Danablu cheese, commonly known as Danish blue cheese, is a unique and flavourful dairy product with a rich history and distinct nutritional profile. In this blog post, we will delve into the origins and characteristics of Danablu cheese, followed by a detailed analysis of its nutritional content.
SEE ALSO: Nutrition facts for popular world cheeses in The Cheese Scientist’s index →
What is Danablu cheese?
Originating from Denmark, Danablu is renowned for its salty, tangy flavour and creamy texture. This semi-soft blue cheese boasts a striking appearance with blue-green veins of mould throughout. Typically, it is made from cow’s milk and aged for eight to twelve weeks, which allows it to develop its characteristic taste and aroma.
Danablu is often enjoyed crumbled over salads, melted into sauces, or paired with fruits and nuts on a cheese board. Indeed, its versatility and robust flavour make it a favourite among cheese enthusiasts.
Nutrition fact sheet
Nutritional review for Brie
Eating healthy plays a pivotal role in maintaining overall well-being and preventing chronic diseases. A balanced and nutritious diet provides our bodies with essential vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients, fuelling optimal physical and cognitive function.
With this in mind, let’s have a look at some of the key nutrition facts for Danablu.
Calorie count
Firstly, Danablu cheese provides approximately 350 calories per 100 grams. While calorie counting is a common practice, it is important to consider the quality of those calories rather than just the quantity.
The calories in Danablu cheese come from a combination of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, each playing a distinct role in our diet. High-calorie foods like Danablu can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and combined with nutrient-dense foods.
Fat content
Notably, Danablu cheese is high in fat, with around 30 grams per 100 grams serving. This fat content includes saturated fats, which are predominant in most dairy products, along with smaller amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
Saturated fats have been linked to increased cholesterol levels; however, recent research suggests that not all saturated fats have the same impact on heart health. Danablu’s fat profile contributes to its creamy texture and rich flavour, making it a delightful indulgence.
You can learn more about the different types of fat in cheese and which cheeses have the lowest fat content here.
Protein content
In addition, Danablu cheese contains about 21 grams of protein per 100 grams. This moderate protein content includes casein and whey proteins, which are essential for muscle repair and growth. Protein is a crucial macronutrient that supports various bodily functions, including enzyme production and immune responses.
Including a source of high-quality protein like Danablu cheese in your diet can help meet daily protein requirements, especially for those with increased needs such as athletes or the elderly.
Want to find out which cheeses have the highest protein content? Click here for our blog post covering cheeses with the highest protein content.
Cholesterol content
Furthermore, Danablu cheese has a cholesterol content of 97 milligrams per 100 grams. The role of dietary cholesterol in heart disease has been debated, with current evidence indicating that for most people, dietary cholesterol has a minimal effect on blood cholesterol levels.
However, those with specific health conditions, such as familial hypercholesterolemia, may need to monitor their cholesterol intake more closely.
You can learn more about the impact of dietary cholesterol on blood cholesterol levels in our dedicated post here.
Salt content
As you would know, Danablu cheese is quite salty, containing about 800 milligrams of sodium per 100 grams. The high salt content is due to the cheesemaking process, where salt acts as a preservative and flavour enhancer.
Excessive salt intake can lead to hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. People with high blood pressure or kidney disease should limit their salt consumption and monitor their intake of salty foods like Danablu cheese.
Calcium content
Moreover, Danablu cheese is an excellent source of calcium, providing 746 milligrams per 100 grams. Calcium is vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as for nerve transmission and muscle function.
Dairy products are a primary source of calcium, making Danablu cheese particularly beneficial for individuals at risk of osteoporosis, such as postmenopausal women and older adults.
You can read more about this important mineral and find out which types of cheeses have the highest calcium content in our post here.
Safety in pregnancy
However, Danablu cheese is not recommended for pregnant women due to its high moisture content and low acidity. These factors can promote the growth of harmful bacteria, such as Listeria, which poses a significant risk to both the mother and the unborn child.
Having said that, you can still eat thoroughly cooked Danablu during pregnancy. The reason for this is because most harmful bacteria like Listeria do not survive temperatures above 75°C/165°F.
Of course, if you’re unsure of what you can eat during pregnancy, you should consult your healthcare professional to get a personalised plan. You can read more about which cheeses you can eat when you’re pregnant by clicking here.
Lactose intolerance
Interestingly, Danablu cheese has very low lactose content, making it more tolerable for individuals with lactose intolerance. Lactose content varies between different cheeses, with aged cheeses generally having lower levels.
Those with lactose intolerance can often enjoy small amounts of Danablu without adverse effects, but it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Danablu cheese offers a complex array of flavours and a rich nutritional profile. While it is high in calories, fat, and salt, it also provides valuable proteins and calcium.
Moderation is key when incorporating Danablu cheese into a balanced diet. And certain people, such as pregnant women and those with specific health conditions, should consume it with caution. By understanding its nutritional content, you can make informed dietary choices and enjoy the unique qualities of Danablu cheese responsibly.
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
Cheese lover. Scientist. Created a website and a Youtube channel about cheese science because he could not find answers to his questions online.
