The Health Must-Eat List: Top Cheeses

Cheese gets a bad rap, but it can be healthy. For one, it's a good source of calcium, which helps build bone and plays a role in muscle function, nerve transmission, and regulating blood pressure. Plus, it serves up healthy doses of protein, vitamin D, and zinc. Just choose wisely and enjoy in moderation.

Products available in grocery stores nationwide unless otherwise noted.

Applegate Organics Mild Cheddar cheeseApplegate Naturals American cheese, $4.99 for 8 oz.
Applegate Naturals Cheddar cheese Medium, $5.99 for 7 oz.
Applegate Naturals Emmentaler Swiss cheese, $5.99 for 7 oz.
Applegate Naturals Extra Sharp Aged Cheddar cheese, $5.99 for 8 oz.
Applegate Naturals Havarti cheese, $5.99 for 7 oz.
Applegate Naturals Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeño peppers, $4.99 for 7 oz.
Applegate Naturals Muenster cheese, $4.99 for 7 oz.
Applegate Naturals Provolone cheese, $4.99 for 7 oz.
Applegate Naturals Yogurt cheese with live active probiotic cultures, $5.99 for 8 oz.

Applegate Organics Mild Cheddar cheese, $5.99 for 5 oz.
Applegate Organics Monterey Jack cheese, $5.99 for 4 oz.
Applegate Organics Muenster Käse cheese, $5.99 for 5 oz.
Applegate Organics Provolone cheese, $5.99 for 5 oz.

BelGioioso Asiago wedge, $3.99 for 5 oz.
BelGioioso Fresh Mozzarella balls, $4.99 for 8 oz.

BelGioioso Parmesan wedge, $3.99 for 5 oz.
BelGioioso Romano wedge, $3.99 for 5 oz.

Cabot Cottage cheese, $1.99 for 16 oz.; at select grocery stores.
Cabot Monterey Jack shredded cheese, $3.50 for 8 oz.; at select grocery stores.
Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar bars, $3 for 8 oz.
Cabot Sharp Light Cheddar bars, $3 for 8 oz.; at select grocery stores.

Cracker Barrel Aged Reserve Cheddar cheese, $3.99 for 8 oz.
Cracker Barrel Cracked Black Pepper Cheddar cheese, $3.99 for 8 oz.; at select grocery stores.
Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Cheddar cheese, $3.99 for 8 oz.

Frigo Cheese Heads Light string cheese, $4.99 for 12.
Frigo Cheese Heads string cheese, $4.99 for 12.

Horizon Organic Classic American cheese slices, $4.50 for 12.

Kraft 2% Milk Singles, $2.99 for 12 oz.
Kraft Natural Cheese Havarti, $2.99 for 7 oz.
Kraft Shredded Mozzarella with a Touch of Philadelphia, $2.99 for 8 oz.
Kraft Singles, American, $2.99 for 12 oz.

Mini Babybel Bonbel, $3.99 for 6.
Mini Babybel Cheddar, $3.99 for 6.
Mini Babybel Light, $3.99 for 6.
Mini Babybel Mozzarella Style, $4.99 for 10.
Mini Babybel Original, $3.99 for 6.

Organic Valley American Singles, $5.89 for 8 oz.
Organic Valley Baby Swiss cheese, $6.69 for 8 oz.
Organic Valley Mild Cheddar Cheese, Reduced Fat, Reduced Sodium, $5.59 for 8 oz.
Organic Valley Monterey Jack cheese, $5.59 for 8 oz.
Organic Valley Mozzarella Shredded, Part Skim, $5.09 for 6 oz.
Organic Valley Mozzarella Stringles, Low Moisture, Part Skim, $5.39 for 6 oz.
Organic Valley Pepper Jack cheese, $5.59 for 8 oz.
Polly-O Shredded Low-Moisture Part Skim MozzarellaOrganic Valley Vermont Extra Sharp Cheddar cheese, $12.59 for 16 oz.

Polly-O Jalapeño string cheese, $4.49 for 10 oz.; at select grocery stores.
Polly-O Natural Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella cheese, $4.49 for 12 oz.; at select grocery stores.
Polly-O Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella cheese, $3.69 for 8 oz.; at select grocery stores.
Polly-O String Natural Reduced-Fat Mozzarella cheese made with 2% milk, $4.49 for 10 oz.; at select grocery stores.

Sargento Chef Blends Shredded 4 State Cheddar cheese, $3.79 for 8 oz.
Sargento Deli Style Sliced Medium Cheddar cheese, $3.49 for 11.
Sargento Natural Blends Cheddar-Mozzarella cheese snacks, $4.79 for 12.
Sargento Natural Blends Deli Style Sliced Sharp Cheddar-Jack cheese, $3.49 for 11.
Sargento Natural Light string cheese snacks, $4.79 for 12.
Sargento Ultra Thin Sliced Pepper Jack cheeseSargento Natural Reduced Fat Colby-Jack snacks, $4.79 for 12.
Sargento Shredded Reduced Fat Cheddar Jack cheese, $3.79 for 8 oz.
Sargento Shredded Reduced Fat 4 Cheese Mexican, $3.79 for 8 oz.
Sargento Shredded Reduced Fat Mozzarella cheese, $3.79 for 8 oz.
Sargento Traditional Cut Shredded Sharp Cheddar cheese, $3.79 for 8 oz.
Sargento Ultra Thin Sliced Pepper Jack cheese, $3.49 for 18.
Sargento Ultra Thin Sliced Swiss cheese, $3.49 for 18.
Sorrento Galbani Stringsters Reduced Fat Mozzarella string cheese, $4.29 for 12 oz.; at select grocery stores.

Stella Parmesan wedge, $4.99 for 5 oz.
Stella Romano wedge, $4.99 for 5 oz.

365 Everyday Value Organic Light string cheese, $4.99 for 6 oz.; at Whole Foods Market.

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