Dairy & eggs

Cheese, tilsit

FDC 170852oz (28 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 36 · +1 vs Dairy & eggs median

Tilsit cheese posts a Nutrient Density Score of 36 of 100, Low band, and ranks 29 of 60 in Dairy & eggs. Per 100 g it delivers 54% DV of calcium, 49% DV of protein, and 28% DV of vitamin A, an unusually well-rounded trio for a semi-hard cheese.

Originating in northern Germany, tilsit has a springy texture and a tangy, slightly pungent flavor that suits open sandwiches and cheese boards more than cooking. A 1 oz (28 g) slice is a sensible portion. It does run high in sodium at 753 mg per 100 g, high in saturated fat at 16.8 g per 100 g, and notable in cholesterol at 102 mg per 100 g, so it is best enjoyed in modest amounts alongside bread or crackers.

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

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 24.4 g · 29%Carb 1.9 g · 2%Fat 26 g · 69%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories340 kcal17%
Total fat26 g33%
Saturated fat17 g84%
Cholesterol102 mg34%
Sodium753 mg33%
Carbohydrate1.9 g1%
Dietary fiber0 g0%
Sugars-
Protein24 g49%
Potassium65 mg1%
Calcium700 mg54%
Iron0.23 mg1%
Magnesium13 mg3%
Vitamin C0 mg0%
Vitamin A249 µg28%
Vitamin E-

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 170852

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.

Calcium54% DV
Protein49% DV
Vitamin A28% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the dairy & eggs median

Nutrient density36 vs 35 median
Protein / 100 g24 vs 9 median
Fiber / 100 g0 vs 0 median
Sodium / 100 g753 vs 162 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

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

Cheese, Mexican blendDensity 36 vs 36Cheese, muensterDensity 36 vs 36Cheese, romanoDensity 36 vs 36

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Tilsit is a semi-firm cow's milk cheese with small irregular holes and a tangy, slightly pungent flavor that grows sharper as it ages, sitting somewhere between Gouda and Limburger in character. It slices well for sandwiches and cheese boards, melts reasonably smoothly for open-faced sandwiches, and pairs naturally with dark rye bread, mustard, and pickles in the German and Scandinavian traditions it comes from. It also works alongside cured meats or on a platter with fruit to balance its tang.

Buy tilsit in a block rather than pre-sliced when possible, and wrap it in wax paper or cheese paper rather than plastic wrap so it can breathe slightly while staying moist in the refrigerator. A one-ounce (28 g) portion delivers 340 calories with 24.4 grams of protein per 100 grams and 54% DV calcium, making it a flavorful way to add protein and calcium to an open sandwich or a cheese board without needing a large portion.

Frequently asked questions about cheese, tilsit

How many calories are in tilsit cheese?

Tilsit cheese has about 340 calories per 100 grams, or roughly 95 calories in a one-ounce (28 g) serving.

Is tilsit cheese a good source of calcium?

Yes, tilsit provides about 54% of the Daily Value for calcium per 100 grams, comparable to many other semi-firm cheeses.

What does tilsit cheese pair well with?

Tilsit's tangy flavor pairs well with dark rye bread, mustard, and pickles, reflecting its German and Scandinavian roots as an open-faced sandwich cheese.

View the USDA source record