Cheese as a Pre-Workout Snack? Parmesan Says Yes

If you’ve been paying even half-attention to TikTok or your gym buddy’s grocery haul, you’ve probably noticed one thing: protein is everywhere. From protein-packed ice cream to artisanal beef sticks that are basically bougie Slim Jims, our social feeds — and snack drawers — are fully committed to the protein craze.

But now, the internet is having a love affair with a surprising (and deliciously nostalgic) protein powerhouse: Parmigiano Reggiano.

Yep, that salty, crumbly cheese you usually shave onto pasta is getting the spotlight as a full-on snack. And TikTokers are not holding back. Some are biting into wedges of parmesan like apples, captioning their videos with things like: “I’m over protein bars — switching to full blocks of parmesan.” Strange? Maybe. Genius? Possibly.

Here’s why: true Parmigiano Reggiano clocks in at around 10 grams of protein per ounce — significantly more than cheeses like mozzarella or brie, which hover around 4–6 grams. That’s not a ton of volume, either. One ounce is roughly a third of a cup when grated, or about what you’d pile on a bowl of spaghetti without feeling guilty. So yes, that sprinkle might be doing more for your macros than you realized.

So… is this a health trend you should actually follow?

First, let’s be clear: TikTok is not a registered dietitian. But Parmigiano Reggiano’s protein claims check out. This cheese is made with only three ingredients — milk, rennet, and salt — and undergoes a strict aging process (minimum 12 months, though most are aged longer). During that time, it loses moisture and becomes ultra-dense, concentrating the protein and breaking down lactose in the process. Translation? It’s not just high in protein — it’s naturally lactose-free, too.

But not all parmesan is created equal. The stuff labeled “Parmigiano Reggiano” is the real deal — you’ll see it stamped right on the rind. “Parmesan” made elsewhere (like domestic versions in the U.S.) may still be high in protein, but the quality, flavor, and exact nutrition can vary. When in doubt? Check the label.

Not ready to chomp on a wedge? No problem.

If eating cheese like fruit feels a bit much, there are plenty of other ways to get in on the dairy-as-protein game. Swiss cheese has about 8 grams of protein per ounce, cheddar offers around 7, and part-skim mozzarella is in the same range. Prefer a softer vibe? Cottage cheese packs 13–15 grams per half-cup, and ricotta delivers about 14 grams per cup.

And for the aesthetically-minded: build yourself a charcuterie board. Pair Parmigiano Reggiano or other protein-rich cheeses with fiber-forward sides like fresh fruit, veggies, or whole-grain crackers. A cheese plate as your pre-workout snack? That’s the kind of energy we’re bringing into this year.

TL;DR: You don’t have to eat parmesan by the block, but if you do — know that you’re basically lifting weights with your teeth. Either way, it’s time to start treating your favorite pasta topper like the protein-packed MVP it really is.

Would you try the parmesan block snack trend or stick to a more traditional cheese moment?