Low-Fat Dairy Guide
16 items classified under standard Low-Fat guidelines.
Low-Fat classifies foods based on total fat content per serving. Of the 16 dairy evaluated, 0 are classified as Allowed, 12 as Limited, and 4 as Not Allowed.
Quick Reference
| Food | Status | Total fat (per 100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Buttermilk | Limited | 0.9g |
| Cheese | Limited | 28.6g |
| Cottage Cheese | Limited | 9.7g |
| Feta | Limited | 21.5g |
| Goat Cheese | Limited | 3g |
| Ice Cream | Limited | 8.6g |
| Mac and Cheese | Limited | 15g |
| Milk | Limited | 2.1g |
| Mozzarella | Limited | 0g |
| Parmesan | Limited | 5g |
| Ricotta | Limited | 10.2g |
| Yogurt | Limited | 1g |
| Brie | Not Allowed | 27.7g |
| Cheddar | Not Allowed | 33.8g |
| Swiss Cheese | Not Allowed | 21.2g |
| Whipped Cream | Not Allowed | 22.2g |
Classification Breakdown
12 Limited — These items have fat content that varies by preparation or brand. 4 Not Allowed — These are high enough in total fat that modest portions push past the diet's targets.
Modern low-fat practice distinguishes between fat types — olive oil, fatty fish, and nuts are often kept.
Limited Dairy (12)
Buttermilk
LimitedAt 0.9g total fat per 100g, Buttermilk falls into the Limited category under Low-Fat guidelines. This means it is fat content that varies by preparation or brand. Among the 16 items in this category, buttermilk sits at the low end for total fat — next closest is Yogurt at 1g. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Cheese
LimitedWith 28.6g total fat per 100g, Cheese earns a Limited classification on Low-Fat. It is fat content that varies by preparation or brand. Beyond the primary classification, cheese also provides 7.1g protein and 28.6g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for total fat. The nearest lower option is Brie at 27.7g. 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 | Sat. Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheddar | 409kcal | 23.3g | 34g | 2.4g | 19.2g |
| Mozzarella | 299kcal | 22.2g | 22.1g | 2.4g | 13.9g |
| Swiss | 393kcal | 27g | 31g | 1.4g | 18.2g |
Cottage Cheese
LimitedCottage Cheese is classified as Limited on Low-Fat, with 9.7g total fat per 100g. This means it is fat content that varies by preparation or brand. It also contains 11g protein and 9.7g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Ice Cream and Ricotta for total fat, ranking 8 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 | Sat. Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Fat (4%) | 103kcal | 11.6g | 4.2g | 4.6g | 2.6g |
| Low-Fat (1%) | 72kcal | 12.4g | 1g | 2.7g | 0.6g |
Feta
LimitedWith 21.5g total fat per 100g, Feta earns a Limited classification on Low-Fat. This means it is fat content that varies by preparation or brand. It also contains 14.2g protein and 21.5g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Swiss Cheese and Whipped Cream for total fat, ranking 12 of 16. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Goat Cheese
LimitedWith 3g total fat per 100g, Goat Cheese earns a Limited classification on Low-Fat. It is fat content that varies by preparation or brand. Beyond the primary classification, goat cheese also provides 26.9g protein and 392mg sodium per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Milk and Parmesan for total fat, ranking 5 of 16. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Ice Cream
LimitedAt 8.6g total fat per 100g, Ice Cream falls into the Limited category under Low-Fat guidelines. The classification reflects that it is fat content that varies by preparation or brand. Nutritionally, it also delivers 8.6g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Parmesan and Cottage Cheese for total fat, ranking 7 of 16. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Mac and Cheese
LimitedMac and Cheese is classified as Limited on Low-Fat, with 15g total fat per 100g. The classification reflects that it is fat content that varies by preparation or brand. Nutritionally, it also delivers 11.8g protein and 15g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Ricotta and Swiss Cheese for total fat, ranking 10 of 16. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Milk
LimitedWith 2.1g total fat per 100g, Milk earns a Limited classification on Low-Fat. This means it is fat content that varies by preparation or brand. Among the 16 items in this category, milk sits at the low end for total fat — next closest is Goat Cheese at 3g. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Sat. Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Milk | 60kcal | 3.3g | 3.2g | 4.6g | 1.9g |
| 2% Milk | 50kcal | 3.3g | 2g | 4.8g | 1.3g |
| Skim Milk | 35kcal | 3.4g | 0.2g | 4.9g | 0.1g |
Mozzarella
LimitedMozzarella is classified as Limited on Low-Fat, with 0g total fat per 100g. The classification reflects that it is fat content that varies by preparation or brand. Nutritionally, it also delivers 31.7g protein and 743mg sodium per serving. Among the 16 items in this category, mozzarella sits at the low end for total fat — next closest is Buttermilk at 0.9g. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Parmesan
LimitedParmesan is classified as Limited on Low-Fat, with 5g total fat per 100g. The classification reflects that it is fat content that varies by preparation or brand. Nutritionally, it also delivers 40g protein and 1150mg sodium per serving. Within this category, it falls between Goat Cheese and Ice Cream for total fat, ranking 6 of 16. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Ricotta
LimitedRicotta is classified as Limited on Low-Fat, with 10.2g total fat per 100g. This means it is fat content that varies by preparation or brand. It also contains 7.5g protein and 10.2g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Cottage Cheese and Mac and Cheese for total fat, 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
Yogurt
LimitedAt 1g total fat per 100g, Yogurt falls into the Limited category under Low-Fat guidelines. This means it is fat content that varies by preparation or brand. Among the 16 items in this category, yogurt sits at the low end for total fat — next closest is Milk at 2.1g. 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 | Sat. Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plain Whole Milk Yogurt | 61kcal | 3.5g | 3.3g | 4.7g | 2.1g |
| Plain Low-Fat Yogurt | 63kcal | 5.3g | 1.6g | 7g | 1g |
| Plain Nonfat Yogurt | 56kcal | 5.7g | 0.2g | 7.7g | 0.1g |
Not Allowed Dairy (4)
Brie
Not AllowedBrie is classified as Not Allowed on Low-Fat, with 27.7g total fat per 100g. This means it is high enough in total fat that modest portions push past the diet's targets. It also contains 20.8g protein and 27.7g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for total fat. The nearest lower option is Whipped Cream at 22.2g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Cheddar
Not AllowedAt 33.8g total fat per 100g, Cheddar falls into the Not Allowed category under Low-Fat guidelines. It is high enough in total fat that modest portions push past the diet's targets. 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 total fat. The nearest lower option is Cheese at 28.6g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Swiss Cheese
Not AllowedAt 21.2g total fat per 100g, Swiss Cheese falls into the Not Allowed category under Low-Fat guidelines. The classification reflects that it is high enough in total fat that modest portions push past the diet's targets. Nutritionally, it also delivers 16.4g protein and 21.2g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Mac and Cheese and Feta for total fat, ranking 11 of 16.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Whipped Cream
Not AllowedAt 22.2g total fat per 100g, Whipped Cream falls into the Not Allowed category under Low-Fat guidelines. The classification reflects that it is high enough in total fat that modest portions push past the diet's targets. Nutritionally, it also delivers 22.2g fat per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for total fat. The nearest lower option is Feta at 21.5g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central