Feta Cheese Calories

In Greece, feta cheese was originally made from goat's or sheep's milk. These days, it is generally made from pasteurized cow's milk. There exist numerous kinds of cheese which vary in taste, form, flavor and texture. Feta means 'slice' or 'piece' in Greek. Feta cheese is a type of curd's cheese and it comes in the form of white square cakes.

How is Feta Cheese Manufactured

These days, feta cheese is made from cow's milk. Pasteurized cow's milk is curdled with rennet. The milk is then drained into special molds or cloth bags. After settling down, cheese is cut into slices and salted slices are then transferred to barrels containing whey or brine, for aging. Brine solution is prepared with water or whey. Feta cheese is also known as 'pickled cheese' because salted slices are cured in brine solution for one to several weeks, or even months. This cheese can be soft or semi-soft. If it is made from unpasteurized milk, it needs to be cured for longer period of time. Feta cheese has to be kept in brine. It dries out quickly when removed from the brine. You cannot store it without brine. Cheese calories vary according to the procedure used to make cheese, type of milk used to prepare it, fat content, etc.

Taking into consideration other common types of cheese, it can be concluded that feta cheese contains comparatively less amount of fat. Depending upon the method of preparation, the cheese may contain 30 to 60 % of fat. Usually, it comes with 45% fat content. Low fat versions of feta cheese are available in markets worldwide.

Calories in Feta Cheese

Feta Cheese Description and Serving Size	Approximate Calories
¼ cup of crumbled cheese	99
1 tablespoon	60-80
1 ounce	75
1 oz. (28g) fat free feta cheese	30
¼ cup (34g) of reduced fat feta (by Athenos)	70
1 cup Athenos feta cheese	360
1 serving of Athenos feta cheese-chunk with basil and tomato	80
1 cup Athenos feta cheese crumbled with garlic and herb	360
Feta cheese salad calories (1 serving of Greek feta salad by Beaners Gourmet Coffee)	177

Nutrition Facts about Feta Cheese

Feta cheese is high in calcium. It also contains various vitamins, minerals like magnesium and vitamin A. It is rich in riboflavin, phosphorus and vitamin B12. Phosphorus along with calcium, helps in the strengthening of bones and teeth. Riboflavin stimulates metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Vitamin B12 plays an important role in heart health. It also strengthens your immune system. Feta cheese is rich in proteins, fat and sodium and so it should be consumed in small quantities, if you want to enjoy the health benefits of cheese. Consumption of low fat cheese is recommended by doctors. Taking into consideration calories in the cheese, those following weight loss diets should consume it in small quantities. Doctors may ask you to avoid feta cheese if you are sensitive to tyramine or whey.

Feta cheese is popular in the world for its flavor, texture and taste. Greek dishes like spanakopita are baked with this cheese. People love to eat this cheese with olives, nuts, bread and wine. Because of its unparalleled characteristic flavor and taste, feta cheese made in Greece has been given a protected designation of origin (PDO). Lactose intolerant people are advised to avoid cheese. Eating small amount of feta cheese can be considered as healthy, if you are not overweight. Calorie conscious people should consult a dietitian for the amount of cheese to be included in daily diet.