High-Protein Dairy Guide
16 items classified under standard High-Protein guidelines.
How do dairy fare on the High-Protein diet? The answer depends on protein density per serving. This guide breaks down all 16 items in this category with their classification, nutritional data, and the reasoning behind each status.
Good news for High-Protein followers: all dairy fit the diet. These foods are protein-dense enough to contribute meaningfully toward a daily protein target. The nutrition details below help you compare within the category to find the best options for your specific needs.
Quick Reference
| Food | Status | Protein (per 100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Brie | Allowed | 20.8g |
| Buttermilk | Allowed | 3.3g |
| Cheddar | Allowed | 24.2g |
| Cheese | Allowed | 7.1g |
| Cottage Cheese | Allowed | 11g |
| Feta | Allowed | 14.2g |
| Goat Cheese | Allowed | 26.9g |
| Ice Cream | Allowed | 4.3g |
| Mac and Cheese | Allowed | 11.8g |
| Milk | Allowed | 3.3g |
| Mozzarella | Allowed | 31.7g |
| Parmesan | Allowed | 40g |
| Ricotta | Allowed | 7.5g |
| Swiss Cheese | Allowed | 16.4g |
| Whipped Cream | Allowed | 3.2g |
| Yogurt | Allowed | 4.3g |
Classification Breakdown
16 Allowed — These dairy are protein-dense enough to contribute meaningfully toward a daily protein target.
High-protein targets are typically 1.6 to 2.2g of protein per kg of body weight per day.
Allowed Dairy (16)
Brie
AllowedAt 20.8g protein per 100g, Brie falls into the Allowed category under High-Protein guidelines. The classification reflects that it is protein-dense enough to contribute meaningfully toward a daily protein target. Nutritionally, it also delivers 20.8g protein and 27.7g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Swiss Cheese and Cheddar for protein, ranking 12 of 16.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Buttermilk
AllowedAt 3.3g protein per 100g, Buttermilk falls into the Allowed category under High-Protein guidelines. This means it is protein-dense enough to contribute meaningfully toward a daily protein target. Among the 16 items in this category, buttermilk sits at the low end for protein — next closest is Milk at 3.3g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Cheddar
AllowedWith 24.2g protein per 100g, Cheddar earns a Allowed classification on High-Protein. It is protein-dense enough to contribute meaningfully toward a daily protein target. Beyond the primary classification, cheddar also provides 24.2g protein and 33.8g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for protein. The nearest lower option is Brie at 20.8g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Cheese
AllowedCheese is classified as Allowed on High-Protein, with 7.1g protein per 100g. The classification reflects that it is protein-dense enough to contribute meaningfully toward a daily protein target. Nutritionally, it also delivers 7.1g protein and 28.6g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Yogurt and Ricotta for protein, ranking 6 of 16.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheddar | 409kcal | 23.3g | 34g | 2.4g | 0g |
| Mozzarella | 299kcal | 22.2g | 22.1g | 2.4g | 0g |
| Swiss | 393kcal | 27g | 31g | 1.4g | — |
Cottage Cheese
AllowedWith 11g protein per 100g, Cottage Cheese earns a Allowed classification on High-Protein. It is protein-dense enough to contribute meaningfully toward a daily protein target. Beyond the primary classification, cottage cheese also provides 11g protein and 9.7g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Ricotta and Mac and Cheese for protein, ranking 8 of 16.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Fat (4%) | 103kcal | 11.6g | 4.2g | 4.6g | 0g |
| Low-Fat (1%) | 72kcal | 12.4g | 1g | 2.7g | 0g |
Feta
AllowedAt 14.2g protein per 100g, Feta falls into the Allowed category under High-Protein guidelines. The classification reflects that it is protein-dense enough to contribute meaningfully toward a daily protein target. Nutritionally, it also delivers 14.2g protein and 21.5g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Mac and Cheese and Swiss Cheese for protein, ranking 10 of 16.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Goat Cheese
AllowedAt 26.9g protein per 100g, Goat Cheese falls into the Allowed category under High-Protein guidelines. It is protein-dense enough to contribute meaningfully toward a daily protein target. Beyond the primary classification, goat cheese also provides 26.9g protein and 392mg sodium per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for protein. The nearest lower option is Cheddar at 24.2g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Ice Cream
AllowedAt 4.3g protein per 100g, Ice Cream falls into the Allowed category under High-Protein guidelines. The classification reflects that it is protein-dense enough to contribute meaningfully toward a daily protein target. Nutritionally, it also delivers 8.6g fat per serving. Among the 16 items in this category, ice cream sits at the low end for protein — next closest is Yogurt at 4.3g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Mac and Cheese
AllowedAt 11.8g protein per 100g, Mac and Cheese falls into the Allowed category under High-Protein guidelines. The classification reflects that it is protein-dense enough to contribute meaningfully toward a daily protein target. Nutritionally, it also delivers 11.8g protein and 15g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Cottage Cheese and Feta for protein, ranking 9 of 16.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Milk
AllowedMilk is classified as Allowed on High-Protein, with 3.3g protein per 100g. This means it is protein-dense enough to contribute meaningfully toward a daily protein target. Among the 16 items in this category, milk sits at the low end for protein — next closest is Ice Cream at 4.3g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Milk | 60kcal | 3.3g | 3.2g | 4.6g | — |
| 2% Milk | 50kcal | 3.3g | 2g | 4.8g | 0g |
| Skim Milk | 35kcal | 3.4g | 0.2g | 4.9g | 0g |
Mozzarella
AllowedWith 31.7g protein per 100g, Mozzarella earns a Allowed classification on High-Protein. This means it is protein-dense enough to contribute meaningfully toward a daily protein target. It also contains 31.7g protein and 743mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for protein. The nearest lower option is Goat Cheese at 26.9g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Parmesan
AllowedAt 40g protein per 100g, Parmesan falls into the Allowed category under High-Protein guidelines. It is protein-dense enough to contribute meaningfully toward a daily protein target. Beyond the primary classification, parmesan also provides 40g protein and 1150mg sodium per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for protein. The nearest lower option is Mozzarella at 31.7g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Ricotta
AllowedRicotta is classified as Allowed on High-Protein, with 7.5g protein per 100g. The classification reflects that it is protein-dense enough to contribute meaningfully toward a daily protein target. Nutritionally, it also delivers 7.5g protein and 10.2g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Cheese and Cottage Cheese for protein, ranking 7 of 16.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Swiss Cheese
AllowedWith 16.4g protein per 100g, Swiss Cheese earns a Allowed classification on High-Protein. This means it is protein-dense enough to contribute meaningfully toward a daily protein target. It also contains 16.4g protein and 21.2g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Feta and Brie for protein, ranking 11 of 16.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Whipped Cream
AllowedWith 3.2g protein per 100g, Whipped Cream earns a Allowed classification on High-Protein. It is protein-dense enough to contribute meaningfully toward a daily protein target. Beyond the primary classification, whipped cream also provides 22.2g fat per 100g. Among the 16 items in this category, whipped cream sits at the low end for protein — next closest is Buttermilk at 3.3g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Yogurt
AllowedWith 4.3g protein per 100g, Yogurt earns a Allowed classification on High-Protein. This means it is protein-dense enough to contribute meaningfully toward a daily protein target. Within this category, it falls between Ice Cream and Cheese for protein, ranking 5 of 16.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plain Whole Milk Yogurt | 61kcal | 3.5g | 3.3g | 4.7g | 0g |
| Plain Low-Fat Yogurt | 63kcal | 5.3g | 1.6g | 7g | 0g |
| Plain Nonfat Yogurt | 56kcal | 5.7g | 0.2g | 7.7g | 0g |