Bel Paese cheese is a semi-soft cheese that hails from Italy. This creamy and mild cheese is made from pasteurized cow’s milk and has a pale-yellow colour. Its name means “beautiful country” in Italian, and it is often used in pasta dishes, pizzas, and sandwiches. In this blog post, we will explore the nutrition facts for Bel Paese cheese.
SEE ALSO: Nutrition facts for popular world cheeses in The Cheese Scientist’s index →
Nutrition Facts Summary for Bel Paese
Bel Paese was invented by Egidio Galbani in 1906. His goal was to create a mild and delicate cheese for the domestic market. But its popularity soon spread past the Italian border.
Here are some of its key nutrition facts:
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a common condition that affects many people worldwide. Individuals who suffer from lactose intolerance cannot digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products.
Bel Paese cheese has low lactose content and can be enjoyed by individuals who are lactose intolerant. In fact, it contains less than 0.1 grams of lactose per 100 grams of cheese, making it a suitable option for those who are lactose intolerant.
Find out everything you’ve ever wanted to know about lactose free cheeses by clicking here.
Fat Content
Bel Paese cheese is quite high in fat clocking in at 36 g per 100 g. However, most of the fat in this cheese is unsaturated which is actually healthy. Hence, Bel Paese’s fat content is essential for the body, as it provides energy and is a source of essential fatty acids. Moreover, it is very low in cholesterol.
Moreover, it is a good option for people following a ketogenic diet. You can learn more about the keto diet and which cheeses are most keto-friendly by clicking here.
Protein Content
Protein is an essential nutrient for the body as it is necessary for growth and repair of tissues. Bel Paese cheese is a good source of protein, containing approximately 24 grams of protein per 100 grams of cheese. This makes it a suitable option for individuals who follow a high-protein diet or those who are looking to increase their protein intake.
Want to find out which cheeses have the highest protein content? Click here for our blog post covering this topic.
Safety in Pregnancy
Pregnant women should be cautious about their food choices to ensure the safety of their unborn child. Bel Paese cheese is safe to consume during pregnancy, provided it is made from pasteurised milk. Moreover, this cheese is typically rindless which further reduces the risk of Listeria contamination.
You can read more about which cheeses are safe to eat when you’re pregnant by clicking here. As always, if unsure, you should consult your doctor.
Salt Content
Salt intake is an essential consideration for individuals who are concerned about their health. Bel Paese cheese has a low salt content, with approximately 320 mg of salt per 100 grams of cheese.
While this may seem like a small amount, individuals who are watching their salt intake should still consume this cheese in moderation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bel Paese is a creamy and mild cheese that is a good source of protein and has low lactose and salt content. Furthermore, it is safe to consume during pregnancy, provided it is made from pasteurised milk.
Individuals who are lactose intolerant can enjoy this cheese without any problems, and those who are watching their fat and salt intake should consume it in moderation. Bel Paese cheese is a delicious and nutritious option that can be used in a variety of dishes, making it a popular choice for many cheese lovers.
References
Overall nutritional content
The nutritional content of cheese in our table comes from the USDA Food Data Central Repository, the Australian Food Composition Database and cheese manufacturers. We realise that there can be variations between different brands and producers. Hence, the numbers we have used are averages.
Fat content
Our fat RDI data comes from Cleveland Clinic’s Healthy Fat Intake resource.
Type of fat in cheese as per Harvard T.H. Chan’s The Nutrition Source.
Protein content
Our protein RDI data comes from Harvard Medical School’s Harvard Health Publishing.
Cholesterol content
Is There a Correlation between Dietary and Blood Cholesterol? Evidence from Epidemiological Data and Clinical Interventions? – Maria Luz Fernandez and Ana Gabriela Murillo
Saturated fat, carbohydrate, and cardiovascular disease – Patty W Siri-Tarino, Qi Sun, Frank B Hu and Ronald M Krauss
Effect of cheese consumption on blood lipids: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials – Janette de Goede, Johanna M Geleijnse, Eric L Ding, Sabita S Soedamah-Muthu
Safety in pregnancy
All the advice relating to what cheeses you can eat during pregnancy in this article is based on the recommendations by health authorities in Australia, the UK and the USA. If you are unsure about what you can or cannot eat, please consult your doctor.
Australia – FSANZ, United Kingdom – NHS and United Sates of America – FDA
Lactose content
Lactose residual content in PDO cheeses
Detection of lactose in products with low lactose content
The analysis of lactose in milk and cheese products by HPLC
Food Standards ANZ Food Composition Database
Lactose & Galactose content of cheese
Jonah is a a hipster, eco-warrior and slow food afficionado. Coming from a scientific background, Jonah has a particular interest in cheese science. And yes, he loves a good cheese pun!
