Brie has diabetes-friendly carbohydrate profile. One ounce contains less than 1 g carbohydrate, 6 g protein, 8 g fat (5 g saturated), and 95 calories. Glycemic impact essentially zero. Brie is a soft French cheese with white rind, made from cow’s milk; develops creamy texture and mild buttery flavor with mushroomy notes as it ripens. Main consideration is saturated fat — brie is moderately high (5 g per oz). For diabetes meal planning, brie fits well in moderate portions (1-2 oz) as part of cheese plates, paired with fresh fruit, nuts, vegetables, or whole-grain crackers in small portions. Provides calcium (10% DV per oz), B12, vitamin K2, and selenium. Brie vs camembert: very similar, closely related; brie originated in Île-de-France, camembert in Normandy; both cow’s milk soft cheeses with bloomy white rind; brie larger wheels (8-15 inch) cut into wedges, camembert smaller round (4-5 inch); brie milder, butterier; camembert richer, earthier, more mushroomy; both have similar nutrition and fit similarly for diabetes; choose by flavor preference. Diabetes-friendly applications: cheese plate with grapes (small portion), almonds, raw vegetables; on apple slices (small portion) with walnuts; melted on Brussels sprouts; in omelet (small amount); with pear slices and prosciutto; on whole-grain crackers (1-2 max) with herbs; stuffed into chicken breast; baked brie appetizer (small portion with herbs and nuts; skip jam topping or use sugar-free); brie burger (small wedge melted on lean burger; lettuce wrap); spread on cucumber slices. Watch portion size — easy to over-eat soft cheeses (1-2 oz per serving). Pregnancy: choose pasteurized only; raw milk soft cheeses pose Listeria risk; most U.S. supermarket brie is pasteurized.
Brie Nutrition Profile
| Nutrient (1 oz, 28 g) | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 95 | — |
| Carbohydrate | under 1 g | — |
| Protein | 6 g | 12% |
| Total fat | 8 g | — |
| Saturated fat | 5 g | 25% |
| Sodium | 180 mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 52 mg | 4% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.5 mcg | 21% |
| Phosphorus | 53 mg | 5% |
| Selenium | 4 mcg | 7% |
Brie Varieties
- Brie de Meaux: original Brie; AOP-protected; raw milk traditionally.
- Brie de Melun: AOP-protected; smaller, stronger flavor than Brie de Meaux.
- French Brie (pasteurized): widely available; milder flavor.
- American Brie: pasteurized; milder still; widely available.
- Triple-creme Brie (Brillat-Savarin, Saint-André): extra cream added; richer; ~30% more fat.
- Brie with herbs: flavored varieties.
- Brie pre-portioned in mini-wheels: convenience option.
- All similar nutrition; choose by flavor preference and pasteurization status.
Diabetes-Friendly Cheese Plate Ideas
- 1 oz brie + 5-6 grapes + handful almonds.
- 1 oz brie + apple slices (¼ apple) + walnuts.
- 1 oz brie + pear slices (¼ pear) + prosciutto.
- 1 oz brie + cucumber slices + black olives.
- 1 oz brie + cherry tomatoes + balsamic glaze (small drizzle).
- 1 oz brie + roasted Brussels sprouts (melted on top).
- 1 oz brie + 2 whole-grain crackers + cracked pepper.
- Mediterranean platter: brie + olives + roasted red pepper + small piece bread.
- Antipasto-style: brie + salami (small) + marinated mushrooms.
- Fall plate: brie + fig (small) + walnut + raw vegetable sticks.
What to Watch For
- Sweet toppings (jam, honey, dulce de leche) add significant sugar.
- Sweet wines paired with brie — sugar adds up.
- Crackers in large amounts (the carbs sneak up).
- Pre-made cheese boards often include high-sugar dried fruits and crackers.
- Hot brie appetizers with bread bowls or pastry wraps.
- Mini brie bites with pastry (puff pastry crust adds carbs).
- Brie en croute (baked in pastry) — high refined carb dough.
- Triple-creme versions have ~30% more fat — limit portion.
The Bottom Line
Brie has diabetes-friendly carbohydrate profile. One ounce contains less than 1 g carbohydrate, 6 g protein, 8 g fat (5 g saturated), and 95 calories. Glycemic impact essentially zero. Brie is a soft French cheese with white rind, made from cow’s milk; develops creamy texture and mild buttery flavor with mushroomy notes as it ripens. Main consideration is saturated fat — brie is moderately high (5 g per oz). For diabetes meal planning, brie fits well in moderate portions (1-2 oz) as part of cheese plates, paired with fresh fruit, nuts, vegetables, or whole-grain crackers in small portions. Provides calcium, B12 (21% DV per oz), vitamin K2, and selenium. Brie vs camembert: very similar; brie milder/butterier and larger wheel cuts; camembert richer/earthier/more mushroomy and smaller rounds; both have similar nutrition. Brie varieties: Brie de Meaux (original, AOP-protected, raw milk traditionally), Brie de Melun (AOP-protected, smaller stronger), French Brie pasteurized (widely available, milder), American Brie (pasteurized, milder still), Triple-creme Brie (Brillat-Savarin, Saint-André — extra cream, ~30% more fat), brie with herbs (flavored). Diabetes-friendly cheese plate ideas: 1 oz brie + small fruit (5-6 grapes, ¼ apple, ¼ pear) + nuts (almonds, walnuts), brie + cucumber slices + olives, brie + cherry tomatoes + balsamic, brie + roasted Brussels sprouts, brie + 2 whole-grain crackers + cracked pepper, brie + prosciutto + small fig, Mediterranean platter, antipasto-style with salami small portion, fall plate with fig and walnut. Watch portion size (1-2 oz per serving). Watch for: sweet toppings (jam, honey, dulce de leche), sweet wines, large cracker portions, pre-made cheese boards with high-sugar additions, hot brie appetizers with pastry wraps, brie en croute (baked in pastry), triple-creme versions (~30% more fat). Pregnancy: choose pasteurized only; raw milk soft cheeses pose Listeria risk; most U.S. supermarket brie is pasteurized (check label). For adults with type 2 diabetes managing cardiovascular risk, brie fits in moderation as part of balanced diet with fruit and nut accompaniments. The cheese-and-fruit tradition is satisfying and diabetes-friendly when portions are controlled. See our broader diabetes diet guide for context.
