Parmesan vs Cotija
Compared on one consistent basis: per 100 g, from USDA data behind each food page.
Parmesan Cheese (Grated) vs Cotija Cheese: nutrition per 100 g
| Per 100 g | Parmesan Cheese (Grated) | Cotija Cheese |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 421 kcal | 351 kcal |
| Protein | 29.6 g | 23.8 g |
| Carbohydrate | 12.4 g | 2.7 g |
| Fat | 28 g | 27.2 g |
| Fibre | 0 g | 0 g |
| Allergens | Milk | Milk |
Vitamins and minerals per 100 g
| Nutrient | Parmesan Cheese (Grated) | Cotija Cheese |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium, Ca | 884 mg | 699.6 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.04 mg | 0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.45 mg | 0 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 34.9 mg | 29.9 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.07 mg | 0.02 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 634 mg | 485.5 mg |
| Potassium, K | 184 mg | 116.7 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 1750 mg | 1625 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.5 ug | 0 ug |
| Zinc, Zn | 4.33 mg | 3.6 mg |
Parmesan Cheese (Grated) is higher in protein and carbohydrate. Cotija Cheese is the leaner, lower-calorie choice. That makes Parmesan Cheese (Grated) more relevant when you want protein for fullness or recovery, and Cotija Cheese when you want a lighter, lower-calorie option.
Full nutrition facts: Parmesan Cheese (Grated) · Cotija Cheese
Bottom line
Per 100 g, Parmesan Cheese (Grated) provides 421 kcal, 29.6 g protein and 28 g fat; Cotija Cheese provides 351 kcal, 23.8 g protein and 27.2 g fat.
That is a difference of 70 kcal and 0.8 g of fat per 100 g.
Both are hard, salty grating cheeses and both are used in small amounts, which is the thing to hold on to: the per-100-g numbers look heavy but a tablespoon is about 5 g. Parmesan is drier and sharper; cotija is saltier and crumbles rather than shreds.
In short: for protein per calorie, parmesan. If that is not the deciding factor, pick by how it behaves in the dish.
Want a different pair? Use the food comparison tool to compare any two foods from the same category.
Values are per 100 g from the USDA FoodData Central records behind each food page and are rounded; brands and preparation change the numbers. This comparison is educational, not medical advice.