Dutch Cumin Cheese (Leidse Kaas)
The heritage cheese of the Dutch city of Leiden: a semi-hard cheese with whole aromatic cumin seeds that give it a distinctive warm, earthy flavour. It contains very little carbohydrate, so a glycemic index does not apply, and it combines milk protein with the digestive benefits of cumin.
Glycemic index
Glycemic load
Calories
Protein
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
A flavourful slice in your morning sandwich or as a snack; the cumin seeds add an aromatic taste that helps you need less added salt and refreshes your sense of taste.
Best preparation methods
Chew the cheese well to release the aromatic oils from the cumin seeds inside it, and enjoy it with a cup of green tea or black coffee.
Important Nutritional Note
Leidse kaas is traditionally made from partly skimmed milk, so it is lower in fat and calories than regular Gouda and very suitable for anyone watching their blood lipids and weight.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (30 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal | 87 kcal |
| Protein | 27 g | 8.1 g |
| Carbohydrate | 1.2 g | 0.4 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 0.7 g | 0.2 g |
| Fat | 20 g | 6 g |
| Dietary fibre | 0.5 g | 0.1 g |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
It provides 9.3 g of protein per 100 kcal, ranking 4 of 13 in Dairy & cheese (highest first).
Related foods from the same family:
Frequently asked questions
Is Dutch Cumin Cheese (Leidse Kaas) good for weight loss?
It can be a useful part of a weight-loss plan because it provides 9.3 g of protein per 100 kcal, and protein supports fullness. A 30 g portion gives 87 kcal.
How does Dutch Cumin Cheese (Leidse Kaas) affect blood sugar?
Dutch Cumin Cheese (Leidse Kaas) contains only 0.7 g of available carbohydrate per 100 g, so the glycemic index does not apply and its direct effect on blood sugar is minimal. The meal’s effect depends on what you eat with it, such as bread, rice or sweetened sauces.
What is the nutritional value of a typical portion of Dutch Cumin Cheese (Leidse Kaas)?
A typical 30 g portion of Dutch Cumin Cheese (Leidse Kaas) provides about 87 kcal, 8.1 g protein, 0.4 g carbohydrate, 6 g fat and 0.1 g fibre.
Reviewed by the WiBo Health medical team · Last reviewed 13 October 2026
Disclaimer: This guidance is for nutritional lifestyle orientation and does not constitute a diagnostic medical device under EU Regulation MDR 2017/745.