FoodRef
K

Dairy

Kajmak

2/ 10Poor
Controversy: 5.2

Rated by 11 diets

1 approve3 caution7 avoid

The diets react (see scores below)

Approves1
Caution3
Disapproves7
Is Kajmak Healthy?

Mostly no — Kajmak is avoided by the majority of diets reviewed. 7 out of 11 diets recommend against it.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
660kcal
Protein
2g
Carbs
3g
Fat
72g
Fiber
0g
Sugar
3g
Sodium
50mg

Diet Ratings

KetoApproved

Kajmak is a Balkan dairy product similar to clotted cream with high fat, minimal protein, and negligible carbs. Perfect keto fat source.

VeganAvoid

Kajmak is a dairy product similar to clotted cream, made from milk. All dairy products are excluded from vegan diets.

PaleoAvoid

Kajmak is a dairy product (cream/butter hybrid) made from milk. Paleo excludes dairy due to casein and lactose content. While ghee (clarified butter with milk solids removed) is debated, kajmak retains dairy components.

MediterraneanCaution

Kajmak is a dairy product similar to clotted cream, high in saturated fat. While dairy is acceptable in moderation, kajmak's high saturated fat content and caloric density make it a marginal choice. Olive oil is the preferred fat source.

Debated

Traditional Balkan Mediterranean cuisines incorporate kajmak as a cultural staple, though modern Mediterranean diet guidelines emphasize olive oil over dairy fats and recommend kajmak only as an occasional condiment in small amounts.

CarnivoreCaution

Kajmak is a dairy product (cream/butter hybrid) from Balkan region. Animal-derived but dairy—subject to same debate as cheese. Higher fat content makes it more acceptable than milk, but lactose and casein concerns remain.

Debated

Strict 'meat only' carnivores exclude kajmak due to dairy content and potential inflammatory properties. Saladino's animal-based approach may include raw dairy products but questions pasteurized/processed versions.

Whole30Avoid

Kajmak is a dairy product similar to clotted cream made from milk fat. Dairy products are explicitly excluded on Whole30, with the sole exception of ghee/clarified butter.

Low-FODMAPAvoid

Kajmak is a traditional Balkan dairy product similar to clotted cream or sour cream. It is made from milk fat and contains lactose, making it high-FODMAP. Even small servings contain significant lactose.

Debated

Monash has not specifically tested kajmak. Assessment based on typical lactose content in cream and sour cream products. Some very aged or fermented versions might have reduced lactose, but standard kajmak should be avoided during elimination.

DASHAvoid

Kajmak is a high-fat dairy product (similar to clotted cream), primarily saturated fat. DASH specifies low-fat or fat-free dairy. High in cholesterol and saturated fat (~50% of calories from fat). Contradicts core DASH dairy guidelines.

ZoneCaution

Kajmak is a dairy product similar to clotted cream, extremely high in saturated fat and calories. While fat is necessary for Zone's 30% fat component, kajmak's saturated fat profile and caloric density make it suboptimal. Very small portions (1 tablespoon) could theoretically fit as a fat block, but monounsaturated alternatives (olive oil, avocado, nuts) are strongly preferred.

Kajmak is a traditional Balkan dairy product similar to clotted cream, extremely high in saturated fat and calories. It lacks anti-inflammatory compounds and contradicts the anti-inflammatory diet's emphasis on limiting full-fat dairy and saturated fat.

Kajmak is a high-fat dairy product (60g fat per 100g, mostly saturated). Minimal protein relative to fat. Triggers nausea, bloating, and reflux in GLP-1 patients. Contradicts low-fat principle. No nutritional advantage over lean proteins.

Nutritional profile

Six traits that cut across every diet.

Fiber & Plants

How much whole-plant food and fiber it delivers.

1/10

Healthy Fats

The quality of its fats (unsaturated, omega-3).

2/10

Whole / Unprocessed

How close it is to its natural, unprocessed form.

5/10

Gut Gentle

How easy it is on digestion (low FODMAP, few irritants).

6/10

Low Glycemic

How little it spikes your blood sugar.

9/10

Protein Density

How much protein it packs per calorie.

1/10
7-104-61-3

Controversy Index

Score range: 19/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus5.2Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Kajmak

Keto 9/10
  • Negligible net carbs
  • Very high fat content
  • Whole food dairy
  • Supports keto macros
Mediterranean 4/10
  • high saturated fat
  • dairy product
  • high caloric density
  • olive oil preferred
  • occasional use only
Carnivore 6/10
  • animal-derived dairy
  • high fat content
  • contains lactose and casein
  • processing method matters
Zone 4/10
  • Very high in saturated fat
  • Calorie-dense requiring minimal portions
  • Not preferred monounsaturated fat source
  • Conflicts with anti-inflammatory focus