Camembert has diabetes-friendly carbohydrate profile. One ounce contains less than 1 g carbohydrate, 6 g protein, 7 g fat (5 g saturated), and 85 calories. Glycemic impact essentially zero. Camembert is a soft French cheese with white bloomy rind, made from cow’s milk; develops rich, earthy, mushroomy flavor as it ripens (more pronounced than brie). Originated in Normandy, France; small round wheels (4-5 inch). Main considerations are saturated fat (moderate, 5 g per oz) and sodium (~240 mg per oz — higher than brie). For diabetes meal planning, camembert fits well in moderate portions (1-2 oz) as part of cheese plates. Provides calcium, B12 (21% DV per oz), vitamin K2, and selenium. Camembert vs brie: very similar, closely related; brie milder/butterier and larger wedge cuts (8-15 inch wheels); camembert richer/earthier/more mushroomy and smaller rounds (4-5 inch); camembert higher sodium (~240 mg vs 180 mg per oz); both similar carb and protein; both have bloomy white rind (Penicillium camemberti or candidum). Choose by flavor preference. Both AOP-protected when made traditionally. Diabetes-friendly applications: cheese plate with fruit (small portions) and nuts, baked camembert appetizer with raw vegetables for dipping, melted on burgers or steaks (small wedge), stuffed into chicken breast, pear and walnut salad, Mediterranean platter with olives and sun-dried tomatoes, apple slices, cucumber and camembert bites, fig and prosciutto, soufflé or omelet base. The richer flavor of camembert means small amounts add substantial taste — supports portion control naturally. Traditional serving: room temperature 30-60 min before for full flavor, cut wedge eat rind and all, pair with bread (limit for diabetes), baked camembert in oven until gooey served with vegetables. Pregnancy: choose pasteurized only; raw milk soft cheeses pose Listeria risk.
Camembert Nutrition Profile
| Nutrient (1 oz, 28 g) | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 85 | — |
| Carbohydrate | under 1 g | — |
| Protein | 6 g | 12% |
| Total fat | 7 g | — |
| Saturated fat | 5 g | 25% |
| Sodium | 240 mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 110 mg | 8% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.5 mcg | 21% |
| Phosphorus | 97 mg | 10% |
| Selenium | 4 mcg | 7% |
Camembert vs Brie Comparison
| Feature | Camembert | Brie |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Normandy, France | Île-de-France |
| Size | Small round (4-5 inch) | Larger wheels (8-15 inch) |
| Flavor | Rich, earthy, mushroomy | Milder, butterier |
| Carbs (1 oz) | under 1 g | under 1 g |
| Calories (1 oz) | 85 | 95 |
| Sodium (1 oz) | 240 mg | 180 mg |
| Saturated fat (1 oz) | 5 g | 5 g |
| Pasteurization | Same considerations | Same considerations |
Diabetes-Friendly Recipe Ideas
- 1 oz camembert with apple slices (¼ apple) and walnuts.
- Camembert and pear salad with mixed greens.
- Baked camembert appetizer with raw vegetables for dipping.
- Camembert-stuffed chicken breast.
- Mediterranean platter with camembert, olives, sun-dried tomatoes.
- Camembert melted on lean burger (lettuce wrap or small whole-grain bun).
- Camembert with prosciutto and small fig.
- Cucumber slices with camembert and herbs.
- Camembert and walnut wrap (lettuce wrap or low-carb tortilla).
- Antipasto plate with camembert.
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with melted camembert.
- Mushroom and camembert omelet.
Baked Camembert
- Traditional appetizer/sharing dish.
- Bake camembert in wooden box at 350°F for 15-20 min until gooey.
- Score top before baking; add herbs (thyme, rosemary).
- Drizzle with olive oil and garlic.
- Serve hot for dipping.
- Diabetes-friendly dippers: cucumber slices, celery, bell pepper, broccoli florets, cauliflower, small carrots.
- Limit bread/cracker dipping to small portions.
- Share with group — easy to overeat alone.
- Skip honey/jam toppings; use herb topping instead.
What to Limit
- Sweet jam/honey toppings on cheese plates.
- Sweet wines paired with cheese.
- Crackers in large amounts.
- Bread baskets with cheese course.
- Pre-made cheese boards with high-sugar additions (dried fruits with added sugar).
- Calvados in large amounts (Normandy apple brandy traditional with camembert; sugar from apples + alcohol).
- Mini camembert bites in pastry wrappers.
- Large portions (over 2 oz per serving).
The Bottom Line
Camembert has diabetes-friendly carbohydrate profile. One ounce contains less than 1 g carbohydrate, 6 g protein, 7 g fat (5 g saturated), and 85 calories. Glycemic impact essentially zero. Camembert is a soft French cheese with white bloomy rind, made from cow’s milk; develops rich, earthy, mushroomy flavor as it ripens (more pronounced than brie). Originated in Normandy, France; small round wheels (4-5 inch). Main considerations are saturated fat (moderate, 5 g per oz) and sodium (~240 mg per oz — higher than brie’s 180 mg). For diabetes meal planning, camembert fits well in moderate portions (1-2 oz). Provides calcium, B12 (21% DV per oz), vitamin K2, and selenium. Camembert vs brie: very similar but distinguishable — brie milder/butterier and larger wedge cuts; camembert richer/earthier/more mushroomy and smaller rounds. Both AOP-protected when made traditionally. Diabetes-friendly applications: cheese plate with fruit (small portions) and nuts; baked camembert appetizer with raw vegetables for dipping (cucumber, celery, bell pepper, broccoli, cauliflower); melted on burgers or steaks (small wedge); stuffed into chicken breast; pear and walnut salad; Mediterranean platter with olives and sun-dried tomatoes; apple slices (¼); cucumber and camembert bites; fig and prosciutto; mushroom and camembert omelet. The richer flavor means small amounts add substantial taste — supports portion control naturally. Traditional serving: room temperature 30-60 min before; cut wedge eat rind and all; pair with bread (limit for diabetes); baked version (350°F for 15-20 min in wooden box) with herbs and olive oil — serve with vegetables for dipping. Limit: sweet jam/honey toppings, sweet wines, large cracker portions, bread baskets, pre-made cheese boards with high-sugar additions, Calvados in large amounts, mini camembert bites in pastry wrappers, portions over 2 oz. Pregnancy: choose pasteurized only — raw milk soft cheeses pose Listeria risk; most U.S. supermarket camembert is pasteurized but check label. For adults with type 2 diabetes managing cardiovascular risk, camembert fits in moderation similar to brie. The richer flavor allows smaller portions to satisfy. See our broader diabetes diet guide for context.
