Frederic Melton
Cheddar cheese is a calorie-dense food, with 114-115 calories per ounce. It is also high in protein, calcium, and sodium. Despite its reputation for causing weight gain, new research suggests that full-fat dairy may not have detrimental effects on heart health. In fact, removing fat from dairy products may make them more likely to cause weight gain. Cheddar cheese is a hard, aged cheese that can be purchased year-round and has a long shelf life when stored properly. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes or enjoyed on its own with crackers.
How many calories in cheddar cheese?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1 ounce contains 114-115 calories |
| Carbohydrates | 1% |
| Fat | 75% |
| Protein | 24% (7 grams per 1-ounce serving) |
| Calcium | 200mg (20% of your daily value) per ounce |
| Vitamin A | 10% of your daily recommendation per ounce |
| Phosphorus | 14% per ounce |
| Zinc | Small amounts |
| Selenium | Small amounts |
| Riboflavin | Small amounts |
| Sodium | 185-190mg per ounce |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar cheese is calorie-dense, with 114-115 calories per ounce
Cheddar cheese is a calorie-dense food, with 114-115 calories per ounce. This calorie density increases its satiation factor, making it a filling snack. However, the calories can add up quickly, especially when paired with other foods like crackers, which typically contain 5 to 40 calories each.
The calorie content of cheddar cheese is largely derived from its high fat and protein composition. With a macronutrient breakdown of 1% carbohydrates, 75% fat, and 24% protein, cheddar cheese is a good fit for low-carb and keto diets. The protein content, at 7 grams per ounce, accounts for over 30% of the cheese's calories and significantly contributes to its calorie density.
In addition to calories, cheddar cheese provides several essential nutrients. Each ounce contains 200 milligrams of calcium, meeting 20% of the daily recommended value. It also provides 10% of the daily vitamin A recommendation and smaller amounts of phosphorus, zinc, selenium, and riboflavin.
Despite its nutritional benefits, cheddar cheese can be high in sodium, with 185-190 milligrams per ounce. This is a consideration for those watching their salt intake. Overall, while cheddar cheese is calorie-dense, it can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation and paired with nutritious, low-sodium foods like fruit or raw nuts.
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Cheddar is a good source of protein, with 7 grams per ounce
Cheddar cheese is a tasty and versatile ingredient, but it also has some nutritional benefits. While it is calorie-dense, with 114-115 calories per ounce, it is a good source of protein, providing around 7 grams per ounce. That's more than 30% of the cheese's calories, a significant contribution to your daily protein intake.
Protein is an essential macronutrient, crucial for the growth and repair of body tissues, and it also helps you feel fuller for longer. Cheddar's high protein content makes it a good snack option, especially when paired with fruit or nuts, which have no added sodium or sugars. This can help to keep your portions in check, ensuring you don't overindulge in the cheese, which could lead to consuming too many calories, as well as too much saturated fat and sodium.
Cheddar is a full-fat cheese, and new research suggests that full-fat dairy may not have the detrimental effects on heart health as previously believed. In fact, removing fat from dairy products may make them more likely to cause weight gain, making full-fat cheddar a better choice for weight management. It's also a good option for those on a keto or low-carb diet due to its high fat and zero-carb content.
In addition to its protein content, cheddar also provides other essential nutrients. Calcium is the star micronutrient, with 200mg, or 20% of your daily value, per ounce. It's also a good source of vitamin A and phosphorus, and provides small amounts of zinc, selenium, and riboflavin.
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It's also high in calcium, with 20% of your daily value per ounce
Cheddar cheese is a calorie-dense food, with one ounce of the cheese containing 114-115 calories. Despite the calories, it does offer some nutritional benefits. Notably, cheddar cheese is an excellent source of calcium, with 20% of your daily value per ounce. This equates to 200mg of calcium per ounce.
Calcium is an essential mineral for the human body, contributing to bone health and density, nerve function, muscle contraction, and more. The recommended daily intake of calcium for adults is 1,000mg, and cheddar cheese can be a tasty way to help meet this target.
In addition to its high calcium content, cheddar cheese also provides other nutrients, including protein, vitamin A, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, and riboflavin. The protein content, in particular, is notable, with 7g per 1-ounce serving, accounting for more than 30% of the cheese's calories.
However, it's important to be mindful of the potential downsides of consuming cheddar cheese. While it is a good source of certain nutrients, it is also high in saturated fat and sodium, which can be detrimental to health if consumed in excess. As a calorie-dense food, it can contribute to weight gain if not consumed in moderation.
When incorporating cheddar cheese into your diet, it's best to pair it with healthier options like fruit or raw nuts, which have no added sodium or sugars and can contribute to a well-rounded diet.
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The cheese is low in carbs, with only 1% carbs per ounce
Cheddar cheese is a tasty and nutritious treat, packed with calcium, protein, and vitamins. While it is often associated with comfort foods, it can be a part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. One of the standout features of cheddar is its low carbohydrate content.
Cheddar cheese, especially the sharper varieties, is remarkably low in carbohydrates. A cracker-sized slice of sharp cheddar contains only 0.1 grams of total carbs, while a one-ounce serving of natural cheddar contains just 1 gram. This makes cheddar a perfect fit for low-carb diets, such as the keto diet, where its high-fat content is also advantageous.
The low-carb nature of cheddar cheese is particularly beneficial for individuals watching their carbohydrate intake or managing specific health conditions. For those with diabetes, for instance, the limited carbs in cheddar mean it has a minimal impact on blood sugar levels. Additionally, the absence of carbohydrates makes cheddar a suitable option for those following a ketogenic lifestyle, where the body is forced to burn fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.
It is worth noting that while cheddar cheese is low in carbs, it is relatively high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium. An ounce of cheddar, for example, contains 114 calories, 5 grams of saturated fat, and 185-190 mg of sodium. Therefore, while enjoying the benefits of its low-carb content, it is essential to be mindful of these other nutritional considerations.
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Cheddar is high in sodium, with 185-190mg per ounce
Cheddar cheese is a calorie-dense food, with one ounce of cheddar containing between 114 and 115 calories. However, the focus of this discussion is on the sodium content of cheddar cheese, which is notably high. With 185-190mg of sodium per ounce, cheddar cheese can contribute significantly to one's daily sodium intake. This is particularly true if one is snacking on cheese without paying attention to portion size.
While cheese is often associated with comfort foods and can offer several nutritional benefits, its sodium content is worth considering. Sodium, or salt, is added to various processed and packaged foods to enhance flavour and extend shelf life. While sodium is essential for bodily functions, such as maintaining fluid balance and nerve transmission, excessive sodium intake can have negative health consequences.
The recommended daily sodium intake for adults is typically around 2,300 milligrams (mg) or less. However, the specific recommendation can vary depending on individual factors, such as age, health status, and presence of certain medical conditions. Excessive sodium consumption has been linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Therefore, for those watching their salt intake, it is important to be mindful of the sodium content in foods like cheddar cheese. This is especially relevant when cheese is paired with other foods that may also contain sodium, such as crackers. When snacking on cheese, paying attention to portion sizes and choosing low-sodium accompaniments, such as fruit or raw nuts, can help manage sodium intake.
In summary, while cheddar cheese can be a tasty and nutritious treat, it is important to remember that it is high in sodium, with 185-190mg per ounce. This information can help individuals make informed choices about their diet and sodium consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
An ounce of cheddar cheese contains 114-115 calories.
Cheddar cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium. It also contains vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, and riboflavin.
Cheese is high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium, which can lead to weight gain if consumed in excess.
It is recommended to stick to 100-200 calories' worth of cheese as a snack. Pairing cheese with fruit or raw nuts is a healthier option, as these foods have no added sodium or sugars.
