Kamil Perry
Cheese is an essential ingredient in tacos, and the amount of carbs in shredded taco cheese is an important consideration for those following a low-carb diet. While cheese is naturally low in carbs, with around 1 carb per ounce, the pre-shredded variety often contains additives like cellulose to prevent clumping, which can add to the carb count. Additionally, the type of cheese used can impact the crispiness of the taco shells, with sharper varieties of cheddar resulting in a crispier texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates in shredded taco cheese | 1g per ounce |
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What You'll Learn
Carb count: 1g of carbs per ounce of cheese
There are approximately 1g of carbohydrates per ounce of cheese. This means that shredded taco cheese is relatively low in carbohydrates. This is because most of the mass in cheese comes from protein and fat, with very little coming from carbohydrates.
The carbohydrate content of cheese can vary slightly depending on the type of cheese and the specific brand. However, generally, cheese has a low carbohydrate content. This makes it a good option for those following a low-carbohydrate diet or trying to reduce their carbohydrate intake.
It is important to note that the carbohydrate content of shredded taco cheese can also be affected by the serving size. For example, a 1/4 cup serving of shredded taco cheese typically contains less than 1 gram of carbohydrates. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the nutrition label and calculate the carbohydrate content based on the amount of cheese you consume.
Additionally, it's worth mentioning that the carbohydrate content of cheese can be influenced by factors such as the type of milk used, the manufacturing process, and the addition of spices or other ingredients. However, despite these variations, cheese generally falls into the category of foods with a relatively low carbohydrate content.
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Keto-friendly: Shredded cheese is keto-compliant
The ketogenic diet, or keto diet, is a high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-carb diet. It aims to change the body's biochemistry to promote weight loss by changing its fuel source from carbohydrates to fat. This means that cheese, which is high in fat and low in carbs, is a perfect keto food.
However, not all cheeses are created equal. Some are highly processed and contain added oils, which can lead to inflammation. These include canned or spray cheese, and American cheese. Instead, opt for unprocessed cheeses such as goat cheese, blue cheese, cheddar, and gouda, which are all keto-friendly.
Goat cheese, also known as chevre, is made from goat's milk and has a creamy, tart flavor. It provides 9 grams of fat, 7 grams of protein, and minimal carbs per 1-ounce (28-gram) serving, making it an excellent choice for keto dieters. It also contains less lactose than cow's milk, making it easier to digest.
Blue cheese is another keto favorite, with a unique flavor and creamy texture. A 1-ounce serving contains 8 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, and 1 gram of carb, making it a flavorful and low-carb option.
When it comes to shredded cheese specifically, it's important to note that starches are often added to prevent caking, and these starches are essentially pure carbohydrates. Therefore, shredded cheese may not always be keto-friendly. However, you can easily make your own keto-compliant shredded cheese by grating a block of cheese at home.
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Taco shells: Can be made with low-carb shredded cheese
Taco shells are a staple in Mexican cuisine, but they can be high in carbohydrates. A low-carb alternative is to make taco shells out of shredded cheese. This option is not only delicious but also gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
To make low-carb cheese taco shells, start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two large sheet pans with parchment paper and trace 6-inch circles on the parchment to ensure your shells are evenly sized. You can use pre-shredded cheddar cheese or shred your own at home; just be aware that commercial shredded cheddar may not stick together as well due to the cellulose coating. Place a pile of shredded cheese on each circle and bake in the oven.
Once cooked, the cheese shells will need to be shaped while still warm and pliable. You can drape them over a wooden spoon or dowel to form the classic taco shell shape. They will harden and become crispy as they cool. These low-carb taco shells are not only crunchy and tasty, but they also pair perfectly with your favourite taco fillings.
When it comes to nutrition, most cheeses have around 1 carb per ounce, although many brands may list their products as having zero carbs due to FDA rules. Therefore, it's generally recommended to count 1 ounce of cheese as containing 1 carb. By using cheese as the base for your taco shells, you can enjoy a delicious, low-carb option that fits within your dietary restrictions.
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Pre-shredded: Best results with pre-shredded cheddar
When it comes to achieving the best results with pre-shredded cheddar for your taco cheese needs, there are several factors and methods to consider. Firstly, pre-shredded cheddar cheese from the grocery store can be an excellent option for convenience and optimal results. The sharp variety tends to yield crispier outcomes than the mild version. This cheese variety is also an excellent choice for gluten-free taco shells, ensuring that the pre-shredded cheese you select is gluten-free.
Pre-shredded cheddar cheese is often coated with cellulose by commercial suppliers, which can affect its sticking properties. Therefore, it's essential to be mindful of this when preparing recipes that require cheese to stick or bind together. Additionally, the oven-baked method is a versatile option for using pre-shredded cheddar cheese. This method involves melting the cheese over casseroles, skillets, or any family-style dish, adding flavour and texture to your meals.
To create oven-baked recipes with pre-shredded cheddar, you can follow these simple steps: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, and adjust the racks to the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Line two large sheet pans with parchment paper, and feel free to trace circles on the parchment to ensure uniformly sized shells. Place slices of pre-shredded cheddar cheese or a pile of shredded cheese on the prepared surface. Once cooked, allow the cheese shells to cool briefly before removing them, as they need to be shaped while still pliable. Drape the warm shells over a wooden spoon or dowel to cool and crisp up.
Pre-shredded cheddar cheese is also an excellent option for those who prefer not to shred their cheese or are short on time. It can be a convenient way to add cheese to your tacos without the hassle of shredding it yourself. Additionally, it's worth noting that most cheese varieties have approximately 1 carb per ounce, which is important to consider when counting carbohydrates in your diet. However, many brands may list zero carbs due to FDA rules that allow products below 1 carb per serving to be labelled as zero.
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Gluten-free: Ensure cheese is gluten-free for a gluten-free meal
While shredded taco cheese is not carb-free, it is usually gluten-free. However, some brands may include gluten, so it is important to read the labels of packaged or processed cheese before consuming it. Some shredded cheese brands may contain starch or cellulose to prevent the shreds from sticking together, but these typically do not contain gluten. Instead, potato starch, which is gluten-free, is often used.
If you are unsure about a particular brand of shredded taco cheese, read the label to see if it includes any gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat, barley, rye, or their derivatives. You can also contact the manufacturer if you have questions about specific products. Aside from the ingredients mentioned, you should also watch out for wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat.
Some other types of cheese that are usually gluten-free include cheddar, cottage, cream, feta, goat, mozzarella, parmesan, provolone, ricotta, and Swiss cheese. Blue cheese is also typically gluten-free, but there is some debate around this.
Overall, when it comes to ensuring your shredded taco cheese is gluten-free for a gluten-free meal, always read the labels and contact the manufacturer if you have any doubts.
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Frequently asked questions
Most cheese has 1 carb per ounce. Many brands will list zero carbs because of FDA rules that say if a product is below 1 carb per serving it can be listed as zero even if it has .8 carbs.
Yes, there are low-carb options for shredded taco cheese. For example, you can use pre-shredded cheddar cheese or make your own cheese shells with shredded cheese and shape them while they are still warm.
To make low-carb cheese taco shells, place slices of shredded cheese on a prepared surface and cook. Once cooked, allow the cheese shells to cool before removing and shaping them.
