Goat Milk

Cheese is a powerhouse of essential nutrients. The major health benefits of cheese include relief from hypertension and osteoporosis. It also helps in maintaining bone health, gaining weight and dental care. For ages, it has been part and parcel of daily life in Europe, America, Australia and nearly every country in the world that has a cold climate, except certain countries in the Indian Subcontinent and the Middle Eastern region. That being said, India and some of its neighboring countries have been using a slightly different form of cheese which is commonly known as “cottage cheese” or “paneer” for generations.

Unlike traditional cheese, cottage cheese is not fermented. Over the last 10 years or so, cheese has become widely popular in India and neighboring countries with multinational companies like McDonald’s stepping into these countries with their mouth-watering products like pizza and hamburgers both of which use a lot of cheese. Contrary to the popular belief of fresh edibles being more nutritious, fermented cheese is far more nutritious than its fresher counterpart.

It is prepared from milk or milk products such as curd.  There are many varieties and flavors of cheese available all around the world.

Nutritional Value of Cheese

Cheese contains many nutrients, including vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin K. Other vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin are also found in different types of cheese. Adding it to your diet also provides certain vital minerals such as calcium, sodium, zinc, phosphorus, potassium and iron to the human body. [2]

Wonderful Benefits of Cheese

The health benefits of cheese include the following:

Dental Care – Cheese has very high calcium content, the first and foremost thing you need for strong teeth. Moreover, it is very low in lactose content. Older the cheese, lower the lactose content in it. This also is beneficial for the teeth as any form of sugar (glucose, maltose or lactose) in food can harm the teeth.

Improves Bone Health – Apart from having very high calcium content, cheese is also rich in vitamin-B, which is very good for children, women (particularly when pregnant or lactating) and elderly people, for the formation and strengthening of bones and cartilage. The vitamin-B in cheese aids to the proper absorption and distribution of calcium.

Osteoporosis – Osteoporosis is mainly a deficiency disease caused by a deficiency of calcium (non-absorption), resulting in a decrease in bone mineral density. This is particularly seen in women who have undergone menopause, elderly people and children who suffer from malnutrition. This can be treated with protein, calcium and a vitamin-rich diet. Calcium alone will not help much, because the problem is with its absorption and its utilization for bone formation. These three components are found in abundance in cheese. Therefore, it can be an ideal part of the diet for those suffering from osteoporosis.

Prevents Hypertension – Sodium and cholesterol are the two elements mainly considered harmful for hypertension and hypertensive people. In this way, cheese should be viewed critically. The fat content of the cheese depends very much on the quality of the milk, whether it is full fat or full cream, low fat or fat free. In general, high-fat ones are more popular, since they tend to taste better. But, keeping in view the public demand and health concerns, low-fat cheese is also being introduced to the market. This means that you need to be choosy while picking it for your home and diet.

Don’t forget the sodium content! Although the sodium content of cheese varies according to the amount of salt added to the milk prior to cheese formation, it is never low enough to be recommended for hypertensive people, as salt is an inevitable part of the cheese. In general, it is not recommended for people suffering from hypertension (high blood pressure). Although low sodium and low-fat cheese are helpful in reducing homocysteine, an agent that is often related to heart diseases, this fact still does not make it recommendable for hypertensive people. Another thing in it that can help hypertensive people is the vitamin-B content if they do choose to eat it.

Promotes Weight Gain – Cheese is an excellent food for gaining weight. It is full of proteins, fats, calcium, vitamins, and minerals. You need protein for muscle formation and growth, fats for fat-based processes in the body, calcium for heavier and stronger bones and vitamins and minerals for improved metabolic function. You just need to eat a lot of them, do your exercise and sleep an adequate amount.

Other Benefits: Cheese contains conjugated linoleic acid and sphingolipids which may help prevent various diseases. It contains a lot of vitamin-B which develops in it during the fermentation process. Vitamin-B is very good for maintaining many functions in the body and also for protection against diseases like Beriberi. It also enhances blood formation, strengthens the liver, and facilitates the absorption of nutrients in the body.

How to select and store Cheese?

Different types of cheese are available in markets all over the world. Some varieties such as fresh cheese with no preservatives are to be used within a few days of purchase as they easily spoil. Store it in cool places or refrigerate them. Before eating or using cheese keep it at room temperatures for better flavor and texture.

 

 

In the world of cheese, Wisconsin continues to set the gold standard with its perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

The 2025 Wisconsin Cheese Trends Report provides a forward-looking analysis of the innovations, flavor trends, consumer preferences and the unmatched quality of Wisconsin’s cheesemakers are shaping the future of the cheese industry.

Cheesemakers in Wisconsin, “The State of Cheese™,” don’t just make cheese—they craft a heritage of excellence, connecting passion, quality, and artistry in every bite. Blending tradition with innovation, this report offers insights into the evolving cheese landscape, highlighting emerging flavors and shifting consumer values.

A Global Cheese Renaissance – The report reveals a surge in demand for international and artisanal cheeses. Varieties such as paneer, burrata, and queso quesadilla saw retail sales skyrocket by 34%, 32.1%, and 22.8%, respectively, reflecting a growing consumer appetite for bold, global flavors.

“Wisconsin cheesemakers are uniquely positioned to meet this demand,” says Lizzie Norton, a dairy industry analyst. “Half of the nation’s specialty cheeses come from Wisconsin, where innovation meets authenticity.”

Expect to see more cheeses infused with heat and spice in 2025, as consumers look to elevate their meals with unique, globally inspired flavors.

Reinventing the Classics – Even as consumers explore new tastes, the appeal of classic cheeses remains strong. Parmesan and cheddar continue to dominate specialty cheese sales, proving that timeless varieties still hold a cherished place in the modern palate.

Wisconsin cheesemakers are finding ways to innovate within these traditions. Aged cheddar, for instance, is being elevated with refined aging techniques and flavor infusions. New creations like Roelli’s Red Rock—a cheddar-blue hybrid—exemplify the successful marriage of tradition and modernity.

Cheese as a Community Builder – Beyond flavor and innovation, Wisconsin cheese is fostering deeper connections through initiatives like Cheeselandia, an online community that unites cheese lovers across the globe. From virtual cheese-tasting sessions to exclusive events, Cheeselandia has turned Wisconsin cheese into a symbol of shared experiences and culinary joy.

According to the report, one in three consumers values social connections as key to their well-being, making cheese a medium for building bonds and creating lasting memories.

Artisanship Meets Wellness – Wisconsin’s cheese legacy is underpinned by craftsmanship, exemplified by its prestigious Master Cheesemaker® program, which demands rigorous training akin to earning a Ph.D. The report emphasizes that today’s consumers prioritize health and wellness, favoring products like Wisconsin cheeses that combine high nutritional value with artisanal quality.

Mood-boosting snackable cheeses, such as BelGioioso Fresh Mozzarella Ciliegine and Roth Havarti, are poised to dominate shelves in 2025, offering indulgence alongside emotional and cognitive benefits.

The Future of Cheese – As consumers increasingly seek products that connect them to heritage while delivering bold, innovative experiences, Wisconsin remains the epicenter of cheese excellence. From global flavors to classic comforts and health-forward snacking, the state’s cheesemakers are crafting the future of dairy, one wheel at a time.

With every bite, Wisconsin cheese tells a story of passion, artistry, and a deep-rooted commitment to quality—proof that the “State of Cheese” continues to lead the way in shaping the industry’s future.

 

 

What’s so special about fontina cheese? Let’s take a detailed look at what it is and its health benefits below:

What is Fontina Cheese?

Fontina cheese is a specialized aromatic, gluten-free cheese made in a specific region of the Italian Alps, in the Aosta Valley. It undergoes a unique production process and benefits from the bountiful meadows of that region. When the dairy goats are moved to those higher altitudes in the spring, the lush grasses of the valley provide a unique, earthy flavor to the milk. With a milk fat content of roughly 45%, this rich and creamy cheese has a nutty flavor and must be aged for at least 90 days to be considered true fontina cheese.

How is Fontina Cheese Made?

The production process of fontina cheese is what sets it apart in terms of both flavor and international prestige. Although there are numerous other varieties of this cheese, including types from Denmark, Sweden, Argentina, and others, the original Fontina cheese from the Aosta Valley is special. Let’s take a look at how it is made.

• Step 1: The specialized whole milk is heated in large copper cauldrons where cheese curd begins to develop.
• Step 2: It is then strained through cheesecloth, and placed in wheel molds.
• Step 3: These molds then spend three months in the caves and grottos of that valley, being turned, salted and carefully processed by skilled artisans, many from families who have been making Fontina cheese for generations.
• Step 4: After the cheese is fully matured, it can be sent out into the world!

Benefits of Fontina Cheese

There are many excellent benefits of fontina cheese, owing to its rich nutrient content, including protecting heart health and reducing intestinal issues, as well as boosting bone health and improving cellular communication.

• Heart health: Numerous studies have shown the benefits of both vitamin B and vitamin K for protecting cardiovascular health, the latter of which is good for protecting the integrity of our arteries. [3]
• Gut health: Fontina cheese has long been used as a traditional remedy for treating constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and cramps, and is generally known to boost gut health. Research done on a variety of cheese has found fontina to be a nutritious and potentially bioactive ingredient.
• Bone health: The high levels of calcium and phosphorous found in this specialty cheese is excellent for protecting bone health as we age. Numerous studies over the years have found a direct link between a reduction in osteoporosis and regular calcium intake, and a single half-ounce of this cheese provides nearly 20% of the calcium we require each day. [4]
• Cellular communication: Calcium and phosphorous also play a key role in ensuring rapid cellular communication and nerve function, as well as regulating the metabolism, maintaining normal energy levels, and preventing certain kidney disease, as shown in numerous studies.