Head-to-head comparison

Parmesan Cheese vs Cheddar Cheese: Which Has More Protein?

Both Parmesan Cheese and Cheddar Cheese are common enough protein choices that they get compared directly all the time — here's what the actual numbers say.

Parmesan Cheese

35.8gprotein / 100g

392 cal · 25.8g fat · $$$ · Quality 0.92

Cheddar Cheese

24.9gprotein / 100g

403 cal · 33.1g fat · $$ · Quality 0.92

Parmesan Cheese is in a different weight class here, protein-wise: 35.8g per 100g vs Cheddar Cheese's 24.9g, a 10.9g difference that's more about food category than food quality.

Protein quality is essentially matched between the two — both land in a similar tier for amino acid completeness.

On price, Cheddar Cheese wins clearly — $$ against Parmesan Cheese's $$$.

Parmesan Cheese's typical serving also delivers more leucine (3300mg vs Cheddar Cheese's 2400mg) — relevant if the goal is maximizing the muscle-protein-synthesis trigger per meal, not just total grams.

Verdict

If raw protein density is what you're optimizing for, Parmesan Cheese wins clearly. Choose Cheddar Cheese instead if its lower fat, cost, or prep time matters more to you than the extra grams.

Full nutrition comparison

Per 100gParmesan CheeseCheddar Cheese
Protein35.8g24.9g
Calories392403
Fat25.8g33.1g
Carbs3.2g1.3g
Fiber0.0g0.0g
Quality score0.920.92
Relative cost$$$$$
Prep time0 min0 min

Frequently asked

Which has more protein, parmesan cheese or cheddar cheese?

Parmesan Cheese has 35.8g of protein per 100g compared to Cheddar Cheese's 24.9g.

Which is lower in calories?

Parmesan Cheese is lower in calories per 100g, at 392 vs the other's 403.