If you're a cheese lover, then you must have tasted or heard of shredded Asiago cheese. This Italian cheese has a nutty, creamy flavor that can add a delicious kick to any dish you prepare. But how healthy is it? Let's take a look at the nutritional facts of shredded Asiago cheese.

One ounce (28g) of shredded Asiago cheese contains 120 calories, 9g of fat, 1g of carbohydrates, and 8g of protein. It's also a good source of calcium, which is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth. However, Asiago cheese is high in sodium, which means it's not suitable for people with hypertension or those who are watching their sodium intake.

In this article, we'll explore more about shredded Asiago cheese, its benefits, and how to use it in cooking.

What is Shredded Asiago Cheese?

Asiago cheese has its roots in Italy, specifically in the Veneto region. It's a cow's milk cheese that comes in two types – fresh Asiago and aged Asiago. Shredded Asiago cheese is made from aged Asiago cheese, which is aged for at least six months and has a hard, crumbly texture. Asiago cheese is named after the Asiago plateau, where it was first produced. The cheese has a nutty, buttery, and slightly sharp flavor, which makes it a popular ingredient in Italian cuisine. Shredded Asiago cheese can be used in a variety of dishes, including pasta, salads, pizzas, and sandwiches.

Nutritional Facts of Shredded Asiago Cheese

As mentioned earlier, shredded Asiago cheese is a good source of calcium and protein. One ounce (28g) of the cheese also contains 9g of fat, 1g of carbohydrates, and 120 calories. However, it's important to note that Asiago cheese is high in sodium, with one ounce (28g) containing around 200mg of sodium. Consuming too much sodium can increase blood pressure, which can lead to several health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Therefore, it's important to consume shredded Asiago cheese in moderation and watch your sodium intake if you have high blood pressure or other health concerns.

How Many Calories in 1/4 Cup of Shredded Asiago Cheese?

One-fourth cup of shredded Asiago cheese (equivalent to one ounce or 28g) contains 120 calories.

Fat Content in Shredded Asiago Cheese

One ounce (28g) of shredded Asiago cheese contains 9g of fat, of which 6g is saturated fat. While saturated fat is necessary for the body in small amounts, consuming too much of it can increase cholesterol levels in the blood and raise the risk of heart disease. Therefore, it's important to consume shredded Asiago cheese in moderation and in combination with other healthy foods to maintain a balanced diet.

Carbohydrate Content in Shredded Asiago Cheese

Shredded Asiago cheese is low in carbohydrates, with one ounce (28g) containing only 1g of carbohydrates. It's an excellent cheese option for people following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.

Protein Content in Shredded Asiago Cheese

One ounce (28g) of shredded Asiago cheese contains 8g of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, tissues, and cells in the body. Protein also helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods, which can aid in weight loss.

Benefits of Consuming Shredded Asiago Cheese in Moderation

Shredded Asiago cheese can be a healthy addition to your diet if consumed in moderation. Here are some of the benefits of eating shredded Asiago cheese:

• Provides calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth.
• Low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent option for people following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
• High in protein, which can aid in weight loss and muscle building.
• Contains vitamin B12, which is essential for nerve function and the production of red blood cells.

How to Use Shredded Asiago Cheese for Cooking?

Shredded Asiago cheese can be used in a variety of dishes to add flavor and texture. Here are some ways to use shredded Asiago cheese in cooking:

• Sprinkle over pasta dishes, such as spaghetti carbonara or alfredo.
• Use as a topping for pizzas, along with other toppings like tomatoes, olives, and mushrooms.
• Add to salads, such as Caesar salad or Nicoise salad.
• Melt over vegetables, such as roasted broccoli or cauliflower.
• Use as a topping for soups, such as tomato soup or minestrone.
• Add to sandwiches, such as grilled cheese or paninis.

Best Alternatives to Shredded Asiago Cheese

If you're looking for a healthier or lower-sodium alternative to shredded Asiago cheese, you might consider the following options:

• Feta cheese: With a tangy, salty flavor, feta cheese is a good alternative to Asiago cheese. It's also lower in sodium, with 140mg of sodium per ounce (28g) compared to Asiago's 200mg of sodium per ounce (28g).
• Parmesan cheese: Like Asiago cheese, Parmesan cheese is a hard, crumbly cheese with a nutty flavor. It's low in sodium, with only around 80mg of sodium per ounce (28g).
• Goat cheese: Creamy and tangy, goat cheese can be a good substitute for Asiago cheese. It's lower in fat and sodium than Asiago cheese, with only 70mg of sodium and 6g of fat per ounce (28g).

While these alternatives have different flavors and textures than Asiago cheese, they can still be used in a variety of dishes to add flavor and texture.

Precautions While Consuming Shredded Asiago Cheese

Although shredded Asiago cheese is healthy when consumed in moderation, there are a few precautions you should take:

• Watch your sodium intake: Shredded Asiago cheese is high in sodium, and consuming too much sodium can lead to several health problems. If you have high blood pressure or other health concerns, it's important to monitor your sodium intake and limit your consumption of high-sodium foods.
• Consume in moderation: While shredded Asiago cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, it's also high in calories and fat. Therefore, it's important to consume it in moderation and in combination with other healthy foods to maintain a balanced diet.
• Check the expiration date: Always check the expiration date of shredded Asiago cheese before consuming it. An expired cheese can cause food poisoning and other health problems.

By keeping these precautions in mind, you can enjoy the delicious flavor of shredded Asiago cheese without compromising your health.