Is cheese high in chromium?

October 25, 2025 •

3 min read

While some sources report cheese as containing chromium, many foods have only trace amounts, and cheese is not typically considered a significant source. The answer to "is cheese high in chromium?" depends on the specific variety, but it is generally low compared to other foods.

Quick Summary

Cheese is a poor dietary source of the trace mineral chromium, offering only trace amounts depending on the type and production process. Excellent sources include broccoli, brewer's yeast, and whole grains, which are far richer in this essential nutrient.

Key Points

Low Chromium Content: Cheese is generally a poor source of chromium, containing only trace amounts.
Variability Exists: The chromium level in cheese varies depending on factors like soil conditions for animal feed and processing equipment.
Essential Mineral Role: Chromium enhances insulin's action, which is vital for metabolizing carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Better Food Sources: Superior sources of chromium include brewer's yeast, broccoli, whole grains, and certain meats and juices.
Deficiency is Rare: Most people get sufficient chromium from a balanced diet, making deficiency uncommon.
Not a Weight-Loss Tool: Despite some claims, there is insufficient evidence to support chromium supplements for significant weight loss.

Understanding the Chromium Content in Cheese

Many people are curious about the nutritional value of their favorite foods, and when it comes to cheese, the question of its chromium content is common. While cheese contains a wide array of nutrients like calcium and protein, it is not a significant source of chromium. In fact, most dairy products, including milk, provide very low levels of this trace mineral. The amount of chromium found in cheese can be influenced by a number of factors, including the soil where the animal's feed was grown and the processing methods used. For example, a fact sheet from the National Institutes of Health notes that 1.5 ounces of American cheese provides only 0.8 mcg of chromium.

The Role of Chromium in the Body

To understand why a good source of chromium might be important, it helps to know what this mineral does. Chromium is an essential trace mineral that enhances the action of insulin, a hormone critical for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. In simpler terms, it helps your body use blood sugar (glucose) for energy. Because of this, it has been studied for its potential effects on blood sugar control, especially in people with impaired glucose tolerance or type 2 diabetes. However, the human body needs only a very small amount of chromium, and deficiency is rare, particularly for individuals eating a balanced diet.

Other, Better Sources of Chromium

If you're looking to increase your intake of chromium, there are many food options that are far superior to cheese. These foods can provide more substantial levels of the mineral to help meet your daily needs. Here is a list of some of the best dietary sources:

Brewer's yeast: Considered one of the richest sources of chromium.
Broccoli: One cup contains a significant amount of chromium, approximately 22 mcg.
Whole-grain products: Foods like whole-wheat English muffins and bread are good contributors.
Meats: Especially lean meats, such as beef, ham, and turkey breast.
Fish and shellfish: Items like mussels, shrimp, oysters, and haddock contain chromium.
Fruits and vegetables: Examples include grape juice, orange juice, apples, bananas, and green beans.
Nuts and spices: Various nuts and spices can also contribute small amounts.

Comparing Chromium Content: Cheese vs. Other Foods

To put the chromium content of cheese into perspective, the following table compares a standard serving of American cheese with some higher-chromium foods, based on NIH data.


Food Item	Serving Size	Chromium (mcg)	% Daily Value (DV)
American Cheese	1.5 ounces	0.8	2%
Ham	3 ounces	3.6	10%
Whole-Wheat English Muffin	1 muffin	3.6	10%
Brewer's Yeast	1 tablespoon	3.3	9%
Grape Juice	1 cup	7.5	21%
Broccoli	1 cup, cooked	22	(Not listed, but high)

This comparison clearly illustrates that while cheese isn't devoid of chromium, its contribution to your daily intake is quite minimal, especially compared to rich sources like brewer's yeast, broccoli, or grape juice.

External Factors Affecting Chromium Levels

Beyond the food itself, external factors can play a significant role in the final chromium content. The concentration of chromium in food is highly dependent on the amount of chromium present in the soil where the food was grown or the feed was sourced. Additionally, food processing can either increase or decrease the chromium content. For instance, using stainless steel equipment during processing, such as for grinding meat or homogenization, can introduce small amounts of chromium into the food. Conversely, cooking in aluminum vessels can reduce the chromium content. This variability is a key reason why it is challenging to get precise, universally applicable figures for the chromium content of many foods, including cheese.

Conclusion

In summary, cheese is not a high source of chromium. While some varieties contain trace amounts, it is not a food that should be relied upon to meet your daily requirements for this essential trace mineral. For a significant boost of chromium, it is far more effective to incorporate foods known to be rich in this nutrient, such as brewer's yeast, broccoli, whole grains, and certain meats and juices. Ensuring a balanced and varied diet is the best approach to obtaining all the necessary vitamins and minerals, including the small but important amount of chromium your body needs.

For more detailed nutritional information and daily recommended intakes, refer to authoritative sources such as the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

No single type of cheese is considered a high source of chromium. Most varieties, including American and various types of milk, contain only trace amounts that are not sufficient to be a primary dietary source.

According to data from the National Institutes of Health, a 1.5-ounce serving of American cheese contains only 0.8 micrograms (mcg) of chromium, which is just 2% of the Daily Value.

The primary function of chromium is to enhance the action of the hormone insulin. This improves the body's ability to metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins efficiently.

Some of the best dietary sources of chromium include brewer's yeast, broccoli, beef, turkey breast, whole-grain products, and grape juice.

Yes, food processing can influence chromium content. Equipment used during processing, such as stainless steel, can either add small amounts of chromium or, conversely, other cooking methods can reduce it.

Chromium deficiency is rare, especially in healthy individuals who consume a balanced diet. It is most often seen in patients receiving long-term total parenteral nutrition.

For most people with a normal, balanced diet, chromium supplements are not necessary. If you have concerns about your intake, consult a healthcare provider, but focusing on food sources is typically recommended.