Yes, you can have your cheese and eat it too, even if you're keeping an eye on calories or fats. Lean cheeses are the way forward for anyone looking to enjoy the creamy goodness of cheese without tipping the scales on their macros.
But how do you choose the best lean cheeses for your fridge that also match your health and fitness goals? What makes them a better option, and what should you watch out for?
Why lean cheese is better
First, it is worth looking at what exactly lean cheese is. Simply put, it’s cheese with a lower fat content than its regular counterparts. By going for lean varieties, you’re cutting back on saturated fat, which can help keep your heart healthy, support weight management, and even reduce that post-cheese coma.
Lean cheeses are also a great source of protein, calcium, and vitamins without the extra fat and calories. So, you’re getting all the nutrition without sacrificing too much flavour.
The best lean cheeses to add to your fridge
There’s a huge variety of low-fat cheeses to suit all tastes. Some naturally come with a lower fat profile, while others are specially made to be leaner. Here are a few crowd favourites:
What to look out for when choosing lean cheese
When browsing the cheese aisle, it's easy to get distracted by fancy packaging or words like ‘light’ or ‘reduced fat’. Here’s what to focus on:
How to make lean cheese work for you
Now that your fridge is stocked with lean cheeses, it’s time to get creative. Add cottage cheese to your breakfast smoothie for a creamy texture and protein boost. Crumble feta into your lunchtime salad or onto roasted aubergine. Grate light mozzarella over your Friday night pizza and pop it in the oven.
The trick is to incorporate lean cheese into your meals so it feels like a treat, not a compromise. Balance is key, and the beauty of lean cheeses is that they let you have a bit of indulgence while sticking to your goals.
Choosing the best lean cheese doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s all about reading labels, experimenting with flavours, and finding options that suit your taste and lifestyle. With so many great lean cheeses available, there's no need to skip out on the creamy, dreamy joy that cheese brings to our lives.
How we tested
As cheese connoisseurs, the ES Best Shopping team approached the search for the best low-fat cheese with a balance of expertise and real-life practicality. Some of us are skilled chefs with all the latest kitchen gadgets and tools, testing how the cheeses performed as ingredients in cooked dishes like sauces and toasties.
Others took a more convenient approach, treating the cheeses as quick snacks, seeing how well they worked sliced, crumbled, or straight from the packet. By evaluating flavour, texture, and versatility, we ensured that every option on our list delivers, whether you’re a kitchen pro or simply looking for a healthier snack.
Read on for the best low-fat cheeses.
Babybel Light Mini Lunchbox Snack Cheese
Whether you need to grab something quick between meetings or need a post-workout snack to keep in your gym bag, Mini Babybel Light is satisfying, packed with protein, and tasty without the guilt. Plus, the wax casing makes it super convenient to grab on the go so there’s no mess or fuss.
Per serving:
Buy now £2.55, Waitrose
Waitrose Essential Fat Free Cottage Cheese
Whether I’m after a light lunch option or a post-workout protein boost, Waitrose’s Essential Fat Free Cottage Cheese is a winner. It’s creamy and low-calorie so it fits into a healthy lifestyle without feeling like a compromise. Bonus points for being vegetarian-friendly and super versatile. I pair it with crackers, salads, or just eat it straight from the pot.
Per serving:
Buy now £1.50, Waitrose
M&S Reduced Fat Mozzarella
M&S has a lighter take on the classic mozzarella from the supermarket, with 30 per cent less fat than the standard version. Made with Italian cow's milk, it offers the same fresh and creamy texture, making it perfect for your favourite dishes. Try it melted on pizza, tossed in salads, or simply enjoyed with fresh tomatoes and basil. It’s suitable for vegetarians and packs a good protein punch without compromising on flavour.
Per serving:
Buy now £2.00, Ocada
Philadelphia Light Mini Tubs
The Philadelphia Light Mini Tubs are my top choice when I’m after something creamy but still light. Whether it’s spread on toast, paired with crackers, or stirred into a quick pasta dish, it’s versatile, and so easy to portion out. With 40 per cent less fat than the original, it’s indulgence without the guilt.
Per serving:
Buy now £1.95, Sainsbury's
Leerdammer Light Slices
The Leerdammer slices are my go-to for a healthier cheese option that still offers a decent flavour. With a nutty, mild taste and a creamy texture, they’re perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or even on their own as a quick snack. Plus, they’re lighter than cheddar but still feel like a treat.
Per slice:
Buy now £2.35, Tesco
Cathedral City Lighter Mature Cheddar
Cathedral City Lighter Mature Cheddar is a must-have in my fridge. It’s creamy, full of flavour and doesn’t feel like a compromise even with 30 per cent less fat. Whether I’m grating it over pasta, melting it into a toastie, or slicing it for crackers, it still delivers a rich cheddar taste I love. Plus, the resealable pack keeps it fresh and easy to use.
Per slice:
Buy now £2.35, Ocado
Sainsbury's Mature Grated White Cheese, Be Good To Yourself
For a convenient option with 50 per cent less fat than standard mature cheddar. The Sainsbury's pre-grated cheese is perfect for sprinkling over baked potatoes, mixing into sauces, or melting into your favourite dishes.
Per serving:
Buy now £2.75, Sainsbury's
