How healthy is brie cheese?
Is brie cheese healthy? Yes, in moderate portions. Brie cheese scores 9/100 on the HowHealthyIs Score: 100 g provides 334 kcal, 21 g protein and 174 µg vitamin A. Brie is a soft, creamy cheese from cow milk with an edible white rind. It brings protein and vitamin B12, and has fewer calories per bite than most hard cheeses because it holds more water. Source: USDA FoodData Central.
Score explained
The score compares nutrient density per 100 kcal across every food we cover (NRF9.3 method). Brie cheese ranks higher than 9% of them.
Counts in favor (% daily value per 100 kcal)
- Protein12%
- Vitamin A6%
- Calcium4%
- Magnesium1%
- Potassium1%
- Iron1%
- Vitamin E0%
- Fiber0%
- Vitamin C0%
Counts against
- Saturated fat26%
- Added sugars0%
- Sodium8%
Raw NRF9.3: 26 minus 34 = -8. The score is not a verdict on whether to eat a food; portion, the whole meal and your own health matter more. Full methodology
How many calories are in brie cheese?
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per portion | %DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy and macronutrients | |||
| Calories | 334 kcal | 94 kcal | |
| Protein | 21 g | 5.8 g | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 0.5 g | 0.1 g | 0% |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0.5 g | 0.1 g | |
| Added sugars | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Fat | 28 g | 7.8 g | 10% |
| Saturated fat | 17 g | 4.9 g | 24% |
| Omega-3 fats | 0.3 g | <0.1 g | |
| Vitamins | |||
| Vitamin A | 174 µg | 49 µg | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 µg | 0.1 µg | 1% |
| Vitamin E | 0.2 mg | <0.1 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin K | 2.3 µg | 0.6 µg | 1% |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.6 µg | 0.5 µg | 19% |
| Folate | 65 µg | 18 µg | 5% |
| Minerals | |||
| Calcium | 184 mg | 52 mg | 4% |
| Iron | 0.5 mg | 0.1 mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 152 mg | 43 mg | 1% |
| Magnesium | 20 mg | 5.6 mg | 1% |
| Zinc | 2.4 mg | 0.7 mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 629 mg | 176 mg | 8% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, "Cheese, brie" (FDC 172177). Values rounded.
Why is brie cheese good for you?
- 0.5 µg vitamin B12 in 1 oz (28 g), 19% of the daily value. Vitamin B12 contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells.
- 5.8 g protein in 1 oz (28 g), 12% of the daily value. Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.
Good ways to use it
- A small portion with fruit and whole grain crackers
- Melting into a warm sandwich
What should you watch out for?
- Still a rich source of saturated fat and salt, so a small portion goes a long way. Mold-ripened soft cheeses like brie carry a listeria risk; during pregnancy, or with a weakened immune system, avoid them unless cooked until steaming hot. Contains milk.
What can you eat instead of brie cheese?
Foods you can use the same way with a higher HowHealthyIs Score.