Is Gouda Cheese Similar to Mozzarella Cheese?

Rohit Panwar

Mozzarella and gouda are two of the most popular types of cheese. But ever wondered how mozzarella vs gouda cheese fare in terms of nutrition?

In this blog, I will compare the benefits and nutritional differences between mozzarella and gouda helping you pick the best option.

mozzarella vs gouda cheese

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

BASE INGREDIENT
Mozzarella 

Cow/ Water Buffalo Milk

Gouda Cheese

Cow Milk

TYPE
Mozzarella

Semi- Soft 

Gouda Cheese

Semi-hard to hard

TASTE
Mozzarella 

Mild & Milky

Gouda Cheese

Sweet & Creamy

AGED
Mozzarella 

No

Gouda Cheese

Yes

CALORIE CONTENT
Mozzarella 

85*

Gouda Cheese

101*

CARB CONTENT
Mozzarella 

0.6 g*

Gouda Cheese

0.6 g*

FAT CONTENT
Mozzarella 

6 g*

Gouda Cheese

8 g*

PROTEIN CONTENT
Mozzarella 

6 g*

Gouda Cheese

7 g*

CALCIUM CONTENT
Mozzarella 

143 mg*

Gouda Cheese

198 mg*

SODIUM CONTENT
Mozzarella 

178 mg*

Gouda Cheese

232 mg*

VITAMIN PROFILE
Mozzarella

Very Good 

Gouda Cheese

Very Good

ORAL & BONE HEALTH OUTCOME
Mozzarella 

Very Good

Gouda Cheese

Very Good

TUMMY HEALTH OUTCOME
Mozzarella 

Very Good

Gouda Cheese

Very Good

VERSATILITY
Mozzarella 

Very Good

Gouda Cheese

Good

SHELF LIFE
Mozzarella 

5 Days

Gouda Cheese

2 Months

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

Now that you have an idea of the differences, let’s take a look at each aspect carefully-

What Goes Into the Making of Mozzarella Vs Gouda Cheese?

Mozzarella is generally made using cow’s milk using a process called ‘pasta filata.’ Curds are obtained by heating milk with culture and rennet. The resulting curds are drained, washed and stretched multiple times in hot water to get a stringy mozzarella.  

Gouda cheese is also obtained from cultured cow’s milk. Once the curds are formed, some whey is strained and water is added. These are then transferred to molds for a few hours. Then they are soaked in brine solution and later left to age.

What Type of Cheese is Mozzarella Vs Gouda? 

Fresh Mozzarella is a semi-soft cheese. It contains a water quantity of 52-60%. The low moisture variations, however, may have lesser moisture.

Gouda is generally either semi-hard or hard and has very low moisture. The older the gouda, the harder it gets.

Is Gouda the Same as Mozzarella in Taste & Texture?

Mozzarella cheese is mild and milky in taste. In terms of texture, it is soft and can be sliced very easily. The low moisture versions are generally harder and can be grated easily. 

The taste of gouda depends on its age. Young gouda is milder, softer and sweeter in taste and texture. As gouda ages, the taste becomes nuttier, creamier and the texture becomes harder and compact.

Which Cheese Needs to Be Aged: Mozzarella Or Gouda?

Mozzarella is a fresh cheese and does not require aging like many other types of cheese. It is best enjoyed fresh.

Gouda can be aged for anywhere between 4 weeks to over a year. In fact gouda is divided into types based on the amount of aging as young, mature, old, etc. 

Comparing Mozzarella Vs Gouda Cheese Calories

Mozzarella is comparatively lower in calories when compared to gouda. Therefore, if you want to manage your weight, mozzarella is a better choice.

The source of calories in both mozzarella and gouda cheese is the fats, followed by proteins.

Mozzarella or Gouda Cheese: Lower in Carbohydrates?

Like many other types of cheese, mozzarella and gouda are both low in carbohydrates. These carbs come from the sugar found in cow milk. 

Mozzarella cheese and gouda  cheese both have the same amount of carbs, and can thus be a part of your low-carb diet.

Lower in Fats: Mozzarella Or Gouda Cheese?

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

Gouda also has a higher cholesterol level when compared to mozzarella cheese.

Which Has More Proteins – Mozzarella or Gouda Cheese?

Gouda has a slightly higher quantity when compared to gouda cheese. However, the quantity may vary between brands and with the type of milk being used for preparation. 

The quality of protein in both mozzarella and gouda is quite good as it contains all amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.

Cheese With Higher Calcium Content: Mozzarella or Gouda?

Since mozzarella and gouda are both dairy products, they are very rich in calcium. The quantity of calcium in gouda is however more than mozzarella since the former is denser. 

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

Lower in Sodium: Mozzarella or Gouda Cheese?

Mozzarella is generally listed among the healthiest types of cheeses. This is because of its lower sodium content. 

Gouda, although rich in many essential nutrients, is also high in sodium. Therefore, people on a low sodium diet should either avoid it or consume it in very low quantities.

Which is More Nutritious: Mozzarella or Gouda Cheese? 

Mozzarella and gouda cheese are both dairy products and are thus  rich in a number of vitamins (A, B, D, E and K) and minerals (Calcium, phosphorus, zinc etc. 

Mozzarella is richer in vitamin B12, vitamin A and zinc, gouda has more vitamin D, vitamin E and potassium. 

Mozzarella Vs Gouda: Better For Your Bones & Teeth Health?

Gouda and mozzarella are both good for your teeth because of the presence of good quantity calcium. Calcium helps in keeping your bones and teeth strong

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

Mozzarella Vs Gouda Cheese: Which One’s More Easily Digested?

Mozzarella and gouda both are easier to digest than many other types of cheese because of the presence of good bacteria or probiotics. Probiotics can help ease digestion and fight stomach infections.

Additionally, gouda cheese (especially the older variations) are lower in lactose. This makes gouda relatively easier to digest even for lactose intolerant people. However, always remember to start with very small quantities.

Which Is More Versatile: Mozzarella or Gouda Cheese?

Mozzarella is one of the most easily available types of cheese. It also happens to be one of the most versatile. From salads, to sandwiches and pastas, mozzarella can be a part  of many types of dishes. 

Gouda is also quite versatile. Since it has a natural sweetness, it goes quite well with pastas, sandwiches and even desserts. You can also use it as a table cheese and pair it with fresh & dried fruits.

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

The shelf life of mozzarella varied with its types. While low moisture mozzarella can last in the refrigerators for weeks, fresh mozzarella must be consumed within 6-7 days. 

On average, gouda cheese has a longer shelf life than mozzarella. Young gouda has a shelf life of about a couple of weeks, aged or mature gouda can also last up to a month.

Mozzarella and gouda are thus both nutritionally rich types of cheese. What you pick between the two depends on your needs and preferences. For example, mozzarella is a better option for weight management because of low fat and calorie content, but for a richer taste, gouda would beat mozzarella any day. 

What is your favourite type of cheese? Let’s find out in the comment section.

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.