There it is, the party tray, with cheeses shining like gifts from your dairy godmother. You’re eager to indulge but determined to be good about it. Watching fat and calories? Opt for mozzarella or soft goat instead of Cheddar or a triple-crème. Trying to limit sodium? Pass up the Parmesan and beware the blue. It’s all good protein and calcium, though, and a bite or two of any kind isn’t going to hurt anything. Here’s what you get per ounce (about a one-inch cube) from some party regulars.

Shown, clockwise from top:

cheddar

calories: 114
fat: 9 grams
protein: 7 grams
calcium: 204 milligrams
sodium: 176 milligrams

blue

calories: 100
fat: 8 grams
protein: 6 grams
calcium: 150 milligrams
sodium: 395 milligrams

parmesan

calories: 111
fat: 7 grams
protein: 10 grams
calcium: 336 milligrams
sodium: 454 milligrams

brie

calories: 95
fat: 8 grams
protein: 6 grams
calcium: 52 milligrams
sodium: 178 milligrams

goat (soft)

calories: 76
fat: 6 grams
protein: 5 grams
calcium: 40 milligrams
sodium: 104 milligrams

mozzarella

calories: 85
fat: 6 grams
protein: 6 grams
calcium: 143 milligrams
sodium: 178 milligrams