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Butter vs Parmesan: Calories Compared
Parmesan is lower in calories (420 vs 717 per 100g). Butter has 0.8g protein per 100g versus 28.4g in Parmesan.
Per typical serving, Butter provides 100 kcal (based on a 14g portion) versus Parmesan at 21 kcal (5g). The average adult needs around 2,000 calories per day, so butter contributes 5.0% and parmesan contributes 1.1% of that daily target per serving. Getting these numbers right for your own portions starts with a digital kitchen scale.
Full nutrition comparison (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Butter | Parmesan |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 717 kcal | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 0.8g | 28.4g |
| Carbohydrates | 0.1g | 13.9g |
| of which Sugars | 0.1g | 0.1g |
| Fat | 81.1g | 27.8g |
| of which Saturates | 51.4g | 15.4g |
| Fibre | 0g | 0g |
| Sodium | 643mg | 1804mg |
| Potassium | 24mg | 180mg |
| Calcium | 24mg | 853mg |
| Iron | 0mg | 0.5mg |
| Vitamin C | 0mg | 0mg |
| Vitamin A | 684µg | 262µg |
| Selenium | 1µg | 34µg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0mg | 0.4mg |
Nutrient-by-nutrient breakdown
- Calories: Butter has more (717kcal vs 420kcal per 100g) — a difference of 297kcal. Parmesan is the lower-calories option if that is your priority.
- Protein: Parmesan has more (28.4g vs 0.8g per 100g) — a difference of 27.6g. Parmesan is the stronger source of protein here.
- Carbohydrates: Parmesan has more (13.9g vs 0.1g per 100g) — a difference of 13.8g.
- Sugars: both foods contain the same amount (0.1g per 100g).
- Fat: Butter has more (81.1g vs 27.8g per 100g) — a difference of 53.3g. Parmesan is the lower-fat option if that is your priority.
- Saturated fat: Butter has more (51.4g vs 15.4g per 100g) — a difference of 36g. Parmesan is the lower-saturated fat option if that is your priority.
- Fibre: both foods contain the same amount (0g per 100g).
- Sodium: Parmesan has more (1804mg vs 643mg per 100g) — a difference of 1161mg. Butter is the lower-sodium option if that is your priority.
- Potassium: Parmesan has more (180mg vs 24mg per 100g) — a difference of 156mg. Parmesan is the stronger source of potassium here.
- Calcium: Parmesan has more (853mg vs 24mg per 100g) — a difference of 829mg. Parmesan is the stronger source of calcium here.
- Iron: Parmesan has more (0mg vs 0mg per 100g) — a difference of 0mg. Parmesan is the stronger source of iron here.
- Vitamin c: both foods contain the same amount (0mg per 100g).
- Vitamin a: Butter has more (684µg vs 262µg per 100g) — a difference of 422µg. Butter is the stronger source of vitamin A here.
- Selenium: Parmesan has more (34µg vs 1µg per 100g) — a difference of 33µg. Parmesan is the stronger source of selenium here.
- Riboflavin (b2): Parmesan has more (0mg vs 0mg per 100g) — a difference of 0mg. Parmesan is the stronger source of riboflavin (B2) here.
Live serving-size calculator
Enter any amount for each food — every figure below recalculates instantly, with % of daily value shown for each nutrient (based on a standard 2,000-calorie reference diet).
| Nutrient | Butter | % DV | Parmesan | % DV |
|---|
* % Daily Value based on a 2,000-calorie reference diet, the same basis used on nutrition labels in the US and UK. Figures update live as you change the amounts above — no page reload.
Substituting one for the other
In baking and cooking, dairy substitutions usually work best when fat content is similar — swapping a higher-fat dairy product for a lower-fat one can affect texture, moisture and how a recipe sets, even when the flavour is close.
Useful for comparing these foods
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Which should you choose?
If your priority is fewer calories, Parmesan is the lower-calorie option at 420 kcal per 100g. If you need more protein, Parmesan provides more at 28.4g per 100g. For lower carbohydrates, Butter has fewer carbs at 0.1g per 100g.
Both butter and parmesan can form part of a healthy, balanced diet. The best choice depends on your individual goals — whether that is weight management, muscle building, or simply hitting your daily nutritional targets. A meal prep container set makes it easy to portion whichever you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more calories, Butter or Parmesan?
Butter has 717 calories per 100g while Parmesan has 420 calories per 100g. Butter is higher in calories by 297 kcal per 100g.
Which has more protein, Butter or Parmesan?
Butter contains 0.8g of protein per 100g. Parmesan contains 28.4g of protein per 100g. Parmesan has more protein.
Is Butter healthier than Parmesan?
Butter has 717 kcal, 0.8g protein, 0.1g carbs and 81.1g fat per 100g. Parmesan has 420 kcal, 28.4g protein, 13.9g carbs and 27.8g fat per 100g. Which is healthier depends on your goals — higher protein, lower calorie and lower fat foods are generally preferred for weight management.
Which has more fibre, Butter or Parmesan?
Butter contains 0g of fibre per 100g, and Parmesan contains 0g per 100g. Butter has more fibre. Fibre supports digestion and helps with feeling fuller for longer.
How many calories per serving — Butter vs Parmesan?
A typical 1 tablespoon of butter (14g) is around 100 calories. A typical 1 tablespoon of parmesan (5g) is around 21 calories — a difference of 79 kcal per serving in favour of parmesan.
Can I substitute Butter for Parmesan in recipes?
In baking and cooking, dairy substitutions usually work best when fat content is similar — swapping a higher-fat dairy product for a lower-fat one can affect texture, moisture and how a recipe sets, even when the flavour is close.
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Figures per 100g from the USDA FoodData Central database (CC0 1.0).