Kamil Perry
Cheddar cheese is a hard, aged cheese that can be purchased all year round. It is a popular choice for keto dieters due to its high fat and low carbohydrate content. Cheddar cheese contains several essential nutrients, including calcium, protein, and fat. The exact nutritional values vary depending on the type of cheddar cheese, with sharper cheddars generally having a stronger flavour and a slightly higher carbohydrate content.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 0-1g per ounce |
| Net Carbs | 0.1-1g per ounce |
| Fat | 2.3-9.4g per ounce |
| Protein | 1.7-6.5g per ounce |
| Calories | 28-114 per ounce |
| Calcium | 200mg per ounce |
| Lactose | Low |
| Storage | Refrigerate or freeze |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Carb content in cheddar varies
The carbohydrate content in cheddar cheese varies depending on the type of cheddar, the amount being consumed, and the presence of additional ingredients. Natural cheddar cheese contains a small amount of carbohydrates, with one ounce containing approximately 1 gram of total carbs. Similarly, a cracker-size slice of sharp cheddar cheese contains 0.1 grams of total carbs.
However, the carbohydrate content can be influenced by the presence of other ingredients or processing methods. For example, shredded or sliced cheddar cheese may be packaged with anti-caking agents like cellulose, which can affect the overall nutritional profile. Additionally, when following specific diets like keto, the type of cheddar cheese and its carbohydrate content become important considerations. Some sources suggest that a 3/4-ounce slice of sharp cheddar contains about 0.4 grams of carbs, while spray cheese, a highly processed form, can have up to 2 grams of carbs per ounce.
The aging process and variety of cheddar cheese can also impact its carb content. Cheddar cheese is a hard, aged cheese that can be purchased and enjoyed year-round. The aging process contributes to its relatively low lactose content, making it a suitable option for individuals with lactose intolerance. However, it's important to note that cheddar still contains casein and whey, which can trigger an immune response in people with a dairy allergy.
When incorporating cheddar cheese into a healthy diet, it's essential to consider its nutritional value beyond carbohydrate content. Cheddar cheese is a good source of calcium, providing 200 mg per ounce, which translates to 20% of the daily recommended value. Additionally, the high-fat content in cheddar cheese makes it compatible with certain diets like keto, which emphasize higher fat intake. Overall, the carbohydrate content in cheddar cheese can vary, and it's important to read labels and consider the specific type, ingredients, and serving size to make informed choices.
Best Places to Buy Cheddar Cheese Curds
You may want to see also
Cheddar is keto-friendly
Cheddar cheese is a keto-friendly food due to its high percentage of fat and low carbohydrate content. The cheese can be incorporated into a keto diet in several ways, making it a versatile and tasty addition to meals.
Cheddar cheese has zero carbohydrates, which is ideal for those on a keto diet aiming for around 20 grams of carbs per day. The cheese also contains 9.4 grams of fat per ounce, contributing to the high-fat requirements of the keto diet. A ¾-oz slice of sharp cheddar, for example, contains 7 grams of fat.
Cheddar is also a good source of calcium, with one ounce providing 200 mg, or 20%, of the daily recommended value. This makes it a nutritious option for those on keto. Additionally, as a hard, aged cheese, cheddar is quite low in lactose, making it a suitable option for those who are lactose intolerant.
When incorporating cheddar cheese into a keto diet, it is important to consider the quality of the cheese. While sliced or shredded cheddar can be convenient, these often contain anti-caking agents like cellulose, which can impact flavor and texture. Furthermore, while spray cheese and American cheese may technically fit within keto macros, they are highly processed and contain many stabilizers, fillers, and oils that provide little nutritional benefit and may lead to inflammation.
Overall, natural cheddar cheese is a keto-friendly food that can be enjoyed in a variety of forms while adhering to the high-fat, low-carb requirements of the keto diet.
The Visual Guide to Cheddar Cheese: Appearance and Texture
You may want to see also
Cheddar is low-lactose
Cheddar cheese is a low-lactose food. Lactose is a sugar found in dairy products, and it is this sugar that causes digestive issues for those with lactose intolerance. However, not all dairy products are equal when it comes to lactose content, and cheddar is one of the cheeses that those with lactose intolerance can still enjoy.
Cheddar typically has a lactose range of 0-2.1%. This is because, during the cheesemaking process, around 90% of the lactose in milk is removed along with the water and whey. The remaining lactose is then fermented into lactic acid. As a result, hard cheeses like cheddar generally contain less than 1 gram of lactose per 1.5-ounce serving. For reference, whole milk contains around 4.8% lactose.
The longer a cheese has been aged, the less lactose it will contain. This is because, over time, the lactose in cheese converts to lactic acid. This means that aged, hard cheeses like cheddar are generally easier to digest and are suitable for people who are lactose intolerant.
While some people with lactose intolerance may be able to tolerate small amounts of lactose, others may need to avoid it completely. For those who are lactose intolerant, eating ingredients with high levels of lactose can cause uncomfortable digestive issues, including bloating, gas, cramping, and stomach pain. However, it's important to note that lactose intolerance is not an allergy, and it is possible to include dairy in the diet, even when lactose intolerant. In addition to aged, hard cheeses, those with lactose intolerance can also enjoy lactose-free milk and Greek and Icelandic-style yogurts.
American-Cheddar Blend: The Best of Both Cheese Worlds
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cheddar is high in calcium
Cheddar cheese is a widely popular semi-hard cheese that originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England. It is made from cow's milk that has been matured for several months and can be white, off-white, or yellow in colour. The taste of cheddar varies from mild to extra sharp depending on the variety.
Cheddar cheese is known for its rich content of calcium, with one ounce providing 200 mg of calcium, which is about 20% of the daily recommended value. Calcium is critical for maintaining bone health and preventing osteoporosis, a condition characterised by the harmful degeneration of bone density. In addition to calcium, cheddar is a good source of vitamin K2, which helps prevent calcium build-up in arteries and veins, thereby potentially reducing the risk of heart disease.
Cheddar cheese also offers other nutritional benefits. It is a great source of protein, with 6.5-7 grams per ounce, which is essential for muscle building and various bodily functions. Cheddar also provides 10% of the daily vitamin A recommendation and 14% of phosphorus per ounce, along with smaller amounts of zinc, selenium, and riboflavin.
Despite these nutritional benefits, some concerns have been raised about the high-calorie count and saturated fat content in cheddar cheese. However, recent research suggests that full-fat dairy may not contribute to weight gain as previously believed, and moderate amounts of cheddar can be part of a healthy diet. Additionally, cheddar is quite low in lactose, making it a suitable option for individuals with lactose intolerance.
Best Places to Buy English Cheddar Cheese
You may want to see also
Cheddar can be frozen
Cheddar cheese is a favourite for many, but sometimes it can be hard to get through a whole block before it goes bad. Freezing cheddar is an option to prolong its shelf life, but there are some things to consider before popping it into the freezer.
First, let's talk about the type of cheddar cheese. Hard and semi-hard cheeses with lower moisture and higher fat content, like cheddar, are generally suitable for freezing. However, if your cheddar has a natural rind, you may want to think twice about freezing it as it can create some undesirable flavours.
Now, let's discuss the best way to freeze cheddar cheese. The key is to reduce its contact with oxygen and moisture during freezing. Here are some steps you can take:
- Portion the cheese: Cut the cheddar into portions that you are likely to use in one go. For large blocks of cheddar, it is recommended to freeze no more than 1 pound (500 grams) per portion.
- Shape and wrap: Trim the cheese into a uniform shape (cube, rectangle, etc.) with level surfaces. Then, wrap it tightly in parchment paper, followed by aluminium foil. Alternatively, you can use a vacuum sealer to eliminate contact with oxygen and keep the cheese fresh for longer.
- Store in the freezer: Place the wrapped cheese in the freezer, making sure it is protected from moisture.
When you are ready to use your frozen cheddar cheese, thaw it in the refrigerator, and it is best used in cooked dishes as its texture may become drier, more crumbly, and mealy after freezing. So, while freezing cheddar cheese is possible, it is still best to enjoy it fresh for optimal flavour and texture.
Best Stores to Buy Shredded White Cheddar Cheese
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A: 0.1g total carbs.
A: 28.
A: 0.4g.
A: 1g.
A: Yes, cheddar cheese has zero carbohydrates, so it is a good option for a low-carb diet.
