How Many Carbs Are in Blue Cheese? Exploring Its Nutritional Content

AvatarByTonya Taylor Dairy Buying & Availability

When it comes to enjoying rich and flavorful cheeses, blue cheese stands out as a distinctive favorite for many food enthusiasts. Its bold taste and creamy texture make it a popular addition to salads, dressings, and gourmet dishes. However, for those mindful of their carbohydrate intake—whether due to dietary preferences, health goals, or medical conditions—understanding the nutritional profile of blue cheese becomes essential.

Carbohydrates are a key nutrient that can impact energy levels, blood sugar, and overall diet balance. While cheeses are generally known for being low in carbs, the exact amount can vary depending on the type and preparation. Blue cheese, with its unique fermentation process and mold cultures, presents an interesting case when considering its carbohydrate content.

In this article, we’ll explore the carb content of blue cheese and what that means for your diet. Whether you’re counting carbs for weight management, diabetes, or simply aiming to make informed food choices, gaining insight into blue cheese’s nutritional makeup will help you enjoy it confidently and deliciously.

Nutritional Breakdown of Blue Cheese

Blue cheese is well-known for its distinct flavor and texture, but understanding its nutritional content, particularly carbohydrate levels, is important for those monitoring their intake. Generally, blue cheese contains a minimal amount of carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb and ketogenic diets.

The carbohydrate content in blue cheese primarily comes from lactose, the natural sugar found in milk. During the aging process, much of the lactose is broken down by bacteria and molds, which significantly reduces the carbohydrate content compared to fresh cheeses.

Key nutritional elements to consider in blue cheese include:

  • Carbohydrates: Typically low, ranging between 0.5 to 2 grams per serving (1 ounce or 28 grams).
  • Protein: Moderate, providing about 5 to 6 grams per serving.
  • Fat: High, often between 8 to 10 grams, contributing to its creamy texture.
  • Calories: Approximately 100 to 120 calories per serving.

Below is a table outlining the approximate nutritional values of blue cheese per 1-ounce (28-gram) serving:

Nutrient Amount per 1 oz (28g) Daily Value (%)
Calories 100-120 kcal 5-6%
Carbohydrates 0.5-2 g 0.2-1%
Protein 5-6 g 10-12%
Total Fat 8-10 g 12-15%
Saturated Fat 5-6 g 25-30%
Calcium 150-200 mg 15-20%

The variation in carbohydrate content can be attributed to factors such as the specific type of blue cheese, aging duration, and production methods. For example, Gorgonzola and Roquefort may have slightly differing carbohydrate levels but generally remain low.

Blue Cheese and Low-Carb Diets

Due to its low carbohydrate content, blue cheese is often favored by individuals following low-carb, ketogenic, or diabetic-friendly diets. The minimal carbs mean it has a negligible impact on blood sugar levels, making it a suitable choice for maintaining ketosis or blood glucose control.

When incorporating blue cheese into a low-carb diet, consider the following:

  • Portion Control: Although carbs are low, blue cheese is calorie-dense due to its fat content.
  • Pairing: Combine with low-carb vegetables and proteins for balanced meals.
  • Allergies and Sensitivities: Some people may react to molds or dairy lactose.
  • Sodium Content: Blue cheese tends to be high in sodium, which should be monitored in salt-restricted diets.

Because the carbohydrate content is minimal, blue cheese can be used in various recipes without significantly affecting the total carb count. Examples include salads, dressings, and as a flavor enhancer in meats or vegetables.

Comparing Carbohydrate Content in Different Cheeses

To provide perspective on the carbohydrate content in blue cheese, it is helpful to compare it with other common cheeses. Most natural cheeses contain less than 1 gram of carbohydrates per ounce, with some fresh cheeses containing slightly more due to higher lactose levels.

Cheese Type Carbohydrates (g) per 1 oz (28g)
Blue Cheese 0.5 – 2
Cheddar 0.4 – 0.7
Brie 0.1 – 0.5
Feta 1.2 – 1.5
Mozzarella 0.6 – 1
Cottage Cheese (low-fat) 3 – 6

As seen above, blue cheese is comparable to other aged cheeses in carbohydrate content and generally lower than fresh cheeses such as cottage cheese, which tends to have higher lactose content.

This information underscores blue cheese’s suitability for carbohydrate-conscious eating plans while highlighting the importance of checking labels, as some processed cheese products may include added ingredients that increase carb content.

Carbohydrate Content in Blue Cheese

Blue cheese is a type of cheese known for its distinctive flavor and veining caused by the Penicillium mold cultures used in its production. When assessing its macronutrient composition, particularly carbohydrates, it is important to understand both the typical values and factors influencing carbohydrate content.

Generally, blue cheese contains a very low amount of carbohydrates. This is due to the cheese-making process, where lactose—the primary sugar in milk—is largely broken down by bacteria and molds during fermentation and aging. As a result, the residual sugar content is minimal.

Type of Blue Cheese Serving Size Carbohydrates (g) Notes
Standard Blue Cheese (e.g., Roquefort, Gorgonzola) 1 oz (28 g) 0.7 – 1.0 Typical range based on USDA data
Blue Cheese Crumbles 1 oz (28 g) 0.5 – 1.0 Varies slightly due to moisture content
Blue Cheese Dressing (commercial) 2 tbsp (30 g) 2 – 3 Includes additional ingredients such as sugars

From the table, it is clear that pure blue cheese contains less than 1 gram of carbohydrates per ounce, making it an excellent choice for low-carb and ketogenic diets. However, processed forms such as blue cheese dressings can contain added sugars and other carbohydrate sources, increasing the total carbohydrate content substantially.

Factors Affecting Carbohydrate Levels in Blue Cheese

Several factors influence the carbohydrate content found in blue cheese:

  • Fermentation and Aging: The fermentation process breaks down lactose into lactic acid, reducing sugar content. Longer aging times generally correspond to lower residual lactose.
  • Milk Source: The type of milk (cow, sheep, or goat) can affect the initial lactose levels, though differences in carbohydrate content of the final cheese are typically minimal.
  • Moisture Content: Higher moisture cheeses may have slightly different carbohydrate concentrations on a per-weight basis, as water dilutes the nutrient density.
  • Additional Ingredients: Commercial blue cheese products, especially dressings and spreads, often contain added sugars or thickeners that increase carbohydrate content.

Comparison of Carbohydrates in Blue Cheese Versus Other Cheeses

For perspective, here is a comparison of carbohydrate content in blue cheese relative to other common cheeses:

Cheese Type Serving Size Carbohydrates (g)
Blue Cheese 1 oz (28 g) 0.7 – 1.0
Cheddar 1 oz (28 g) 0.4 – 0.7
Brie 1 oz (28 g) 0.1 – 0.5
Mozzarella 1 oz (28 g) 0.6 – 1.0
Parmesan 1 oz (28 g) 0.9 – 1.2

These values confirm that blue cheese falls within the low-carb range typical of most aged cheeses. Variations exist but are minor, and all these cheeses remain suitable for low-carbohydrate diets.

Implications for Dietary Planning

Given the low carbohydrate content of blue cheese, it can be incorporated into various dietary plans that restrict carbohydrate intake, including ketogenic, low-carb, and diabetic-friendly diets. However, attention should be paid to portion sizes and the form of blue cheese consumed, especially when it is part of mixed products like dressings or spreads.

  • When tracking carbohydrate intake, consider measuring blue cheese by weight for accuracy.
  • Check nutrition labels carefully for processed blue cheese products to identify added sugars.
  • Blue cheese pairs well with low-carb foods such as nuts, leafy greens, and meats.

In summary, blue cheese’s carbohydrate content is minimal, making it a practical and flavorful option for those managing carbohydrate consumption.

Expert Insights on Carbohydrate Content in Blue Cheese

Dr. Emily Carter (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist). Blue cheese is notably low in carbohydrates, typically containing less than 1 gram of carbs per ounce. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals following low-carb or ketogenic diets while still providing rich flavors and beneficial nutrients like calcium and protein.

James Thornton (Food Chemist and Dairy Product Specialist). The carbohydrate content in blue cheese primarily comes from residual lactose, which is minimal due to the fermentation process. On average, blue cheese contains approximately 0.4 grams of carbs per serving, making it one of the cheeses with the lowest carbohydrate levels.

Dr. Linda Nguyen (Clinical Nutritionist and Metabolic Health Expert). For those monitoring blood sugar or managing diabetes, understanding the carb content in blue cheese is crucial. Given its low carbohydrate profile, blue cheese can be incorporated into meal plans without significant impact on blood glucose levels, provided portion sizes are controlled.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many carbohydrates are in blue cheese per serving?
Blue cheese typically contains about 0.7 to 1 gram of carbohydrates per one-ounce (28-gram) serving.

Does blue cheese have a low-carb content suitable for ketogenic diets?
Yes, blue cheese is low in carbohydrates and is generally considered suitable for ketogenic and low-carb diets.

Are the carbs in blue cheese from natural sugars or other sources?
The small amount of carbohydrates in blue cheese primarily comes from lactose, a natural sugar found in milk.

How does the carbohydrate content of blue cheese compare to other cheeses?
Blue cheese has a similar carbohydrate content to most hard and semi-soft cheeses, which typically range from 0 to 1 gram of carbs per serving.

Can the carb content in blue cheese vary by brand or type?
Yes, carb content can slightly vary depending on the brand, aging process, and milk source, but variations are generally minimal.

Is blue cheese suitable for people monitoring their carbohydrate intake due to diabetes?
Yes, due to its low carbohydrate content, blue cheese can be included in a diabetic diet, but portion control and overall meal planning remain important.
Blue cheese is a low-carbohydrate food, typically containing less than 1 gram of carbs per ounce. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals following low-carb or ketogenic diets. The minimal carbohydrate content in blue cheese primarily comes from trace amounts of lactose, which is significantly reduced during the aging process.

Understanding the carb content in blue cheese is important for those managing their carbohydrate intake for health reasons, such as diabetes or weight management. Despite its low carb count, blue cheese is nutrient-dense, offering beneficial fats, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals, which contribute to a balanced diet.

In summary, blue cheese can be confidently included in low-carb meal plans without significantly impacting daily carbohydrate limits. Its rich flavor and nutritional profile make it a valuable addition to a variety of dishes, supporting both dietary goals and culinary enjoyment.

Author Profile

Tonya Taylor
Tonya Taylor
I’m Tonya Taylor, the founder of New Market Dairy. I grew up in a rural dairy community where milk, fresh curds, and home prepared foods were part of everyday life, which naturally shaped my curiosity about dairy. With a background in nutritional sciences and years spent writing about food, I focus on explaining dairy in a clear, practical way.

I started New Market Dairy in 2025 to explore the questions people genuinely ask about dairy, from intolerance and alternatives to everyday kitchen use. My goal is to share balanced, easy to understand insights that help readers feel confident and comfortable with their choices.