Dairy & eggs

Cheese, provolone

FDC 170850cup, diced (132 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 39 · +4 vs Dairy & eggs median

Provolone scores 39 of 100, Low band, ranking 20th of 60 in Dairy & eggs, above the category's median of 35. It's dense in calcium at 58% DV, protein at 51% DV, and vitamin A at 26% DV per 100 g, a trio that outpaces most cheeses in the set.

It's sliced for sandwiches, melted onto pizza, or layered into paninis. Per 100 g it also runs high in sodium at 727 mg and high in saturated fat at 17.1 g, so a cup diced (132 g) delivers its calcium and protein alongside a real sodium load worth watching if it's a daily habit.

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

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 25.6 g · 29%Carb 2.1 g · 2%Fat 26.6 g · 68%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories351 kcal18%
Total fat27 g34%
Saturated fat17 g86%
Cholesterol69 mg23%
Sodium727 mg32%
Carbohydrate2.1 g1%
Dietary fiber0 g0%
Sugars0.56 g
Protein26 g51%
Potassium138 mg3%
Calcium756 mg58%
Iron0.52 mg3%
Magnesium28 mg7%
Vitamin C0 mg0%
Vitamin A236 µg26%
Vitamin E0.23 mg2%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 170850

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.

Calcium58% DV
Protein51% DV
Vitamin A26% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the dairy & eggs median

Nutrient density39 vs 35 median
Protein / 100 g26 vs 9 median
Fiber / 100 g0 vs 0 median
Sodium / 100 g727 vs 162 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

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

Yogurt, plain, whole milkDensity 39 vs 39Cheese, cottage, creamed, large or small curdDensity 40 vs 39Yogurt, Greek, plain, whole milkDensity 40 vs 39

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese made from cow's milk using the same stretched-curd technique as mozzarella, but aged longer so it firms up and develops a sharper, more savory flavor. Its smooth, sliceable texture and good melt make it a classic choice for sandwiches, especially Italian subs and Philly-style steak sandwiches, and it melts nicely over pizza, in baked pasta dishes, or folded into a panini. Younger provolone is milder and softer, while longer-aged wheels turn firmer and more piquant, closer to a sharp cheddar or aged parmesan in intensity.

Keep provolone wrapped tightly in wax or parchment paper rather than plastic wrap, which traps moisture, and store it in the cheese drawer of the fridge, using it within a week or two of opening for the best texture. At 351 calories per 100 grams it is a dense, satisfying protein source, delivering 51% DV of protein and 58% DV of calcium per 100 grams, both strong contributions for a cheese eaten in modest amounts. It is also a good source of vitamin A at 26% DV per 100 grams, though its sodium content of 727 mg per 100 grams is worth factoring in if a dish already includes cured meats or salty condiments.

Frequently asked questions about cheese, provolone

How many calories are in provolone cheese?

Provolone has 351 calories per 100 grams, typical for a semi-hard aged cheese.

Is provolone a good source of calcium?

Yes, it provides 58% DV of calcium per 100 grams, along with 51% DV of protein.

How should provolone cheese be stored?

Wrap it in wax or parchment paper rather than plastic and keep it in the refrigerator's cheese drawer, using it within a week or two once opened.

View the USDA source record