Randy Chandler
Mozzarella cheese is a popular ingredient in many dishes, from pizzas to salads. But how many calories are in shredded mozzarella cheese? This variety of cheese is made from part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and starches. It also contains calcium sulfate, a natural mold inhibitor, and natamycin to prevent caking. In terms of calories, a 1/4 cup serving of shredded mozzarella cheese contains 80 calories.
How Many Calories in Shredded Mozzarella Cheese?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories in 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese | 80 calories |
| Macronutrient breakdown | 4% carbs, 60% fat, 36% protein |
| Daily Value of protein | 14% |
| Daily Value of calcium | 20% |
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What You'll Learn
A 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella contains 80 calories
A 1/4 cup serving of shredded mozzarella contains 80 calories. This popular cheese is a good source of protein and calcium. With 14% of your daily protein value and 20% of your daily calcium value, it's a nutritious option. The macronutrient breakdown of this serving size is 4% carbs, 60% fat, and 36% protein. This means that while it is a calorie-dense food, the calories come from a balanced mix of macronutrients.
Shredded mozzarella is a versatile ingredient. It can be sprinkled over pizzas and baked pasta dishes, adding flavour and texture. It can also be used in salads, sandwiches, and wraps, or even as a topping for soups and stews. When melted, it adds a stringy, stretchy texture to dishes, making it a favourite for dishes like lasagne and stuffed pasta shells.
Mozzarella is a soft, white cheese with a mild, creamy flavour. It is a pulled-curd cheese, which means it has a stretchy, stringy texture when melted. This characteristic makes it ideal for dishes where the cheese is a key ingredient, such as pizza and calzones. Its mild flavour also makes it a good base for other ingredients, such as herbs, spices, and meats.
The calorie content of shredded mozzarella is worth considering when adding it to meals. While it is a good source of protein and calcium, it is also high in fat, with 60% of the calories in a 1/4 cup serving coming from fat. Therefore, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. For those watching their calorie intake, a small amount of shredded mozzarella can go a long way in terms of flavour and texture.
In conclusion, shredded mozzarella is a tasty, versatile, and nutritious cheese. With 80 calories per 1/4 cup, it can be a great way to add flavour, texture, and nutrients to a variety of dishes. However, due to its high fat and calorie content, it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet.
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It's a good source of protein and calcium
A 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese contains 80 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 4% carbs, 60% fat, and 36% protein. This equates to 14% of your daily value of protein and 20% of your daily value of calcium.
Mozzarella cheese is a good source of protein and calcium. Protein is an essential nutrient that is part of every cell in the body. It provides energy and is needed for cell growth and repair. Protein also plays a crucial role in producing hormones and enzymes and supports the immune system by making antibodies to fight off illnesses and infections.
Calcium, which is also found in mozzarella cheese, plays an essential role in bone health and may also protect your teeth. Consuming calcium is linked to a reduced risk of osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle.
In addition to protein and calcium, mozzarella cheese is also a source of phosphorus, which is found in many other cheeses, such as blue cheese and cheddar cheese. Phosphorus is also important for bone health.
While mozzarella cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, it is important to note that it is also high in fat and calories. Therefore, while it can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, it should not be relied upon as the primary source of protein in one's diet.
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Shredded mozzarella is made from pasteurized part-skim milk
A 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese contains 80 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 4% carbs, 60% fat, and 36% protein. It is also a good source of protein and calcium. Shredded mozzarella is made from pasteurized part-skim milk.
Mozzarella is a semi-soft, non-aged cheese with origins in southern Italy. It is traditionally made from the milk of water buffalo, specifically the Italian Mediterranean breed, though it is also commonly made from cow's milk. This is because water buffalo are herded in only a few countries, primarily Italy and Bulgaria, so most mozzarella is now made from cow's milk. Fresh mozzarella is typically white, though it may be light yellow depending on the animal's diet. It is also quite soft and silky, with a delicate, milky flavor.
Mozzarella is prepared using the pasta filata, or 'stretched-curd', method. After the curd heals, it is cut into small pieces. The curds are then stirred and heated to separate them from the whey, which is drained off. The curds are placed in a hoop to form a solid mass, and left until the pH reaches around 5.2-5.5. At this point, the cheese can be stretched and kneaded to produce a delicate consistency. This process is known as pasta filata.
Mozzarella made from cow's milk is called mozzarella fior di latte, while that made from Italian buffalo milk is called mozzarella di bufala campana. This style is made from the milk of Italian buffalo raised in designated areas of Campania, Lazio, Apulia, and Molise. It holds the status of a protected designation of origin (PDO: 1996) under European Union law and UK law.
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It's gluten-free
A 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese contains 80 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 4% carbs, 60% fat, and 36% protein. This type of cheese is also a good source of protein and calcium.
Mozzarella cheese is generally gluten-free. This is especially true of organic and high-quality mozzarella cheese in its purest form. However, it is important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese before consuming it. as some shredded cheese may contain starch or cellulose to prevent the shreds from sticking together. While the starches and cellulose used in shredded cheese typically don't contain gluten, if the cellulose is derived from wheat, it should be listed on the label.
If you are purchasing shredded mozzarella cheese from a deli counter, the cheese must be gluten-free, and the machine used to slice the cheese must be cleaned to prevent cross-contact. If you are unsure about a particular brand of shredded cheese, check its label to see if it includes any gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat, barley, rye, wheat starch, or modified food starch made from wheat.
Mozzarella sticks are not gluten-free unless specified on the label, as they are coated in breadcrumbs. Similarly, mozzarella sticks from a restaurant may be fried in the same oil as gluten-containing foods.
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It contains cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and starches
Shredded mozzarella cheese typically contains cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and starches. These ingredients are added to provide flavour, texture, and structure to the cheese.
Cheese culture is a fundamental element of cheesemaking. It is a group of specific bacteria strains that are combined to make a particular type of cheese. Cheese cultures help good bacteria in the milk flourish, leading to a more rich and developed flavour. They accomplish this by raising the acidity of milk. This is done by absorbing lactose (a natural sugar found in milk) and transforming it into lactic acid. This process helps the milk split into particles called curds, an essential ingredient for producing cheese. The cheese then begins to develop its unique flavour, texture, and smell. Mesophilic culture is one of the most common types of cheese cultures and is used to make mozzarella, among other cheeses.
Salt is added to cheese to enhance flavour and improve texture. It can also act as a preservative, helping to extend the shelf life of the cheese.
Enzymes are a natural part of the cheesemaking process and can be added to improve the coagulation and hardening of the cheese. Enzymes are often listed on ingredient labels without specifying their source. They can be of animal, microbial, or vegetable origin. In the context of cheese, enzymes typically refer to rennet or coagulants, which can be of animal, microbial, or vegetable origin, and lipase, which is usually from animal or microbial sources.
Starches are added to cheese to improve its functional properties. They can help control viscosity, improve texture, and aid in gelling. Different types of starches have different functions and textures. For example, tapioca starch and potato starch are commonly used in cheese processing. The addition of starches can affect the network structure of the cheese, influencing its firmness and viscosity.
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Frequently asked questions
A 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese contains 80 calories.
The macronutrient breakdown of shredded mozzarella cheese is 4% carbs, 60% fat, and 36% protein.
Yes, shredded mozzarella cheese is a good source of both protein and calcium. A 1/4 cup serving provides 14% of the Daily Value of protein and 20% of the Daily Value of calcium.
Shredded mozzarella cheese contains milk and may contain gluten, so individuals with allergies to these substances should avoid consuming it.
The number of calories an individual should consume daily varies depending on their energy expenditure and health goals. A general guideline is that an average adult should consume around 2,000 calories per day.
