Dairy & eggs

Cheese, limburger

FDC 171243cup (134 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 33 · -2 vs Dairy & eggs median

Limburger scores 33 of 100 in the Low band, ranking 33rd of 60 dairy and egg items, with protein at 40% DV, calcium at 38% DV, and vitamin A at 38% DV per 100 g among its strongest figures.

Known for its pungent aroma, it's traditionally spread on dark rye or pumpernickel with raw onion, best served at room temperature to soften. A cup (134 g) portion still carries 800 mg of sodium and 16.7 g of saturated fat per 100 g, and the score sits just under the dairy category's median of 35; Cheese, colby is a milder, higher-scoring alternative.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around cheese, limburger, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 20 g · 24%Carb 0.5 g · 1%Fat 27.2 g · 75%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories327 kcal16%
Total fat27 g35%
Saturated fat17 g84%
Cholesterol90 mg30%
Sodium800 mg35%
Carbohydrate0.49 g0%
Dietary fiber0 g0%
Sugars0.49 g
Protein20 g40%
Potassium128 mg3%
Calcium497 mg38%
Iron0.13 mg1%
Magnesium21 mg5%
Vitamin C0 mg0%
Vitamin A340 µg38%
Vitamin E0.23 mg2%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 171243

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Protein40% DV
Calcium38% DV
Vitamin A38% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the dairy & eggs median

Nutrient density33 vs 35 median
Protein / 100 g20 vs 9 median
Fiber / 100 g0 vs 0 median
Sodium / 100 g800 vs 162 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Cheese, colbyDensity 34 vs 33Cheese, edamDensity 34 vs 33Cheese, montereyDensity 35 vs 33

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Limburger is a soft, washed-rind cheese known for its pungent aroma, a byproduct of the same bacteria used to wash the rind that also give it a strong, earthy, savory flavor once you get past the smell. It's traditionally served on dark rye or pumpernickel bread with raw onion and mustard, a combination that balances its intensity, and it can also be melted into fondue-style dishes or paired with a robust beer rather than wine. Because of its soft, spreadable texture at room temperature, it's typically eaten straight rather than cooked into other dishes.

Keep it tightly wrapped, ideally in its original waxed paper and then a sealed container, in the refrigerator to contain the smell and slow further ripening; let it sit out for a short time before serving so the flavor and texture soften. A cup provides 327 calories per 100 g basis with a substantial 40% DV protein, 38% DV calcium, and 38% DV vitamin A, making it one of the more nutrient-dense cheeses on those three fronts if its strong flavor suits your taste. Its 800 mg of sodium per 100 g means a small amount goes a long way as a flavor centerpiece rather than an everyday cheese.

Frequently asked questions about cheese, limburger

How many calories are in Limburger cheese?

Limburger cheese has about 327 calories per 100 g, with 20 g of protein and 27.2 g of fat.

Is Limburger cheese high in protein and calcium?

Yes, it provides about 40% of the daily value for protein and 38% for calcium per 100 g.

What is the traditional way to eat Limburger cheese?

It's traditionally served on dark rye or pumpernickel bread with raw onion and mustard, paired with a robust beer.

View the USDA source record