Which Cheese is Better for You -Goat or Mozzarella?

Rohit Panwar

Mozzarella vs goat cheese, wondering what you should buy in your next supermarket visit?

While the choice is tough, a look at the difference between goat cheese and mozzarella, can certainly help you pick the best option. So, let’s find out.

mozzarella vs goat cheese

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Mozzarella Vs Goat Cheese: The More Nutritious Option For You

Before we delve into attributes such as goat cheese vs mozzarella taste or mozzarella vs goat cheese nutrition facts, let us take a quick look at these – 

BASE INGREDIENT
Mozzarella 

Cow/ Water Buffalo Milk

Goat Cheese

Goat Milk

TYPE
Mozzarella

Semi- Soft 

Goat Cheese

Soft to Hard

TASTE
Mozzarella 

Mild & Milky

Goat Cheese

Earthy & Tart

AGED
Mozzarella 

No

Goat Cheese

Varies

CALORIE CONTENT
Mozzarella 

85*

Goat Cheese

103*

CARB CONTENT
Mozzarella 

0.6 g*

Goat Cheese

0 g*

FAT CONTENT
Mozzarella 

6 g*

Goat Cheese

8 g*

PROTEIN CONTENT
Mozzarella 

6 g*

Goat Cheese

6 g*

CALCIUM CONTENT
Mozzarella 

143 mg*

Goat Cheese

85 mg*

SODIUM CONTENT
Mozzarella 

178 mg*

Goat Cheese

146 mg*

VITAMIN PROFILE
Mozzarella

Very Good 

Goat Cheese

Very Good

ORAL & BONE HEALTH OUTCOME
Mozzarella 

Very Good

Goat Cheese

Very Good

TUMMY HEALTH OUTCOME
Mozzarella 

Very Good

Goat Cheese

Excellent

VERSATILITY
Mozzarella 

Very Good

Goat Cheese

Very Good

SHELF LIFE
Mozzarella 

5 Days

Goat Cheese

Up to 3 weeks

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

Let us now discuss the difference between mozzarella and goat cheese in details – 

What Goes Into the Preparation of Mozzarella Vs Goat Cheese?

Mozzarella is traditionally made using buffalo’s milk but now mostly cow’s milk is used. Curds are obtained by heating milk with cheese culture and rennet. The resulting curds are drained, washed and stretched in hot water a number of times to get a stringy mozzarella.  

Goat cheese as the name suggests is made using goat milk.  The method of preparation varies with the type but it generally begins with preparation of curds by adding rennet or culture or both.

What Type of Cheese is Mozzarella Vs Goat Cheese? 

Fresh Mozzarella is best categorised as semi-soft cheese. It contains a water content of 45-52 percent.  The low moisture variation of mozzarella is slightly grader and has less moisture.

Goat cheese comes in a variety of textures, from soft to hard. While the fresh goat cheeses are soft, aging makes them harder. 

Does Goat Cheese Taste like Mozzarella?

Mozzarella cheese has a very mild and milky taste. It is soft and sliceable. The low moisture mozzarellas are harder and can be grated easily. 

Goat cheese comes in a variety of flavours and textures. It can be soft and spreadable or hard and sliceable. Taste wise, goat cheese is earthy and tart, The flavour becomes more pronounced as the cheese ages.

Which Cheese Needs to Undergo Aging: Mozzarella Or Goat Cheese?

Mozzarella is a fresh cheese. This means it does not require aging.  It is mostly packed and consumed fresh. In case of low moisture mozzarella, some water is  drained out and the cheese is then packed. 

There are at least 40  types of goat cheese available in different parts of the world. While some variations are consumed fresh, others require aging. Aging can last anywhere from days to up to 12 weeks 

Difference Between Goat Cheese and Mozzarella Calories

Mozzarella has a comparatively lower calorie content when compared to goat cheese. Therefore, if you wish to limit your calorie intake, mozzarella is a better choice.

The calories in both types of cheese comes from the fat content.

Which Lower in Carbohydrates: Mozzarella or Goat Cheese?

Most types of cheese are very low in carbohydrate content. Mozzarella and goat cheese are both low in carbohydrates.  

Goat cheese has almost zero carbs when compared to mozzarella. Therefore, it is a better option for low carb diets like keto.

Mozzarella Or Goat Cheese: Lower Fat Content?

If you see the table above, it is clear that goat cheese has a higher fat content. 

However, goat cheese fat is not all bad. The fat in goat milk, like the  medium-chain fatty acid – capric acid,  is said to be healthy and is absorbed by the body easily.  Also, despite its high fat content, it can aid weight loss by increasing satiety levels. 

Which Has More Proteins – Mozzarella or Goat Cheese?

Goat milk and cow milk are both good sources of protein which makes cheese a good source of dietary protein. 

If we compare the quantity of protein in both types of cheese, it is evident that both have the same amount of protein per serving. Also, the quality of protein in both these products is quite good. 

Which Has a Higher Calcium Content: Mozzarella or Goat Cheese?

Since mozzarella and goat cheese are both dairy products, they are rich in calcium. Calcium is an important mineral that is needed by the body to maintain primarily bone and teeth health. 

In comparison  to mozzarella, goat milk has a comparatively lower amount of calcium. So, mozzarella will make for a better choice if higher calcium intake is your priority. 

Mozzarella or Goat Cheese: What to Opt for Lower Sodium Levels?

Sodium is another essential element that is needed by the human body in small amounts. Sodium uses include transmission of nerve impulses, functioning of muscles, and maintaining  water & mineral balance in the body.

Goat cheese has a slightly lower amount of calcium when compared to mozzarella. Having said that, it is important to remember that goat cheese comes in a number of types, therefore, you must check the nutrition label before buying.

Which Has More Nutrients: Mozzarella Cheese or Goat Cheese? 

Mozzarella cheese is rich in a number of vitamins and minerals. It contains vitamins including A, B, D, E and K and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, zinc etc. 

Goat cheese is also rich in minerals and vitamins. It is rich in nutrients such as selenium, zinc, phosphorus, vitamin B, A, K, and E. 

Better For Your Bones & Teeth Health: Mozzarella Vs Goat Cheese?

Mozzarella and goat cheese are both good for your teeth and bones. This is because they contain a good amount of calcium. 

Additionally, both mozzarella and goat cheese are rich in beneficial bacteria called probiotics. The probiotics in these cheeses can help aid overall oral health by keeping away the bad bacteria. 

Mozzarella Or Goat Cheese: More Tummy Friendly?

As I mentioned earlier mozzarella and goat cheese both contain probiotics. Apart from other benefits, probiotics can aid digestion and keep your gut healthy.

Goat cheese goes even further in its tummy friendliness. Goat milk is more easily digested and absorbed by the body which makes goat cheese a better alternative for people who face issues digesting cow milk cheeses.

Which Can Be Put To More Uses: Mozzarella or Goat Cheese?

Mozzarella is very versatile. You can use it in a number of dishes including, pastas, pizzas and salads. 

Goat cheese is also very versatile. The exact use depends on the type of goat cheese you are using. It can be used in salads, cooking, baking and more. 

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

The shelf life of mozzarella is quite short. While fresh mozzarella is good in the refrigerator for 6-7 days, its low moisture variant can be kept for up to two weeks. 

The shelf life of goat cheese varies with its type. While the fresh versions should be consumed within a week, some aged variants can last in the refrigerator for more than a month.

Mozzarella and goat cheese are thus both very nutritious options. As a nutritionist I would suggest that you evaluate your needs and then take a call. Both can be used alternatively in your diet plan. 

What is your favourite type of cheese? I would love to know in the comment section below. 

Rohit Panwar

Hi! I'm Integrated Nutrition Coach Rohit Panwar. I hold twin Certifications from IIN, New York & SAFM, Massachusetts. I am a passionate vocalist of holistic lifestyle and have fully committed the past several years to educate & empower people towards their wellbeing. Despite a successful yet hectic corporate stint of 21+ years, I have prioritised nutriment in my life. I truly hope my personal journey from illness to wellness helps everybody reading this forge their own path.