Putting together a Christmas cheese board doesn’t have to be an indulgence-only affair. As Dr Federica Amati, head nutritionist at ZOEexplains, plenty of well-loved cheeses offer real nutritional value, from protein and calcium to helpful live cultures that support gut health. Some are even easier to digest than you might think.

With a few smart picks, you can build a spread that’s still festive and flavour-packed, but with a welcome boost of nourishment. Whether you prefer aged, crumbly classics or softer, lighter styles, there’s a spot for each on a board that balances pleasure and health.

The healthiest cheeses to add to your board this Christmas

Parmesan

A long-aged cheese. Thanks to the lengthy fermentation, much of its lactose is broken down, meaning it’s gentler on digestion for people with lactose sensitivity. Parmesan cheese is also fermented, rich in live cultures and delivers a good amount of fermented dairy protein.

Wensleydale

A traditional option for your board, this festive favourite is a great source of protein and calcium. Pair it with fruit like pears, cranberries or apples for added fibre and polyphenols, making it a nourishing combination for your plate.

Cottage cheese

A wonderfully versatile option that’s naturally lower in saturated fat than many other cheeses. It’s also impressively rich in protein (around 12g per serving), helping to keep you full and support muscle repair. Many brands also contain probiotics to support a healthy and diverse gut microbiome – look for live and active cultures on the packaging. Just keep an eye on the sodium, like most cheeses.

Cream cheese e.g. Philadelphia

Cream cheese might not be one you’d expect a nutritionist to recommend, but it can be a surprisingly microbiome-friendly option, as this actually contains a few live microbes. It’s soft, mild and easy to pair with other gut-friendly snacks like sauerkraut or kimchi, and wholegrain crackers or rye bread.

Blue cheeses e.g. Stilton

Blue cheese (like Stilton) provides live microbes as it is fermented which can support a diverse gut microbiome.

Red Leicester

Red Leicester is excellent for bone health due to its high calcium content. It contains annatto, a natural pigment that gives the cheese its distinct orange colour and contains carotenoids, which are known antioxidants.

Pecorino

Fermented from sheep’s cheese, this is another nutritious option with live microbes and metabolites from the fermentation.

Goat’s cheese

Goat’s cheese is naturally low in lactose, making it easier to digest for most people, and depending on the type, it can contain a variety of probiotics. It’s nutrient-dense and satiating, so it’s perfect sprinkled on top of salads and other dishes, too.

Aged Cheddar

Aged cheddar is another nutrient-dense cheese offering protein, calcium, Vitamin B12, Vitamin A and Iodine. Its saturated fat and sodium content is on the higher side, so it’s best to enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Gouda

Another hard, aged cheese packed with probiotics and essential nutrients, like protein and Vitamin K, supporting both gut and bone health.

Mozzarella

Add this to your board for a fresh, lighter option that is generally less energy-dense and lower in saturated fat and sodium than many hard, aged cheeses.

And three cheeses to avoid…

Processed American-style cheese slices

It may not come as a surprise that we recommend skipping this cheese where possible. It contains substantially sodium than most, which can impact heart health. It’s classed as an ultra-processed food and often packed with additives and emulsifiers, reducing its natural nutrient content e.g. protein and calcium.

Brie

There are some plus points: this nutrient-dense, creamy cheese offers essential B vitamins and calcium. Its gentle fermentation can make it easier to digest, whilst adding live cultures your gut will love. However, it is higher in saturated fats, so try to limit the amount you enjoy.

Boursin

While the sodium content of Boursin is not too dissimilar to lots of other cheeses, it has higher saturated fat and a lower protein and micronutrient profile, placing it towards the bottom of the list for most nutritious cheeses to enjoy around Christmas.