Goat Milk

You may be surprised at the many Parmesan Cheese benefits you can enjoy when you eat this dairy delight in moderation.

What is Parmesan Cheese?

Parmesan cheese, also known as Parmigiano Reggiano, is a hard variety of cheese that can be made from cow’s milk or goat’s milk. It is known for its salty and nutty flavor. It is a popular flavor addition in Italian cuisine. The authentic Parmigiano Reggiano is specifically acquired from certain regions of Italy and it lasts for over a year.

Is Parmesan Cheese Gluten Free?

Since Parmigiano Reggiano or parmesan is a dairy product, it qualifies the test of being gluten-free. Although make sure you check the nutrition label while buying this cheese, as sometimes during the production and manufacturing process, there can be gluten contamination.

Parmesan Cheese Nutrition

According to USDA Nutrition Data, parmesan is a good source of water, energy, total lipids, fiber, and sugar. It is also rich in various minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc. When it comes to vitamins, it has a rich supply of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin b12, and vitamin A, E, D, and K.

• Calories: A one-cup serving of parmesan cheese contains 431 calories.
• Carbs: A single cup contains 4 grams of carbs and 38 grams of protein.

Benefits of Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan cheese has several health benefits and is touted as the superfood of cheeses. However, parmesan also contains a lot of salt, which people on low-sodium diets should keep in mind.

Calcium

Parmesan cheese is an excellent source of calcium, giving you more than a day’s worth in a single cup serving. Dietary calcium, along with protein and vitamin D, is crucial to gaining healthy bone mass. It also promotes heart health and strong teeth and prevents blood clotting.

Calcium is also an important part of muscle growth and health. According to a study published in Clinical Cases in Mineral and Bone Metabolism, conducted by Barbara Pampaloni et al., thanks to the artisanal and exclusive method of producing Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, it is one of the best dietary options for calcium uptake and easy digestion

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is known for promoting strong eyesight and low light vision. However, it is also critical for the development of strong, dense bones, a healthy immune system, and it may even lower your risk for certain cancers. It helps maintain your white blood cell count and boosts your immune system. It is also an important nutrient for reproductive health.

Protein

Parmesan is an excellent source of protein, with 20 grams in a 2-ounce serving. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair and also aids [4] in weight loss regimens.

 

 

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.