriched with extra cream during production, making it even higher in calories and fat than regular brie.

Practicing Portion Control and Healthy Pairings

For those concerned about weight management, portion control is the single most important factor when consuming brie. The recommended serving size is typically 1 ounce (28 grams), about the size of your thumb. A few small slices can provide a satisfying taste and some nutrients without contributing excessively to your daily calorie intake. Due to its high protein and fat content, brie can also promote feelings of fullness, which can help with appetite control.

Here are some tips for enjoying brie healthily:

Pair with fiber-rich foods: Serve brie with apple slices, pear, or whole-grain crackers to balance its richness and increase your fiber intake. This also helps with satiety.
Create balanced plates: For an appetizer, pair a small wedge of brie with a large platter of fresh vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers.
Avoid high-calorie additions: Be mindful of pairings like sugary jams, heavy bread, or large handfuls of high-calorie nuts, which can significantly increase the total calorie count.
Moderate baked brie: While baked brie is a delicious treat, the warming process often leads to higher consumption. Serving a baked brie appetizer with a variety of healthy dipping options can help manage portions.

The Caloric Impact of Preparation Methods

How brie is prepared can drastically alter its calorie count. A classic baked brie appetizer, for instance, often involves wrapping the cheese in puff pastry and topping it with honey, nuts, or preserves. This single preparation method can add hundreds of calories to the dish, transforming a moderate snack into a much more indulgent item. Similarly, melting brie into sauces or using it as a cheese plate feature with rich crackers and cured meats can quickly escalate the total caloric load. Sticking to plain brie or pairing it with simple, fresh ingredients is the most effective strategy for keeping calories in check.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance with Brie

In conclusion, is brie cheese high in calories? Yes, it is a calorie-dense food, primarily due to its fat content. However, this doesn't mean it should be avoided entirely. When enjoyed in moderation and with careful portion control, brie can be a nutritious addition to your diet, providing protein, calcium, and vitamins like B12. By opting for healthy pairings and being mindful of preparation methods, you can savor this creamy, decadent cheese without derailing your wellness goals.

For a more in-depth look at Brie's nutritional benefits, see this resource from Healthline(https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-brie).

Frequently Asked Questions

Brie cheese can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. While it is high in fat and calories, it is also rich in protein, calcium, and B vitamins. The key is portion control.

Yes, the white moldy rind on brie is edible and safe to eat. It is often milder than the rinds on other cheeses and contributes to the overall flavor and texture.

In terms of calorie density per ounce, cheddar is generally higher than brie. A typical ounce of cheddar has about 113 calories, while brie has around 95, but both are calorie-dense.

Triple-cream brie has additional cream added during production, making it higher in both fat and calories than regular brie. This is an important distinction for those monitoring their intake.

To enjoy brie while on a diet, practice strict portion control, sticking to a small 1-ounce serving. Pair it with low-calorie, high-fiber foods like fresh fruit slices or raw vegetables instead of crackers or bread.

Yes, baked brie is often more fattening because it is typically prepared with high-calorie additions like puff pastry, honey, nuts, or sugary preserves. Plain, cold brie is the lower-calorie option.

As a ripened, aged cheese, brie contains beneficial probiotics that can support gut health. This adds another potential health benefit beyond its macronutrient content.