9 months ago
Nutritionists Weigh In: Parmesan vs. Protein Bars for Protein Intake
Imagine you're looking for a snack that gives you power, like from a protein bar.
Well, some nutrition experts say that Parmesan cheese, that hard cheese sprinkled on pasta, can be surprisingly good for protein too!
A small bite of Parmesan might give you as much protein as some protein bars, but with fewer calories and no added sugars.
It also has calcium, which is good for your bones.
However, Parmesan has a lot of salt and fat, so you can't eat too much of it.
Protein bars are made to be a quick snack and sometimes have extra vitamins.
Parmesan is a natural food.
So, if you want a tasty way to get protein without processed stuff, Parmesan can be a great choice, but remember to eat it in small amounts like a 'nutrient booster,' not a main protein source.
Nutritionists suggest Parmesan cheese can be a significant source of protein, comparable to some protein bars.
28 grams of Parmesan cheese reportedly contains 10 grams of protein and 110 calories.
Parmesan is naturally lactose-free and provides calcium and phosphorus, beneficial for bone health.
Experts caution that Parmesan is high in sodium and fat, requiring portion control.
While protein bars offer convenience and sometimes added nutrients, Parmesan is a whole food alternative.
- Who
- Nutritionists Mohita Mascarenhas and Amreen Sheikh
- What
- Discussed Parmesan cheese as a protein source compared to protein bars.
- Where
- Instagram (Mohita Mascarenhas' post), KIMS Hospitals, Thane (Amreen Sheikh's affiliation)
- When
- Recently (Instagram post), During the ageing process (for Parmesan)
- Why
- To inform the public about alternative sources of protein and their nutritional profiles.
Key facts
- Parmesan Protein (28g)
- 10g protein, 110 calories
- Parmesan Nutrients
- Calcium, Phosphorus, Lactose-free
- Parmesan Caution
- High in sodium and fat
- Protein Bar Protein (approx.)
- 8-12g protein per portion
- Protein Bar Potential Additives
- Added sugars, artificial ingredients, vitamins, minerals, fiber
- Parmesan Aging Process
- Moisture removed, concentrating nutrients; easier to digest protein
Quotes
Dt Amreen Sheikh
chief dietitian, KIMS Hospitals, Thane
“surprisingly true”
indianexpress.com
“Parmesan is one of the most protein-rich cheeses available. Just 30 grams (about 2 tablespoons) can give you around 10 grams of protein, while many protein bars contain 8 to 12 grams in the same portion size, often with added sugars or artificial ingredients. So, gram for gram, Parmesan can actually match or even exceed some protein bars in pure protein content.”
indianexpress.com
Mohita Mascarenhas
Nutritionist
“It is lactose-free, has a good amount of calcium and phosphorus. You can eat it alone or pair it with a fruit and enjoy it as a snack.”
indianexpress.com
“It is pretty high on sodium.”
indianexpress.com




