🧀 Is Cheese Healthy? Let’s Set the Record Straight

Cheese gets a lot of mixed press. One minute it’s the villain of your diet, the next it’s the star of a high-protein snack plate. So what’s the truth? Is cheese healthy — or not?

As cheese makers, we might be biased, but the science backs us up: real cheese (like the kind we make) can absolutely be part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

🥛 Packed with Nutrition (Without the Fuss)

Cheese is a nutrient-dense food, meaning you get a lot of good stuff in a small serving. Just one ounce of cheese delivers:

• High-quality protein – ideal for energy, muscle repair, and keeping you full.

• Calcium – crucial for strong bones and teeth.

• B12, phosphorus, zinc, and other key minerals.

And unlike fortified or processed foods, these nutrients come naturally from the milk — no lab required.

❤️ What About Fat and Heart Health?

Yes, cheese contains saturated fat. But recent research is changing how we think about it. Studies have found no strong link between moderate cheese intake and heart disease, and some even suggest cheese may help reduce stroke risk when part of a balanced diet.

The key word is moderation. A few slices of cheddar? Great. Half a wheel of cheese a night? Maybe not.

Sources:

• Journal of the American Heart Association (2016) – Saturated fat from foods like cheese not linked to heart disease

• European Journal of Epidemiology (2017) – Fermented dairy like cheese may reduce stroke risk

• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – Cheese in moderation may not raise cardiovascular risk

😌 Easier on the Stomach Than You’d Think

If you’re sensitive to lactose, here’s good news: most aged cheeses are naturally low in lactose.

That includes:

• Cheddar

• Colby

• Twisted Swiss (Colby-Swiss blend)

During aging, the lactose (milk sugar) breaks down, leaving a cheese that’s flavorful and easier to digest. So even if milk doesn’t sit well with you, aged cheeses just might.

🚫 Processed Cheese vs. The Real Deal

Let’s clear this up: not all cheese is created equal.

Processed cheese (like American slices or cheese-flavored spreads) often contain oils, emulsifiers, and artificial ingredients. They might look like cheese — but they don’t act like it.

Our cheese, on the other hand, is the real thing:

• Made from milk, salt, cultures, and enzymes

• Small-batch

• Gravity-formed for better texture and taste

• No artificial fillers or shortcuts

When you’re eating our cheese, you’re eating something honest and handmade.

🧀 So, Is Cheese Healthy?

Yes — when it’s real, and when it’s enjoyed in balance.
Pair it with fruit. Slice it on whole grain toast. Cube it into a lunchbox. Use it to bring flavor and nutrition to meals and snacks alike.

And if you’re ready to enjoy cheese that’s handcrafted, nutrient-rich, and made with care, check out our lineup of Cheddar, Colby, Twisted Swiss, and more.

Shop award-winning cheese made the right way — right here.
👉 Shop – Tri-State Cheese