Does Cheese Have Carbs?

Yes, cheese does contain carbohydrates, but only in small amounts. The carb content in cheese comes mainly from lactose, a natural sugar found in dairy. However, the amount of carbs varies based on the type of cheese.

How Many Carbs in Cheese?

Most natural cheeses contain less than one gram of carbohydrates per serving, making them a great option for low-carb diets. Generally, foods with fewer than 15 grams of carbs per serving are considered low in carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates are one of the three essential macronutrients, alongside protein and fat. The body breaks down carbohydrates into simple sugars, primarily glucose, which serves as the body's preferred energy source.

There are four main types of carbohydrates found in food:

• Sugars – Naturally present in foods like table sugar (sucrose), fruit (fructose), and dairy (lactose).

• Starches – Found in vegetables, grains, and legumes such as beans and peas.

• Sugar alcohols – Often used as sweeteners in sugar-free products.

• Dietary fiber – Present in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes.

On nutrition labels, "total carbohydrates" represents the sum of all these types. Since cheese contains very little sugar or starch, it remains a low-carb food, making it a smart choice for those following keto or other low-carbohydrate diets.

Examples of Low-Carb Cheese

If you’re looking to cut carbs while still enjoying delicious, flavorful cheese, you’re in luck! Many cheeses are naturally low in carbohydrates, making them an excellent choice for low-carb and keto diets.

Some of the best low-carb cheese options include:

• Cheddar – Around 0.9 grams of carbs per ounce

• Mozzarella – Roughly 1 gram of carbs per ounce

• Swiss – Very low in carbs, making it a great choice

• Parmesan – Aged and nearly carb-free

• Brie – Rich and creamy with minimal carbs

Other great options include cream cheese, goat cheese, and havarti, each containing around 1 gram of carbs per ounce. Blue cheese and colby jack are also excellent choices, with approximately 1 gram of carbs per ounce —perfect for anyone looking to reduce carbs without sacrificing flavor. 

For the lowest carb content, opt for aged cheeses, as they contain less lactose and, therefore, fewer carbs, and are often found on keto diet cheese lists. 

Beyond being low in carbs, cheese is also a great source of protein and can be a healthy snack when needing to refuel. If you're looking creative ways to incorporate cheese into your low-carb diet, try our 3-Cheese Cauliflower Crust Pizza, Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup and Yogurt-Marinated Chicken With A Kick for delicious, guilt-free meals!

Want to learn more about cheese? Check out our resource here.