Kamil Perry
String cheese is a tasty, fun, and convenient snack, but is it a healthy choice? String cheese is generally considered a nutritious, portable snack that offers a host of potential health benefits. It is a great source of vitamins, minerals, protein, and fat. One 28-gram serving of string cheese provides around 85 calories, 7 grams of protein, and 20% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for calcium. However, as a processed cheese product, there are concerns about its nutritional value compared to traditional cheese. Additionally, cheese is often high in saturated fat and sodium, so portion size is important to consider. While string cheese is a relatively healthy option, especially compared to other convenient snacks like candy and potato chips, it may not compete with high-quality cheese for taste.
Characteristics and Values of Cheese Strings
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 85 calories per 28g serving |
| Protein | 7 grams per serving |
| Vitamins | Good source of vitamins B6, B12, and D |
| Minerals | Calcium, selenium |
| Fat | Dietary fat contributes 52 of the 85 total calories in a single serving |
| Carbohydrates | 7 calories from carbohydrates |
| Convenience | Portable, easy to pack in a lunchbox |
| Taste | Mozzarella, Cheddar, or other types of cheese |
| Cost | Affordable |
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What You'll Learn
String cheese nutritional value
String cheese is a tasty, fun, and convenient snack that is also nutritious. It is a good source of vitamins, minerals, protein, and fat. A 28-gram serving of string cheese provides around 85 calories, with 7 grams coming from protein and 52 grams from dietary fat. The remaining 7 grams are provided by carbohydrates.
Mozzarella string cheese is an excellent source of calcium, vitamin B12, and selenium. A single serving provides 20% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for calcium, 14% of the essential mineral selenium, and 20% of the RDA for vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 and calcium are known to support bone health and prevent osteoporosis. Calcium provides hard tissue with its strength and is stored in bones and teeth, while vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with an increased risk of hip fracture.
String cheese is a nutrient-dense food that is high in protein and supplies a good range of vitamins and minerals. It is a healthier on-the-go snack option compared to foods like candy, potato chips, cakes, and cookies, which are often high in calories, refined carbohydrates, and added fats while being devoid of essential nutrients.
While string cheese is a convenient and nutritious snack, it is still a processed cheese product, so it may not compete with high-quality cheese for taste. It is a good option for those looking for a portable and relatively low-calorie snack that provides a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.
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Health benefits of string cheese
String cheese is a tasty, fun, and convenient snack. But is it a healthy choice?
String cheese is a nutritious, portable snack that offers a host of potential health benefits. It is a nutrient-dense food, with one 28-gram serving providing around 85 calories, 7 grams of protein, and a good range of vitamins and minerals.
String cheese is an excellent source of calcium and vitamin B12, which are essential for bone health and preventing osteoporosis. Vitamin B12 also helps reduce the risk of developing anemia, a condition where the body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells. String cheese is also a good source of selenium, providing 14% of the essential mineral in one serving.
In addition, string cheese can contribute to heart health. Some varieties are made with part-skim milk, reducing the saturated fat content and thereby promoting better cardiovascular health. String cheese is also low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for keto or low-carb diets.
The unique texture of string cheese, which can be peeled into thin strands, makes it a satisfying and fun snack, particularly for children. It is also an affordable and reasonably nutritious option, making it one of the healthier on-the-go snack choices.
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Concerns over processed cheese
While string cheese is a tasty, fun, and convenient snack, it is a processed cheese product, and there are concerns about how healthy it is to consume.
Firstly, it is important to note that string cheese is not 100% cheese. It usually hovers around 50% cheese, sometimes more, sometimes less. The rest is made up of non-cheese ingredients such as salt, food dyes, preservatives, extra dairy, emulsifiers, and other artificial ingredients. These extra ingredients are added to enhance texture, flavour, and shelf life. For example, trans fats are added to make the product more shelf-stable, but unlike the natural fats found in cheese, trans fats are artificial and can lead to raised LDL cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis. Similarly, the high sodium content of processed cheese is concerning, as salt is added to enhance flavour and act as a preservative. A single slice of processed cheese can contain up to 300 mg of sodium, which is nearly 15% of the daily recommended intake. Excessive salt intake can lead to hypertension, kidney damage, and fluid retention.
Another concern is the high-calorie content of some processed cheeses. For example, Philadelphia is a calorie-dense processed cheese due to its higher fat content. While natural cheese is also high in calories, the calories in processed cheese often come from less beneficial sources, such as added fats.
However, it is important to note that string cheese is still a relatively nutritious snack. It is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin B12, and selenium. One serving of string cheese provides 20% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for calcium, 14% of the RDA for selenium, and 20% of the RDA for vitamin B12. String cheese is also a good source of protein, with one 28-gram serving providing around 7 grams of protein and only 85 calories.
In conclusion, while there are some concerns over the health effects of processed cheese, string cheese can still be a nutritious and convenient snack option when consumed in moderation. As with any food, it is important to enjoy string cheese as part of a balanced diet and be mindful of portion sizes.
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Calcium and vitamin-rich
Dairy products are a great source of calcium. Milk, yoghurt, and cheese are dairy products that are rich in calcium. One cup of cow's milk has 250-350mg of calcium, depending on whether it is whole or non-fat milk. Yoghurt is an excellent source of calcium, and some research shows that regular yoghurt consumption may be linked to a lower risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Cheese is another great source of calcium and vitamin B12, which supports bone health and prevents osteoporosis. Mozzarella string cheese is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin B12, and selenium. One serving of string cheese provides 20% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for calcium, 14% of selenium, and 20% of RDA for vitamin B12. String cheese is considered a nutrient-dense food, with 85 calories primarily from protein and dietary fat.
Other calcium-rich foods include dried figs, almonds, spinach, kale, collard greens, and rhubarb. Fortified foods like cereals can also help meet your daily calcium needs.
While calcium and vitamin-rich foods are essential, it is important to be mindful of the potential drawbacks of certain dairy products. Full-fat cheese, for instance, can be high in saturated fat, calories, and sodium. Similarly, grating cheese onto meals can add extra calories, saturated fat, and salt. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor portion sizes and opt for reduced-fat or non-fat alternatives when necessary.
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Homemade string cheese
String cheese is typically made using mozzarella, but other types of cheese such as cheddar can also be used. The production process involves a "plasticization" technique, where the cheese is stretched to form strands. Homemade string cheese can be made by heating and stretching mozzarella, and there are many recipes available online.
To make your own string cheese, you will need fresh mozzarella curd, salt, black caraway seeds (also called Nigella seeds), a scale, glass pie plates, and a rack for drying the cheese before storing. First, preheat the oven to 250-300 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice the curd into 12-ounce pieces and place them in the glass pie plates. Heat the curd in the oven until it softens and starts to melt. Remove the curd from the oven and use a fork to fold the edges of the melted curd towards the middle.
Next, use your fingertips to knead the cheese until it is smooth and elastic, leaving it in the dish to retain warmth. Now, add the black caraway seeds and press them into the cheese. Shape the cheese into braids by creating a hole in the centre of the curd and gently pulling it to the sides. Drain any excess liquid that has accumulated in the dish. Sprinkle salt over the cheese, or add it later in the process if preferred.
Finally, stretch the cheese slowly and carefully so that it does not break. Once you have stretched it as far as it will go, double up the strands by crossing them over each other and continue to stretch. Repeat this process a couple of times to create lots of strands. One hand should stay stationary while the other hand gently pulls the cheese in the opposite direction.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese Strings are a type of string cheese made from mozzarella that has been heated and stretched into a long, stringy shape. They are marketed as a fun, healthy, and tasty snack for children.
Cheese Strings are considered a nutrient-dense food, providing around 85 calories, 7 grams of protein, and 20% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for calcium per 28-gram serving. While the exact number of Cheese Strings that can be consumed as a healthy extra may depend on individual dietary needs and recommendations, they can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet in moderation.
Cheese Strings are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin B12, and selenium. These nutrients support bone health and can help prevent osteoporosis. They also provide a high amount of protein, which is essential for overall health.
Cheese Strings are a convenient and portable snack option that is relatively low in calories and high in protein compared to other popular snacks like candy, chips, and cookies. However, it's important to note that all cheese products, including Cheese Strings, can be high in saturated fat and sodium, so they should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
While Cheese Strings can be a fun and nutritious snack, they are still a processed cheese product. Some individuals may prefer to make their own string cheese at home using fresh mozzarella to have more control over the ingredients and avoid any potential additives or contaminants associated with processed cheese products.
