Cheese as a Nutrient Powerhouse

Cheese can be a nutrient powerhouse—when sourced correctly. While some conventional cheeses are heavily processed and lack the beneficial enzymes and nutrients your body needs, traditionally made cheeses offer a rich source of bioavailable vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. These cheeses also contain probiotic-rich cultures that support gut health and metabolic function.

For those looking to optimize their health, choosing the right cheese matters. Costco is a great place to find high-quality, gut-friendly cheeses that offer the benefits of raw dairy, grass-fed nutrients, and traditional aging processes without unnecessary additives. Here are three of the best cheese options you can find at Costco that support metabolic and cellular health.

1. Gruyere – A Raw Cheese Rich in Probiotics and Healthy Fats

Gruyere is one of the best cheese choices for gut and metabolic health because it’s made from raw sheep’s milk. Sheep’s milk naturally contains higher amounts of healthy fats, protein, and fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E compared to conventional cow’s milk. Since the milk isn’t pasteurized, the beneficial enzymes and bacteria remain intact, providing natural probiotics that support digestion and gut microbiome balance.

What makes Gruyere even better is the fact that it comes from sheep grazing on pasture, meaning the milk is free of GMOs, pesticides, and synthetic hormones. This ensures a higher concentration of omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which have been linked to improved metabolic function and reduced inflammation.

If you’re looking for a cheese that aligns with a nutrient-dense, cellular-supportive diet, Gruyere is a top-tier choice.

2. Kingdom Organic Cheddar – A Grass-Fed, Easy-to-Digest Cheese

Cheddar is one of the most widely available cheeses, but not all are created equal. Kingdom Organic Cheddar is made from the milk of grass-fed cows, which means it contains higher levels of anti-inflammatory omega-3s and CLA than conventional grain-fed dairy.

Grass-fed dairy also supports mitochondrial function, thanks to its higher concentrations of bioavailable minerals like calcium and phosphorus. Although this cheddar isn’t raw, it is fermented, making it easier to digest by breaking down some of the lactose and casein that can cause issues in lower-quality dairy products.

This cheddar is a great option for those who want an affordable, organic cheese option that supports overall cellular health.

3. Parmigiano Reggiano – Aged for Digestibility and Nutrient Density

Aged cheeses are often easier to digest because the long fermentation process naturally breaks down lactose and proteins. Parmigiano Reggiano, a traditional Italian cheese, is an excellent example. This cheese is aged for at least 12 months, ensuring the development of beneficial probiotic strains and enzyme activity that aid digestion.

Unlike many cheeses produced in the U.S., true Parmigiano Reggiano is made under strict European regulations prohibiting the use of GMOs and synthetic rennet. This results in a cleaner, more bioavailable cheese that supports gut health and metabolic balance.

Parmigiano Reggiano is also a great source of bioavailable calcium and phosphorus, which play a crucial role in mitochondrial energy production, bone strength, and metabolic function.

What to Avoid When Choosing Cheese

While these three options are excellent choices, many mass-market cheeses can negatively impact gut health and inflammation levels. To ensure you’re getting the best quality, avoid:

• Processed cheese products – If the package says “cheese food” or “cheese product,” it likely contains emulsifiers, preservatives, and artificial ingredients that can disrupt gut microbiome balance.
• Non-organic dairy – Conventional dairy often comes from grain-fed cows exposed to antibiotics and synthetic hormones, which may contribute to inflammatory responses in the body.
• Pre-shredded cheese – These often contain anti-caking agents like cellulose, which can interfere with digestion.

Final Thoughts

Cheese can be an incredibly beneficial food when sourced correctly. The key is looking for raw, grass-fed, or traditionally aged options that support gut health, metabolic function, and overall cellular wellness. Costco offers several excellent choices, including raw Gruyere, grass-fed organic cheddar, and aged Parmigiano Reggiano. These cheeses provide the bioavailable nutrients and probiotic-rich cultures that contribute to optimal health.

If you’re looking to add nutrient-dense cheese to your diet, these options are a great place to start.