Kimberly Burton, Author at Choosing Nutrition

Mmmm, cheese, I haven’t met a cheese I didn’t like! In any form, it is delicious and provides nutrients. By itself, in sandwiches, on pasta, cheese makes everything taste better. But many of the cheese found in supermarkets may contain artificial colors, natural flavors, and preservatives to give it a long shelf life. Are cheese curds considered keto? Cheese curds are keto. The very definition of a keto diet is to eat foods low in carbohydrates, high in fat, and containing moderate amounts of protein. Cheese curds fit this bill perfectly, as they are made of only milk, cultures, enzymes, and salt. The best keto-friendly alternatives to cheese curds include cheese like Asiago, Brie, and Cheddar. Let’s talk about cheese curds, how they are made, what makes some cheese curds better than others, and other cheese to consider adding to your plate. Ready to dig in? How are Cheese Curds Made? Making cheese curds is a simple process. The Milk is pasteurized and then mixed with rennet or another edible acid until it curdles. The cheese is then separated from the liquid, called whey. The curds are then cut into tiny cubes and pressed, releasing more whey and resulting in a solid cube. These are packaged as cheese curds. What makes a Cheese Curd Authentic? The best cheese curds are fresh. Wisconsin is the land of cheese, and they make the best curds. Those are the best if you are near a cheesery and can get them fresh from the vat. The ones you buy in the convenience store have probably been shipped across the country and are good but not authentic. The best way to tell if your cheese curd is fresh is that it squeaks when it rubs against your teeth. Fresh curds will squeak for a couple of days. Cheese curds are actually baby cheddar cheese. It is not aged. It’s sliced and bagged and meant to be eaten right away. They are still good if you don’t eat them right away; they are just not technically “curds.” If the cheese has a long shelf life, it’s still good cheese. Are Cheese Curds Healthy? The best cheese curds are made from milk free of Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH). This is a synthetic hormone some dairy farmers feed their cows to increase milk production. The FDA has declared this hormone safe for use, but the general consensus is to consume Milk free of this hormone. The second thing to look for is if the cheese curd is GMO-free. This includes the cultures and enzymes used. Organic Milk from grass-fed cows is the best combination. This ensures a quality product that you can be proud to put in your body. Because cheese curds are high in fat and calories, they can be a part of a healthy diet when eaten in moderation. Have some for a snack, or add them to another keto-friendly dish. A popular way of preparing cheese curds is frying them. You can make a breading out of almond meal and some egg and fry them. Roast vegetables, sprinkle on some cheese curds and melt that cheese. Authentic Cheese Curds come from the Midwest. The Cedar Grove Cheese company in Wisconsin makes cheese curds in many different flavors: White Cheddar Pizza Garlic Dill Onion & Chive Horseradish Pepper Cajun Cool Ranch Tomato & Basil Nutrition Facts for Cheese Curds For fresh cheese curds, here is a rule of thumb. Ingredients: Pasteurized Milk Cultures Enzymes Salt Nutritional value of ½ cup of cheese curds 460 calories 6g fat 2g fiber 6g protein 5g carbohydrates Pre-packaged Cheese Curds Cheddar Cheese Curds by Target Stores Ingredients: Pasteurized Milk Salt Cheese culture Enzymes Natamycin (a natural mold inhibitor) Nutrition Facts 110 calories per 28g serving 8g fat (5g saturated) 30mg cholesterol 210mg sodium 1g carbohydrate 6g protein 189mg calcium Yellow Cheddar Cheese Curds by GREEN MILL Ingredients: Pasteurized Milk Salt Cheese culture Enzymes Annatto color Nutrition Facts 110 calories per 28g serving 8g fat (5g saturated) 30mg cholesterol 170mg sodium 1g carbohydrate 7g protein 199mg calcium Cheddar Cheese Curds by Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery (Hot Buffalo Flavor) Ingredients: Pasteurized Milk Salt Cheese culture Enzymes Natamycin (a natural preservative) Dried hot sauce (red peppers, vinegar, salt, garlic) Dried tomato Natural butter flavor Maltodextrin Encapsulated onion (dextrose, natural onion flavor) Potassium sorbate Nutrition Facts 110 calories per 28g serving 9g fat (5g saturated) 30mg cholesterol 180mg sodium 0g carbohydrate 7g protein 199mg calcium Cheddar Cheese Curds by CadaBrand LLC I present this brand to illustrate how adding some flavors can add a lot to the ingredients list. The calories and carbs are still within the keto range. Ingredients: Pasteurized Milk Salt Cheese culture Enzymes ranch seasoning: maltodextrin Buttermilk Monosodium glutamate Dried garlic Dried onion Lactic acid Calcium lactate Citric acid Spices Artificial flavor Xanthan gum Soybean oil Calcium stearate Carboxymethylcellulose Guar gum Nutrition Facts 110 calories per 28g serving 9g fat (5g saturated) 30mg cholesterol 180mg sodium 0g carbohydrate 7g protein 199mg calcium Other Cheeses suitable for a Keto Diet When purchasing any cheeses, look for high-quality cheese with no artificial ingredients. Organic, grass-fed, pure cheese is the best. Here is a breakdown of other cheese suitable for a keto diet. Asiago Cheese One serving is 1 ounce or 28 grams: 100 calories 8g fat (6g saturated fat) 7g protein 0g carbohydrates 20% daily value of calcium Brie Cheese One serving is one cubic inch or 17 grams: 57 calories 5g fat (3g saturated fat) 4g protein Less than 1g carbohydrates 31% daily value of calcium Cheddar Cheese One serving is one stick or 28 grams: 115 calories 9g fat (5g saturated fat) 6g protein 1g carbohydrates 20% daily value of calcium Feta Cheese One serving is 21 grams: 55 calories 4g fat (3g saturated fat) 3g protein 1g carbohydrates Goat Cheese One serving is one cubic inch or 25 grams: 90 calories 7g fat (5g saturated fat) 6g protein Less than 1g carbohydrates 11% daily value of calcium Gorgonzola Cheese One serving is ¼ cup or 28 grams: 100 calories 8g fat (6g saturated fat) 6g protein 1g carbohydrates 13% daily value of calcium Gruyere Cheese One serving is one slice or 21 grams: 87 calories 7g fat (4g saturated fat) 6g protein Less than 1g carbohydrates 21% daily value of calcium Manchego Cheese One serving is 1 ounce or 28 grams: 90 calories 7g fat (5g saturated fat) 7g protein 0g carbohydrates 20% daily value of calcium Mascarpone Cheese One serving is one tablespoon or 28 grams: 120 calories 12g fat (9g saturated fat) 1g protein 1g carbohydrates 4% daily value of calcium 10% daily value of calcium Mozzarella Cheese One serving is one stick or 28.35 grams: 84 calories 6g fat (3g saturated fat) 7g protein 2g carbohydrates 20% daily value of calcium Parmesan Cheese One serving is one tablespoon or 28 grams: 111 calories 7g fat 5g saturated fat) 10g protein 1g carbohydrates 34% daily value of calcium Provolone Cheese One serving is one cubic inch or 17 grams: 60 calories 5g fat (3g saturated fat) 4g protein Less than 1g carbohydrates 13% daily value of calcium Swiss Cheese One serving is one slice or 21 grams: 83 calories 7g fat (4g saturated fat) 6g protein Less than 1g carbohydrates 19% daily value of calcium Ricotta Cheese, Cottage Cheese, Cream Cheese, and American Cheese have between 2 and 4 grams of carbohydrates per serving. Related Questions Are Cheese Curds Keto? Yes, cheese curds (and cheese in general) are low in carbs, higher in fat, and have a moderate amount of protein. Cheese curds are a perfect food to add to your keto diet. Are Cheese Curds Healthy? As long as you pay attention to the serving size, cheese curds can be a part of a healthy diet. For the most authentic and freshest cheese curds, choose a producer that uses organic Milk and is locally sourced. Are Cheese Curds Gluten-Free? Yes, cheese curds are made from cow or buffalo milk and are naturally gluten-free. If the curds are manufactured in a factory that contains gluten products, the cheese curd can get infused with trace amounts of gluten. What Can I make with Cheese Curds? Cheese curds are best fresh and warm from the producer. They can be added to roasted vegetables, fried with a keto-friendly coating, sprinkled on a salad, dipped in sauces, or added to a pizza. What if I Can’t Find Fresh Cheese Curds in my Area? If you are a do it yourselfer, find a cheese-making supplier and get cheese salt, calcium chloride, liquid rennet, and C201 thermophilic culture. Get some pasteurized milk (from the grocery store) and a few essential tools – pot, spoon, thermometer, cheesecloth, and knife. Find some simple directions, and soon you will have the freshest cheese curds available. Related Guides Is American Cheese Keto? Is Velveeta Keto? Is Paneer Keto?