Parmigiano Reggiano is one of the most studied and complete foods in the Italian tradition: rich in high-quality proteins, calcium, and easily digestible, despite being a long-aged cheese. Let's look in detail at the nutritional values, calculated per 100 grams of product.
The calories in Parmigiano Reggiano
Parmigiano Reggiano provides approximately 390-400 kcal per 100 grams. This may seem like a high value, but it must always be considered in relation to actual serving sizes: an average table serving (20-30g) provides about 80-120 kcal, comparable to many other protein-rich foods.
| Nutritional value | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | ~392 kcal |
| Proteins | ~33 g |
| Fats | ~28 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~0 g |
| Calcium | ~1160 mg |
| Sodium | ~650 mg |
Parmigiano Reggiano has practically zero carbohydrates: all the energy comes from proteins and fats, making it a food frequently used in low-carb diets as well.
A concentrate of high-quality proteins
With about 33g of protein per 100g, Parmigiano Reggiano is one of the most protein-dense cheeses available. These are proteins with high biological value, meaning they contain all the essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own—the exact same profile found in meat, fish, and eggs, but with the advantage of being particularly easy to digest.
"Long aging processes naturally break down proteins into free amino acids, which are already largely 'pre-digested' by the maturation process."
Why it is easily digestible despite its high protein content
During aging, natural enzymes progressively break down milk proteins into peptides and free amino acids, which are simpler for our body to absorb. This is one of the reasons why Parmigiano Reggiano is often recommended for children, athletes, and convalescents: it is nutritious, yet light to digest.
Calcium: an ally for bones and teeth
With over 1,100 mg of calcium per 100 grams, Parmigiano Reggiano is among the richest natural sources of calcium available—just 50g is enough to cover a significant part of an adult's daily requirement. One more reason to consider it not just a gastronomic pleasure, but a true functional food.
How it varies based on aging
The nutritional values of Parmigiano Reggiano remain substantially stable across different aging periods (24, 36, 60 months and beyond): what changes most is the concentration of flavor and the structure of the tyrosine crystals, rather than the caloric or protein intake, which remains similar for the same weight.
In brief
- About 390-400 kcal per 100g, approximately 80-120 kcal for an average 20-30g serving
- About 33g of high-quality protein per 100g, highly digestible
- Practically zero carbohydrates
- Over 1,100mg of calcium per 100g
Discover Parmigiano Reggiano "Solo di Bruna," produced with the same milk selected since 1879.
Discover our aging varieties →