To say I have a passion for cheese would certainly not be an exaggeration. I do, however, try to use low-fat cheese when I can, since it is a great way to save on calories and fat intake. Most reduced-fat dairy products don't have added ingredients to make up for the fact that fat has been removed.
I just tried a reduced-fat cheese by Sargento – 4 Cheese Italian Cheese, a blend of reduced-fat mozzarella, smoked provolone, Romano, and Asiago ($2.99 per 8-oz. package). As a plus, it is shredded for my convenience. Too see what I thought of this cheese and how it compares calorically with similar full-fat cheeses, just read more.
This cheese is tasty and melts quite nicely. My new favorite go-to snack is placing a bit of cheese in a sliced whole-wheat pita and toasting this mini cheese sandwich until the cheese has melted. It satisfies both my taste buds and my hunger. The taste of the smoked provolone is subtle but definitely there. This reduced-fat cheese does compare favorably with a similar full-fat version, which is a blend of six cheeses.
| 1/4 cup (28g) | Reduced Fat Italian Blend | Regular Italian Blend |
| Calories | 80 | 90 |
| Total Fat | 4.5 g | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg | 20mg |
| Sodium | 220mg | 200mg |
| Protein | 8g | 7g |
| Calcium | 20% RDI | 20% RDI |
The caloric difference isn't that large but the fat content is certainly lower. I just fear that unfortunate consequence of overeating that often accompanies reduced-fat or reduced-calorie food. I must add that this cheese would be a great for making pizzas, too.
Have you tried it? Tell me what you think in the comment section below.
Pussy Deluxe
Paul & Joe
Sessun
Awesome. It also have just week bit more protein. I like the idea of a reduced-fat that melts well.
1This is my cheese of choice - good for almost anything and a little goes a long way.
2I use the reduced fat Mexican blend but haven't seen/tried this one.
3I like this too! I use it on pizzas and other Italian dishes, and I sprinkle a bit on a toasted multi-grain bagel for breakfast. I also LOVE the four-cheese Mexican blend, I use that ALL the time. My husband and boys never know. Honestly, this stuff tastes so good you'd never know it's low-fat.
(I am not a paid endorser. Heh, I wish I was. Maybe they'd send me free cheese.)
4I use the Kraft version of this and love it.
5I don't eat a lot of soft cheese. I prefer Parmeggiano-Reggiano and I use it sparingly. I also use the REAL stuff when it comes to most cheese because I find I use a lot less of it. The lowfat stuff tastes kind of plasticky to me and it doesn't melt quite right.
6I use this too make pizza. A little can go a long way if you use other strong flavors (spices, tomatoes, onion)
7I love this cheese for making my homemade pizzas too!
8Mm.. cheese.
9Okay, somewhat dumb question unrelated to the cheese. But where do you find whole wheat pita? Can you get it at the normal grocery store?
meerkat -
I find it in my local regular grocery store, on the bread the aisle mixed in the white pita. If you can't find it there, check a health food store or a Whole Foods.
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