Is mozzarella or cheddar higher in calories?

October 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, cheddar cheese consistently contains more calories per serving than mozzarella. On average, a 1-ounce serving of cheddar has about 110-115 calories, while the same amount of mozzarella contains approximately 85-90 calories, a crucial fact for anyone monitoring their intake. This makes mozzarella the lighter option when asking if mozzarella or cheddar is higher in calories.

Quick Summary

Cheddar cheese is typically higher in calories, fat, and sodium compared to mozzarella. This is due to cheddar being a harder, aged cheese with lower moisture content. Mozzarella is a fresher, lower-calorie alternative.

Key Points

Cheddar is Higher in Calories: Due to its lower moisture content and higher fat concentration from aging, cheddar contains more calories per serving than mozzarella.
Mozzarella is a Lighter Option: Part-skim and fresh mozzarella are lower in fat, calories, and sodium, making them a good choice for those watching their intake.
Nutrient Differences are Key: Beyond calories, cheddar offers more Vitamin K2, while mozzarella can provide probiotics and less sodium.
Consider the Culinary Use: Mozzarella's superior melt is ideal for pizza, while cheddar's bold flavor elevates dishes like mac and cheese.
Moderation is Essential: Both cheeses are nutritious but can be high in saturated fat and sodium, so portion control is important regardless of the type.

The Calorie Verdict: Why Cheddar is Higher

When comparing the calorie content of mozzarella and cheddar, the verdict is clear: cheddar cheese is higher in calories. This difference is not minor; it's a direct result of the cheesemaking process and the resulting nutritional density of each cheese.

The Role of Moisture and Aging

The primary reason for the calorie difference lies in the moisture content and aging process. Mozzarella, especially fresh mozzarella, is a soft, high-moisture cheese. Its higher water content means that, ounce for ounce, it contains fewer calories and fat than drier, aged cheeses. Cheddar, on the other hand, is a hard, aged cheese. As it matures, it loses a significant amount of its moisture, which concentrates its nutrients, including fat. This higher concentration of fat and lower water content translates directly to a higher calorie count.

A Deeper Dive into Nutrition

Beyond just calories, comparing the full nutritional profiles of mozzarella and cheddar reveals other important differences that can influence your dietary choices.

Mozzarella's Nutritional Profile

Often praised as a healthier cheese option, mozzarella offers several benefits.

Lower in Fat and Sodium: Part-skim mozzarella is particularly low in fat, and both fresh and processed varieties generally have less sodium than cheddar.
Rich in Calcium and Protein: Mozzarella is a good source of calcium, which is vital for bone health, and provides a solid dose of protein for muscle maintenance and satiety.
Contains Probiotics: Fresh mozzarella can contain beneficial probiotic bacteria, which support gut health.
Vitamins and Minerals: It also supplies key nutrients like vitamins A and B12, phosphorus, and zinc.

Cheddar's Nutritional Profile

While higher in calories, cheddar is a nutrient-dense cheese that provides its own set of benefits, especially when consumed in moderation.

Excellent Source of Protein: Cheddar typically has a slightly higher protein content per 100g due to its lower moisture.
High in Calcium: It is an excellent source of calcium, with some aged varieties containing even more than mozzarella.
Rich in Vitamin K2: Cheddar is a notable source of Vitamin K2, which plays a crucial role in bone and cardiovascular health.
Contains Probiotics: Some aged cheddars also contain beneficial bacteria, aiding gut health.
Denser Flavor: Its concentrated flavor means a little goes a long way, which can help in portion control.

Comparison Table: Mozzarella vs. Cheddar

Here is a quick nutritional breakdown comparing a standard 1-ounce (28g) serving of both cheeses.


Nutrient	Mozzarella (Whole Milk)	Cheddar (Sharp)
Calories	~85 kcal	~115 kcal
Total Fat	~6g	~9g
Saturated Fat	~4g	~5g
Protein	~6g	~7g
Calcium	~143mg (11% DV)	~200mg (15% DV)
Sodium	~138mg	~185mg+
Moisture	Higher	Lower
Aging Process	Fresh or short aging	Aged, firm cheese

Health Implications and Culinary Uses

Your choice between mozzarella and cheddar depends heavily on your dietary goals and culinary needs.

Choosing for Your Diet: Weight Loss vs. Flavor

For those focused on weight loss or reducing overall calorie and saturated fat intake, mozzarella—especially part-skim—is the better choice. Its lower caloric density allows for a larger serving for the same number of calories compared to cheddar. However, for those seeking a richer nutrient profile, including more protein and Vitamin K2, cheddar offers a more nutrient-dense option, though it requires stricter portion control. Its strong flavor can be satisfying in smaller amounts, which can help manage intake.

Culinary Applications

The texture and meltability of each cheese also define its culinary purpose.

Mozzarella is King for Pizza: Mozzarella is the gold standard for pizza due to its superior meltability and mild, milky flavor that doesn't overpower other ingredients. It also works beautifully in a Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes and basil.
Cheddar Delivers a Bold Flavor: With its sharp, nutty taste, cheddar is ideal for dishes where cheese is a prominent flavor. It's perfect for mac and cheese, burgers, and a classic grilled cheese sandwich. The bold flavor of cheddar can also be used in smaller quantities to achieve a satisfying taste.

The Final Slice: Which Cheese is Right for You?

Both mozzarella and cheddar are excellent sources of protein and calcium and can be part of a healthy, balanced diet. The key lies in understanding their nutritional differences and using them to meet your specific health goals and culinary preferences. While cheddar is undeniably higher in calories and fat due to its aging process, mozzarella offers a lighter, fresher alternative. The ultimate choice depends on your needs, whether it's managing calorie intake, boosting flavor, or seeking specific nutrients like Vitamin K2 or gut-friendly probiotics. For more dietary guidance, consider consulting with a registered dietitian.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cheddar has more calories primarily because it's a hard, aged cheese with lower moisture content. As it ages, water evaporates, which concentrates the fat and nutrients, leading to higher caloric density.

Yes, part-skim mozzarella is lower in calories and fat than whole-milk mozzarella. It's a great option for those aiming for the lowest calorie content.

For weight loss, mozzarella is generally the better choice because of its lower calorie and fat content. This allows for a more generous serving size while still managing overall calorie intake.

Melting cheese does not change its basic nutritional profile or calorie count. The act of heating simply changes the cheese's physical state, but the calories per gram remain the same.

Generally, yes. Salt is added during cheddar's production to preserve it, which results in a higher sodium content compared to the fresh, less-processed forms of mozzarella.

While both are good sources, aged cheddar typically provides slightly more calcium per gram than mozzarella due to its concentrated nature.

Yes, but it will change the result. Mozzarella is the standard for pizza due to its excellent stretch and mild flavor. Cheddar adds a more pronounced, stronger flavor and a different texture when melted.