Frederic Melton
Cheese and crackers are a delightful snack, but how many calories do they contain? The calorie count varies depending on the type of cheese and crackers, as well as the serving size. For example, a serving of cheese rice crackers contains around 122 calories, while a cup of cheese and crackers can contain up to 952 calories. The calorie count can also depend on the fat content of the cheese, with some cheeses deriving a significant amount of their calories from fat. Additionally, crackers that are rich, buttery, or flaky tend to be higher in calories and fat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190-952.4 |
| Total Fat | 0-59.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0-9 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 0-560 mg |
| Potassium | 0 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 0-71.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0-1 g |
| Sugars | 0-5 g |
| Protein | 0-35.7 g |
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What You'll Learn
Calories in cheese and crackers vary
The calorie count can also depend on the brand. For instance, Austin® Cheese Crackers with Cheddar Cheese, weighing 39 grams, contain 190 calories. On the other hand, an ounce of Sargento Cracker Snacks' "American Cheese with Pimiento" has 110 calories.
The fat content of cheese also influences the calorie count. Cheese spreads, for example, tend to have higher fat content, which contributes to a higher calorie count. An ounce of cheese spread can contain up to nine grams of fat, resulting in approximately 110 calories.
Additionally, the type of cracker can make a difference. Crackers that are described as "rich," "buttery," or "flaky" tend to be higher in calories and fat. For example, Keebler's "Town House" crackers are an example of reduced-fat crackers with 25% less fat than the original version, offering a lower-calorie option.
It's important to note that the calorie content of cheese and crackers can also be influenced by other factors, such as the presence of additional ingredients or flavorings. For instance, Weight Watchers' port wine cheese has 70 calories, but it also contains 190 milligrams of sodium. Similarly, Kraft's "American Cheese with Bacon" has 560 milligrams of sodium, which can impact the overall calorie count.
In summary, the calories in cheese and crackers can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the type of cheese and cracker, the serving size, brand differences, fat content, and the presence of additional ingredients. It's always a good idea to check the nutrition facts and make informed choices based on your dietary needs and preferences.
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Calories depend on cheese type
The calorie count of cheese and crackers depends on the type of cheese and the quantity consumed. Cheese is a dairy product that can be high in calories and fat, especially when paired with crackers.
For example, a serving of cheese rice crackers has 122 calories, while a serving of GV cheese/pb crackers has 200 calories. The calorie content of cheese spreads can vary too, with some deriving a significant portion of their calories from fat. For instance, an ounce of Sargento Cracker Snacks' "American Cheese with Pimiento" has 110 calories, 74% of which come from fat.
The type of cheese in the spread or cracker also matters. Rich and creamy cheeses like cheddar, brie, and gouda tend to be higher in calories and fat. For instance, a cup of cheese and crackers containing these varieties can amount to approximately 952 calories. On the other hand, opting for lighter cheese varieties can reduce the overall calorie count of the snack.
Additionally, some crackers themselves can be high in calories. Crackers described as "rich," "buttery," or "flaky" are often indicators of high-calorie content. Choosing reduced-fat crackers or those made with organic whole wheat can be a healthier alternative, providing higher fiber and nutrient content.
In summary, the calorie count of cheese and crackers depends on the specific types of cheese and crackers consumed, with variations in fat content, ingredients, and serving sizes all contributing factors.
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Crackers can be high in fat
Cheese is a dairy product that is naturally high in fat, and this is reflected in its calorie content. For example, an ounce of Sargento Cracker Snacks' "American Cheese with Pimiento" contains nine grams of fat and 110 calories, of which 74% are derived from fat. Similarly, Land O'Lakes Golden Velvet cheese spread contains six grams of total fat, four grams of which are saturated fat, resulting in 66% of the total fat being saturated.
Crackers, on the other hand, can vary significantly in their fat content. Some crackers are made with ingredients that contribute to a higher fat content. For instance, crackers that are described as "rich," "buttery," or "flaky," or those flavored with meat or cheese, are often higher in fat and calories. The "grease test" is a simple way to identify crackers high in fat—if your hands feel greasy after handling them or they leave a grease stain on paper towels, it's a good indicator that they contain high levels of fat.
However, not all crackers are created equal in terms of fat content. There are several reduced-fat options available on the market. For instance, Keebler's reduced-fat "Town House" crackers offer 25% less fat per serving, amounting to about 2.5–3.5 grams less fat when compared to their original version.
When considering the calorie and fat content of cheese and crackers, it's important to remember that the specific values will depend on the types and amounts of cheese and crackers consumed. As a general guideline, a serving of cheese rice crackers (approximately 39 grams) typically contains around 122 calories and 0.8–1 gram of fat. In contrast, a serving of cheese and crackers (without specifying the type) is estimated to contain about 190–200 calories and 1–10 grams of fat.
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Cheese spreads are high in sodium
While cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, and several other nutrients, it can also be high in sodium, calories, and fat. Cheese spreads, in particular, tend to be high in sodium. For example, Kraft's "American Cheese with Bacon" contains 560 milligrams of sodium, while Old English's Sharp Cheese Spread" contains 480 milligrams. Even Weight Watchers' port wine cheese, which is marketed as a healthier option, contains 70 calories and three grams of fat, in addition to a hefty 190 milligrams of sodium.
Sodium is added to cheese to prevent the growth of potentially harmful pathogens. However, some cheese varieties contain far less added salt than others. For instance, ricotta cheese has a low sodium content of 136 mg per half-cup, as the other ingredients in a dish with ricotta usually provide the flavor. Similarly, cream cheese is a high-moisture cheese that is refrigerated and eaten fresh, so it contains less salt. Mascarpone cheese is another option, with only 15 mg of sodium per tablespoon.
Mozzarella is another cheese that is lower in sodium and calories than most other cheeses. A 1-ounce (oz) or 28-gram (g) serving of full-fat mozzarella contains only 85 mg of sodium. However, it is important to note that more processed mozzarella varieties, often pre-sliced or shredded, are typically higher in sodium to inhibit spoilage. The softer mozzarella that is sold in liquid is a better option for those seeking a lower-sodium choice. Swiss cheese is also lower in sodium than most other cheeses and is often recommended for anyone who needs to monitor their salt intake, including people with high blood pressure.
If you are watching your sodium intake, there are several low-sodium cheese options available. However, it is important to note that completely sodium-free cheese is hard to come by. To navigate your lower-sodium cheese selection, read the nutrition label on the cheese package and choose options with lower sodium content. It is recommended that adults consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, with certain experts suggesting an even lower intake of around 1,500 mg, especially for those with high blood pressure, kidney disease, or other health conditions where eating too much salt can be harmful.
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Calories depend on serving size
The calorie count of cheese and crackers depends on the type of cheese and cracker, as well as the serving size. For example, a serving of cheese rice crackers has 122 calories, while a serving of GV cheese/pb crackers has 200 calories. A serving of Austin cheese crackers with cheddar cheese has 190 calories, and an ounce of Sargento Cracker Snacks' "American Cheese with Pimiento" has 110 calories.
When considering the calorie count of cheese and crackers, it's important to remember that the type of cheese and cracker can make a significant difference. For instance, rich, creamy cheddar, tangy brie, and sharp gouda are all higher in calories and fat compared to lighter varieties of cheese. Similarly, crackers that are described as "rich," "buttery," or "flaky" tend to have a higher calorie and fat content.
The serving size also plays a crucial role in determining the calorie count. A standard serving size for cheese and crackers is generally considered to be one cup, which contains approximately 952 calories. However, it's important to note that this can vary depending on the specific types of cheese and crackers included in the serving.
To make a mindful choice, it's recommended to opt for lighter varieties of cheese and crackers, or choose reduced-fat crackers that have at least 25% less fat than their original counterparts. This can help reduce the overall calorie intake while still enjoying the delightful combination of cheese and crackers.
In conclusion, the calorie count of cheese and crackers depends on both the type of cheese and cracker, as well as the serving size. By making conscious choices and paying attention to serving sizes, individuals can strike a balance between enjoyment and health when indulging in this tasty snack.
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Frequently asked questions
The calories in cheese and crackers depend on the type of cheese and cracker, as well as the serving size. One source estimates that a cup of cheese and crackers contains around 952 calories.
Crackers that are described as "rich," "buttery," or "flaky" tend to be high in calories. Crackers flavoured with meat or cheese are also red flags for high-calorie content.
Yes, you can choose reduced-fat crackers that have at least 25% less fat than the original versions. For example, Keebler's reduced-fat "Town House" crackers have 2.5-3.5 grams of fat per serving.
Cheeses that are high in fat tend to be high in calories. For example, an ounce of Sargento Cracker Snacks' "American Cheese with Pimiento" has 110 calories, 9 grams of fat, and 74% of the calories come from fat.
Yes, lighter varieties of cheese can help reduce the calorie count of cheese and crackers. Weight Watchers' port wine cheese, for instance, has only 70 calories and 3 grams of fat per serving.
