Cheese Spread — Nutrients, Health Benefits, And Shopping Tips
Written by Listonic Team
Last update on September 4, 2024
Nutrients
Nutrition facts
Amount per 100 g
Calories
🔥 290 kcal
| Nutrition per: 100 g | Value | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Carbs | 7 g | 2.55% |
| Fiber | 0 g | - |
| Sugars | 4 g | 8% |
| Glycemic Index | 0 | - |
| Protein | 13 g | 26% |
| Sodium | 1200 mg | 52.17% |
| Total Fat | 24 g | 30.77% |
*The % of Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
13 g
🧀 Good Protein Content
Key takeaways
Health benefits
- Rich in protein, essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall body function.
- High in calcium, important for strong bones and teeth, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
- Contains healthy fats, providing energy and supporting cell function.
- Source of essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, and phosphorus, which support overall health and well-being.
- Versatile and convenient, making it easy to add to snacks and meals.
Health risks
- High saturated fat content which can contribute to increased cholesterol levels and raise the risk of heart disease when consumed in excess.
- High sodium content which can contribute to hypertension and increased cardiovascular risks, especially with frequent consumption.
- Artificial additives and preservatives in some commercial cheese spreads, which may cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Low nutrient density compared to natural cheese, as cheese spreads often contain fillers and may lack the nutritional benefits of whole cheeses.
How to choose cheese spread
For the best cheese spread, consistency is key: it should be smooth, creamy, and uniformly blended without any separation of oils. The flavor should be rich and reflective of the cheese used. Check the ingredient list for real cheese as one of the top items.
Avoid cheese spreads that appear lumpy or have visible liquid separation, which can indicate spoilage or poor quality. Spreads that taste artificial or overly processed should also be avoided.
How to store cheese spread
Refrigeration is essential for cheese spread after opening. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain its flavor and texture. Properly stored cheese spread can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
Leaving cheese spread at room temperature can cause it to spoil quickly. Exposure to air can lead to drying out, so ensure it is tightly sealed. Avoid storing near strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
✅ Extra Tip
How long does it last?
Cheese spread can last for 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator once opened. Unopened, it can last for 6 months or more. Always check the expiration date on the packaging and store it tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
What to do with leftovers?
Leftover cheese spread can be used in a variety of ways. Spread it on crackers, bread, or bagels for a quick snack, or use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps with your favorite ingredients. Cheese spread can also be mixed into pasta for a creamy sauce or used as a dip for vegetables.
Use cheese spread as a base for a savory tart or mix it into mashed potatoes for extra flavor and creaminess. If you have a lot of cheese spread, consider using it as a filling for stuffed mushrooms or mixing it into a quiche with eggs and vegetables. Cheese spread can also be melted over roasted vegetables or stirred into a casserole for added richness. For a quick and easy snack, try using cheese spread as a dip for pretzels, chips, or breadsticks.
👨⚕️️ Medical disclaimer
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Listonic Team
Fact-checked
Our editorial team checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of publishing it.
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