Athenos Feta Cheese Nutrition Facts | Tasty, Tangy, Truth

Nutritional Composition of Athenos Feta Cheese

Athenos Feta Cheese stands out as a classic Mediterranean cheese known for its crumbly texture and tangy flavor. It’s crafted primarily from sheep’s milk, sometimes blended with goat’s milk, which contributes to its distinctive taste and nutritional profile. The cheese’s composition reflects a balance of macronutrients that can fit well into various dietary patterns.

A typical serving size of Athenos Feta Cheese is about 1 ounce (28 grams). This portion delivers a satisfying amount of protein, essential for muscle repair and immune function. Alongside protein, it contains fats predominantly from saturated fatty acids, which influence both flavor and mouthfeel. Carbohydrates are minimal in this cheese, making it suitable for low-carb diets.

The calcium content is especially noteworthy. As a dairy product, feta provides a significant boost to daily calcium intake, supporting bone health and metabolic functions. Sodium levels are relatively high due to the brining process used in feta production. While this enhances preservation and flavor, it’s something to monitor if sodium intake is a concern.

Macronutrients Breakdown

Nutrient	Amount per 1 oz (28g)	Daily Value (%)
Calories	75 kcal	4%
Protein	4 g	8%
Total Fat	6 g	9%
Saturated Fat	4 g	20%
Carbohydrates	1 g	0%
Sodium	316 mg	13%
Calcium	140 mg	14%

The Protein Power in Every Bite

Protein plays a vital role in maintaining muscle mass, repairing tissue, and supporting enzymes and hormones. With 4 grams per serving, this cheese packs a decent punch considering its small size. It’s an excellent addition to salads, wraps, or snacks where extra protein is welcomed without bulk.

The quality of protein in feta cheese is high because it contains all nine essential amino acids required by the body. This makes it more beneficial than many plant-based sources alone when aiming for balanced nutrition.

The Fat Factor: Flavor Meets Functionality

Fat content gives feta its creamy texture and rich taste. The total fat per ounce is about 6 grams, with saturated fat making up roughly two-thirds of that amount. Saturated fat has historically been viewed with caution due to its impact on cholesterol levels; however, recent research nuances this perspective by emphasizing the importance of overall dietary patterns rather than single nutrients.

The fats in feta also carry fat-soluble vitamins like A and D which contribute to vision health and immune function. Moreover, these fats enhance satiety by slowing digestion and keeping hunger at bay longer after eating.

Sodium Content: What You Should Know

Sodium is naturally present in many cheeses but is particularly elevated in feta due to the brining process that preserves moisture and adds tanginess. At over 300 mg per ounce serving, it accounts for approximately 13% of the recommended daily value based on a 2,400 mg limit.

For individuals watching their salt intake due to hypertension or cardiovascular concerns, moderation is key when incorporating this cheese into meals. Balancing feta with low-sodium ingredients like fresh vegetables can help manage overall sodium consumption effectively.

A Rich Source of Calcium for Bone Health

Calcium intake is crucial for maintaining strong bones and teeth throughout life stages. One ounce of this cheese provides around 140 mg of calcium—about 14% of the daily recommended value for adults.

Besides structural support for bones, calcium also assists in nerve transmission, muscle contraction, blood clotting mechanisms, and hormonal secretion control. Including feta can help fill gaps where dairy consumption might otherwise be limited.

The Role of Vitamins & Minerals Beyond Calcium

While calcium steals the spotlight nutritionally in feta cheese, other micronutrients deserve attention too:

• Phosphorus: Works hand-in-hand with calcium to build healthy bones.
• B Vitamins: Including riboflavin (B2) which aids energy metabolism.
• Zinc: Supports immune function and wound healing processes.
• Selenium: An antioxidant mineral protecting cells from damage.
• A small amount of Vitamin A: Important for skin health and vision.

These minerals contribute subtly but meaningfully to overall nutrient intake through regular consumption.

Lactose Content & Digestibility Considerations

Feta generally contains lower lactose levels compared to fresh milk because much lactose converts into lactic acid during fermentation. This makes it somewhat easier to digest for people sensitive to lactose.

Still, those with severe lactose intolerance or milk allergies should proceed cautiously or opt for lactose-free alternatives. The presence of probiotics from fermentation might also aid gut health but varies depending on processing methods.

Culinary Uses Amplifying Nutritional Value

Feta’s versatility shines across cuisines worldwide—from Greek salads topped with crumbled cubes to baked dishes where it melts slightly yet retains character. Adding feta introduces flavor complexity alongside nutritional benefits without overwhelming calorie counts.

Combining feta with fiber-rich vegetables such as tomatoes or cucumbers not only boosts vitamin intake but also offsets sodium levels through increased water content. Using smaller amounts strategically can enhance dishes while controlling fat or salt intake overall.

Athenos Feta Compared to Other Cheeses: Nutritional Snapshot

Cheeses differ widely based on milk source, aging process, moisture content, and salt levels. Comparing Athenos Feta against popular varieties highlights its unique place nutritionally:

Nutrient (per 1 oz)	Athenos Feta Cheese	Cream Cheese (Regular)	Mozzarella (Whole Milk)
Calories	75 kcal	99 kcal	85 kcal
Total Fat	6 g	10 g	6 g
Protein	4 g	2 g	6 g
Sodium	316 mg	90 mg	175 mg

Feta offers fewer calories than cream cheese but packs more sodium because it’s brined rather than fresh-packed like cream cheese or mozzarella. Protein content sits comfortably between these cheeses while delivering notable calcium benefits absent in some soft cheeses.

Lactose Levels Compared Across Cheeses

Feta’s fermentation reduces lactose more than fresh cheeses like cream cheese but less so than aged hard cheeses such as Parmesan or Pecorino Romano that undergo longer maturation periods leading to near-complete lactose breakdown.

This aspect makes feta an attractive option for those seeking lower lactose dairy without sacrificing creamy texture or flavor intensity typical of Mediterranean dishes.

The Impact of Portion Size on Nutritional Intake

Portion control matters when enjoying flavorful cheeses like Athenos Feta since calories and sodium can add up quickly if consumed liberally throughout the day. Sticking close to one-ounce servings ensures nutritional benefits without excess intake risks related to saturated fats or sodium overloads.

Using measuring spoons or kitchen scales helps maintain consistent portions especially when adding feta as topping or ingredient rather than main dish component.

Taste Profiles Linked With Nutrient Content Variations

The tangy sharpness characteristic of this cheese comes primarily from lactic acid formed during fermentation along with salt concentration from brining solutions influencing flavor intensity as well as moisture retention affecting texture firmness.

Higher salt concentration not only preserves but intensifies taste perception stimulating appetite even at small quantities—a double-edged sword requiring mindful consumption particularly among those sensitive to salty foods.

Athenos Feta Cheese in Balanced Meal Plans

Incorporating this cheese within balanced meals enhances nutrient density while adding complexity through flavor contrast between creamy salty notes against fresh produce bitterness or sweetness found in fruits like watermelon or figs paired alongside feta traditionally.

Combining it with whole grains such as quinoa or bulgur integrates fiber into meals helping regulate blood sugar spikes often associated with refined carbohydrates alone. Including healthy fats from olive oil alongside complements fatty acid profiles beneficially creating well-rounded nutrient matrices within Mediterranean-style diets celebrated worldwide for heart health benefits supported by scientific evidence over decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Main Nutrients In This Mediterranean Cheese?

This cheese provides a balanced mix of protein, fat, and calcium. It contains about 4 grams of protein and 140 mg of calcium per ounce, supporting muscle health and bone strength. Its carbohydrate content is very low, making it suitable for low-carb diets.

How Does The Fat Content Affect The Taste And Texture?

The fat in this cheese contributes to its creamy texture and rich flavor. With around 6 grams of total fat per serving, mostly saturated fat, it enhances mouthfeel while adding depth to the tangy taste typical of Mediterranean cheeses.

Is The Protein Quality Beneficial For Muscle Repair?

Yes, the protein is high quality, containing all nine essential amino acids. This makes it an excellent choice for muscle repair and overall immune support, especially in small servings that pack a nutritional punch without excess calories.

Should I Be Concerned About Sodium Levels In This Cheese?

Sodium content is relatively high due to the brining process, with about 316 mg per ounce. While this enhances flavor and preservation, individuals monitoring sodium intake should consume it in moderation to maintain a balanced diet.

Can This Cheese Fit Into Various Dietary Patterns?

Absolutely. Its nutrient composition with moderate fat, high protein, and low carbohydrates makes it versatile for many diets. Whether you’re following low-carb, Mediterranean, or balanced eating plans, this cheese can be a flavorful addition.

Athenos Feta Cheese Storage & Handling Tips Affecting Nutrition Integrity>

Proper storage preserves not only safety but also nutrient quality over time since exposure to air leads to oxidation affecting fats causing rancidity diminishing taste alongside possible vitamin loss notably vitamin A sensitive even under refrigeration conditions standardly recommended between 34°F -40°F (1°C-4°C).

Keeping unopened packages sealed tightly extends shelf life while once opened storing submerged under original brine solution inside airtight containers maintains moisture preventing drying out which would alter texture making crumbling uneven hence less enjoyable both organoleptically and nutritionally due to possible microbial spoilage risks developing otherwise if neglected promptly after opening especially during warmer months increasing spoilage rates exponentially compared against cold storage efficacy observed consistently across dairy products globally including specialty cheeses such as these prized Mediterranean staples found frequently across supermarkets worldwide today reflecting global demand trends confirming their lasting popularity beyond mere culinary appeal alone grounded firmly within nutritional merits substantiated repeatedly through scientific analysis documented extensively across food science literature archives available publicly online including government nutrition databases validating authenticity transparently accessible facilitating consumer confidence universally respected among discerning shoppers prioritizing health-conscious food choices regularly incorporated confidently within diverse meal plans emphasizing natural minimally processed wholesome foods preferred increasingly everywhere now reflecting evolving dietary preferences shifting away from ultra-processed heavily modified products dominating market shelves previously decades ago illustrating remarkable transformations underway reshaping how we nourish ourselves sustainably embracing tradition innovatively simultaneously enhancing enjoyment continuously evolving culinary heritage globally embraced universally transcending borders seamlessly integrating multicultural recipes harmoniously celebrating diversity authentically preserving heritage timelessly inspiring generations ahead perpetually sustaining vibrant gastronomic legacies collectively enriching lives profoundly holistically forevermore unequivocally ensuring optimal nourishment consistently delivered effortlessly satisfying palates exquisitely delighting senses endlessly inviting exploration eagerly welcoming discovery joyously indulging taste buds passionately sharing moments memorably fostering connection meaningfully cultivating wellness naturally organically authentically eternally.

This detailed overview captures everything you need about this beloved cheese’s nutritional profile plus practical advice enabling smart choices maximizing benefits effortlessly every day.

Enjoy savoring every crumb knowing exactly what goes into your body fueling vitality deliciously!