Randy Chandler
Cheese is a beloved dairy product, enjoyed by many and used in a variety of dishes. But how many calories are in a tablespoon of shredded cheese? The answer may vary depending on the type of cheese and its fat content, but a general estimate puts a tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese at around 57 calories. With a macronutrient breakdown of 1% carbs, 75% fat, and 24% protein, it's a tasty yet calorie-dense addition to any meal.
Calories in a tablespoon of shredded cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of calories | 57 |
| Macronutrient breakdown | 1% carbs, 75% fat, and 24% protein |
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What You'll Learn
Calories in two tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese
There are approximately 57 calories in two tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese. This macronutrient breakdown is 1% carbs, 75% fat, and 24% protein. This calorie count may vary depending on the brand and type of cheese, as well as the accuracy of the measuring tools used.
When it comes to calorie content, cheese is considered a dense food. This is because it is primarily composed of fat and protein, with minimal carbohydrates. The fat content of cheese contributes to its high calorie count, as fat contains more calories per gram than protein or carbohydrates.
The calorie density of cheese can be beneficial for those looking to increase their calorie intake or maintain their weight. However, for those aiming to reduce their calorie intake, cheese may be consumed in smaller portions or less frequently. It is important to note that while calorie intake is essential, the quality and variety of foods consumed are also critical for overall health.
While shredded cheddar cheese provides a concentrated source of calories and nutrients, it is advisable to consume it as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains. This ensures that the body receives a diverse range of nutrients and promotes overall health and well-being.
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Macronutrient breakdown: carbs, fat, protein
The calorie count and macronutrient composition of shredded cheese can vary depending on the type of cheese and the size of the shred. Let's focus on a tablespoon (around 10 grams) of shredded cheddar cheese as a reference point.
Shredded cheddar cheese, like most cheeses, is predominantly composed of fat and protein, with a smaller amount of carbohydrates. In a tablespoon of shredded cheddar, approximately 75% of the calories come from fat, 24% from protein, and only 1% from carbohydrates. This equates to around 4 to 5 grams of fat, 2 to 3 grams of protein, and a negligible amount of carbs per tablespoon.
The high fat content in cheese is mainly composed of saturated fatty acids, particularly conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been linked to potential health benefits. However, it's important to consume cheese in moderation due to its high-calorie and high-fat content.
Protein-wise, cheese is a good source of essential amino acids, providing around 2 to 3 grams per tablespoon. This makes it a valuable contribution to a balanced diet, especially for those aiming to increase their protein intake.
Carbohydrates in cheese are present in small amounts, with a tablespoon contributing only 1% of daily carb needs. However, it's worth noting that cheese also contains fiber, which can vary depending on the type of cheese and the specific product.
When considering the nutritional profile of shredded cheese, it's essential to look beyond the macronutrients. Cheese is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin A, contributing to bone health and overall nutrition. Additionally, certain types of cheese may contain beneficial bacteria, similar to those found in yogurt, which can have positive effects on digestive health.
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Calories in other cheeses
A tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese contains 57 calories. The calorie count of cheese is dependent on the fat content of the milk used, how it's processed, and its age. Full-fat dairy is high in calories, which can negatively impact weight loss plans.
Parmesan
Parmesan cheese has only 20 calories per tablespoon. It is also a good source of protein, with 4 grams of protein per 2 tablespoons. This makes it a healthy and tasty addition to pasta dishes or soups.
Mozzarella
Mozzarella is another low-calorie cheese option, with part-skim mozzarella containing 70 calories per slice and whole milk mozzarella containing 85 calories per slice. It is also lower in sodium and calories than most other cheeses, making it a healthy and flavorful choice.
Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese has approximately 100 calories per slice. It is a good source of calcium and protein, which support muscle maintenance and bone strength. It also has a lower amount of sodium than other lunch slice options, making it a good choice for those watching their salt intake.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is high in protein and low in calories, making it a popular choice for weight loss. It is also very filling, which can help reduce overall calorie intake.
Feta
Feta cheese is typically lower in calories than many other cheeses. It is often packaged in brine to preserve freshness, which can make it high in sodium.
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Calories in other dairy products
A tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese contains 57 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 1% carbs, 75% fat, and 24% protein. The calorie count of cheese varies depending on the type of cheese, the fat content of the milk used, how it's processed, and its age.
Now, let's take a look at the calories in other dairy products:
Milk
The calorie content of milk varies depending on its fat percentage. Lower-fat milk, such as semi-skimmed or skimmed milk, has fewer calories than whole milk. Milk is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Yogurt
Yogurt is generally low in calories, but this can vary depending on added sugars and overall fat content. Yogurt is a good source of protein and can be made from various sources, including cow's milk or plant-based alternatives.
Cream
Cream is high in fat and calories. Heavy cream, for example, has a higher calorie content than lower-fat milk.
Butter
Butter is high in fat and calories. The calorie content can vary depending on the type of butter and the fat percentage.
Soy Milk
Fortified soy milk is a part of the Dairy Group and is often recommended as a dairy alternative. It is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D.
Remember, the calorie content of dairy products can vary depending on the specific type of product, the fat content, and any added ingredients. These values represent approximate estimates, and exact values may differ depending on specific products and serving sizes.
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Recommended daily calorie intake
According to one source, a tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese contains 57 calories. The macronutrient breakdown is 1% carbs, 75% fat, and 24% protein.
To maintain a healthy weight, it's important to balance the amount of calorie intake with the number of calories your body uses each day. On average, women need about 1600 to 2400 calories each day, and men need 2000 to 3000 calories a day—based on age and activity level. Consuming more calories than necessary will result in weight gain, and consuming too few will result in weight loss.
Your daily calorie needs are based on the amount of calories you take in and the number of calories you burn each day. It's important to note that your metabolism can be affected by your genetics, health conditions, medications, and other factors. Your basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the number of calories your body burns each day doing nothing at all. It makes up about 60% of your daily calorie burn. To calculate your BMR accurately, you would need to undergo testing in a lab.
General guidelines recommend consuming a balanced diet with suitable amounts from each macronutrient and food group. For example, it's recommended to consume 5 portions of fruits and vegetables per day while limiting the intake of free sugars and fats. Counting calories can be helpful, but it's important to remember that different foods have different effects on the body. For instance, 100 calories of chips, chocolate, or cake represent much smaller portion sizes than 100 calories of fruits or vegetables.
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Frequently asked questions
There are 28.5 calories in a tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese.
It is 1% carbs, 75% fat, and 24% protein.
It depends on your calorie intake and the other foods you are consuming. Enjoy your food and focus on the taste rather than just counting calories.
Yes, different types of cheese will have varying calorie counts, but the difference will be minimal for a single tablespoon.
There are around 230 calories in a cup or 1.5oz of shredded cheddar cheese.
