Ricotta Cheese vs Queso Fresco: Nutrition & Calories Compare



Ricotta cheese - calories, kcal, weight, nutrition
Ricotta cheese - calories, kcal, weight, nutrition

Ricotta cheese vs Queso Fresco cheese
Nutrition Facts

Ricotta Cheese
Serving size:
  change
standard serving size (124g)tablespoon (16g)teaspoon (8g)cup (244g)half cup (122g)
5g10g15g20g30g40g50g60g80g100g120g140g160g180g200g220g250g300g350g400g450g500g600g700g800g900g1000g
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Amount Per Serving:
Calories

% Daily Value

Total Fat g
0%

Cholesterol mg
0%

Sodium mg
0%

Total Carbohydrates g
0%

Dietary Fiber g
0%

Sugars g

Protein g
0%

Vitaminium C mg
0%

Calcium mg
0%

Iron mg
0%

Potassium mg
0%

* The % Daily Value (DV) shows how much a nutrient in one serving of food contributes to your total daily diet. A 2000-calorie daily intake is used as a general guideline for nutrition advice.
Queso Fresco Cheese
Serving size:
  change
standard serving size (30g)slice (20g)cup (160g)half cup (80g)
5g10g15g20g30g40g50g60g80g100g120g140g160g180g200g220g250g300g350g400g450g500g600g700g800g900g1000g
1oz2oz3oz4oz5oz6oz7oz8oz10oz12oz15oz20oz25oz30oz35oz40oz50oz

Amount Per Serving:
Calories

% Daily Value

Total Fat g
0%

Cholesterol mg
0%

Sodium mg
0%

Total Carbohydrates g
0%

Dietary Fiber g
0%

Sugars g

Protein g
0%

Vitaminium C mg
0%

Calcium mg
0%

Iron mg
0%

Potassium mg
0%

* The % Daily Value (DV) shows how much a nutrient in one serving of food contributes to your total daily diet. A 2000-calorie daily intake is used as a general guideline for nutrition advice.

Ricotta Cheese vs Queso Fresco Cheese 100g Compare


per 100gRicotta cheeseQueso Fresco
Calories156 299
Carbohydrates4.09 g2.98 g
Fat10.44 g23.82 g
Protein11.32 g18.09 g
Water73.06 g51.42 g
Calcium240 mg566 mg
Iron0.41 mg0.2 mg
Magnessium13 mg24 mg
Potassium115 mg129 mg
Sodium92 mg751 mg
Vitaminium B1 (Thiamine)0.017 mg0.042 mg
Vitaminium B2 (riboflavin)0.19 mg0.173 mg
Vitaminium B3 (Niacin)0.091 mg0.027 mg
Vitaminium B60.032 mg0.076 mg
Vitaminium B9 (Folic acid)0.012 mg0.007 mg
Vitaminium E0.09 mg0.37 mg
Vitaminium K0.001 µg0.001 µg

Delving into the Delightful World of Ricotta Cheese and Queso Fresco

When exploring the vast universe of cheeses, two names often come up for their versatility and unique flavors: Ricotta cheese and Queso Fresco. These cheeses are not just staples in their respective cuisines; they carry rich histories and culinary versatility that make them favorites among chefs and home cooks alike. Let's dive into some interesting facts about these cheeses before comparing their nutritional profiles and culinary uses.

A Closer Look at Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta cheese, with its roots deeply embedded in Italian cuisine, is known for its creamy texture and slightly sweet taste. It's traditionally made from the whey left over from the production of other cheeses, which is then reheated (hence the name "ricotta," meaning "recooked" in Italian). This process gives Ricotta its distinct, fluffy texture, making it perfect for both savory dishes like lasagna and sweet desserts like cannoli.

Exploring the Essence of Queso Fresco

Queso Fresco, translating to "fresh cheese" in Spanish, is a beloved component of Mexican and other Latin American cuisines. It's made from cow's milk or a combination of cow and goat milk, and is known for its mild, fresh flavor and firm texture. Unlike Ricotta, Queso Fresco is pressed to remove moisture, resulting in a cheese that crumbles beautifully but doesn't melt, making it an excellent topping for tacos, salads, and soups.

Nutritional Nuances

When it comes to nutritional content, both cheeses offer their own set of benefits. Ricotta cheese is lighter in calories, with 156 calories per 100 grams, compared to Queso Fresco's 299 calories. However, Queso Fresco takes the lead in protein content, offering 18.09 grams per 100 grams, whereas Ricotta provides 11.32 grams. In terms of fat content, Ricotta is considerably lower in fat (10.44 grams) compared to Queso Fresco (23.82 grams), making it a preferable option for those monitoring their fat intake. Both cheeses are relatively low in carbohydrates and sugars, though Queso Fresco has a slightly higher sugar content (2.32 grams) than Ricotta (0.29 grams). An interesting point to note is the calcium content, where Queso Fresco outshines with 566 mg per 100 grams, significantly higher than Ricotta's 240 mg, making it a great choice for bone health. However, Queso Fresco is also higher in sodium (751 mg) compared to Ricotta (92 mg), which might be a consideration for those on a low-sodium diet.

Culinary Creations

Both Ricotta and Queso Fresco shine in the kitchen, each bringing its unique texture and flavor to dishes. Ricotta is incredibly versatile, being a star in Italian dishes such as stuffed shells, ricotta gnocchi, and as a filling for ravioli. Its creamy texture also makes it a favorite for cheesecakes and other desserts.

Queso Fresco, on the other hand, adds a delightful freshness to dishes. Its ability to crumble makes it perfect for sprinkling over salads, soups, and black beans. It's also a common topping in traditional Mexican dishes like enchiladas and huevos rancheros.

In conclusion, while Ricotta and Queso Fresco differ in their origins, textures, and nutritional profiles, both cheeses offer unique flavors and versatility in cooking. Whether you're crafting a traditional Italian meal or spicing up a Latin American dish, these cheeses can add a delightful touch to your culinary creations. So, why not experiment with both and discover the unique qualities each brings to your table?

Ricotta cheese 100g

156kcal

Calories source

  • 11% CARBS.
  • 29% PROTEIN
  • 60% FAT

Queso Fresco 100g

299kcal

Calories source

  • 4% CARBS
  • 24% PROTEIN
  • 72% FAT
Marcin Piotrowicz
Author of this page
Marcin Piotrowicz

calories-info.com creator
Healthy diet and healthy lifestyle promoter

All information about nutrition on this website was created with help of information from the official United States Department of Agriculture database.

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