How Similar Are Oaxaca And Mozzarella Cheese?

Rohit Panwar

Wondering if mozzarella vs oaxaca cheese are the same? While both mozzarella and oaxaca have many similarities, they are in fact different types of cheese.

In this blog, I will delve into the detailed difference between oaxaca cheese and mozzarella. I will compare their nutrition and benefits among other attributes, so scroll till the end. 

Mozzarella Cheese Vs Oaxaca Cheese

PEOPLE ALSO READ

| Mozzarella Vs American Cheese – Which One’s Better?

Mozzarella Vs Oaxaca Cheese: Exploring Their Nutritional Similarities and Differences 

Let’s begin by briefly overviewing mozzarella vs oaxaca cheese – 

BASE INGREDIENTS
Mozzarella Cheese

Cow/ Water Buffalo Milk

Oaxaca Cheese

Cow Milk

TYPE
Mozzarella Cheese

Semi- Soft 

Oaxaca Cheese

Semi- Hard

TASTE
Mozzarella Cheese

Mild & Milky

Oaxaca Cheese

Tangy & Milky

REGULAR INTAKE
Mozzarella Cheese

Good 

Oaxaca Cheese

Average

CALORIE CONTENT
Mozzarella Cheese

85*

Oaxaca Cheese

81*

CARB CONTENT
Mozzarella Cheese

0.6 g*

Oaxaca Cheese

0.2 g*

FAT CONTENT
Mozzarella Cheese

6 g*

Oaxaca Cheese

6 g*

PROTEIN CONTENT
Mozzarella Cheese

6 g*

Oaxaca Cheese

6 g*

CALCIUM CONTENT
Mozzarella Cheese

143 mg*

Oaxaca Cheese

152 mg*

SODIUM CONTENT
Mozzarella Cheese

178 mg*

Oaxaca Cheese

182 mg*

VITAMIN PROFILE
Mozzarella Cheese

Very Good 

Oaxaca Cheese

Good

ORAL & BONE HEALTH OUTCOME
Mozzarella Cheese

Very Good

Oaxaca Cheese

Very Good

TUMMY HEALTH OUTCOME
Mozzarella Cheese

Very Good

Oaxaca Cheese

Very Good

VERSATILITY
Mozzarella Cheese

Very Good

Oaxaca Cheese

Good

SHELF LIFE
Mozzarella Cheese

5 Days

Oaxaca Cheese

2 Weeks

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

Now that you have an idea about the difference between mozzarella and oaxaca cheese, we can take a closer look at these – 

Is Oaxaca Cheese Made the Same Way as Mozzarella?

The method of preparation of oaxaca cheese may seem similar to mozzarella, but it isn’t. Traditionally mozzarella was made using the milk of water buffaloes but today cow milk is increasingly being used. Curd cheese is obtained by adding rennet and culture to warm milk. This is later transformed into a stringy cheese by heating in water or whey.  

Also called the Mexican string cheese, oaxaca uses only cow milk. The method of preparation of oaxaca cheese is more complicated than mozzarella. The curd cheese is stretched into long ribbons and turned into something similar to balls of yarn. 

What Kind of Cheese is Mozzarella Cheese Vs Oaxaca Cheese?

Mozzarella in its fresh form is best categorised as a type of semi-soft cheese. 

Oaxaca cheese, on the other hand, best resembles a semi-hard or semi -firm type of cheese. 

Taste & Texture Differences in Mozzarella Vs Oaxaca Cheese? 

Fresh mozzarella is white in colour with a spongy and soft texture. It has a very mild taste which is somewhat milky.   

Oaxaca cheese is stringy and soft in texture. Taste wise it may feel slightly tangy, yet mild.

Better for Regular Consumption – Mozzarella or Oaxaca Cheese?

Fresh mozzarella is considered to be a healthy cheese. Therefore you can include it in your everyday diet.   

Oaxaca cheese too can be consumed on a regular basis. However, moderation is the key. You can have a maximum of 1-2 ounces of both these  types of cheese a day. 

Which Is Higher in Calories: Mozzarella or Oaxaca Cheese?

Mozzarella and oaxaca cheese have almost the same amount of calories. So, you can choose either one of them. 

Mozzarella and oaxaca cheese are some of the few lower calorie cheeses which makes them popular among fitness enthusiasts. 

Mozzarella Cheese Vs Oaxaca Cheese- Better Suited for a Low Carb Diet?

If you look at the table above, you will see that mozzarella and oaxaca both have very low carbs. In comparison to mozzarella, oaxaca has even a lower carb count. 

Therefore, for people looking for a low-carb diet, both oaxaca and mozzarella are good options.

Mozzarella Vs Oaxaca Cheese: Which One’s Lower in Fats? 

All types of cheese are high in fat but come have a lower fat content in comparison to others. Oaxaca and Mozzarella fit into the category of low fat cheeses. 

Mozzarella and oaxaca cheese are made using whole milk and the fat content in the final product can be attributed to this.  

Which Cheese Has More Protein – Mozzarella or Oaxaca?

Cheese is a dairy product which makes it a good source of high quality protein. Therefore, if you are looking for ways to increase your intake of protein, add an ounce or 2 of it to you daily diet.

Both mozzarella and oaxaca cheese contain almost the same amount of cheese so anyone can be chosen based on your taste and preferences.

Better Option for Your Calcium – Mozzarella or Oaxaca Cheese?

Another nutrient that dairy products are high in is calcium. Calcium is needed for many bodily functions but its main purpose is making the bones and teeth strong. 

Here again mozzarella and oaxaca cheese end up in a draw. They both contain almost the same amount of calcium. 

Which Has Lower Sodium Levels – Mozzarella Cheese or Oaxaca Cheese?

While cheese is considered to be a nutritious source of many essential nutrients, one major criticism it faces is high sodium levels. 

Mozzarella and oaxaca cheese are amongst the few varieties of cheese that have relatively lower levels of sodium. 

Do Mozzarella and Oaxaca Cheese Have a Similar Nutrient Profile? 

Mozzarella cheese and oaxaca cheese have a very similar nutrient profile since their method of preparation is quite similar to each other. 

They are both rich in vitamins and minerals including B vitamins, vitamin A, D, E and K. Minerals present include calcium, potassium, sulfur, zinc, etc.

Better for Oral & Bone Health – Mozzarella Or Oaxaca Cheese?

Being rich in calcium, mozzarella and oaxaca cheese are both good for your overall teeth and bone health. 

Apart from the calcium they also contain phosphorus, a mineral needed for the proper absorption of calcium.  

Easier to Digest- Mozzarella or Oaxaca Cheese? 

Mozzarella and oaxaca are good for the tummy when eaten in moderation. Apart from the nutrients, they both contain probiotics or good bacteria. These probiotics aid digestion and prevent infections.  

Here, an important thing to remember is that if you are allergic to milk or lactose, you should avoid both these cheese or for that matter any young cheeses.  

What is more Versatile – Mozzarella or Pizza Cheese? 

Mozzarella is a very versatile variety of cheese. It can be used in a number of dishes. You can use fresh mozzarella as salads or heat it to prepare pastas or pizzas. 

Oaxaca cheese is known for its stringy texture which makes it perfect to be used in dips or used as a filling in mexican cuisine like quesadillas and empanadas.

Which Cheese Has a Longer Shelf Life – Mozzarella or American?

Fresh mozzarella has a very short shelf life. It should be eaten fresh and can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 6 days. 

Oaxaca cheese can be kept stored for upto 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Oaxaca is also best eaten when fresh.

Mozzarella and oaxaca cheese have a lot of things in common especially with regards to nutrition. The main difference lies in their use, texture and taste. The end choice therefore really depends on your taste, availability and preferences. 

I hope this blog was able to provide you the clarity needed. 

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.