Can I eat cheese on a keto diet - and if so, which types? | You Ask, We Answer (2024)

Last updated 17/01/2024

The Ketogenic diet or “keto” diet is a low carbohydrate and high fat eating plan. Whilst there are variations of the keto diet, they all consist of high levels of fat, moderate protein and very low levels of carbohydrate. The ratio of these macronutrients is generally 55 to 60% fat, 30 to 35% protein and 5 to 10% carbohydrate.1

The table below provides the macronutrient percentages of some common cheese varieties. All contain either minimal or no carbohydrate and varying amounts of protein and fat. Any type of cheese can be included on the keto diet, as long as total dietary carbohydrate intake remains low enough to keep the body in nutritional ketosis (using stored fat instead of carbohydrate to fuel the brain and body).

Cheese type

Carbohydrate %

Total Fat %

Protein %

Brie

31.5

18.2

Camembert

23.8

20.4

Mozzarella

22.1

22.2

Parmesan (fresh)

28.8

35.1

Feta cheese

0.4

22.3

16.6

Cheddar cheese (regular fat)

0.5

32.8

24.6

Cottage cheese

1.8

5.7

15.4

Source: Food Standards Australia New Zealand. (2011). NUTTAB 2010 – Australian Food Composition Tables.

The keto diet may have benefits for weight loss, but it is important to seek professional advice to ensure all your dietary requirements are being met. An Accredited Practising Dietitian can provide expert advice to help you eat well when following a keto diet plan.

Can I eat cheese on a keto diet - and if so, which types? | You Ask, We Answer (2024)

FAQs

Can I eat cheese on a keto diet - and if so, which types? | You Ask, We Answer? ›

All types of cheese are allowed on the keto diet, as cheese is relatively low in carbohydrate, which complies with the key principle of the keto diet. The Ketogenic diet or “keto” diet is a low carbohydrate and high fat eating plan.

What type of cheese can I eat on a keto diet? ›

Some cheeses suit the keto diet better than others. This mainly comes down to their carb and fat content and level of processing. The best keto cheeses include cheddar, Gouda, goat cheese, and blue cheese, while the worst are cottage cheese and low fat and processed varieties.

Can you eat as much cheese as you want on keto? ›

Moderation is key. So, if you're having cheese as part of a weight loss strategy like keto, make sure you know your daily calorie limit along with your protein and fat macronutrient needs. As mentioned earlier, 1-3 ounces should fit well into a keto diet plan.

Is cheese free on keto? ›

4. Cheese. There are hundreds of types of cheese, most of which are very low in carbs and high in fat, making them a great fit for the keto diet. Just 1 ounce (28 grams) of cheddar cheese provides 1 gram of carbs, 6 grams of protein, and a good amount of calcium ( 28 ).

Can I eat pizza on keto if I don't eat the crust? ›

Regular pizza bases are usually a no-no for those following a ketogenic or moderate low-carb diet. By swapping out a regular, carb-laden base for a Lo-Dough base, you can cut the carbs by more than 90%, reduce calories and simultaneously supplement your diet with the fibre it needs! A win-win!

Will I stay in ketosis if I eat cheese? ›

Any type of cheese can be included on the keto diet, as long as total dietary carbohydrate intake remains low enough to keep the body in nutritional ketosis (using stored fat instead of carbohydrate to fuel the brain and body).

Can I eat peanut butter on keto? ›

Peanut butter can definitely be part of a keto diet, but it's best to stick to plain options that are free of extra flavors and sweeteners. Almond butter is a good choice, too, and it's slightly lower in carbs. Additionally, you should be mindful of your portion size if you're trying to lose weight.

What are big mistakes on keto? ›

Not watching your carb intake - Sugar and refined carbs are in many foods. You should be aiming to eliminate these from your keto diet. “Try to keep your net carb content under 20 grams/day or total carbs under 30 grams,” Dr Riggs says. Keep close track of your sugar and carb intake by reading nutrition labels.

How many eggs can I eat on keto diet? ›

We'll also share some great low-carb egg-based keto recipes. Eggs are keto-friendly and safe to eat when you're on the ketogenic diet. Eggs are low in carbs while containing high amounts of protein and healthy fats. You can have 6 to 7 eggs every day while on the keto diet.

Can you eat as much meat as you want on keto? ›

Meat and poultry are popular with people on the keto diet because they're high in fat and very low in carbs. However, scientists have found links between eating too much meat on a regular basis and health conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and excess weight.

What fruit is keto friendly? ›

Keto fruits by definition are low in carbohydrates. You still need to exercise portion control with most keto-friendly fruits to be within the limits of a keto diet. Keto-friendly fruits include avocados, watermelon, strawberries, lemons, tomatoes, raspberries, peaches, cantaloupe, star fruit, and blackberries.

Is bacon keto friendly? ›

Can You Eat Bacon On a Keto Diet? While you may not think of bacon as diet food, most types of bacon fit perfectly into a keto diet plan since they're low in carbs yet high in protein and fat. That means bacon is perfect for snacking on in the afternoon or mixing into your chicken dinner dish for some extra flavoring.

Is sour cream keto? ›

Regular, full fat sour cream is made from cream and contains far more fat than carbs. Therefore, it's considered keto-friendly. However, low fat or nonfat sour cream is not. Full fat sour cream can provide some variety in a keto diet when used as a dip base or incorporated into recipes to boost the fat content.

Will one bite of pizza take me out of ketosis? ›

Yes, even just one carb-rich meal can quickly get you out of ketosis. The carbs eaten on a cheat day will halt the production of ketones immediately until they are all metabolized by the body.

How long does it take to get back into ketosis? ›

Consuming too many carbs can kick your body out of ketosis — and it takes several days to 1 week to get back into it. In the meantime, your weight loss may be disrupted.

What pizza is good for a keto diet? ›

Cauliflower pizza crust

This is probably one of the most popular types of keto pizza bases. The base is made from riced cauliflower. Fresh cauliflower is steamed until it is tender then grated or ground with a food processor. While you can purchase cauliflower flour from a grocery store, it is better not to.

Is mozzarella keto-friendly? ›

Unlike most cheeses, Mozzarella is enjoyed fresh, rather than being aged! With a total carb count of 1 gram per ounce, it is yet another keto-friendly cheese to keep on-hand. Mozzarella also contains probiotics, which have shown to improve digestive health and emotional health!

How many slices of cheese can you have on keto? ›

So, how much cheddar cheese can you eat on keto? Considering that cheddar cheese has almost no carbs per slice, 1-3 servings should be fine. This also leaves room for other foods containing carbs, protein, and fats without going over your daily limit.

Is sour cream keto-friendly? ›

Regular, full fat sour cream is made from cream and contains far more fat than carbs. Therefore, it's considered keto-friendly. However, low fat or nonfat sour cream is not. Full fat sour cream can provide some variety in a keto diet when used as a dip base or incorporated into recipes to boost the fat content.

Can I eat bacon on keto? ›

Can You Eat Bacon On a Keto Diet? While you may not think of bacon as diet food, most types of bacon fit perfectly into a keto diet plan since they're low in carbs yet high in protein and fat. That means bacon is perfect for snacking on in the afternoon or mixing into your chicken dinner dish for some extra flavoring.

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