What soft cheeses are high in fat? A nutritional comparison

October 19, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the British Heart Foundation, some cheeses are categorized as 'high-fat' if they contain more than 17.5 grams of total fat per 100 grams. This guide explains what soft cheeses are high in fat and provides a detailed look into their nutritional profiles. Understanding the fat content of soft cheeses is crucial for making informed dietary choices.

Quick Summary

Several soft cheeses are known for their high fat content, including mascarpone, cream cheese, brie, and camembert. These cheeses derive their rich flavor and texture from the use of heavy cream or full-fat milk during production, influencing their calorie and fat density.

Key Points

Mascarpone: This Italian cream cheese has one of the highest fat contents, often 60-75%, due to being made from heavy cream.
Cream Cheese: A popular American cheese, it must contain a minimum of 33% milk fat, making it a high-fat soft cheese.
Brie and Camembert: These famous French soft cheeses are both full-fat, with Brie having around 28g of fat per 100g and Camembert having approximately 24g.
Saturated Fat: High-fat soft cheeses contain significant amounts of saturated fat, so portion control is important for heart health.
Lower-Fat Alternatives: Neufchâtel, part-skim ricotta, cottage cheese, and quark are excellent low-fat options for achieving a similar creamy texture.
Nutritional Value: Despite the high fat, soft cheeses also provide essential nutrients like protein and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).
Moderation is Key: Enjoying high-fat cheeses is possible on a healthy diet by practicing portion control and balancing them with other nutritious foods.

The Richness of Soft Cheeses

Soft cheeses are a diverse category, ranging from mild and creamy to tangy and pungent. Their characteristic smoothness is largely due to higher moisture content compared to hard cheeses. However, this does not mean they are low in fat. The type of milk, and particularly the amount of cream used, significantly determines the final fat percentage. Cheeses made with heavy cream, such as mascarpone, can have a surprisingly high fat content, while others, like brie and camembert, are also recognized as full-fat cheeses. While fat contributes to their delicious flavor and texture, it is important for those managing their diet to understand the distinction between different varieties.

Mascarpone: The Creamiest Contender

Mascarpone is an Italian cheese made from just two ingredients: heavy cream and an acid like citric or tartaric acid. This process gives it one of the highest fat percentages among soft cheeses, often ranging from 60% to 75% fat. Because of its richness, it's a staple in desserts like tiramisu, but it can also be used to thicken risottos or pasta sauces. Its high-fat content and smooth texture make it more calorie-dense than most other soft cheeses.

Cream Cheese: The Breakfast and Baking Staple

Cream cheese, a fresh, mild-tasting cheese, is widely used as a spread and in baked goods. In the United States, it is required to have a minimum of 33% milk fat. It is made from a combination of cream and milk that is heat-treated and cultured with lactic acid bacteria. While standard cream cheese is high in fat, lower-fat varieties are available and often feature stabilizers to maintain a similar texture.

French Favorites: Brie and Camembert

Brie and Camembert are two classic French soft-ripened cheeses known for their bloomy rinds and rich, buttery flavors. In Europe, these are categorized as "full-fat stage" cheeses, meaning they contain at least 45% fat.

Brie typically contains around 28 grams of total fat per 100 grams. Its fat content can be even higher in triple-cream varieties.
Camembert, originating in Normandy, has a fat content of approximately 24 grams per 100 grams, a bit lower than Brie but still considered high-fat.

Comparison of High-Fat Soft Cheeses

For a clear view of how these popular options stack up, the following table compares their fat content per 100 grams based on typical nutritional information.


Cheese Type	Total Fat (g) per 100g	Fat Source	Common Use	Taste Profile
Mascarpone	60-75g	Heavy Cream	Tiramisu, desserts, sauces	Rich, buttery, slightly sweet
Cream Cheese	~34g	Cream and Milk	Bagels, cheesecakes, dips	Mild, tangy, smooth
Brie	~28g	Full-Fat Milk	Cheeseboards, appetizers	Buttery, earthy, sometimes pungent
Camembert	~24g	Full-Fat Milk	Cheeseboards, baked, sauces	Buttery, pungent, earthy

Navigating a High-Fat Cheese Diet

High-fat soft cheeses offer more than just decadent flavor; they provide fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) that are essential for overall health. However, they are also high in calories and saturated fat, which should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Instead of eliminating them entirely, practice portion control and consider alternatives for different culinary applications.

Lower-Fat Soft Cheese Swaps

If you are watching your fat intake, several soft cheeses and substitutes can offer a creamy texture with fewer calories:

Neufchâtel: Often used as a lower-fat substitute for cream cheese, Neufchâtel contains approximately one-third less fat.
Ricotta (Part-Skim): Made from whey, part-skim ricotta offers a lower fat content (around 8g per 100g) and is a versatile ingredient for both sweet and savory dishes.
Cottage Cheese: With very low-fat options available (some as low as 0.3g per 100g), pureed cottage cheese can be used as a healthier cream cheese alternative in some recipes.
Quark: This German cheese is low in fat, high in protein, and provides a creamy, tangy flavor similar to a blend of yogurt and cottage cheese.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Cheese in Moderation

While certain soft cheeses are high in fat, they can still be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. Mascarpone, cream cheese, brie, and camembert are delicious and rich options, but understanding their nutritional composition allows for more mindful eating. By exploring lower-fat alternatives and controlling portion sizes, you can continue to enjoy the decadent taste of cheese while maintaining your nutritional goals. For further information on heart-healthy diets, including details on fat content in cheese, consult reputable sources like the British Heart Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mascarpone cheese, an Italian soft cheese made from heavy cream, has one of the highest fat contents, typically ranging from 60% to 75%.

Yes, standard cream cheese is considered a high-fat soft cheese. In the United States, it is legally required to contain at least 33% milk fat.

Both are high-fat, full-fat cheeses. However, Brie typically has a slightly higher fat content, with around 28g per 100g, compared to Camembert's approximately 24g per 100g.

The fat content is primarily determined by the type of milk and cream used in production and the cheese's moisture level. Using heavy cream results in a higher fat percentage.

Good alternatives include Neufchâtel (a lighter version of cream cheese), part-skim ricotta, cottage cheese, and quark, which offer similar creamy textures with less fat.

High-fat cheese is calorie-dense and high in saturated fat, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It can, however, provide important fat-soluble vitamins.

Yes, low-fat soft cheeses like Neufchâtel, part-skim ricotta, or quark can be used in many recipes that call for cream cheese, often with a similar texture and less fat.