Is Parmesan/romano grated cheese Keto?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing whether a food fits the Keto diet, we look strictly at the carbohydrate content and the source of the ingredients. For this product, the ingredient list is remarkably clean and traditional.

The primary ingredients are pasteurized part-skim milk (or sheep's milk for Romano), cheese culture, salt, and enzymes (rennet). None of these ingredients contain carbohydrates. The milk sugars (lactose) are largely converted into lactic acid by the cheese culture during the aging process, rendering the final product virtually sugar-free.

There are no hidden starches, fillers, or anti-caking agents like potato starch or cellulose powder often found in pre-shredded varieties. Because the product is pure cheese, it is naturally gluten-free and low-carb. The only potential flag for strict Keto followers is the milk content, but since the lactose is removed during fermentation, it does not impact ketosis.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Parmesan and Romano are powerhouses of fat and protein with minimal impact on blood sugar. A standard serving typically contains less than 1 gram of net carbohydrates.

The fat content is high, which is ideal for meeting daily Keto macro goals. It also provides a significant amount of calcium and phosphorus. Because the calorie density is high, portion control is necessary if you are also watching your total caloric intake for weight loss, but it fits perfectly within the high-fat requirements of a standard Keto diet.