Blue cheese is a keto-friendly food due to its low carbohydrate content. It is also high in fats, making it a perfect fit for a ketogenic diet. Blue cheese is made using cultures of a specific type of mould to develop deep flavours and a creamy texture. Its keto-approved nutrient profile includes 8 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, and 1 gram of carbohydrates per 1-ounce (28-gram) serving. It is a good source of calcium and protein and can be added fresh to salads, blended into a dip, or made into a sauce to enjoy with vegetable noodles or steaks.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Carbohydrate content | Low – only 2.9g net carbs per 100g serving |
Fat content | High |
Protein content | 5.1g per 100g serving |
Calories | 99.0kcal per 100g serving |
Calcium | 89.0mg per 100g serving |
Sodium | 939.0mg per 100g serving |
Vitamins | B-6, B-12, C, E, and K1 |
Other minerals | Magnesium, Potassium, Copper, Iron, and Zinc |
What You'll Learn
Blue cheese is keto-friendly
Blue cheese is a keto-friendly food due to its low carbohydrate and high-fat content.
The keto diet is a high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-carb eating plan that aims to change your body's biochemistry to promote weight loss. It encourages the consumption of foods such as meats, fish, healthy fats, non-starchy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and some dairy products.
Blue cheese is a keto-approved food with a nutrient profile that includes 8 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, and 1 gram of carbohydrates per 1-ounce (28-gram) serving. This makes it a perfect addition to salads, dips, or sauces to enjoy with vegetable noodles or steaks.
When purchasing blue cheese, it is important to read the labels as some brands may add sugar or other high-carb ingredients, increasing the overall carbohydrate count. Additionally, while blue cheese is keto-friendly, it should be consumed in moderation due to its high saturated fat content, which can potentially raise cholesterol levels.
Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes. It can be added fresh to salads, blended into dips, or made into a sauce. It is a flavorful and nutritious addition to a keto diet, providing calcium and protein.
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It's a good source of calcium and protein
Blue cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, making it a great option for those on a keto diet.
Keto is a high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-carb diet. Blue cheese is a great source of protein, with 24% of the total calories in a 1-ounce serving (28 grams) coming from protein. This is a good amount, especially for those following a plant-based diet who might not be getting enough protein. The protein in blue cheese is casein, a slow-digesting protein that is ideal for long periods without eating.
Blue cheese is also an excellent source of calcium, with a 1-ounce serving providing 10% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of calcium. Calcium is essential for bone health and strength, and blue cheese can help protect bone health and reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis. The calcium in blue cheese may also be linked to weight management and anti-obesity mechanisms that reduce body weight from fat.
In addition to calcium and protein, blue cheese also contains other essential vitamins and minerals such as phosphorous, potassium, zinc, and vitamin A. It is also a good source of dietary fats, including unsaturated fats that are beneficial for heart health.
While blue cheese is a great option for keto, it is important to consume it in moderation as it is high in calories, salt, and saturated fat.
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It's high in saturated fat
Blue cheese is a keto-friendly food, but it is high in saturated fat. While cheese is allowed and even encouraged on the keto diet, a high-fat, low-carb eating plan, some choices are better than others.
Blue cheese is a good source of dietary fats and protein, but it is also high in saturated fat, which is a less heart-healthy option than unsaturated fats. According to the American Heart Association, it is important to consume saturated fat in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of blue cheese contains approximately 8 grams of fat, of which 5.3 grams are saturated fatty acids. This means that saturated fat makes up a significant proportion of the total fat content in blue cheese.
While blue cheese can be part of a healthy diet, it is important to consume it in moderation due to its high saturated fat content. The recommended daily intake of saturated fat is 20 grams or less for someone on a 2,000-calorie diet.
In addition to its high saturated fat content, blue cheese is also high in sodium. Those with high blood pressure or on a low-sodium diet should be mindful of their consumption. It is recommended to keep daily sodium intake to less than 1,500 to 2,000 milligrams per day.
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It's versatile
Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, both as a star ingredient and a flavour enhancer.
Blue cheese is a general classification of cheeses that have had cultures of the mold Penicillium added, resulting in a distinct smell and blue, or blue-grey veins throughout the cheese. The mold can be added by injecting the cheese with spores before the curds form, or by mixing the spores in with the curds after they have formed. Blue cheese can be eaten on its own, or spread, crumbled, or melted into or over foods.
Blue cheese is a popular ingredient in salad dressings, dips, and sauces, and pairs well with meat, such as steak and chicken wings. It can also be used to top salads, or melted over vegetables. Blue cheese is also a key ingredient in keto-friendly dishes, such as Keto Buffalo Chicken and Keto Cauliflower Wings.
Blue cheese can be used to add flavour and texture to dishes, without significantly increasing the carbohydrate content, making it a good option for those following a keto diet. Its strong flavour means that a little goes a long way, and it can be used to elevate the taste of a dish without adding many calories.
There are many different types of blue cheese, including Gorgonzola, Roquefort, Stilton, and Danablu, and it is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of dishes to add flavour and texture.
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You can make keto blue cheese dressing
Blue cheese is a keto-friendly food, and you can make your own keto blue cheese dressing at home. It is easy to make, and you can adjust the ingredients to your taste. Here is a simple recipe for keto blue cheese dressing:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 4 oz blue cheese crumbles
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (to taste)
Instructions:
- Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl or mason jar.
- Whisk or stir the ingredients until well combined.
- Use a spoon to press the blue cheese pieces against the sides of the bowl or jar to help the flavour incorporate into the dressing.
- Refrigerate the dressing until you are ready to serve.
This keto blue cheese dressing will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can use it as a dip or a salad dressing. It goes well with steak, chicken, vegetables, and more. Enjoy!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, blue cheese is keto-friendly due to its low carb content. A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of blue cheese has 8 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, and 1 gram of carbs.
Blue cheese can be added to salads, blended into a dip, or made into a sauce to enjoy with vegetable noodles or steaks. It can also be used as a dip for keto-friendly snacks like celery sticks or cucumber slices, or as a sauce for grilled chicken or steak.
Other keto-friendly cheeses include cheddar, goat cheese, and Gouda.