Is Asiago Similar to Mozzarella Cheese Nutritionally?

Supermarkets are filled with different types of cheese and the choice is becoming incredibly difficult. One such choice is between mozzarella vs asiago cheese.

While both asiago and mozzarella are pretty delicious, they differ in many ways. Let me help you pick one based on a nutritional comparison. 

PEOPLE ALSO READ

| Mozzarella Vs Gruyere – Which Cheese is Better? | 

Mozzarella Vs Asiago: Which Cheese is Better Suited To You?

Before we can get into the detailed comparison of mozzarella vs asiago nutition, let’s take a quick look at these – 

*Source: USDA; Quantity defined is 1 ounce (28.4g)

Let’s delve deeper into each attribute: 

What Goes Into the Making of Mozzarella Vs Asiago Cheese?

Mozzarella is generally made using cow’s milk. Rennet and culture are added to warm milk. The curd obtained is drained, washes and stretched out multiple times. This makes it more elastic and gives mozzarella its characteristic form and texture.  

The method of preparation of Asiago varies with its type. It is made using cow’s milk. The basic process begins by forming curds. The curds are kneaded, cooked at a high temperature. They are then treated, salted and pressed to remove whey. The curds are further aged for varying periods of time.

What Type of Cheese is Mozzarella Vs Asiago? 

Mozzarella is categorised into two main categories– fresh and low moisture. Fresh mozzarella is a semi-soft cheese that contains 52-60% moisture. The low moisture variations are closed to semi hard type with moisture between 45 and 52%. 

Asiago cheese has two main types – Fresh Asiago or “Asiago Pressato,”  and Aged Asiago or Asiago d’Allevo. Fresh Asiago is semi hard while aged ones are categorised under hard cheeses.

Is Asiago Similar to Mozzarella Cheese in Colour, Taste & Texture?

Fresh mozzarella cheese is white in colour with a mild and milky taste. It has a soft, smooth and spongy texture.  The low moisture variations are generally harder and slightly salty in comparison.  

The texture and taste of Asiago varies with its age. Fresh Asiago is smooth, spongy with a slightly sweet and sour taste. Aged asiago is pale yellow, firm and crumby with a nutty and more pronounced flavour. 

Which Cheese Needs to Be Aged: Mozzarella Or Gouda?

Mozzarella is a fresh cheese and does not require aging. It is consumed fresh within the first few hours of preparation. 

Fresh or aged, all types of asiago cheese need aging. While fresh asiago is abed for a month, aged asiago can undergo aging for anywhere between 3 months to over a year.

Mozzarella Vs Asiago Cheese: Which Has More Calories?

Mozzarella is comparatively lower in calories when compared to asiago cheese. Therefore, if you wish to limit your calorie intake, fresh mozzarella is definitely a better option.  

The calories in both asiago and mozzarella cheese can be attributed to the fat content in them followed by proteins.

Mozzarella or Asiago: Cheese Lower in Carbohydrates?

Cheese is generally considered to be a good option for people following a low carb diet. However, different types of cheese have different amounts of carb content.

Mozzarella and asiago are both low in carbohydrates but mozzarella is much lower in carbs in comparison to asiago cheese.

Which is Lower in Fats: Mozzarella Or Asiago Cheese?

As is evident from the table above, asiago cheese has a much higher fat content when compared to mozzarella cheese. 

Asiago cheese also has a much higher cholesterol and saturated fat content when compared to mozzarella cheese. These are considered to be unhealthy fats. 

Which Cheese Has More Proteins – Mozzarella or Asiago?

Asiago cheese has a higher concentration of protein when compared to mozzarella cheese. However, the quantity may vary between different types of asiago and mozzarella.. 

Asiago and mozzarella are usually made using cow’s milk and are a source of high quality of protein. Therefore, they can help you meet your daily protein requirements. 

Cheese With Higher Calcium Content: Mozzarella or Asiago?

Since mozzarella and asiago are both derived from cow’s milk, they are very rich in calcium. Since asiago is much denser than mozzarella, it is higher in the calcium content.  

The calcium in these cheeses can help meet your daily calcium requirements which range between 1000-1200 mg.

Lower in Sodium: Mozzarella or Asiago Cheese?

Mozzarella is generally listed among the healthiest types of cheeses. This is because it has a pretty low sodium content. 

Asiago on the other hand is much higher in sodium as compared to mozzarella. Therefore, on a low sodium diet you should limit its consumption. 

Which is More Nutritious: Mozzarella or Asiago Cheese? 

All types of dairy based cheese are rich in many vitamins and minerals. Mozzarella and asiago are no exceptions. They are also rich in a number of vitamins (A, B, D, E and K) and minerals (Calcium, phosphorus, zinc etc.) 

Mozzarella has a slightly higher amount of vitamin B12 when compared to Asiago cheese. 

Mozzarella Or Asiago: Which One’s Better For Your Bones & Teeth?

For strong bones and teeth, you need essential nutrients like calcium and phosphorus. Mozzarella and asiago are both good sources of these elements and can thus contribute to your bone and teeth health.

Additionally, mozzarella contains probiotics. The good bacteria or probiotics in these cheeses can help fight oral infections and keep your gums healthy.

Mozzarella Vs Asiago: Which One’s More Easily Digested?

Mozzarella is considered to be easier to digest than many other types of cheese. The presence of good bacteria or probiotics helps to ease digestion and fight stomach infections.

Asiago may not contain probiotics, but it is easy to digest because it has negligible to zero lactose. Lactose intolerance is very common among people and asiago being low in lactose is generally considered to be good option for the lactose intolerant.

Which Is More Versatile: Mozzarella or Gouda Cheese?

Mozzarella is one of the most used and easily available types of cheese.. It is also one of the most versatile. You can use salads, sandwiches, pastas, and many other things. SInce it melts well,  it  can be used in fillings and stuffings in many dishes.

Asiago is not behind when it comes to versatility. The aged asiago is used in salads, soups, and pastas. Fresh asiago is used to prepare sandwiches, pizzas and casseroles

Which Has a Longer Shelf Life- Mozzarella or Asiago Cheese?

The shelf life of mozzarella varies with its type. While low moisture mozzarella cheese can last in the refrigerators for weeks, fresh mozzarella should be consumed within 5-7 days. Fresh version must be kept immersed in liquid until you are ready to use it. 

Fresh asiago can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Aged asiago in comparison has a much longer shelf life and can last for up to a year in the fridge if kept grated and frozen in an airtight container. 

I hope you now have clarity between mozzarella and asiago cheese differences. Mozzarella is definitely a more nutritious choice but it doesn’t mean you should totally ditch asiago. You can consume it now and then in limited quantities.

Thank you for staying with me till the end.