Kamil Perry
Cheddar cheese is a delicious addition to many comfort foods, but its high-calorie count and saturated fat content have raised concerns. Cheddar cheese comes in varying degrees of sharpness, from mild to extra-sharp, depending on how long it has been aged. While it may be high in calories and fat, a moderate amount of cheddar can be part of a healthy diet. So, how many calories are in half a cup of cheddar cheese?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 229 |
| Macronutrient Breakdown | 1% Carbs, 75% Fat, 24% Protein |
| Total Fat | 10 grams per ounce |
| Saturated Fat | 6 grams per ounce |
| Sodium | 190mg per ounce |
| Calcium | 200mg per ounce |
| Vitamin A | 10% of daily recommendation per ounce |
| Phosphorus | 14% of daily recommendation per ounce |
| Zinc | Small amount per ounce |
| Selenium | Small amount per ounce |
| Riboflavin | Small amount per ounce |
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What You'll Learn
Half a cup of cheddar is 229 calories
Cheddar cheese is a delicious addition to many comfort foods, but it also has nutritional benefits. Half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese contains 229 calories. This calorie count is considered high, and most health concerns about cheddar cheese focus on its fat content. Cheddar is high in total fat, with 75% of its calories coming from fat. However, research suggests that full-fat dairy may be better for weight management, and cheddar's high-fat content makes it compatible with diets like keto.
Cheddar cheese is also a good source of protein, with protein accounting for more than 30% of its calories. It contains essential micronutrients like calcium, vitamin A, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, and riboflavin. Calcium is critical for preventing osteoporosis and maintaining bone health. Cheddar also contains no carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb diets.
The sharpness of cheddar cheese refers to how long it has been aged, with mild cheddar aged for two to three months and extra-sharp varieties aged for up to a year. The aging process also affects the cheese's nutritional profile, with older cheddars having a higher vitamin K content.
While half a cup of cheddar provides a significant number of calories, it also offers a range of nutritional benefits. However, it is important to consume cheese in moderation as part of a balanced diet, especially for those watching their calorie intake or saturated fat consumption.
In summary, half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese provides 229 calories and offers various nutritional advantages, but it should be enjoyed as part of a healthy and balanced diet.
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Cheddar is high in protein
Cheddar cheese is a delicious addition to many comfort foods, but it also has nutritional benefits. While it is calorie-dense, with 229 calories in half a cup, it also provides a high amount of protein. In fact, protein accounts for more than 30% of cheddar cheese's calories, with 7g per 1-ounce serving. This can be a significant contribution to your daily protein intake.
Cheddar cheese contains zero carbohydrates, which fits well into a low-carb diet. It is also low in lactose, which means lactose-intolerant individuals can often consume it without experiencing unpleasant symptoms like bloating or stomach upset.
In addition to protein, cheddar cheese is an excellent source of calcium, providing 20% of your daily value per ounce. This can help contribute to maintaining bone health and preventing osteoporosis. Cheddar also provides 10% of your daily vitamin A recommendation and 14% phosphorus, as well as smaller amounts of zinc, selenium, and riboflavin.
However, it is important to note that cheddar cheese can be relatively high in sodium, with 190mg per ounce. It also contains a significant amount of fat, with 10 grams per ounce, and saturated fat, with 6 grams per ounce. Therefore, while cheddar cheese can be a nutritious part of a healthy diet, it should be consumed in moderation.
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It's also a good source of calcium
Half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese contains 229 calories. The macronutrient breakdown is 1% carbohydrates, 75% fat, and 24% protein. Cheddar cheese is a calorie-dense food, which increases its satiation factor. Despite its high-calorie count, a moderate amount of cheddar can be part of a healthy diet. Cheddar contains zero carbohydrates, which means it has no fibre and little to no sugar. Most health concerns about cheddar focus on its fat content, specifically its saturated fat content. Whole-milk cheddar is high in total fat (10 grams per ounce) and saturated fat (6 grams per ounce).
Cheddar cheese comes in varying degrees of "sharpness", including mild, medium, sharp, and extra-sharp, which refers to how long the cheese has been aged. The longer it ages, the sharper and more flavourful it becomes. Mild cheddar cheese typically ages for two to three months, while extra-sharp varieties can age for up to a year. Cheddar is also among the harder, aged cheeses that are low in lactose, making it a good option for those who are lactose intolerant.
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Cheddar has zero carbohydrates
Cheddar cheese is a delicious addition to many comfort foods. However, its high-calorie count and saturated fat content have raised concerns about its nutritional value. Despite this, a moderate amount of cheddar can be a part of a healthy diet. Cheddar has zero carbohydrates, which makes it a good fit for low-carb diets.
Cheddar cheese is known for its sharp flavor, which develops as the cheese ages. The longer it ages, the sharper and more pungent it becomes. Mild cheddar cheese typically ages for two to three months, while extra-sharp varieties can linger for up to a year. This aging process also contributes to cheddar's low lactose content, making it a good option for lactose-intolerant individuals.
While cheddar cheese contains zero carbohydrates, it is high in fat, with 10 grams of total fat and 6 grams of saturated fat per ounce. This has led to health concerns as consuming a diet high in saturated fat is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, recent research suggests that full-fat dairy may not contribute to weight gain as previously believed.
In addition to its high-fat content, cheddar cheese is a good source of protein, with 7 grams per ounce, contributing to over 30% of its calories. It is also rich in calcium, providing 200 mg, or 20% of the daily recommended value, per ounce. Cheddar also contains other essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, and riboflavin.
Overall, while cheddar cheese has zero carbohydrates and can be a good fit for certain diets, it is important to consume it in moderation due to its high-fat content. Its nutritional benefits, including its high protein and calcium content, contribute to its place as a part of a healthy and balanced diet.
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Cheddar is a full-fat cheese
Cheddar cheese is calorie-dense, with approximately 229 calories per half a cup, 75% of which come from fat. While this fat content has raised health concerns, it also contributes to the cheese's high satiation factor. This means that a moderate amount of cheddar can be a satisfying and enjoyable part of a healthy diet.
The sharpness of cheddar cheese refers to how long it has been aged, with mild cheddar typically aged for two to three months and extra-sharp varieties aged for up to a year. During the aging process, the cheese develops its characteristic flavour and pungency. The longer aging time also contributes to the cheese's hardness, making it a good option for those who are lactose intolerant as it has lower lactose content than softer cheeses.
In addition to its fat content, cheddar cheese provides several essential nutrients. It is a good source of protein, contributing significantly to daily intake. The cheese also contains notable amounts of calcium, vitamin A, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, and riboflavin. These nutrients offer various health benefits, such as maintaining bone health and preventing osteoporosis. However, it is worth noting that cheddar cheese can be relatively high in sodium, with 190mg per ounce.
While the high-fat content of cheddar cheese has been a traditional nutritional concern, the latest research suggests that full-fat cheese may not negatively impact weight management. Cheddar cheese's nutritional benefits, when consumed in moderation, can make it a satisfying and nutritious addition to a balanced diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese contains 229 calories.
Cheddar cheese is calorie-dense, with a high percentage of fat, making it ideal for the keto diet. Cheddar also contains zero carbohydrates, no fiber, and little to no sugar. It is also a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, and riboflavin.
Cheddar cheese is high in saturated fat, with 6 grams per ounce, which has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. It is also relatively high in sodium, containing 190mg per ounce.
