Randy Chandler
Cheddar cheese is a popular variety of cheese that is consumed worldwide. It is a hard cheese that can be purchased year-round and has a range of nutritional benefits. Cheddar cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, and fat, and it fits well into low-carb diets as it contains very few carbohydrates. The exact amount of carbohydrates in cheddar cheese can vary depending on the specific type of cheddar and the size of the portion.
Cheddar Cheese Characteristics
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbs | 0-1g |
| Fat | 7-9.4g |
| Protein | 5-6.5g |
| Calories | 86-114 |
| Calcium | 200mg |
| Lactose | Low |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar cheese contains 1g of carbs per ounce
Cheddar cheese is a hard, aged cheese that can be purchased all year round. It is known for its high percentage of fat, making it compatible with a keto diet. Cheddar cheese contains 1g of carbs per ounce. This equates to 0.1g of carbs per cracker-size slice. Cheddar cheese is also a good source of calcium, providing 200mg per ounce, which is 20% of the daily value.
Cheddar cheese has a relatively low amount of lactose, making it a good option for people who are lactose intolerant. The aging process reduces the amount of lactose in the cheese, and harder cheeses like cheddar tend to have lower levels of lactose. This means that lactose-intolerant individuals can often eat cheddar cheese without experiencing unpleasant symptoms such as bloating, stomach upset, or gas.
However, it is important to note that cheddar cheese still contains casein and whey, which can trigger an immune response in people with a dairy allergy. Therefore, those with a dairy allergy should avoid consuming cheddar cheese.
When purchasing cheddar cheese, it is important to read the ingredient labels. Many shredded and sliced cheddar cheese options are packaged with anti-caking agents like cellulose. While cellulose is not necessarily harmful, it may affect the overall flavor and texture of the cheese.
In conclusion, cheddar cheese is a nutritious and delicious option for those looking for a low-carb, high-fat cheese. With its high-fat content, compatibility with the keto diet, and low lactose levels, cheddar cheese is a convenient and accessible cheese option for many individuals.
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Sharp cheddar has 0.1g carbs per slice
Cheddar cheese is a popular variety of cheese that is enjoyed by many. This versatile and flavourful cheese is often used in recipes, as a topping, or simply enjoyed on its own. When considering the nutritional content of cheddar cheese, it is important to note that the values may vary slightly depending on the specific type of cheddar and its method of production.
One important aspect to highlight is the carbohydrate content of cheddar cheese, specifically sharp cheddar. A typical serving size of sharp cheddar cheese is considered to be one cracker-size slice. According to nutritional information, this serving size of sharp cheddar contains 0.1 grams of total carbohydrates. This amount accounts for both its net carbs and fibre content, as fibre is subtracted from total carbs to calculate net carbs.
The low carbohydrate content of sharp cheddar cheese makes it a popular choice for individuals following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. The ketogenic diet, often referred to as the keto diet, typically involves restricting carbohydrate intake and increasing the consumption of fats. With cheddar cheese being naturally high in fat and low in carbs, it fits well within the parameters of this diet.
In addition to its low carb content, cheddar cheese also offers other nutritional benefits. It is a good source of protein and calcium, providing 1.7 grams of protein and a significant amount of calcium per slice. Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth, and a single slice of cheddar can contribute to your daily calcium requirements. Furthermore, the ageing process of cheddar cheese reduces its lactose content, making it a suitable option for individuals who are lactose intolerant.
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Cheddar is keto-friendly
Cheddar cheese is a keto-friendly food due to its high percentage of fat and low carbohydrate content. The cheese's compatibility with the keto diet, a high-fat, low-carb eating plan, is further enhanced by its low lactose content, making it a suitable option for individuals with lactose intolerance.
Cheddar cheese, in its natural form, contains 1 gram of total carbohydrates, 1 gram of net carbs, 9.4 grams of fat, 6.5 grams of protein, and 114 calories per 1-ounce serving. The sharp variety of cheddar cheese, known for its more intense flavour, offers a slightly different nutritional profile. A cracker-size slice of sharp cheddar contains 0.1 grams of total carbs, 0.1 grams of net carbs, 2.3 grams of fat, 1.7 grams of protein, and 28 calories.
The full-fat content of cheddar cheese is notable, as research suggests that removing fat from dairy products may actually make them more likely to contribute to weight gain. This makes full-fat cheeses like cheddar a better choice for those managing their weight. Additionally, the hard texture of cheddar means it can be stored without refrigeration, although doing so will extend its lifespan.
When incorporating cheddar cheese into a keto diet, it is important to pay attention to the quality of the cheese and choose options with minimal processing. While spray cheese, for example, may fit within the macronutrient goals of a keto diet, it is highly processed and contains stabilizers, fillers, and oils that offer little nutritional benefit and may contribute to inflammation in the body. Instead, opting for natural, full-fat, and less-processed cheddars can provide a satisfying and flavourful addition to a keto meal plan.
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Cheddar is low in lactose
Cheddar cheese is a beloved and versatile dairy product, often used in cooking due to its unique melting ability. It is generally considered to be a lactose-friendly option, particularly for those with lactose intolerance. This is because Cheddar typically contains minimal amounts of lactose. Lactose is a sugar that occurs naturally in milk, and some humans don't produce the enzyme (lactase) that breaks it down into a digestible form.
On average, mature Cheddar, aged for several months, can contain less than 1 mg of lactose per 100 grams. The ageing period and manufacturing process contribute to reduced lactose content. During the cheesemaking process, bacteria convert lactose into lactic acid, which gives Cheddar its distinctive flavour and texture.
The low lactose content in Cheddar makes it a suitable option for individuals with lactose intolerance, as it often does not cause the digestive discomfort associated with lactose consumption, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhoea. However, it is important to remember that individual tolerances vary, and some people with lactose intolerance may still experience sensitivity to even trace amounts of lactose in Cheddar.
While Cheddar is generally not lactose-free, its low lactose content means that many people with lactose intolerance can enjoy it without discomfort. If you are unsure about your tolerance, it is advisable to monitor your body's reactions when consuming Cheddar or any other dairy product.
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Cheddar contains 200mg of calcium per ounce
Cheddar cheese is a great source of calcium, with 200mg per ounce, or 20% of your daily value. This nutrient is critical for maintaining bone health and preventing osteoporosis, a degenerative condition that reduces bone density.
Cheddar is also a good source of protein, with 7 grams per ounce, contributing to over 30% of the cheese's calories. This macronutrient has various functions in the body, including building muscle and producing enzymes. It also helps with cell structure and maintaining fluid balance.
In addition to calcium and protein, cheddar cheese offers other nutritional benefits. It provides 10% of the daily recommended vitamin A intake and 14% of phosphorus in a one-ounce serving. The cheese also contains small amounts of zinc, selenium, and riboflavin.
It's worth noting that while cheddar has these beneficial nutrients, it can be high in sodium, with 190mg per ounce. Additionally, it is calorie-dense, with 114 calories per ounce, and has a high percentage of fat, making it compatible with diets like keto that emphasize higher fat intake.
When considering the nutritional value of cheddar cheese, it's important to remember that the specific nutrient content can vary depending on factors such as the cheese's sharpness, which relates to its aging time, and the inclusion of added ingredients like anti-caking agents or vegetable dye.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar cheese contains very few carbs. A cracker-size slice of sharp cheddar contains 0.1g of carbs, while a 1-ounce serving of natural cheddar contains 1g of carbs.
Yes, cheddar cheese is keto-friendly. It has zero or very few carbohydrates and a high percentage of fat, making it compatible with the keto diet's focus on low carb, high-fat foods.
While cheese can be a part of a keto diet, it's important to remember that not all cheeses are equal. Some are more processed than others, and it's generally recommended to choose less-processed options. On the keto diet, it's suggested that you limit your daily carb intake to 20g, so one slice of cheddar may account for 10% of your total carb allotment.
Cheddar cheese is a good source of calcium, providing 20% of your daily value per ounce. It's also relatively low in lactose, so people who are lactose intolerant may be able to eat it without experiencing unpleasant symptoms.
