Last Updated on September 23, 2023 by Aaron
The mozzarella stick is a popular fast food item that has been around for decades.
It’s hard to deny their appeal – they are cheesy, crispy, and delicious! But are they healthy?
Let’s take a look at the truth about mozzarella sticks:
Table of Contents
Mozzarella sticks — Good or bad?
First, let’s talk about nutrition facts. The calorie count is very high in mozzarella sticks.
One good portion of them can contain as much as 500 calories or more.
The recommended daily intake for adults is around 2000 calories, so you would definitely need to cut something else out of your diet if you regularly eat these tasty snacks.
Are they healthy? The answer to this question is a bit complicated.
On the one hand, mozzarella sticks are high in calories and unhealthy saturated fats. Deep drying would also destroy some nutrients.
On the other hand, they are made with cheese – a nutrient-rich food that is good for you in moderation. So, ultimately, it depends on how often you eat them and how they fit into your overall diet.
If you are looking for a healthy snack option, mozzarella sticks are not the best choice.
However, if you enjoy them occasionally and make sure to pair them with other healthy foods, they won’t do too much harm.
Many people who eat mozzarella sticks tend to overeat because they taste so good, but without proper knowledge about the ingredients in these foods, it is easy to overindulge.
Healthy Brands
There are a few healthy brands of mozzarella sticks that you can purchase. Some of the healthiest options include Annie’s Homegrown, 365 by Whole Foods Market, and Alexia. All of these brands use natural ingredients and are relatively low in calories.
Nutrition Comparison – Mozzarella Cheese vs. Mozzarella Sticks
I compiled a table below to compare the nutritional facts of fresh mozzarella cheese (Kraft, in this case) and fried mozzarella sticks.
I randomly selected 2 household brands of mozzarella sticks you can buy anywhere in the US market, and the nutrition data is obtained from the USDA FoodData Central.
| Mozzarella Cheese (per 100g) | Mozzarella Sticks (per 100g) | ||
| Kraft (USDA) | America’s Choice (USDA) | Hy-Vee (USDA) | |
| Calories | 286 kcal | 364 kcal | 351 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g | 12.1 g | 13.51 g |
| Fat | 21.4 g | 21.2 g | 21.62 g |
| Carbohydrate | 3.57 g | 33 g | 24.3 g |
| Sugar | 0 g | 0 g | 2.7 g |
| Calcium | 714 mg | 303 mg | 405 mg |
| Sodium | 607 mg | 848 mg | 784 mg |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0 mg |
| Vitamin A | 714 IU | 303 IU | 541 IU |
| Saturated Fat | 12.5g | 7.6 g | 6.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 71 mg | 30 mg | 27 mg |
Mozzarella sticks, both from America’s Choice and Hy-Vee, exhibit a higher caloric content compared to Kraft’s fresh mozzarella cheese, likely due to added ingredients and the frying process. Additionally, these sticks have elevated carbohydrate levels, with Hy-Vee’s variant even containing sugar, a component absent in the fresh cheese. This increase in carbohydrates, combined with the higher sodium content, especially in America’s Choice sticks, underscores the potential health implications of frequent consumption, such as impacting blood sugar levels and increasing the risk of hypertension.
On the flip side, Kraft’s fresh mozzarella cheese stands out with its superior protein content, almost double that of the mozzarella sticks. This protein richness, coupled with higher levels of essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin A, highlights the nutritional advantages of fresh cheese. While the mozzarella sticks offer a unique taste and texture experience, they lag in delivering these vital nutrients, emphasizing the trade-offs made during processing.
While the saturated fat content is somewhat comparable, the type and quality of fats might differ, especially given the frying process for the sticks.
The Healthier & Cheaper Mozzarella Sticks
However, if you are looking to save money and have some fun in the kitchen, then you might want to try making your own mozzarella sticks at home.
There are many recipes online that call for simple ingredients like cheese, bread crumbs, and eggs. Not only will this be a healthier option than store-bought mozzarella sticks, but it will also be a lot cheaper.
Did you know that mozzarella sticks can also be made out of cauliflower? Check out this recipe for a healthier version of the popular snack:
Ingredients:
-One head of cauliflower, cut into sticks
-One cup of bread crumbs
-One cup of grated Parmesan cheese
-Two eggs
-Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. In a bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs. Dip each cauliflower stick into the egg mixture, then coat in the bread crumb mixture. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy!
Air-fried or Baked Mozzarella Sticks
That being said, not all mozzarella sticks are bad for you.
If you purchase the air-fried or baked variety instead of the fried kind, then you can significantly reduce the number of unhealthy fats and calories that you consume.
In fact, a lot of people say that baked mozzarella sticks taste better than the fried variety.
Final Thoughts
Mozzarella sticks can definitely be classified as junk food.
However, they are not the worst thing you could eat and they can be enjoyed in moderation without too much harm.
If you are looking for a healthier alternative, try air-fried or baked mozzarella sticks, or make your own at home with simple ingredients.
Whichever option you choose, just be sure to enjoy them in moderation!
