Cheese, caraway
Whole food · Dairy and Egg Products
Photo: Wikipedia
This is a semi-hard, aged cow's milk cheese studded with the aromatic, anise-like seeds of caraway. It offers a rich, savory flavor with a distinct, earthy bite from the spice, and a firm, slightly crumbly texture. Nutritionally, it is a dense source of protein and fat, with virtually no carbohydrates.
Calorie split: 27% protein · 3% carbs · 70% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People adore its bold, savory flavor profile where the creamy, nutty cheese perfectly balances the sharp, herbal warmth of caraway. It's a beloved staple for adding instant, complex character to sandwiches, salads, and cheese boards.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
As a full-fat cheese, it is calorie-dense and high in sodium, which may be a concern for those monitoring heart health or blood pressure. The caraway seeds, while flavorful, can cause digestive discomfort (like gas) in sensitive individuals. To enjoy mindfully, practice portion control and pair it with fiber-rich foods like whole-grain crackers or fresh vegetables to balance the meal.
Key benefits
- High-quality complete protein source.
- Rich in calcium for bone health.
- Provides conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a beneficial fatty acid.
- Caraway seeds may aid digestion and reduce bloating.
- Low in lactose due to the aging process.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Caraway seeds were historically used as a digestive aid and breath freshener, which is why they became a popular addition to rich, fatty cheeses in Central Europe.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 39.3 g |
| Energy | 376 kcal |
| Energy | 1573 kj |
| Protein | 25.2 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 29.2 g |
| Ash | 3.3 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 3.1 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 673 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.64 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 22.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 490 mg |
| Potassium, K | 93.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 690 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 2.9 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.02 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.02 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 14.5 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.03 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.45 mg |
| Niacin | 0.18 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.19 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.07 mg |
| Folate, total | 18.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 18.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 18.0 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.27 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 271 ug |
| Retinol | 262 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 1054 iu |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 18.6 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.92 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.47 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.25 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.53 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.48 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 2.9 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 8.6 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 3.5 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 8.3 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.89 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 7.0 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.83 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.51 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.32 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 93.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.32 g |
| Threonine | 0.90 g |
| Isoleucine | 1.6 g |
| Leucine | 2.4 g |
| Lysine | 2.1 g |
| Methionine | 0.66 g |
| Cystine | 0.13 g |
| Phenylalanine | 1.3 g |
| Tyrosine | 1.2 g |
| Valine | 1.7 g |
| Arginine | 0.95 g |
| Histidine | 0.88 g |
| Alanine | 0.71 g |
| Aspartic acid | 1.6 g |
| Glutamic acid | 6.2 g |
| Glycine | 0.44 g |
| Proline | 2.8 g |
| Serine | 1.5 g |
FAQ
Is caraway cheese the same as cheddar with caraway seeds?
No. While some cheddars are flavored with caraway, 'Caraway Cheese' typically refers to a specific style of semi-hard Alpine or Swiss-type cheese (like Havarti or Gouda) where caraway is a traditional, integral flavoring, not just an add-in.
Can I use it in a grilled cheese sandwich?
Absolutely! Its excellent melting properties and bold flavor make it a fantastic choice for a gourmet grilled cheese. Pair it with rye bread and a touch of mustard for a classic combination.
How does the nutrition compare to a plain cheese like mozzarella?
Per 100g, caraway cheese is significantly higher in fat and calories than fresh mozzarella. However, it also offers more protein and a different flavor profile due to the aging and added spice.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 3.76 kcal/g · 27% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 0.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 7.42 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.