Cheddar and mozzarella are two of the most popular cheeses in the dairy industry, and it’s no wonder. Chopped, thawed, or sliced, both provide a rich, satisfying flavor when added to meals or eaten alone as a snack.

They contain fat and calories like other cheeses, but not all cheese can be healthy measured and part of a healthy weight loss planDietitians are taking notice.

Which is healthier, especially when it comes to cheddar and mozzarella? Here’s what nutritionists say:

What is the difference between cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese?

Cheddar While mozzarella was first made in Italy, it originates from England.

Both cheeses are made from cow’s milk, although mozzarella was once traditionally made from buffalo milk. (This version, called bufala mozzarella, is still available in many stores and is generally more expensive.)

Cheddar is aged for about a year, or even several years, to give it more flavor and a sharper, sharper taste. Wisconsin Dairy Farmers. It is a hard or firm cheese that has a creamy consistency when melted. It is a star in dishes like Cheddar macaroni and cheeseAnd broccoli cheddar soup.

Mozzarella is a fresh, soft or semi-soft cheese that is usually eaten within days of being produced. American Dairy Institute notes. Some low moisture varieties can be aged for several weeks.

It has a mild taste and is famous for being flexible when melted. This is an important material pizza star ingredient of dishes like and lasagna.

Mozzarella is the largest variety of cheese produced in the United States, followed by cheddar. US Department of Agriculture.

Mozzarella and kashar nutrition

Both cheeses are a good source of protein and calcium, says registered dietitian Natalie Rizzo, TODAY’s nutrition editor.

Patricia Bannan, a registered dietitian in Los Angeles and author of the book, adds that protein is beneficial for muscle maintenance and satiety (feeling full), while calcium supports bone health.From Burnout to Balance.”

Both experts state that mozzarella is slightly lighter than cheddar.

“Mozzarella is usually made with semi-skimmed milk, so it’s slightly lower in calories per ounce than cheddar (70 versus 100) and saturated fat (3 grams versus 5 grams),” says Rizzo.

“If you’re concerned about sodium in your diet, definitely choose lower-sodium cheeses,” says Bannan. “Mozzarella will have less sodium than cheddar.”

Both cheeses contain minimal amounts of lactose, Rizzo says. probiotic bacteriaIt is found in old cheeses that are beneficial to the body, like cheddar cheeseHowever, he does not recommend relying on cheese for probiotics because it is not clear how much is in the cheese.

Rizzo says melting cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese doesn’t affect its nutritional profile.

Cheddar and mozzarella: Which is healthier?

Both experts give the edge to mozzarella because it’s lower in calories and saturated fat and has other pluses.

“Minimally processed fresh mozzarella generally contains fewer additives and preservatives,” says Bannan. “Cheddar is an aged cheese, which makes it richer in flavor, but it’s also more likely to contain added salt… but I wouldn’t tell someone they shouldn’t eat all cheddar cheese and should only eat mozzarella.”

Mozzarella works great in many recipes, but sometimes cheddar can be a better choice, he notes.

“They’re very similar, but I think mozzarella is a little healthier because it has less saturated fat but the same amount of protein and calcium,” Rizzo adds.

Someone notes that mozzarella cheese sticks can be a good option when trying to lose weight.

Stick to a 1-ounce serving size or a small double dice size for both cheeses. It’s easy to overindulge in cheese, so moderation is key.