Calories in Gruyere Cheese: Nutritional facts for Gruyere Cheese Types

A 100-gram serving of Gruyere cheese contains 413 calories.

One kilogram (1000 grams) of Gruyere cheese contains 4130 calories.

A one-ounce (28 gram) serving of Emmi Gruyère cheese contains 110 calories. A single slice (21 grams) of President Gruyère cheese contains 80 calories. A one-ounce (28 gram) serving of Trader Joe's Gruyere cheese has 110 calories.

Gruyere cheese provides several health benefits, mainly from a high concentration of calcium, protein, and other essential minerals. The cheese's nutritional composition supports bone, dental, and muscle health. The main benefits of Gruyere cheese are described below.

• Gruyere cheese is an exceptional source of calcium, a mineral essential for bone density. A 100-gram serving of Gruyere contains 1011 milligrams of calcium. This high concentration helps maintain skeletal structure and prevent bone-related conditions. A meta-analysis by Weaver, C. M., et al., 2016, "Dairy consumption and bone health: a systematic review and meta-analysis," concluded that dairy consumption is associated with improved bone mineral density, particularly in childhood and adolescence.
• Gruyere cheese provides high-quality protein for muscle maintenance. The cheese contains nearly 30 grams of protein per 100-gram serving, supplying all the essential amino acids needed for tissue repair and muscle synthesis. A review by Wolfe, R. R., 2017, "The role of dietary protein in optimizing muscle mass, function and health," established the critical role of complete proteins in building and preserving lean body mass throughout life.
• Gruyere cheese supports dental health through its high calcium and phosphorus content. The combination of calcium and phosphorus is fundamental to the structure of tooth enamel. A study by Aimutis, W. R., 2012, "Bioactive properties of milk proteins with particular focus on anticariogenesis," found that cheese consumption can reduce the risk of dental caries by stimulating saliva flow and providing minerals that remineralize tooth enamel.

Gruyere cheese is a nutrient-dense food, but the high saturated fat and sodium content can be a concern for some individuals. Potential concerns associated with Gruyere cheese are listed below.

• The saturated fat content in Gruyere cheese is a consideration for cardiovascular health. A 100-gram portion of Gruyere has over 19 grams of saturated fat. High intake of saturated fat is linked to elevated LDL cholesterol levels. A scientific advisory from the American Heart Association by Sacks, F. M., et al., 2017, "Dietary Fats and Cardiovascular Disease," recommended lowering saturated fat intake to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. An alternative with lower fat is part-skim mozzarella.
• Gruyere cheese contains a moderate amount of sodium. A 100-gram serving contains 336 milligrams of sodium. While lower than many other cheeses, this amount still adds to daily sodium intake, which can affect blood pressure. Research by He, F. J., & MacGregor, G. A., 2010, "Reducing population salt intake worldwide: from evidence to implementation," confirmed that reducing dietary sodium is a key strategy for lowering blood pressure. A daily suggested amount for adults is a one-ounce (28g) portion to manage sodium intake.

Yes, Gruyere cheese is a good food choice because of its exceptional nutrient density, particularly the high concentrations of calcium, protein, and phosphorus. For bone health, the cheese is a powerhouse of calcium, providing more than the amount found in most other cheeses, which is essential for building and maintaining a strong skeleton. A study by Heaney, R. P., 2009, "Dairy and bone health," established the significant positive relationship between dairy intake and bone health. For muscle health, the complete protein in Gruyere supports muscle repair and growth, making the cheese a beneficial food for active individuals and for preventing age-related muscle loss. A study by Burd, N. A., et al., 2019, "Food-First Approach to Enhance the Regulation of Post-exercise Skeletal Muscle Protein Synthesis and Remodeling," highlighted the effectiveness of whole food protein sources like cheese in post-exercise recovery. For dental health, the high levels of calcium and phosphorus help to protect and remineralize tooth enamel, reducing the risk of cavities.

Yes, Gruyere cheese is a healthy food when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The healthiness of Gruyere comes from its impressive profile of essential nutrients. The cheese is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is vital for numerous bodily functions, including building tissues and making enzymes. Gruyere is also exceptionally rich in calcium and phosphorus, minerals that are critical for bone and dental health. The cheese provides important vitamins like Vitamin A and B12. The health considerations for Gruyere relate to its high calorie and saturated fat content. A one-ounce serving contains 117 calories and over 5 grams of saturated fat. Integrating Gruyere into a healthy eating pattern involves managing portion sizes to enjoy the nutritional benefits without consuming excessive calories or fat.

The calorie content of Gruyere cheese changes very little according to the type. The primary factor distinguishing the varieties is the aging period, not the fundamental nutritional composition. The lowest calorie count for Gruyere is 413 calories per 100 grams for both Gruyère AOP Classic and Gruyère d'Alpage AOP. The highest calorie count is found in Gruyère AOP Réserve, which has 415 calories per 100 grams. This slight increase is due to the extended aging process, which reduces the cheese's moisture content and concentrates the fat and protein, making the cheese marginally more calorie-dense per gram.

The origin of Gruyere cheese is the area surrounding the town of Gruyères in Switzerland. Cheesemaking in this region dates back to at least 1115. The cheese was traditionally made in alpine dairies during the summer months from the raw milk of cows grazing on mountain pastures. The name "Gruyère" became legally protected as an Appellation d'Origine Protégée (AOP) in Switzerland in 2001, a designation that strictly defines the production area and methods to ensure authenticity. The cheese's history in famous dishes is deep-rooted. Gruyere became the foundation of Swiss cheese fondue, a communal dish that gained national popularity in the 1930s through the efforts of the Swiss Cheese Union. The cheese is also the classic choice for the melted topping on French onion soup, a preparation that was standardized in Parisian bistros in the 19th century.