Whole-Food Dairy Guide
16 items classified under standard Whole-Food guidelines.
How do dairy fare on the Whole-Food diet? The answer depends on processing level. This guide breaks down all 16 items in this category with their classification, nutritional data, and the reasoning behind each status.
Quick Reference
| Food | Status | Calories (per 100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Buttermilk | Allowed | 40kcal |
| Cottage Cheese | Allowed | 148kcal |
| Milk | Allowed | 52kcal |
| Yogurt | Allowed | 81kcal |
| Brie | Limited | 334kcal |
| Cheddar | Limited | 410kcal |
| Cheese | Limited | 295kcal |
| Feta | Limited | 265kcal |
| Goat Cheese | Limited | 142kcal |
| Ice Cream | Limited | 237kcal |
| Mac and Cheese | Limited | 257kcal |
| Mozzarella | Limited | 141kcal |
| Parmesan | Limited | 370kcal |
| Ricotta | Limited | 150kcal |
| Swiss Cheese | Limited | 290kcal |
| Whipped Cream | Limited | 257kcal |
Classification Breakdown
4 Allowed — These dairy are minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. 12 Limited — These items have moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions.
The target is NOVA group 4 — ultra-processed foods built from extracted components and additives.
Allowed Dairy (4)
Buttermilk
AllowedButtermilk is classified as Allowed on Whole-Food, with 40kcal calories per 100g. This means it is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. Among the 16 items in this category, buttermilk sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Milk at 52kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Cottage Cheese
AllowedWith 148kcal calories per 100g, Cottage Cheese earns a Allowed classification on Whole-Food. This means it is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. It also contains 11g protein and 9.7g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Goat Cheese and Ricotta for calories, ranking 6 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 |
Milk
AllowedWith 52kcal calories per 100g, Milk earns a Allowed classification on Whole-Food. This means it is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. Among the 16 items in this category, milk sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Yogurt at 81kcal.
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 |
Yogurt
AllowedAt 81kcal calories per 100g, Yogurt falls into the Allowed category under Whole-Food guidelines. This means it is minimally processed, in or close to its natural state. Among the 16 items in this category, yogurt sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Mozzarella at 141kcal.
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 |
Limited Dairy (12)
Brie
LimitedWith 334kcal calories per 100g, Brie earns a Limited classification on Whole-Food. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. 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 calories. The nearest lower option is Cheese at 295kcal. 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
Cheddar
LimitedAt 410kcal calories per 100g, Cheddar falls into the Limited category under Whole-Food guidelines. It is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. 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 calories. The nearest lower option is Parmesan at 370kcal. 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
Cheese
LimitedCheese is classified as Limited on Whole-Food, with 295kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Nutritionally, it also delivers 7.1g protein and 28.6g fat per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Swiss Cheese at 290kcal. 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 | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheddar | 409kcal | 23.3g | 34g | 2.4g | 0g |
| Mozzarella | 299kcal | 22.2g | 22.1g | 2.4g | 0g |
| Swiss | 393kcal | 27g | 31g | 1.4g | — |
Feta
LimitedFeta is classified as Limited on Whole-Food, with 265kcal calories per 100g. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. It also contains 14.2g protein and 21.5g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Whipped Cream and Swiss Cheese for calories, ranking 11 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
Goat Cheese
LimitedAt 142kcal calories per 100g, Goat Cheese falls into the Limited category under Whole-Food guidelines. The classification reflects that it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Nutritionally, it also delivers 26.9g protein and 392mg sodium per serving. Within this category, it falls between Mozzarella and Cottage Cheese for calories, ranking 5 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
Ice Cream
LimitedAt 237kcal calories per 100g, Ice Cream falls into the Limited category under Whole-Food guidelines. It is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Beyond the primary classification, ice cream also provides 8.6g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Ricotta and Mac and Cheese for calories, ranking 8 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
LimitedWith 257kcal calories per 100g, Mac and Cheese earns a Limited classification on Whole-Food. It is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Beyond the primary classification, mac and cheese also provides 11.8g protein and 15g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Ice Cream and Whipped Cream for calories, ranking 9 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
Mozzarella
LimitedWith 141kcal calories per 100g, Mozzarella earns a Limited classification on Whole-Food. This means it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. 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 calories — next closest is Goat Cheese at 142kcal. 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
Parmesan
LimitedParmesan is classified as Limited on Whole-Food, with 370kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Nutritionally, it also delivers 40g protein and 1150mg sodium per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Brie at 334kcal. 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
Ricotta
LimitedAt 150kcal calories per 100g, Ricotta falls into the Limited category under Whole-Food guidelines. It is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Beyond the primary classification, ricotta also provides 7.5g protein and 10.2g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Cottage Cheese and Ice Cream for calories, 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
Swiss Cheese
LimitedAt 290kcal calories per 100g, Swiss Cheese falls into the Limited category under Whole-Food guidelines. The classification reflects that it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Nutritionally, it also delivers 16.4g protein and 21.2g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Feta and Cheese for calories, 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
Whipped Cream
LimitedAt 257kcal calories per 100g, Whipped Cream falls into the Limited category under Whole-Food guidelines. The classification reflects that it is moderately processed — fine in plain form, often ultra-processed in branded versions. Nutritionally, it also delivers 22.2g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Mac and Cheese and Feta for calories, 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