Group · Dairy
Camembert
Camembert is a soft, bloomy-rind cheese, a symbol of Normandy’s cheese heritage. Made from cow’s milk, it develops over the maturing process a downy white rind and a creamy centre with a characteristic taste. It is available made with raw or pasteurised milk, sometimes with protected designation of origin. Nutritionally, Camembert provides around 280 kcal per 100 g, with nearly 19.1 g of good-quality protein, 22.5 g of fat and very few carbohydrates. It is also a valuable source of calcium and phosphorus. Tasty and filling, it has its place in a balanced diet, as long as you respect the portions and vary your choices.
Macronutrient breakdown
Nutrition table per 100 g
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Kilojoules | 1160 kJ |
| Protein | 19,1 g |
| Carbohydrate | 0,5 g |
| Fat | 22,5 g |
Micronutrients per 100 g
All measured nutrients, ranked by share of the daily reference intake.
- Calcium439 mg55 %
- Phosphorus323 mg46 %
- Vitamin B989 µg45 %
- Vitamin B121,03 µg41 %
- Vitamin B20,54 mg39 %
- Zinc2,5 mg25 %
- Vitamin B60,24 mg17 %
- Iodine19 µg13 %
See the other 15 nutrients
- Vitamin B50,67 mg11 %
- Selenium5,76 µg10 %
- Vitamin B31,37 mg9 %
- Vitamin D0,4 µg8 %
- Potassium148 mg7 %
- Vitamin K13,95 µg5 %
- Magnesium19,3 mg5 %
- Vitamin E0,57 mg5 %
- Vitamin B10,05 mg4 %
- Total omega-30,08 g3 %
- Omega-6 LA0,31 g3 %
- Copper0,03 mg3 %
- Omega-3 ALA0,06 g3 %
- Iron0,22 mg2 %
- Manganese0,02 mg1 %
Anses Ciqual 2025. Source: Anses, 2025, Ciqual food composition table
Tips
To enjoy Camembert without weighing down your calorie count, think in portions. A 30 g piece (about a quarter of a whole cheese) is enough to bring flavour and pleasure while staying reasonable on fat. Take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before eating to bring out its creaminess and all its aromas.
- Storage: keep it in its wooden box, in the bottom of the fridge, and use it quickly once cut.
- Pairings: it goes with country bread, fresh fruit (apple, grapes) or walnuts for a tasty, balanced plate.
- Cooking: baked in the oven, on a grilled toast or melted over vegetables, it elevates many dishes without any unnecessary added fat.
In terms of nutrition facts, Camembert stands out for its richness in protein (nearly 19.1 g per 100 g), calcium and phosphorus, which support strong bones. Its carbohydrates are almost non-existent and its glycaemic index negligible, which makes it compatible with a well-managed balanced diet. On the other hand, its calorie density and fat content call for moderation, especially if you are watching your weight. Watch the salt too, which is present in the matured rind.
To vary your cheeses, you can compare Camembert with other cheeses of the same family such as Brie, which is milder, or drier cheeses that are more concentrated in protein. Discover all the dairy products to put together a plate suited to your needs, and see the food calorie table to adjust your portions.
For active people: Camembert is a useful source of protein as a snack or at dinner, helpful for muscle maintenance. Its richness in fat makes it unsuitable just before exercise, when easy-to-digest carbohydrates are preferred. During recovery, pair it with a source of carbohydrates such as wholemeal bread. If you are looking for lighter options with more targeted protein, 0% fromage blanc is a great ally. To go further on food and performance, take a look at our guidelines on nutrition for fitness.
In short, Camembert offers flavour, protein and calcium: enjoy it in moderation to combine pleasure and balance.
If you have diabetes: this cheese contains only traces of carbohydrates. Portion, salt and saturated fat are covered in our guide to cheese and diabetes.
Pregnant? This soft, bloomy-rind cheese is not recommended during pregnancy, even when pasteurised, unless cooked until piping hot. See our guide to Camembert during pregnancy.
Guides about camembert
The 20 lowest-calorie cheeses (ranked by kcal per 100 g)
Cheese and diabetes: no sugar, but salt and fat
How much cheese a day? 30 g, and which to choose
