Cheese lovers, rejoice! One of the most loved cheeses around the world, whether sprinkled on top of salad, layered onto pizza or melted in a gooey sandwich — mozzarella and cheddar are a staple in most kitchens. So which of the two ponies is the best in terms of health and nutrition?
If you’re trying to maintain a steady weight, support heart health, or just want a healthier cheese, here we compare the important differences between mozzarella and cheddar to help you choose wisely.
Mozzarella Cheese Benefits: A Delicious and Nutritious Delight
Mozzarella cheese is a soft cheese that has delicious taste — a creamy flavor and texture — and also comes loaded with health benefits, not just popular with your pizzas and salads.
This cheese is based from either cow or buffalo milk, and is loaded with nutrients making it a great addition to a healthy diet – origin Italy.
The biggest advantage of mozzarella cheese is its high protein content. Protein is also key in muscle development, recovery, and maintaining overall body strength.
It’s great as filling protein—especially if you’re trying to gain lean muscle or maintain a healthy weight—so mozzarella is an excellent option to keep you full longer!
Mozzarella is also high in calcium, an essential mineral for strengthening bones and teeth. This is especially true as it helps prevent osteoporosis and promotes healthy bone growth; therefore, it is good for children, the elderly, and athletes.
One of the most amazing advantages is that it is filled with probiotics (especially if using unpasteurized milk). Probiotics support gut health, aid digestion, and boost immunity to better combat infections.
Mozzarella is a dairy product, but it is lower in sodium and fat than most cheeses, which is good news for a heart-healthy diet. It also delivers vital vitamins B12, riboflavin, and phosphorus, which are important for energy production and brain activity.
Mozzarella cheese is nutritious ingredients eaten whether it is in a caprese salad, melted onto whole-grain toast, or snack by itself. If you wanted a combination of taste and nutrition, this classic cheese certainly deserves a spot in your healthy diet.
Mozzarella vs. Cheddar: Nutritional Face-Off
Calories and Fat Content
Mozzarella (1 oz / 28g): ~85 calories, 6g fat, 4g saturated fat
Cheddar Cheese (per ounce/28g): ~115 cal | 9 g fat | 6 g saturated fat
Which is better? If you are counting calories and fat intake, mozzarella takes a win.
This is heavylighter so the better choice for those who don’t want to gain weight.
Protein Power
Mozzarella: 6 grams protein per ounce
Cheddar — 7g protein per ounce
Which is better? Good quality protein source in both but cheddar slightly better But mozzarella also comes out as the healthiest option when compared to the other two because it is low in calories.
Sodium Levels
Mozzarella: ~175mg per ounce
Cheddar: 185mg–200mg per ounce
Which is better? Mozzarella wins again! Eat less salt and less high blood pressure Cheddar is a type of aged cheese and has relatively high sodium that can contribute to water retention and heart problems if consumed in excess.
Calcium and Bone Health
Mozzarella: An ounce boasts 200mg calcium.
Cheddar: 205 mg calcium per ounce
Which is better? Both are good when it comes to calcium — a mineral that supports your bones and nerve function. It’s a tie!
Digestibility and Gut Health
Cheddar has more lactose than mozzarella so for those with mild lactose intolerance, the latter can be an easier cheese to digest.
It is also a source of probiotics, particularly in fresh mozzarella about gut health and immunity.
Which is better? So the champion in terms of proper digestion & gut microbiome health, is mozzarella.
Mozzarella for Weight Loss: Is It the Right Choice?
Yes! Moderate mozzarella adds up to a weight-loss-friendly diet
Here’s why:
Fewer calories and fat than cheddar Packed with protein that keeps you satiated for longer
→ Calcium-rich, helps metabolism & fat burning
How to Eat Mozzarella – The Healthy Way:
Mix mozzarella cheese in Salads with tomatoes and olive oil
Part-skim mozzarella can be used for lower fat content
Use whole-grain tortillas to create a healthy Caprese swaddle — filled with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar.
Enjoy it sparingly: 1–2 ounces per serving is best
Cheddar Cheese: When Is It a Good Choice?
Cheddar may not do quite as well as mozzarella on the low-calorie and probiotic-friendly front, but it has its advantages:
✔ More protein, awesome for muscle recovery
✔ More potent taste, thus you require lesser quantity to be content
✔ High in vitamin K2 — good for heart and bone health
How to Eat Cheddar Smartly:
Pick aged cheddar for stronger taste in smaller amounts
Combine it with high-fiber food — nuts, apples, whole grains
Avoid these if you are cautious with your cholesterol or sodium intake
Final Verdict: Mozzarella or Cheddar?
Mozzarella takes it → for weight loss & heart health
For more flavor and more jizz in your muscle wise → Cheddar is better!
For gut health and digestion → Winner: Mozzarella!
Conclusion:
Mozzarella is the healthiest cheese option if you love cheese.
It is a healthy option, lighter, with less fat and sodium, and better digestion, which is good for the heart, losing weight and the intestinal tract.
For a protein boost with more flavor, cheddar is okay in moderation too.
Which cheese do you prefer? Let us know in the comments!
FAQ
Mozerella vs Cheddar Cheese: Which Is Healthier?
Compared to mozzarella, it tends to be lower in fat, sodium, and calories, while providing similar amounts of protein and calcium, making it more nutritious.
Does Mozzarella Cheese Make You Lose Weight?
Yes! From a weight management perspective, part-skim mozzarella is lower calorically and lower in fat.
Does mozzarella cheese have a higher fat content than cheddar?
Sure, cheddar has more fat an calories in it which can lead to more weight gained if eaten in too big of a quantity.
Lactose intolerance — Can I eat mozzarella?
Although mozzarella has less lactose than regular milk, those who are extremely lactose intolerant should choose lactose free versions.
Evaporated milk cheese: Which is better for the heart?
Cheddar, however, is also higher in sodium and saturated fat, both of which have an adverse effect on heart health, therefore mozzarella is a heart health friendly cheese.
References:
National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Dairy Products and Bone Health
USDA Food Data Central – Nutritional Breakdown of Mozzarella and Cheddar
International Journal of Obesity – Effects of Dairy Consumption on Weight Management