Is burrata cheese high in calories? Exploring its nutritional profile

November 27, 2025 •

3 min read

While adored for its creamy center, a 100-gram serving of burrata cheese can contain approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the brand and fat content. This rich Italian cheese is indeed considered high in calories due to its luscious, cream-filled interior, making it important to understand its nutritional profile for balanced consumption.

Quick Summary

This article analyzes the calorie and fat content of burrata cheese, offering a direct comparison with other popular cheeses like mozzarella. It provides practical tips for incorporating burrata into a healthy diet in moderation, highlighting its nutritional benefits such as protein and calcium while cautioning against excessive intake due to its richness.

Key Points

High Caloric Density: Burrata's creamy, stracciatella core gives it a higher calorie and fat content than fresh mozzarella.
Moderation is Key: To avoid excess calorie intake, burrata should be enjoyed in smaller portions and treated as a decadent treat rather than a daily staple.
Source of Nutrients: Despite its richness, burrata provides beneficial nutrients such as protein and calcium, important for overall health.
Pair Smartly for Balance: Complement burrata with low-calorie, fresh ingredients like tomatoes, basil, and grilled vegetables to create a balanced meal.
Different from Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella is the lower-calorie alternative due to its solid texture and lack of a cream filling.
Serve at Room Temperature: To best appreciate its unique texture and flavor, burrata should be served at room temperature, which also makes portion control easier.
Nutritional Value Varies: Calorie counts can differ slightly between brands depending on the fat content of the cream used.

Unpacking the Calorie Content of Burrata Cheese

When evaluating if burrata is high in calories, it's essential to understand what makes this cheese so decadent. Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. The outer shell is a pouch of mozzarella, while the inside is filled with a mixture of soft, stringy cheese curd and fresh cream, known as stracciatella. It is this high-fat, creamy core that significantly contributes to its overall caloric density.

A typical 1-ounce (28g) serving of burrata can range from 60 to 90 calories, depending on the brand. To put this in perspective, this is slightly higher than an equivalent serving of fresh mozzarella, which usually clocks in at around 85 calories per ounce. However, servings of burrata are often larger, and the rich, buttery mouthfeel can lead to consuming more, increasing the total calories consumed.

Nutritional Breakdown of Burrata

Beyond just calories, burrata offers several nutritional components. While it is high in fat, it is also a good source of important nutrients.

Protein: Burrata contains a notable amount of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall bodily functions.
Calcium: As a dairy product, it is rich in calcium, which is vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Vitamin A: This cheese is also a source of Vitamin A, which supports vision, immune function, and skin health.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): Some sources suggest dairy fats, like those in burrata, may contain CLA, which can have anti-inflammatory benefits.

Moderation and Balanced Eating

The key to enjoying burrata without over-consuming calories is moderation. Given its high fat and calorie content, it's best viewed as a delicious indulgence rather than a dietary staple. Pairing it with nutrient-dense, lower-calorie foods can help create a balanced meal. Serving it with fresh tomatoes, basil, and a light balsamic glaze in a caprese salad, or pairing it with grilled vegetables, allows the rich cheese to be a highlight without becoming the main source of calories.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Burrata Healthfully

Use it as a garnish: Instead of eating a whole ball of burrata alone, use a smaller portion to top a large, vibrant salad.
Pair with fiber-rich foods: The richness of burrata is perfectly complemented by the freshness of vegetables. Serve it with roasted bell peppers, fresh cucumbers, or arugula.
Measure your portions: Pay attention to serving sizes. A small, measured dollop can provide all the creamy flavor you crave without the caloric overload.
Be mindful of accompaniments: While bread and oil are classic pairings, they also add significant calories. Opt for whole-grain toast or a simple drizzle of high-quality olive oil rather than a heavy, oily dish.

Burrata vs. Mozzarella: A Nutritional Comparison

To fully answer the question, "is burrata cheese high in calories?" a comparison with its close relative, fresh mozzarella, is helpful. Both are fresh Italian cheeses, but their internal structure and resulting nutritional profiles differ significantly.


Feature	Burrata	Fresh Mozzarella	Winner for Low-Cal	Note
Core Composition	Outer mozzarella shell, cream and curd filling (stracciatella)	Uniformly stretchy, solid mozzarella	Mozzarella	The creamy center adds significant calories and fat.
Calories (per 1 oz)	~70-90 calories	~85 calories	Mozzarella	Varies by brand and fat content, but burrata's range is generally higher.
Fat Content (per 1 oz)	~6-9 grams	~6 grams	Mozzarella	The cream in burrata boosts the total fat content substantially.
Texture	Rich, creamy, and buttery interior	Soft, moist, and elastic	(Preference)	The difference in texture is key to each cheese's culinary use.
Best Served	Room temperature, allowing the creamy center to ooze out	Room temperature or melted (pizza, pasta)	(Versatility)	Burrata's texture is best appreciated fresh and unheated.

A Concluding View on Burrata's Calories

In conclusion, yes, burrata cheese is relatively high in calories compared to other fresh cheeses like mozzarella, primarily due to its rich, cream-filled interior. While its caloric density means it should be enjoyed in moderation, it is not an unhealthy food. It provides valuable nutrients like calcium and protein, and its fat content can even offer some health benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet. The key is mindful portion control and thoughtful pairing with other fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients. By understanding what contributes to its high-calorie count, you can savor the unique flavor and texture of burrata without compromising your dietary goals.

For more nutritional information and healthy recipe ideas, consider exploring reputable health and food sources online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Burrata cheese is higher in calories than mozzarella because it is filled with a creamy mixture of stracciatella and cream, which contains more fat than the solid, less dense fresh mozzarella.

Yes, you can eat burrata cheese on a diet, but it's important to do so in moderation. Because of its high calorie and fat content, small portions are recommended, and it should be balanced with other nutrient-rich, low-calorie foods.

A typical 1-ounce (28g) serving of burrata contains approximately 70-90 calories. A larger, 100-gram serving can contain around 250-300 calories, depending on the cream content.

To eat burrata healthfully, pair it with fresh vegetables like tomatoes and basil in a caprese salad, or with grilled vegetables. Use it sparingly as a topping or garnish instead of as the main component of a dish.

Yes, burrata is a good source of protein. A 100-gram serving typically contains a good amount of protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and general health.

Yes, burrata offers some health benefits. It is rich in calcium and protein and can contain beneficial conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in its dairy fats. However, these benefits are best realized when the cheese is consumed in moderation.

To reduce the calorie intake when eating burrata, focus on portion control. Use a smaller amount of the cheese, pair it with fresh, non-caloric ingredients, and be mindful of high-calorie accompaniments like bread and heavy oils.