Discover Which Cheese Has Fewer Calories: Feta or Mozzarella?

With the arrival of beautiful weather, it’s officially time to say goodbye to soups and hello to fresh salads! As you head out shopping to stock up on veggies, salads, and various seeds, you generally know what you want. However, you always find yourself hesitating in the cheese aisle. The choice between feta or mozzarella always leaves you uncertain. You love feta for its tangy taste and freshness, but it’s the creamy texture of the mozzarella that truly captivates you. Plus, isn’t mozzarella notoriously fatty? Which of the two cheeses is richer?

Which is the healthier option: feta or mozzarella? This question was posed on a recent episode of “Télématin.” According to nutrition expert Christelle Ballestrero, it really depends on what you’re looking for. Both cheeses offer nutritional benefits and are rich in calcium, but feta—made from sheep’s milk—is higher in omega-3 fatty acids. However, it is also significantly saltier, she notes: about 2.5 g per 100 g, compared to 0.6 g for mozzarella. Then there’s the issue of fat content and calories. At first glance, mozzarella might seem the fattier choice, given that cow’s milk cheeses are generally richer, adds nutritionist Raphael Gruman. But this is misleading. “Mozzarella contains more water than feta and is therefore less caloric,” explains Ballestrero.

As a result, mozzarella contains roughly 230 calories per 100 g, compared to 280 for feta. The same goes for fat content: 23% for mozzarella versus 25% for feta. Contrary to popular belief, a ball of mozzarella doesn’t weigh that heavily on our plates. “You can even eat it quite regularly!” concludes Raphael Gruman. However, be careful not to confuse it with burrata, which is enriched with cream and therefore significantly richer!

In the end, it all depends on your priorities. While saltier and a bit more caloric, feta has its benefits, but it’s clearly mozzarella that stands out as the lighter option. Good news for your summer salads.