We get it—being told to “watch your cholesterol” feels like getting grounded from your favorite foods. Suddenly, your cheese drawer looks like a crime scene, and you’re wondering if your love for cheddar is the real villain. But good news, dairy devotees: not all cheese is off-limits. In fact, some are totally heart-healthy(ish) and even get the green light from dietitians. That’s right—you can still live your best cheese-loving life without sending your LDL into orbit.
We’ve rounded up 12 cheeses that won’t tank your cholesterol goals, and spoiler alert: they’re not all sad, flavorless bricks of “cheese product.” Some are creamy, some are melty, some are tangy, and all are surprisingly dietitian-approved. And because we love you (and your arteries), we even backed it up with legit sources for the first few. Grab your crackers and your reading glasses—here’s the delicious lowdown on how to keep cheese on the menu and keep your heart in check.
1. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is like that reliable BFF who’s always got your back—creamy, comforting, and surprisingly low in cholesterol. A one-cup serving of 1% cottage cheese packs only about 9 mg of cholesterol and a slim 1.5 g of saturated fat, making it a top pick for hearts-in-mind snacking, according to HealthCentral.
Spread it on toast, blend it into smoothies, or mix in some herbs for a savory dip—this versatile champ keeps your taste buds happy without inflating your cholesterol stats. Plus, it brings in a protein punch that’ll have your muscles sending thank-you cards every workout day. It’s also rich in calcium, so you’re not skimping on bone health while you’re keeping your ticker in check.
It’s surprisingly low in sodium compared with many other soft cheeses, so you won’t find yourself constantly chasing thirst. The lactic acid bacteria in cottage cheese may even support gut health, making it a friendly pick for your microbiome. And did we mention it doubles as a creamy base for healthier cheesecake recipes—because life’s too short to skip dessert?
2. Part-Skim Mozzarella
Imagine biting into a gooey mozzarella stick without feeling guilty—yes, it’s a thing. Part-skim mozzarella comes in at roughly 18 mg of cholesterol per ounce and under 3 g of saturated fat, making it a superstar for cheese-lovers with heart goals, per Eat This, Not That.
Whether melted on a caprese salad, sprinkled atop your pizza, or stretched into a stretchy snack, this cheese delivers that melty goodness without turning your cholesterol chart into a horror movie. Bonus: its lower sodium content means you won’t be reaching for water like you’re stranded in a desert.
It’s also a solid source of phosphorus, which teams up with calcium to keep bones rock-solid. Sneak it into omelets for an extra protein surge that’ll curb mid-morning munchies. And if you shred it over your favorite taco bowls, you get that crave-worthy pull without the usual cholesterol-level drama.
3. Low-Fat Feta
Throw on a sprinkle of tangy, crumbly feta and instantly elevate your salad—or your mood. Reduced-fat feta clocks in at just around 12 mg of cholesterol per ounce, with about 2.4 g of fat, so you can get that briny pop without sending your LDL skyrocketing, according to Real Simple.
It’s made from goat or sheep milk, so lactose-sensitive pals can join the feta fiesta, too. Crumble it over a bowl of watermelon, pepper it into omelets, or mix it into a cold pasta salad—the tangy brightness pairs with anything. And that protein content? It helps keep those tummy rumbles at bay until lunch.
The Mediterranean roots of feta mean it comes loaded with antioxidants that help fight inflammation. Its slightly higher probiotic count gives your gut a little love, too. Plus, that crumbly texture makes it an epic finishing touch on roasted veggies—because who said healthy can’t be fun?
4. Ricotta
Ricotta isn’t just for lasagna—this creamy dream can be your heart-healthy secret weapon. One ounce of low-fat ricotta typically contains under 9 mg of cholesterol and just 1.4 g of saturated fat, per Verywell Health.
Whip it into pancakes, dollop it on toast with honey and fresh berries, or swirl it into your morning oatmeal—trust me, your brunch feed will thank you. Being high in whey proteins, it also supports muscle repair, so it’s basically the superhero sidekick after your workouts.
Drizzle a bit of balsamic reduction over ricotta and you’ve got a dessert that feels indulgent without the guilt. Its smooth texture makes it perfect as a lighter stand-in for butter on bagels or English muffins. And because it’s naturally mild, you can spice it up with everything bagel seasoning for savory cheer any time of day.
5. Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese is more than just holes—it’s a top-tier choice for cholesterol-conscious cheese fans. A slice generally has about 10 mg of cholesterol and under 1 g of saturated fat, making it a stellar swap for heavier hitters like American or Brie, according to EatingWell.
Its nutty, slightly sweet flavor is dreamy in sandwiches, omelets, or melted over veggies. Plus, Swiss is naturally lower in sodium than many cheeses, so you won’t be pill-popping antacids after dinner. Calcium content? Check. Protein? Double-check.
It’s also a decent source of vitamin B12, which helps keep nerves and blood cells healthy. That smooth melt-ability makes it ideal for fondue nights—just dip in roasted garlic and steamed broccoli instead of bread cubes. And because it’s aged longer, you get complex flavors with fewer additives—so you can indulge smartly.
6. Goat Cheese
Goat cheese brings a tangy twist and is naturally easier to digest—bonus for anyone whose gut isn’t besties with cow dairy. Though it tastes rich, a one-ounce serving keeps saturated fat moderate and cholesterol lower than many other soft cheeses. Its probiotics support gut health, too, so consider it a two-for-one health deal. Crumble it on roasted veggies, blend into spreads, or toss into salads for flair.
Because goat cheese is slightly more acidic, it pairs beautifully with sweet accoutrements like honey-drizzled figs or fresh berries, balancing your plate like a pro. It also melts into the most luxurious, lightly tangy sauce for pasta or polenta, so you can enjoy creamy textures without the full-fat drama. And if you’re looking for an unexpected breakfast upgrade, try it whipped on avocado toast—your brunch squad will be begging for the recipe.
7. Parmesan
A little goes a long way with Parmesan. Just one tablespoon of grated Parm adds a punch of savory umami without a cholesterol overload—averaging around 5 mg of cholesterol and only about 1 g of saturated fat per tablespoon. Sprinkle it sparingly over soups, pasta, and salads to get max flavor from minimal grams. The calcium and protein content will help you hit daily targets without the creamy baggage.
Beyond being a flavor bomb, Parmesan’s aged depth means you can use less and still feel like you’ve doused your dish in decadence. Its crystalline crunch is pure sensory joy when you shave it atop a heaping bowl of zucchini noodles or a simple arugula salad. And because it’s so richly flavored, you can even mix a bit into your scrambled eggs for an elevated breakfast that tastes luxe but keeps your cholesterol in check.
8. Reduced-Fat Cheddar
Yes, cheddar makes the cut—so long as you opt for reduced-fat varieties. You’ll get that sharp, familiar flavor with roughly 6 mg less cholesterol per ounce than its full-fat cousin, and saturated fat often stays under 2 g. Use small shreds in tacos, melt on burgers, or cube for snack plates. It’s comfort food that won’t compromise your heart.
The great thing about reduced-fat cheddar is how it still delivers on that classic tang without feeling watered down—your grilled cheese will still stretch gloriously. Pack a few cubes in your lunchbox to make midday snacking feel like a mini picnic, or toss shreds into a hearty chili for extra depth. And when you’re craving that creamy mac ’n’ cheese vibe, a sprinkle of this lighter cheddar does the trick without wrecking your cholesterol goals.
9. Part-Skim Provolone
Provolone’s mild, buttery flavor makes it an ideal melt for sandwiches or quesadillas. Switching to part-skim takes its cholesterol and saturated fat down a notch—keeping it around 15 mg of cholesterol and 2 g of saturated fat per ounce. It’s creamy enough to please your palate but light enough to keep your cardiologist smiling.
Because it’s so melt-friendly, part-skim provolone shines in a veggie-packed panini or a turkey melt that won’t feel like a self-inflicted cardio punishment. It also plays nice with everything from basil pesto to smoky paprika, giving you tons of flavor hacks without the fat hangover. And for those snack plate vibes, roll it up with roasted peppers and olives—a mini charcuterie moment that’s totally guilt-free.
10. Neufchâtel
This French-inspired cousin of cream cheese clocks in at about one-third less fat. With roughly 15 mg of cholesterol and just 4 g of fat per serving, Neufchâtel lets you indulge in bagel schmears without spiraling into a cholesterol crisis. Sweet or savory, blend it with chives or berries for a delightful spread.
Beyond bagels, Neufchâtel’s dreamy texture makes it perfect for no-bake cheesecakes or creamy dips that actually feel indulgent. Sleepless nights? Swirl it into your hot chocolate for a luxe, slightly tangy twist on your usual mug. And if you’re hosting game night, whip it into a spinach-artichoke dip—your guests will be none the wiser that it’s a lighter option.
11. Part-Skim String Cheese
Yes, the fun, peel-and-eat snack can be heart-friendly! String cheese made from part-skim mozzarella typically has about 5 mg of cholesterol and under 2 g of saturated fat per stick. Portion control? Done. Protein-packed? Absolutely. It’s the ultimate grab-and-go treat.
Toss one in your gym bag for a post-sweat pick-me-up or pair it with apple slices for a sweet-savory combo that staves off hanger. Kids love the interactive peel, so it’s an easy way to sneak in protein at lunchboxes without negotiations. Plus, the mild flavor means you can jazz it up with everything seasoning or a smidge of pesto for a cheeky flavor boost.
12. Farmer’s Cheese
Think cottage cheese and ricotta had a rustic lovechild—that’s farmer’s cheese. It’s drained of whey, giving a firmer texture and about 13 mg of cholesterol per ounce, with moderate saturated fat. Crumble into pierogies, use in salads, or enjoy with fruit. You get a protein boost, lower lactose, and a blank canvas for flavors.
Its firm, slightly tangy profile makes it a superb partner for fresh herbs and citrus zest—hello, epic breakfast bowls. You can mash it with garlic and spinach for a lighter ravioli filling or stir it into oatmeal for a savory twist that’ll power you through morning meetings. And because it’s so adaptable, you can even bake it into muffins or frittatas for a protein-packed brunch that’s as Instagrammable as it is heart-smart.