What Cheese Has the Highest Carbs? The Surprising Nordic Answer

November 25, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, the surprising answer to what cheese has the highest carbs is Gjetost, a Scandinavian whey cheese with over 40 grams of carbohydrates per 100-gram serving. This is a stark contrast to most aged cheeses that are celebrated for their low-carb profile.

Quick Summary

Gjetost, a unique Nordic whey cheese, possesses an exceptionally high carbohydrate count due to concentrated milk sugar. Aged, hard cheeses contain very few carbs, while fresh and processed cheeses have higher levels, with variations depending on production methods and added ingredients.

Key Points

Gjetost is the highest-carb cheese: This Norwegian whey cheese contains significantly more carbohydrates than any other cheese variety due to its production method.
Carbs in cheese come from lactose: The natural sugar in milk, lactose, is the source of carbohydrates in cheese, but aging and processing affect its levels.
Aged cheeses are low-carb: During aging, bacteria break down lactose, which is why hard, aged cheeses like Parmesan and Cheddar have minimal carbohydrates.
Fresh cheeses have moderate carbs: Unripened cheeses such as ricotta, mascarpone, and cottage cheese retain more residual lactose, resulting in higher carb counts than aged varieties.
Processing can add carbs: Be mindful of processed cheese foods and flavored cheeses, as added ingredients and stabilizers can increase their carbohydrate content.
Nutritional labels are key: Always check the nutritional information on packaged cheese products, especially when managing your carbohydrate intake.

Gjetost: The Unexpected High-Carb Champion

When most people think of high-carb foods, cheese rarely comes to mind. Hard and aged cheeses like Parmesan or Cheddar are often staples in low-carb diets because the process of aging breaks down lactose, the natural milk sugar. However, Gjetost (also known as brunost or 'brown cheese') defies this convention entirely. This traditional Norwegian cheese is not made from curds like most cheeses but from boiled whey, milk, and cream. During this prolonged boiling process, the lactose and proteins in the whey caramelize, creating a concentrated, fudge-like cheese with a distinctive brown color and sweet flavor.

The resulting product is high in both fat and sugar, making it the leader in the 'what cheese has the highest carbs' category. Per 100 grams, Gjetost contains a staggering amount of carbohydrates, with some sources reporting over 40 grams. This makes it an important distinction for anyone tracking their carbohydrate intake, especially those on a ketogenic or strict low-carb diet. Its rich, sweet taste comes directly from this high sugar content, rather than added sweeteners.

Why Fresh Cheeses Have More Carbs

Apart from specialty whey cheeses, the other category of cheese with relatively higher carbohydrates is fresh or unripened cheese. These varieties have not gone through an aging process long enough for the lactose to be fully converted into lactic acid by bacteria. As a result, more of the original milk sugar remains in the final product. Some of the most common examples include ricotta, cottage cheese, and mascarpone.

For instance, whole-milk ricotta can contain up to 3.5 grams of carbohydrates per 100 grams, while cottage cheese typically holds around 3.4 grams per 100 grams. While these figures are minuscule compared to Gjetost, they are significantly higher than aged, hard cheeses. Processed cheese products and spreads are another consideration, as they may include additives and stabilizers that increase their carbohydrate count.

The Impact of Processing on Carb Levels

Processed Cheese: Some processed cheese foods contain added emulsifiers and other ingredients that can increase their carb content beyond that of natural cheese. Always check the nutrition label for specifics.
Flavored Cheeses: Cream cheese and other soft cheeses with added flavors (like fruit or sweeteners) will naturally contain more carbohydrates than their plain counterparts.

The Aging Process and Carbohydrate Levels

The inverse relationship between cheese age and carb content is a fundamental concept in dairy science. As cheese matures, the lactic acid bacteria consume the lactose, converting it into lactic acid. The longer the aging period, the more time these bacteria have to work, resulting in a drier cheese with a much lower, or even negligible, lactose and carbohydrate content. This is why cheeses like Parmesan, which is aged for extended periods, can be considered nearly carb-free. This natural breakdown is the key reason most hard cheeses are suitable for low-carb diets, whereas fresh varieties are not.

Carb Content Comparison of Popular Cheeses

This table provides a quick reference for the approximate carbohydrate content of various cheeses, based on data per 100g.


Cheese Type	Carbohydrates (g/100g)	Notes
Gjetost (Whey Cheese)	~42.65	Very high carb due to concentrated lactose and boiling process.
Cottage Cheese (2%)	~3.4	Higher than hard cheeses due to unripened state.
Mascarpone	~3.6	Soft, fresh cheese with residual lactose.
Ricotta (Whole Milk)	~3.5	Fresh whey cheese with higher lactose content.
Mozzarella (Fresh)	~2.2	Soft, fresh cheese with more residual lactose than aged versions.
Cheddar (Aged)	<0.5	Extremely low carb due to long aging process.
Parmesan	<0.1	Aged for a very long time, making it virtually lactose-free.
Brie	<0.5	Lower carb despite being soft, due to maturation and bacteria.

Conclusion: Making Informed Cheese Choices

For those watching their carb intake, understanding the difference in cheese varieties is essential. While Gjetost stands out as the clear outlier with the highest carb count due to its whey base and unique production, most traditional aged cheeses remain an excellent, low-carb food choice. Fresh cheeses like ricotta and cottage cheese offer a middle ground with moderate carbs. Always check the nutrition labels, especially for processed or flavored cheese products, to avoid hidden sugars. By paying attention to the type of cheese and its manufacturing process, you can easily incorporate cheese into any dietary plan, whether low-carb, keto, or otherwise. For further reading on dairy nutrition, visit the U.S. Dairy website: Is Cheese a Carb? Exploring Carbs in Cheese | U.S. Dairy.

Note: All carbohydrate values are approximate and can vary by brand and specific preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gjetost is a Norwegian whey cheese made by boiling a mixture of whey, milk, and cream. The high carb content comes from the concentration and caramelization of lactose, the natural milk sugar, during this unique boiling process.

Aged, hard cheeses are typically the lowest in carbohydrates. Examples include Parmesan, aged Cheddar, Swiss, and Brie, as the lactose breaks down during the aging process.

Fresh cheeses like cottage cheese and ricotta have higher carb counts compared to aged, hard cheeses because they are unripened and retain more residual lactose. However, their carb content is still low compared to Gjetost.

Since lactose is the primary source of carbohydrates in cheese, people with lactose intolerance often seek aged, hard cheeses because the lactose has been largely broken down during maturation. Fresh cheeses and Gjetost would be a concern due to their higher lactose content.

No, but it's important to read the label. Some processed cheeses contain added stabilizers and flavorings that can increase their carbohydrate content, while others may not. Processed cheese spreads, in particular, can be higher in carbs.

Yes, most aged, hard cheeses are an excellent choice for low-carb and ketogenic diets due to their minimal carbohydrate content. Fresh cheeses like cottage cheese can also fit if portion sizes are managed carefully.

Fat and carb content are not directly linked. For example, Gjetost is high in both, while many aged cheeses are high in fat but very low in carbs. The carb content is primarily a function of the cheese-making process and residual lactose.