Andy Montoya
Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made of masa (corn dough) steamed in a corn husk or banana leaf. They can be filled with various ingredients, including cheese. The calorie count of a cheese tamale varies depending on its size and the type of cheese used. Estimates range from 200 to 330 calories per tamale, with some people logging 300 calories for a smaller cheese tamale.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200-330 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Calorie estimates range from 200 to 300 to 330
Calorie estimates for a cheese tamale range from 200 to 300 to 330. The variation in calorie estimates depends on the size of the tamale and the type of cheese used. Different types of cheeses can be more or less caloric. For example, Del Real Foods' cheese tamales contain 330 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 26% carbs, 61% fat, and 13% protein.
When estimating the calories in a cheese tamale, it's important to consider the portion size. If the tamale is on the smaller side, it may contain fewer calories than a larger tamale. Additionally, the type of cheese used can also affect the calorie count. Some cheeses are more calorie-dense than others, so the specific type of cheese in the tamale can impact the overall calorie count.
It's worth noting that the cooking method and ingredients other than cheese can also influence the calorie content of a tamale. For instance, if the tamale is fried or includes additional high-calorie ingredients, the calorie count will be higher. On the other hand, steamed tamales or those made with leaner ingredients may have a lower calorie count.
To make an accurate estimate, one could consider using a calorie calculator or a nutrition facts database that takes into account the specific ingredients and quantities used in the tamale. By inputting the amounts of cheese, masa dough, and any other ingredients, one can get a more precise estimate of the calorie content. This can be especially helpful when the tamale in question differs from the standard or store-bought variety.
In summary, the calorie estimates for a cheese tamale range from 200 to 300 to even 330 calories. This variation is due to factors such as portion size, the type of cheese used, cooking methods, and other ingredients included in the tamale. To make an accurate assessment of the calorie content, one should consider using tools that take into account the specific ingredients and quantities used in the tamale.
Hot Pepper Jack Cheese: Calorie Count and Nutrition Facts
You may want to see also
Different types of cheese vary in calories
The calorie count of cheese tamales varies, with estimates ranging from 200 to 300 calories per tamale. This variation in calorie content can be attributed to the different types of cheese used, as some cheeses are more calorific than others.
Cheese is a dairy product made from the milk of various animals, such as cows, goats, or buffalo. The nutritional value and calorie count of cheese depend on several factors, including the type of milk used, its fat content, the ageing process, and the level of processing. For example, full-fat dairy is generally high in calories, and highly processed cheeses tend to contain more artificial ingredients.
Different types of cheese fall into categories based on their texture, ranging from fresh to semi-soft, semi-hard, and hard cheeses. Fresh cheeses like mozzarella, feta, and cottage cheese are unripened and have a high moisture content, giving them a soft texture and a creamy taste. They tend to have slightly lower calories compared to other categories, except for mascarpone. Moving up the texture scale, semi-soft cheeses, such as colby and havarti, have an average calorie count of 101 kcal per 1-ounce serving.
Semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, have been aged longer, resulting in a lower moisture content and a more robust flavour. They tend to have slightly higher calories compared to fresh and semi-soft cheeses. Hard cheeses, including Gouda, Parmesan, and Romano, have the lowest moisture content and a strong flavour profile. They often contain higher levels of calcium per 1-ounce serving and are associated with higher calorie counts compared to the softer varieties.
Some specific types of cheese also stand out for their calorie content. For instance, mozzarella is known for being lower in calories and sodium compared to most other cheeses. Goat cheese, or chevre, may be a preferable option for those counting calories as it contains medium-chain fatty acids that are less likely to be stored as fat. It is also easier to digest for some individuals due to its lower lactose content.
Tasty Tudor Breakfast: Calories in Bacon, Egg, Cheese Biscuit
You may want to see also
Carbohydrates make up 26% of calories
The calorie content of a cheese tamale varies depending on its size and ingredients. For instance, a Del Real Foods cheese tamale contains 330 calories, 26% of which are derived from carbohydrates. This means that for every 100 calories in a Del Real Foods cheese tamale, 26 calories come from carbohydrates. In absolute terms, each tamale contains around 85.8 calories from carbohydrates (0.26 x 330 = 85.8).
Carbohydrates are a vital source of energy for the human body, and they are one of the three main macronutrients, along with proteins and fats. The body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, which is then used to fuel various bodily functions. Any excess glucose is stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen, which can be converted back into glucose when the body needs an energy boost.
On average, adults should consume between 45 and 65 percent of their daily calories from carbohydrates. This means that for a person consuming 2,000 calories per day, between 900 and 1,300 calories should come from carbohydrates. As such, a cheese tamale can contribute a significant portion of one's daily carbohydrate intake.
However, it is important to note that not all carbohydrates are equal. Simple carbohydrates, such as those found in sugary foods and refined grains, can cause spikes in blood sugar and energy levels. On the other hand, complex carbohydrates, such as those found in whole grains, legumes, and vegetables, are rich in fibre and provide a more sustained release of energy. Thus, when considering the carbohydrate content of a cheese tamale, it is worth bearing in mind the type of carbohydrates it contains.
In conclusion, while a cheese tamale can provide a substantial amount of carbohydrates, it is important to consider the overall nutritional value and the type of carbohydrates it contains. As part of a balanced diet, a cheese tamale can be enjoyed as an occasional treat, but for those watching their calorie intake, it may be a more indulgent option.
Cheese Lasagna: Calories in Every Bite
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Fat makes up 61% of calories
The calorie content of a cheese tamale varies depending on its size and the type of cheese used. A Del Real Foods cheese tamale, for example, contains 330 calories, 61% of which come from fat. This means that approximately 201.3 calories in a Del Real Foods cheese tamale come from fat.
When managing calorie intake, it is important to consider the macronutrient breakdown of the food we consume. This is because different macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) provide our bodies with varying amounts of energy. Fats, for instance, are a highly concentrated source of energy, offering 9 calories per gram, compared to the 4 calories per gram provided by proteins and carbohydrates.
As fat makes up 61% of the calories in a Del Real Foods cheese tamale, this means that it is a significant contributor to the overall calorie content. The type of fat used in the tamale will also have an impact on its nutritional value. For example, unsaturated fats, such as those found in avocados or olive oil, are generally considered healthier than saturated fats, which are typically found in animal products like meat and dairy.
While fat often gets a bad reputation in the world of nutrition, it is important to remember that our bodies require a certain amount of fat to function properly. Fat helps our bodies absorb certain vitamins, and it also provides essential fatty acids that are necessary for maintaining good health. However, it is recommended that the majority of our calorie intake should come from carbohydrates and proteins, rather than fats.
In the context of a cheese tamale, the fat content is likely derived from both the cheese and the masa dough, which is typically made with lard. While it is possible to make lower-fat versions of these dishes by substituting some of the ingredients, it is important to remember that fat also contributes to flavor and texture, so reducing the fat content may impact the overall taste and quality of the dish.
Cheese Pretzel Calories: A Quick Guide
You may want to see also
Protein makes up 13% of calories
The calorie content of a cheese tamale varies depending on its size and the type of cheese used. Estimates from a Reddit community dedicated to calorie counting suggest that a cheese tamale could contain between 200 and 300 calories. One user, in particular, suggested logging 300 calories for a cheese tamale, but they were unsure if it might be less since it was on the smaller side.
Del Real Foods Cheese Tamales, for example, contain 330 calories per tamale. The macronutrient breakdown of these tamales is 26% carbohydrates, 61% fat, and 13% protein. This means that for every 100 calories, 13 calories come from protein.
Protein is an essential macronutrient that plays a crucial role in our bodies. It is made up of amino acids, which are often referred to as the "building blocks of protein." Our bodies use amino acids to build, repair, and maintain important body structures, such as muscles, organs, skin, and hormones.
Different types of food contain varying amounts of protein. For example, animal sources such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy tend to be rich in protein. Plant sources, including legumes, nuts, seeds, and grains, also contain protein but may be considered incomplete proteins as they lack one or more essential amino acids.
In the context of a cheese tamale, the protein content contributes to the overall calorie count. With protein making up 13% of the total calories, it is important to consider the quality and quantity of protein in the tamale, as well as the other nutrients it provides, to ensure a well-balanced and nutritious meal.
Unveiling the Calorie Count of a Triple Baconator with Cheese
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The number of calories in a cheese tamale ranges from 200 to 300, and can even go up to 330, depending on the size of the tamale and the type of cheese used.
The number of calories in a cheese tamale can vary depending on its size and the type of cheese used. Smaller tamales tend to have fewer calories, while different types of cheese can be more or less caloric.
Yes, Del Real Foods provides nutritional information for their cheese tamales. One tamale contains 330 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 26% carbs, 61% fat, and 13% protein.
