Is Buffalo Cheese Healthy for Cholesterol? An In-Depth Look

November 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a study comparing cow and buffalo cheddar, the latter had significantly lower cholesterol levels after accelerated ripening. This surprising fact challenges the assumption that buffalo cheese is automatically detrimental to cardiovascular health due to its creamy richness, prompting a closer look at whether buffalo cheese is healthy for cholesterol.

Quick Summary

Despite its higher fat content, buffalo milk has lower cholesterol than cow milk, a characteristic that often carries over into cheeses like mozzarella. The impact on cholesterol depends on overall dietary context and type of cheese. It contains beneficial vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants supporting heart health when consumed in moderation.

Key Points

Lower Cholesterol than Cow's Milk: Buffalo milk, and by extension many buffalo cheeses, contain less inherent cholesterol per serving compared to cow's milk products, which is a surprising advantage.
High Saturated Fat: Despite lower cholesterol, buffalo milk and cheese are high in saturated fat, which can negatively impact blood cholesterol levels and requires moderation.
Processing Impacts Cholesterol: The cheese-making process, such as with mozzarella, can reduce cholesterol levels from the milk to the finished product.
Nutrient-Dense: Buffalo cheese offers a higher concentration of protein, calcium, and minerals like phosphorus and magnesium compared to cow's milk cheese.
Rich in Antioxidants: Buffalo milk contains beneficial antioxidants like tocopherol and retinol, which help protect against oxidative stress and support heart health.
Moderation is Key: Due to high fat and calorie content, buffalo cheese should be consumed in limited quantities, especially for individuals managing their cholesterol.
Heart Health Benefits Beyond Cholesterol: Beyond the direct cholesterol content, components in buffalo milk like potassium and beta-lactoglobulin can help regulate blood pressure and support overall cardiovascular wellness.

Understanding Buffalo Cheese and Cholesterol

Buffalo cheese, particularly mozzarella di bufala, is renowned for its rich, creamy texture and distinct flavor. It is made from the milk of the water buffalo, which has a different nutritional profile than the more common cow's milk. While buffalo milk is notably higher in total fat and calories, studies on its cholesterol content reveal surprising results that warrant a deeper investigation. The relationship between dietary cholesterol and blood cholesterol is complex, and the type and quantity of fats consumed play a crucial role in cardiovascular health.

The Nutritional Science Behind Buffalo Milk and Cholesterol

Buffalo milk contains less cholesterol per gram compared to cow's milk, despite its higher fat concentration. The fat globules in buffalo milk are larger, and the milk has a different composition of fatty acids. Specifically, research has shown that buffalo milk contains lower concentrations of total and free cholesterol compared to cow milk. This lower cholesterol content is a key factor that can influence the nutritional properties of the resulting cheese. However, buffalo milk does contain high levels of saturated fat, which can impact cholesterol levels when consumed in large quantities.

How Cheese Processing Affects Cholesterol

The cheese-making process itself can influence the final cholesterol content of the product. One study found that during the processing of Pampangan's buffalo milk into mozzarella, the cholesterol content tended to decrease. This suggests that specific processing methods may further reduce the cholesterol concentration found in the finished cheese. Conversely, cheeses made from buffalo milk are often high in saturated fat due to the milk's initial composition. Therefore, while the cholesterol may be lower, the overall fat profile still needs to be considered within a balanced diet.

Buffalo vs. Cow Cheese: A Head-to-Head Comparison

To understand the full picture, it's important to compare buffalo cheese with its cow's milk counterparts. While the fat content is higher in buffalo cheese, the cholesterol is often lower. Cheeses made from buffalo milk often have a thicker, creamier texture and can provide higher levels of calcium and protein. Cow's milk cheese, depending on the type, can vary widely in nutritional content. When managing cholesterol, saturated fat is a significant concern, and both types of cheese can be high in this. Moderation is key for both, regardless of the source.

Comparing Buffalo Mozzarella and Cow's Milk Mozzarella


Feature	Buffalo Mozzarella	Cow's Milk Mozzarella (Whole Milk)
Taste	Creamier, richer, and tangier	Milder, sweeter flavor
Texture	Softer and more elastic	Firmer and less creamy
Fat Content	Higher total fat content	Lower total fat content
Cholesterol	Often lower than cow's milk versions	Often higher than buffalo milk versions
Protein	Higher protein concentration	Lower protein concentration
Nutrients	Rich in calcium, phosphorus, antioxidants	Good source of calcium, vitamins

The Role of Saturated Fat and Antioxidants

While the lower cholesterol content in buffalo cheese is a positive point, the higher saturated fat content cannot be ignored. A diet high in saturated fat is known to increase LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels. Therefore, individuals with high cholesterol need to consider their overall fat intake when consuming any type of cheese. However, buffalo milk also contains antioxidants, such as tocopherol and retinol (forms of vitamins E and A). These antioxidants help combat oxidative stress, which is beneficial for heart health. Additionally, buffalo milk contains compounds that may help reduce high blood pressure, further contributing to cardiovascular wellness.

The Verdict on Buffalo Cheese and Your Diet

So, is buffalo cheese healthy for cholesterol? The answer is nuanced. On one hand, the lower natural cholesterol content compared to cow's milk is an advantage. On the other hand, its high saturated fat content and overall calorie density mean it should be consumed in moderation, especially by individuals watching their cholesterol levels. When it comes to heart health, the quantity and context of consumption matter more than simply labeling a food as 'good' or 'bad'. A small amount of high-quality buffalo mozzarella in a balanced diet, such as on a Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes and olive oil, is different from eating a large portion of a high-fat buffalo cheese on a pizza. As always, a varied diet is the best approach. Incorporating different sources of calcium and protein, and limiting saturated fat from all sources, will offer the most benefit. When in doubt, consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice. For more in-depth nutritional comparisons, reliable sources like the NIH offer detailed analyses.

Conclusion

Buffalo cheese presents a complex nutritional profile regarding cholesterol. While studies indicate lower inherent cholesterol levels in buffalo milk compared to cow's milk, its higher saturated fat content means it must be consumed mindfully, particularly for individuals with pre-existing cholesterol concerns. The presence of beneficial vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants provides certain health advantages, but these do not negate the need for moderation. The best approach is to enjoy buffalo cheese as an occasional treat rather than a dietary staple, integrating it into a broader, heart-healthy eating plan rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.

How to incorporate buffalo cheese into a healthy diet

Pair it with vegetables: Enjoy a Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes and basil to add vitamins and fiber.
Mind your portion size: Treat buffalo cheese as an indulgent ingredient rather than the main component of a meal.
Choose fresh over aged: Fresh cheeses like buffalo mozzarella often contain less sodium than aged varieties.
Cook lightly: When used on pizza or pasta, balance the meal with plenty of vegetables and whole grains.
Read nutrition labels: Check for saturated fat and sodium content, as these can vary significantly between products.
Complement with healthy fats: Pair buffalo cheese with heart-healthy olive oil and nuts.

By following these simple guidelines, individuals can enjoy the rich taste of buffalo cheese while still maintaining a diet that supports their heart health goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, buffalo mozzarella is often lower in cholesterol than mozzarella made from cow's milk. However, it is typically higher in total fat and calories, so portion control is important.

While the high saturated fat content in buffalo cheese can contribute to higher LDL ('bad') cholesterol if overconsumed, buffalo milk itself contains less cholesterol than cow milk. Moderation is key to balancing these factors.

Buffalo cheese contains beneficial compounds like antioxidants and potassium that support heart health, but its high saturated fat content is a potential concern. Cow cheese generally has lower fat but higher cholesterol, so a moderate approach is necessary for both.

While fresh cheeses like mozzarella may have slightly different profiles, the most important factors for cholesterol management are total fat and saturated fat content, not the specific type. Regardless of the form, portion size and overall dietary context are most crucial.

Yes, but with caution and in moderation. Individuals with high cholesterol should prioritize a diet low in saturated fat. Due to its higher fat content, buffalo cheese should be enjoyed sparingly and within the context of a balanced, heart-healthy diet.

Yes. Buffalo milk contains antioxidants and potassium, which can help combat oxidative stress and regulate blood pressure, respectively. Some bioactive compounds in buffalo milk may also help lower high blood pressure.

The digestibility of buffalo milk can vary by individual. Some people find the higher fat content makes it heavier and more difficult to digest. However, buffalo milk has a different protein structure that some may find easier to tolerate than cow's milk, although it can still trigger similar allergic reactions.