Low-Carb Dairy Guide
16 items classified under standard Low-Carb guidelines.
This guide covers all 16 dairy classified under Low-Carb guidelines. Low-Carb evaluates foods primarily by carbohydrate content, which determines how each item in this category is classified.
Dairy are overwhelmingly compatible with Low-Carb. Each item listed here is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. The entries below break down the specific nutritional profile so you can choose based on your individual targets — calories, macros, or micronutrients that matter for your goals.
Quick Reference
| Food | Status | Net carbs (per 100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Brie | Allowed | 0.5g |
| Buttermilk | Allowed | 4.8g |
| Cheddar | Allowed | 2.1g |
| Cheese | Allowed | 3.5g |
| Cottage Cheese | Allowed | 4.3g |
| Feta | Allowed | 3.9g |
| Goat Cheese | Allowed | 0g |
| Ice Cream | Allowed | 37.1g |
| Mac and Cheese | Allowed | 18.5g |
| Mozzarella | Allowed | 1.7g |
| Parmesan | Allowed | 40g |
| Ricotta | Allowed | 7.3g |
| Swiss Cheese | Allowed | 8.7g |
| Whipped Cream | Allowed | 12.5g |
| Yogurt | Allowed | 13.6g |
| Milk | Limited | 4.8g |
Classification Breakdown
15 Allowed — These dairy are low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. 1 Limited — These items have a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones.
Low-carb spans from about 150g/day down to 20g/day, so the same food can be in or out depending on which end of the spectrum.
Allowed Dairy (15)
Brie
AllowedAt 0.5g net carbs per 100g, Brie falls into the Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. The classification reflects that it is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. Nutritionally, it also delivers 20.8g protein and 27.7g fat per serving. Among the 16 items in this category, brie sits at the low end for net carbs — next closest is Mozzarella at 1.7g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Buttermilk
AllowedWith 4.8g net carbs per 100g, Buttermilk earns a Allowed classification on Low-Carb. This means it is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. Within this category, it falls between Cottage Cheese and Milk for net carbs, ranking 8 of 16.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Cheddar
AllowedWith 2.1g net carbs per 100g, Cheddar earns a Allowed classification on Low-Carb. This means it is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. It also contains 24.2g protein and 33.8g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 16 items in this category, cheddar sits at the low end for net carbs — next closest is Cheese at 3.5g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Cheese
AllowedCheese is classified as Allowed on Low-Carb, with 3.5g net carbs per 100g. This means it is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. It also contains 7.1g protein and 28.6g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Cheddar and Feta for net carbs, ranking 5 of 16.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Net Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheddar | 409kcal | 23.3g | 34g | 2.4g | 0g | 2.4g |
| Mozzarella | 299kcal | 22.2g | 22.1g | 2.4g | 0g | 2.4g |
| Swiss | 393kcal | 27g | 31g | 1.4g | — | 1.4g |
Cottage Cheese
AllowedCottage Cheese is classified as Allowed on Low-Carb, with 4.3g net carbs per 100g. This means it is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. It also contains 11g protein and 9.7g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Feta and Buttermilk for net carbs, ranking 7 of 16.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Net Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Fat (4%) | 103kcal | 11.6g | 4.2g | 4.6g | 0g | 4.6g |
| Low-Fat (1%) | 72kcal | 12.4g | 1g | 2.7g | 0g | 2.7g |
Feta
AllowedAt 3.9g net carbs per 100g, Feta falls into the Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. The classification reflects that it is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. Nutritionally, it also delivers 14.2g protein and 21.5g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Cheese and Cottage Cheese for net carbs, ranking 6 of 16.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Goat Cheese
AllowedGoat Cheese is classified as Allowed on Low-Carb, with 0g net carbs per 100g. This means it is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. It also contains 26.9g protein and 392mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 16 items in this category, goat cheese sits at the low end for net carbs — next closest is Brie at 0.5g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Ice Cream
AllowedWith 37.1g net carbs per 100g, Ice Cream earns a Allowed classification on Low-Carb. This means it is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. It also contains 8.6g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for net carbs. The nearest lower option is Mac and Cheese at 18.5g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Mac and Cheese
AllowedMac and Cheese is classified as Allowed on Low-Carb, with 18.5g net carbs per 100g. This means it is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. It also contains 11.8g protein and 15g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for net carbs. The nearest lower option is Yogurt at 13.6g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Mozzarella
AllowedWith 1.7g net carbs per 100g, Mozzarella earns a Allowed classification on Low-Carb. This means it is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. It also contains 31.7g protein and 743mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 16 items in this category, mozzarella sits at the low end for net carbs — next closest is Cheddar at 2.1g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Parmesan
AllowedWith 40g net carbs per 100g, Parmesan earns a Allowed classification on Low-Carb. This means it is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. It also contains 40g protein and 1150mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for net carbs. The nearest lower option is Ice Cream at 37.1g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Ricotta
AllowedWith 7.3g net carbs per 100g, Ricotta earns a Allowed classification on Low-Carb. It is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. Beyond the primary classification, ricotta also provides 7.5g protein and 10.2g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Milk and Swiss Cheese for net carbs, ranking 10 of 16.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Swiss Cheese
AllowedWith 8.7g net carbs per 100g, Swiss Cheese earns a Allowed classification on Low-Carb. This means it is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. It also contains 16.4g protein and 21.2g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Ricotta and Whipped Cream for net carbs, ranking 11 of 16.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Whipped Cream
AllowedWhipped Cream is classified as Allowed on Low-Carb, with 12.5g net carbs per 100g. This means it is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. It also contains 22.2g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Swiss Cheese and Yogurt for net carbs, ranking 12 of 16.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Yogurt
AllowedWith 13.6g net carbs per 100g, Yogurt earns a Allowed classification on Low-Carb. This means it is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. It ranks among the highest in this category for net carbs. The nearest lower option is Whipped Cream at 12.5g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Net Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plain Whole Milk Yogurt | 61kcal | 3.5g | 3.3g | 4.7g | 0g | 4.7g |
| Plain Low-Fat Yogurt | 63kcal | 5.3g | 1.6g | 7g | 0g | 7g |
| Plain Nonfat Yogurt | 56kcal | 5.7g | 0.2g | 7.7g | 0g | 7.7g |
Limited Dairy (1)
Milk
LimitedMilk is classified as Limited on Low-Carb, with 4.8g net carbs per 100g. This means it is a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones. Within this category, it falls between Buttermilk and Ricotta for net carbs, ranking 9 of 16. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Net Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Milk | 60kcal | 3.3g | 3.2g | 4.6g | — | 4.6g |
| 2% Milk | 50kcal | 3.3g | 2g | 4.8g | 0g | 4.8g |
| Skim Milk | 35kcal | 3.4g | 0.2g | 4.9g | 0g | 4.9g |