What is the Healthiest String Cheese?

December 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the USDA, a standard serving of low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella string cheese provides about 7 grams of protein and is a significant source of calcium. But beyond the basics, determining what is the healthiest string cheese involves looking at factors like fat, sodium, and ingredients.

Quick Summary

This nutritional breakdown helps identify the best string cheese options based on your health goals, comparing light, organic, and conventional types. It explores key nutritional differences to help you select a quality product.

Key Points

Reduced-Fat is Lower in Calories: Light or reduced-fat string cheese varieties contain fewer calories and fat than their full-fat counterparts.
Check Protein Content: Compare nutritional labels to find brands that offer more protein per serving, which increases satiety.
Monitor Sodium Levels: While all cheese contains sodium, a quick glance at the label can help you choose an option with less salt.
Organic Offers Purity: Opt for organic string cheese to ensure the product is free of synthetic growth hormones and antibiotics.
Mozzarella is the Standard: Most string cheese is made from mozzarella, a relatively lower-calorie cheese compared to others like cheddar.

Understanding String Cheese: Beyond the Convenience

String cheese is a popular grab-and-go snack, beloved for its convenience and mild flavor. However, not all string cheese is created equal from a health perspective. The "string" quality comes from the specific process of heating and stretching the curd, and most varieties on the market are made from mozzarella. A closer look at the nutritional label is necessary to determine the healthiest choice, considering factors like calorie count, fat content, protein, and sodium levels.

Key Factors for a Healthier Choice

When evaluating different string cheese brands, several nutritional aspects should guide your decision:

Fat and Calories: The main difference between various types often comes down to the fat content. Whole milk mozzarella string cheese will have higher fat and calorie counts than part-skim or light versions. If you are managing your caloric intake, opting for a low-fat or light version is a simple way to make a healthier choice.
Protein: Protein is a crucial macronutrient for satiety, which can help control appetite and support weight management. Many brands tout high protein content as a health benefit, so check the label for the highest amount per serving. For example, some brands offer 8 grams of protein per stick compared to the standard 6 grams.
Sodium: Cheese naturally contains sodium, and the salt content can vary significantly between brands. For those monitoring their sodium intake, comparing the milligrams per serving is essential. While string cheese typically isn't considered a low-sodium food, some varieties or brands may contain less than others.
Ingredients: Always check the ingredients list. Healthier options will typically have a short, recognizable list of ingredients, primarily milk, salt, and enzymes. Look out for added preservatives or artificial flavors, although most string cheese is considered a natural, unprocessed food.
Organic vs. Conventional: Organic string cheese is made from the milk of cows raised without synthetic growth hormones or antibiotics. Organic milk may also have a higher concentration of beneficial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, though the overall nutritional profile is often similar to conventional options. The choice between organic and conventional often comes down to personal preference for farming practices and ingredient sourcing.

String Cheese Brand Comparison

To illustrate the nutritional differences, let's compare a few popular and health-conscious string cheese options based on a standard 1 oz serving size.


Brand	Type	Calories	Fat (g)	Protein (g)	Sodium (mg)
Sargento Light	Reduced-Fat Mozzarella	50	2.5	6	160
Frigo Cheese Heads Light	Reduced-Fat Mozzarella	50	2.5	6	160
Galbani Reduced Fat	Reduced-Fat Mozzarella	70	4.5	8	~170
Organic Valley Stringles	Organic Mozzarella	80	5	7	~200
Kraft Original	Part-Skim Mozzarella	80	5	7	~180

Note: Nutritional information can vary slightly by product line and package size. Always check the most current label.

Based on this comparison, light or reduced-fat mozzarella string cheese, like Sargento Light or Frigo Light, generally contains the lowest calories and fat. For those prioritizing protein, Galbani's Reduced Fat offers a higher protein count with a moderate calorie and fat level. Organic Valley is a great option for those seeking an organic product, though it may be slightly higher in calories and fat than the reduced-fat conventional choices.

Making the Healthiest Choice for You

The best string cheese ultimately depends on your individual dietary needs. For general, low-calorie snacking, light versions are a fantastic option. If you're focusing on increased protein intake to stay full longer, brands highlighting higher protein content might be preferable. If ingredient quality is your top concern, an organic certified product is the way to go. Always read the nutrition label and ingredient list to make an informed decision that aligns with your health goals. A healthy string cheese, when eaten in moderation, can be a valuable part of a balanced diet.

Conclusion

While a single "healthiest" string cheese is hard to pinpoint, the clear winners are those with lower fat and sodium content, or high protein. Part-skim or reduced-fat mozzarella versions generally offer a good balance of protein and lower calories, making them a smart choice for most. Organic options provide added peace of mind regarding farming practices. By comparing brands and focusing on specific nutritional criteria like fat, protein, and sodium, you can easily identify the best string cheese to fit your personal health needs and preferences, proving that this classic snack can be a genuinely nutritious and satisfying option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reduced-fat or light string cheese, typically made from part-skim mozzarella, has the lowest fat content. Brands like Frigo Cheese Heads Light or Sargento Light are good examples, with around 2.5 grams of fat per serving.

Organic string cheese, made from the milk of cows not treated with synthetic hormones or antibiotics, is often preferred for its purer ingredients. While the nutritional content may be similar to conventional cheese, organic options can contain more omega-3 fatty acids.

No, the amount of protein can vary. While many brands offer around 6-7 grams per stick, some, like Galbani's Reduced Fat String Cheese, are advertised to contain more protein per serving.

To find lower sodium string cheese, you must compare the nutrition facts labels of different brands. Look for those specifically marketed as "reduced sodium" or check fresh mozzarella, which typically has less salt than processed or aged cheeses.

No, true mozzarella string cheese is not considered a highly processed food. It is a natural food made by stretching and kneading milk curds, although some brands may include additives, so checking the ingredient list is always wise.

Reduced-fat string cheese is generally the lowest in calories. For instance, brands like Sargento Light and Frigo Cheese Heads Light typically have around 50 calories per serving.

Yes, for those with lactose sensitivity, some varieties of string cheese might be easier to digest as the cheesemaking process can reduce lactose content, and some brands specifically source milk from cows not treated with rBST. Always consult a doctor or registered dietitian regarding specific dietary concerns.