Is Cheese Considered Low-Carb? A Complete Guide

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

While cheese is often associated with indulgence, many varieties contain minimal carbohydrates. During the cheesemaking process, most lactose, the natural sugar in milk, is removed with the whey, resulting in a low-carb product ideal for diets like keto. However, the exact carb content depends on the type, age, and processing of the cheese.

Quick Summary

Most natural cheeses are low in carbohydrates, with aged and hard varieties containing the least. Processed cheeses or fresh soft cheeses like cottage cheese and ricotta may have higher carb counts due to added ingredients or residual lactose. The key is to check nutritional labels to confirm suitability for low-carb diets.

Key Points

Natural cheese is generally low-carb: Most natural cheeses contain very few carbohydrates, making them suitable for low-carb and ketogenic diets.
Aging reduces carbs: The aging process in cheesemaking breaks down lactose, the milk sugar, resulting in lower carb counts for harder, aged cheeses.
Hard cheeses are lowest in carbs: Aged hard cheeses like Parmesan and Cheddar are typically the lowest-carb options available.
Processed cheese can be high-carb: Processed cheese products often contain added starches and fillers that increase their carbohydrate content.
Check labels for all products: For the most accurate information, always check the nutrition label, especially for shredded cheese or soft cheeses.
Portion control is key: Despite being low in carbs, cheese is high in calories and fat, so moderation is important for managing overall calorie intake.

Understanding the Carbs in Cheese

For many following low-carb or ketogenic diets, cheese is a staple food, providing a rich source of fat and protein. The primary reason for its low-carb status lies in how it's made. The milk used to produce cheese contains lactose, a milk sugar. During cheesemaking, this lactose is largely converted into lactic acid or drained away with the whey. The longer a cheese is aged, the more lactose is broken down, resulting in an even lower carbohydrate count. For example, a hard, aged Parmesan will have fewer carbs than a fresher mozzarella or ricotta cheese.

Low-Carb Cheese Stars

Hard and Aged Cheeses: These are typically your best bet for the lowest possible carb count. Varieties like Parmesan, aged Cheddar, and Swiss contain minimal carbs, often less than 1 gram per ounce.
Semi-Hard Cheeses: These cheeses are also generally low in carbs and offer great flavor. Gouda and Colby Jack are excellent examples, providing rich taste with very few carbs.
Soft Cheeses: While some soft cheeses are higher in carbs than their harder counterparts, many are still very low-carb friendly. Brie, Camembert, and full-fat cream cheese are good examples.
Goat Cheese: This is a fantastic option for those seeking a unique flavor. Goat cheese is known for its tanginess and very low carbohydrate profile.

Potential High-Carb Traps to Watch For

While most natural cheeses fit into a low-carb eating plan, there are a few varieties and products to be cautious of:

Processed Cheese: Products like American singles or pre-shredded cheese often contain added starches, whey powders, or preservatives to improve shelf life and texture. These added ingredients can increase the carb count significantly. Always check the nutrition label carefully.
Ricotta and Cottage Cheese: These fresh, soft cheeses contain more residual lactose than harder cheeses, which translates to a higher carb count per serving. While still manageable in moderation, they are not as low-carb as aged varieties.
Sweetened and Flavored Cheeses: Avoid any cheese products with added fruit, sugar, or other high-carb flavorings. For example, some flavored cream cheeses will have added sweeteners that drive up the carbohydrate content.

Natural vs. Processed Cheese: A Carb Comparison


Feature	Natural Cheese	Processed Cheese Products
Carbohydrate Content	Typically very low (less than 1g per oz)	Can be higher due to additives
Ingredient Purity	Made from milk, cultures, and rennet	Contains stabilizers, emulsifiers, and preservatives
Aging Process	Often aged, which reduces lactose content	No aging; manufacturing process introduces additives
Nutrient Density	Higher in nutrients like protein and healthy fats	Lower nutrient density compared to natural cheese

Tips for Enjoying Cheese on a Low-Carb Diet

Prioritize Aged and Hard Cheeses: These are your safest bet for minimizing carbohydrate intake while maximizing flavor.
Read Labels: Don't assume all cheese is the same. Always check the nutrition label, especially for pre-shredded or processed items.
Stick to Full-Fat Versions: Low-fat and fat-free dairy products often replace the fat with added sugar or fillers to maintain flavor, increasing the carb count.
Embrace Variety: From sharp Cheddar to creamy Brie, there is a vast world of low-carb cheeses to explore. Experiment with different types to keep your meals interesting.
Monitor Portion Sizes: While low in carbs, cheese is calorie-dense due to its high fat content. Practice moderation to stay within your daily calorie goals.

Conclusion: Is Cheese Considered Low-Carb?

Yes, most natural, full-fat cheeses are considered low-carb, making them suitable for ketogenic and other low-carbohydrate eating plans. Harder, aged cheeses tend to have the lowest carb counts due to a longer aging process that breaks down lactose. However, it is crucial to avoid processed cheese products and sweetened varieties, as these often contain higher amounts of carbohydrates from added fillers and sugars. By choosing wisely and reading labels, you can confidently include cheese in your low-carb lifestyle.

A Quick Reference for Low-Carb Cheeses

Here is a list of popular low-carb cheese options, ideal for keto and other carbohydrate-restricted diets:

Cheddar: Rich and versatile, with minimal carbs.
Brie: Creamy soft cheese with an extremely low carb count.
Parmesan: A hard, aged cheese with almost no carbohydrates.
Mozzarella: A popular, mild cheese that is very low in carbs.
Swiss: Features a nutty flavor and low carb content.
Goat Cheese: Tangy and fresh, with a very low carb count.
Cream Cheese: A keto favorite for adding fat with minimal carbs.
Blue Cheese: Pungent and flavorful, with a low carb profile.
Gouda: A semi-hard cheese with minimal carbs.
Provolone: A semi-hard cheese that is also low in carbs.

How Cheeses Rank by Carb Content

Lowest Carb: Aged hard cheeses like Parmesan, Gouda, and sharp Cheddar have the least carbs, often near zero.
Moderately Low Carb: Soft and fresh cheeses like mozzarella, cream cheese, and brie contain slightly more carbs but are still very low.
Higher Carb (for cheese): Cottage cheese and ricotta have the highest carb counts among natural cheeses due to higher moisture and lactose content.
Highest Carb: Processed cheese foods and flavored cheese spreads are the highest, containing added sugars and fillers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hard, aged cheeses such as Parmesan and Gouda typically have the lowest carbohydrate counts. Many contain less than 1 gram of carbs per ounce.

Yes, cheddar cheese is an excellent low-carb option. A standard 1-ounce serving contains very little carbohydrate, making it a staple for many low-carb diets.

Yes, most soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert are also very low in carbohydrates, often containing less than 1 gram per ounce.

The carb content in cheese is primarily from lactose. The longer a cheese ages, the more lactose is broken down, resulting in a lower carb count. Fresher, less-aged cheeses or processed ones may retain more lactose or have added fillers.

It is best to avoid processed cheese products on a strict low-carb diet. They often contain added starches and fillers that increase the carb count, unlike natural cheeses.

A cheese is generally keto-friendly if it is low in carbohydrates (typically <1g per ounce), high in fat, and moderate in protein. Always look for full-fat, natural versions and avoid added ingredients.

Compared to aged cheeses, cottage cheese has a higher carb count due to its higher moisture and lactose content. While not as low-carb as other options, it can be consumed in moderation, especially full-fat versions.