4 healthier cheese-platter picks

Organic Meadow Medium Cheddar

Organic Meadow Medium Cheddar is one of many dairy products-including eggs, ice cream, butter and other cheeses-from Organic Meadow. A 30-gram cube of this cheddar contains 120 calories, 10 g fat (6 g saturated fat) and 8 g protein. ($8, 200 g)

“I’m making an effort to eat more organic foods, so I was glad to try this cheddar. The flavour was sharp enough to satisfy my penchant for stronger cheese, and the creamy texture made for a great cheddar and tomato sandwich. My only complaint: It seemed oily when I tried to melt it. I’ll stick to eating the rest of the block cold.”
-Jennifer Goldberg, associate web editor

Sensations Cranberry Cinnamon Goat Cheese

Sensations Cranberry Cinnamon Goat Cheese is a soft, unripened goat’s milk cheese rolled in cranberries and cinnamon. Goat cheese is lower in fat than many other cheeses. A 30-gram serving of this one has 90 calories, 4.5 g fat (3 g saturated fat) and 3 g protein. ($5, 125 g)

“I loved the contrast in flavours-slightly sweet cinnamon, fruity cranberry and tart creamy cheese. It paired up nicely with slices of apple and pear, as well as crackers. I would certainly use this as a colourful addition to a festive cheese plate, and with fruit as a quick snack.”
-Margaret Nearing, senior editor

Danesborg Cheese Havarti Lactose Free

Danesborg Cheese Havarti Lactose Free is a semi-soft, mild cheese. Lactose is removed early when curds are rinsed and later on in the ripening process. One 3-cm cube of this havarti has 90 cal­ories, 6 g fat (4 g saturated fat) and 8 g protein. ($5, 200 g)

“My five-year-old son is lactose-intolerant, but loves cheese. When he tried this lactose-free havarti, he gave it the thumbs-up. My hus­band and I thought it tasted a little bit bland served on its own, so I would use it on sand­wiches for my son’s lunch-or my own-or to top a burger. If I were serving guests a cheese platter, though, I’d probably choose a regular havarti.”
-Jennifer Walker, senior content editor

Silani All Natural Omega 3 Provolone Cheese Slices

Silani All Natural Omega 3 Provolone Cheese Slices are made with omega-3 pasteurized milk, as are other Silani cheeses, including Parmesan and ricotta. Each slice of provolone (15 g) has 48 cal­ories, 4 g fat (2 g saturated fat) and 4 g protein. ($3, 90 g)

“I was glad to find a provolone cheese made with omega-3 pasteurized milk, but I wondered if it would taste different from regular provolone cheese, which I love for its mild, nutty taste. So I made a breakfast sandwich-toasted whole-wheat English muffin stuffed with a slice of this provolone, an egg fried in a little olive oil and fresh tomato slices. It was delicious.”
-Bonnie Munday, editor

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