Cheese has gotten a bad rap over the years (thanks a lot to the fat-free craze of the 80s and 90s) but it’s making its way into most people’s refrigerators again. Cheese offers several nutrition perks, including being rich in both protein and calcium. There are both full-fat and low-fat kinds of cheese available, as well as the less-popular fat-free cheese. Cheese is naturally gluten-free, but what about processed cheese products like Laughing Cow cheese?
All types of Laughing Cow cheese are gluten-free because they don’t contain any gluten. Some flavors of Laughing Cow cheese contain thickeners, but these are not gluten-based. Laughing Cow does have a “Dippers” line that includes breadsticks which are not gluten-free. The best gluten-free alternatives to Laughing Cow Cheese are Mini Babybel Semisoft Light Cheese and Emmi Le Gruyere Cheese.
Laughing Cow has several flavors to choose from, as well as a line called “Blends”. Read on to learn more about this unique, individually-packaged spreadable cheese and its nutritional information.
Contents
What is in Laughing Cow cheese?
Laughing Cow cheese has a unique texture that makes it easily spreadable. It’s made of real semisoft cheese and is free of artificial colors and flavors. It uses cheese from cows not treated with artificial growth hormones.
There are several flavors of Laughing Cow cheese. They come in individually wrapped wedges that are sold in circular packages. A newer variation of Laughing Cow cheese is called ‘Blends’, which combine beans and lentils with herb-flavored Laughing Cow cheese.
Here are some of the main ingredients in all of the Laughing Cow cheese wedges:
1. Semi-soft Cheese
The first ingredient in all of the Laughing Cow cheese wedges is semi-soft cheese or a blend of several semi-soft kinds of cheese, which is part of what makes it spreadable.
2. Emmentaler Cheese
The cheese used in the Blends versions of Laughing Cow is Emmentaler cheese, similar to Swiss cheese.
3. Whey
Whey is the milk leftover after the curds have been strained from it while making cheese. Whey is rich in protein and is often used in making protein powders.
4. Milk Protein Concentrate
Milk protein concentrate is any type of milk concentrate that contains 40% or more protein by weight. It contains casein (these proteins make up 80% of the protein in cow’s milk ) and whey protein.
5. Skim Milk
The addition of skim milk helps keep Laughing Cow cheese wedges lower in fat compared to most cheeses that are made with full-fat milk/cream.
6. Sodium Polyphosphate
This additive helps emulsify the cheese (keep it all blended together) and also helps stabilize it.
7. Tricalcium Phosphate
Tricalcium phosphate is an anti-caking agent commonly used in processed foods. It’s also used to boost the calcium content of foods.
How can you use Laughing Cow Cheese?
You can use Laughing Cow cheese however you’d use regular cheese. It’s especially handy for spreading on crackers, tortillas, or vegetables. You can also use it as a dip since it’s softer than regular cheese.
Is Laughing Cow cheese good for you?
Laughing Cow cheese is lower in fat than many types of regular cheese. It’s lower in fat because skim milk is used in the ingredients.
Laughing Cow cheese is low in sodium and is a good source of calcium with 10% of the daily value per wedge. It’s not as high in protein as regular cheese.
The Laughing Cow cheese has more ingredients than regular cheese because it’s more processed. If you prefer more whole foods and less processed foods, then Laughing Cow cheese might not be for you. Otherwise, it’s a decently healthy option.
Laughing Cow Cheese Nutrition Information
Creamy Original
Original Laughing Cow cheese is the highest fat/calorie flavor in the whole lineup because it includes butter and milk fat.
Ingredients:
- Semisoft Cheddar & Swiss Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Part-Skim Milk, Cultures, Salt, Enzymes)
- Whey
- Milk Protein Concentrate
- Butter (Cream)
- Water
- Skim Milk
- Sodium Polyphosphate
- Tricalcium Phosphate
- Citric Acid
- Milk Fat
- Salt
Nutrition Facts (per 1 wedge – 21 g):
- Calories: 50
- Total Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fats: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg (3% DV)
- Sodium: 180 mg (8% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 1 g
- Total Sugars: 1 g
- Added Sugars: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
Creamy Light
This light version of Laughing Cow is lower in fat and calories because it doesn’t contain butter or milk fat like the original.
Ingredients:
- Semisoft Cheddar & Swiss Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Part-Skim Milk, Cultures, Salt, Enzymes)
- Whey
- Milk Protein Concentrate
- Water
- Skim Milk
- Sodium Polyphosphate
- Tricalcium Phosphate
- Salt
- Citric Acid
Nutrition Facts (per 1 wedge – 21 g):
- Calories: 30
- Total Fat: 1.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fats: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg (2% DV)
- Sodium: 180 mg (8% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 1 g
- Total Sugars: 1 g
- Added Sugars: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
Creamy Garlic & Herb
Ingredients:
- Semisoft Cheddar & Swiss Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Part-Skim Milk, Cultures, Salt, Enzymes)
- Whey
- Milk Protein Concentrate
- Water
- Skim Milk
- Sodium Polyphosphate
- Tricalcium Phosphate
- Natural Flavor
- Salt
- Citric Acid
- Parsley
- Dehydrated Onion
- Garlic Extract
Nutrition Facts (per 1 wedge – 21 g):
- Calories: 30
- Total Fat: 1.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fats: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg (2% DV)
- Sodium: 180 mg (8% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 1 g
- Total Sugars: 1 g
- Added Sugars: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
Creamy Aged White Cheddar
Ingredients:
- Semisoft Cheddar & Swiss Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Part-Skim Milk, Cultures, Salt, Enzymes)
- Whey
- Milk Protein Concentrate
- Water
- Skim Milk
- Sodium Polyphosphate
- Tricalcium Phosphate
- Natural Flavor
- Citric Acid
- Salt
Nutrition Facts (per 1 wedge – 21 g):
- Calories: 30
- Total Fat: 1.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fats: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg (2% DV)
- Sodium: 180 mg (8% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 1 g
- Total Sugars: 1 g
- Added Sugars: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
Creamy Spicy Pepper Jack
Ingredients:
- Semisoft Cheddar, Swiss, and Monterey Jack Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Part-Skim Milk, Cultures, Salt, Enzymes)
- Whey
- Milk Protein Concentrate
- Water
- Skim Milk
- Sodium Polyphosphate
- Tricalcium Phosphate
- Dehydrated Green & Red Jalapeno Pepper
- Citric Acid
- Salt
Nutrition Facts (per 1 wedge – 21 g):
- Calories: 30
- Total Fat: 1.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fats: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg (2% DV)
- Sodium: 170 mg (7% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 1 g
- Total Sugars: 0 g
- Added Sugars: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
Creamy Asiago
Ingredients:
- Asiago, Cheddar, & Swiss Semisoft Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Part-Skim Milk, Cultures, Salt, Enzymes)
- Milk Protein Concentrate
- Water
- Whey
- Skim Milk
- Sodium Polyphosphate
- Tricalcium Phosphate
- Salt
- Citric Acid
- Natural Flavor
Nutrition Facts (per 1 wedge – 21 g):
- Calories: 30
- Total Fat: 1.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fats: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg (2% DV)
- Sodium: 180 mg (8% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 1 g
- Total Sugars: 0 g
- Added Sugars: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
Creamy Aged Cheddar Bacon
Ingredients:
- Semisoft Cheddar & Swiss Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Part-Skim Milk, Cultures, Salt, Enzymes)
- Milk Protein Concentrate
- Whey
- Water
- Skim Milk
- Sodium Phosphate
- Tricalcium Phosphate
- Citric Acid
- Yeast Extract
- Natural Flavor
- Salt
- Smoke Flavor
- Xanthan Gum
Nutrition Facts (per 1 wedge – 21 g):
- Calories: 30
- Total Fat: 1.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fats: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg (2% DV)
- Sodium: 170 mg (7% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 1 g
- Total Sugars: 1 g
- Added Sugars: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
Chickpea & Cheese Spread with Herb (Blends)
Ingredients:
- Skim Milk
- Chickpea
- Sunflower Oil
- Reduced-Fat Emmentaler Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Salt, Culture, Enzyme)
- Milk Protein Concentrate
- Pea Protein Isolate
- Less than 2% of Each: Sodium Polyphosphate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Parsley, Granulated Garlic, Carrageenan, Citric Acid, Salt, Spice)
Nutrition Facts (per 1 wedge – 18 g):
- Calories: 35
- Total Fat: 2.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fats: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg (0% DV)
- Sodium: 125 mg (5% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 1 g
- Total Sugars: 0 g
- Added Sugars: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
Lentil & Cheese Spread with Curry (Blends)
Ingredients:
- Skim Milk
- Lentil
- Sunflower Oil
- Reduced-Fat Emmentaler Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Salt, Culture, Enzyme)
- Milk Protein Concentrate
- Pea Protein Isolate
- Less than 2% of Each: Sodium Polyphosphate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Curry Powder (Coriander, Fenugreek, Turmeric, Chili Pepper, Black Pepper, Fennel), Carrageenan, Citric Acid, Salt
Nutrition Facts (per 1 wedge – 18 g):
- Calories: 35
- Total Fat: 2.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fats: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg (0% DV)
- Sodium: 130 mg (6% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 1 g
- Total Sugars: 0 g
- Added Sugars: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
Red Bean & Cheese Spread with Paprika (Blends)
Ingredients:
- Skim Milk
- Red Bean
- Sunflower Oil
- Reduced-Fat Emmentaler Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Salt, Culture, Enzyme)
- Milk Protein Concentrate
- Spice (Includes Paprika, Smoked Paprika)
- Tomato Paste
- Pea Protein Isolate
- Less than 2% of Each: Sodium Polyphosphate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Carrageenan, Salt, Onion Powder, Tomato Powder, Garlic Powder, Citric Acid)
Nutrition Facts (per 1 wedge – 18 g):
- Calories: 35
- Total Fat: 2.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fats: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg (0% DV)
- Sodium: 125 mg (5% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 2 g
- Total Sugars: 1 g
- Added Sugars: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
Other Gluten-Free Cheese Options
Here are some other healthy cheese options to consider if you’re not a fan of Laughing Cow.
BelGioioso Fresh Ball Specialty Soft Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella cheese is lower in fat and sodium than most yellow/hard cheeses. It has a simple ingredient list, is low in sodium, and is a good source of protein and calcium.
Ingredients:
- Milk
- Vinegar
- Enzymes
- Salt
Nutrition Facts (per one ounce):
- Calories: 50
- Total Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fats: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg (7% DV)
- Sodium: 85 mg (4% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: <1 g
- Total Sugars: 0 g
- Added Sugars: 0 g
- Protein: 5 g
Mini Babybel Semisoft Light Cheeses
If you like the individual portions of cheese, then Mini Babybel is a great choice. They contain more protein and are less processed than Laughing Cow.
Ingredients:
- Pasteurized Cultured Part-Skim Milk
- Salt
- Microbial enzymes.
Nutrition Facts (per 21 g wheel):
- Calories: 50
- Total Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fats: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg (7% DV)
- Sodium: 160 mg (7% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 0 g
- Total Sugars: 0 g
- Added Sugars: 0 g
- Protein: 6 g
Emmi Le Gruyere Cheese
This cheese isn’t low in fat like Laughing Cow. However, Gruyere cheese is naturally rich in calcium, much more than most other cheese. One serving of Gruyere provides almost a quarter of the daily value for calcium. Gruyere cheese is also much higher in protein than Laughing Cow cheese.
Ingredients:
- Cow’s Milk
- Cheese Cultures
- Salt
- Enzymes
Nutrition Facts (per one-ounce serving):
- Calories: 110
- Total Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fats: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg (8% DV)
- Sodium: 170 mg (7% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 0 g
- Total Sugars: 0 g
- Added Sugars: 0 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Calcium: 250 mg (20% DV)
Summary
Laughing Cow makes processed cheese wedges that are made with semi soft cheese. They tend to be lower in fat than many hard kinds of cheese, and have calcium added to them so they are similar to naturally calcium-rich cheese.
Laughing Cow is a good option for people who like the individual-wrapped servings, want a spreadable cheese, and/or who prefer lower-fat and calorie cheese.
Laughing Cow cheese is more processed than regular cheese, which is a drawback.
Related Questions
Is Laughing Cow cream cheese?
Laughing Cow has a similar texture as cream cheese, but it’s described as “Spreadable Cheese” on the packaging.
Is Laughing Cow cheese pasteurized?
All flavors of Laughing Cow cheese contain pasteurized milk.
Is Laughing Cow cheese safe for pregnancy?
Laughing Cow cheese is safe during pregnancy because it’s pasteurized to kill bacteria. Soft cheeses that aren’t pasteurized are not advised during pregnancy due to the risk of potential foodborne illness.