Randy Chandler
Swiss cheese and American cheese are both popular varieties of cheese, but which has fewer calories? Swiss cheese is known for its sweet and nutty flavour, while American cheese is a more processed variety with a milder taste. Swiss cheese is a hard cheese that is lower in fat and sodium, making it a healthier option for those watching their salt or calorie intake. On the other hand, American cheese is designed to be indulgent, with cheaper ingredients that encourage overeating. While it is lower in calories, it contains more saturated fat and carbohydrates. So, when it comes to calories, Swiss cheese is the better option.
| Characteristics | Swiss Cheese | American Cheese |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 111 calories per 1-oz (28-g) serving | 104 calories per 1-oz (28-g) serving |
| Protein | 8 g per 1-oz (28-g) serving | - |
| Fat | 9 g per 1-oz (28-g) serving | - |
| Carbs | <1 g per 1-oz (28-g) serving | Higher in carbs |
| Sodium | 2% of DV per 1-oz (28-g) serving | - |
| Calcium | 19% of DV per 1-oz (28-g) serving | - |
| Vitamin A | High | - |
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What You'll Learn
Swiss cheese is lower in sodium and carbs
While American cheese may be lower in calories, Swiss cheese has lower sodium and carbohydrate content. Swiss cheese is a hard cheese with a strong flavour, which means that less is required to satisfy cravings. It is also high in vitamin A and protein, and low in fat.
Swiss cheese is a good option for those watching their sodium intake. It has a lower amount of sodium than other cheeses, including American cheese, and is often recommended for people who need to monitor their salt intake, such as those with high blood pressure.
Swiss cheese is also lower in carbohydrates than many other types of cheese. This makes it a good option for people with diabetes or those following a ketogenic diet.
In addition to being lower in sodium and carbs, Swiss cheese is also a good source of protein and calcium, which support muscle maintenance and bone strength. Its milk flavour and lower fat content make it a good choice for those watching their calorie intake.
Swiss cheese can be incorporated into a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, egg bakes, burgers, and French onion soup. It can also be enjoyed with fruit or in a Cobb salad.
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Swiss cheese is higher in protein and calcium
While American cheese may be lower in calories, Swiss cheese is a healthier option as it is higher in protein and calcium. Swiss cheese is a hard cheese with a strong flavour, making it more satisfying to eat in smaller portions. It is also lower in sodium, which is beneficial for people monitoring their salt intake.
Swiss cheese is a good source of protein, with an 1-oz (28-g) serving containing 8 grams of protein. This provides the body with essential amino acids, which help to build and repair muscle tissue. Additionally, the high protein content in Swiss cheese can increase feelings of fullness, aiding in weight management by reducing overall calorie intake.
Swiss cheese is also a rich source of calcium, providing 19% of the recommended daily value in a 1-oz serving. Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as supporting nerve and muscle function. By including Swiss cheese in your diet, you can improve your calcium intake, which is especially important for preventing osteoporosis.
When compared to other cheeses, Swiss cheese stands out for its lower fat content. This makes it a healthier alternative to higher-fat sandwich cheeses like provolone and cheddar. Swiss cheese's unique flavour, described as sweeter and slightly nuttier, also adds to its appeal as a tasty yet nutritious option.
In summary, while American cheese may have a slight edge in terms of calorie count, Swiss cheese surpasses it in terms of nutritional value. With its higher protein and calcium content, Swiss cheese promotes muscle health, bone strength, and overall satiety, making it a more wholesome choice.
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American cheese is designed to make you overeat
Swiss cheese is a healthier option compared to American cheese, with a lower calorie count and less fat and sodium. A slice of Swiss cheese has approximately 100 calories, while a slice of American cheese has about 104 calories.
The high-fat content in American cheese can cause overeating and an excess intake of calories. It can also lead to increased gastrointestinal issues like constipation and bloating. Registered Dietitian Trista Best recommends consuming American cheese in moderation or not at all. She also advises against pairing it with other unhealthy foods like refined white bread and pasta.
The creamy texture and taste of American cheese make it a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches and mac and cheese. However, its synthetic ingredients and high-fat content make it a less healthy option. While it can be enjoyed as an occasional treat, it should not be a part of one's daily diet.
American cheese is often chosen for its melting properties, but its health implications cannot be ignored. Its high sodium content can be concerning, and its classification as a processed food highlights its negative aspects. Consumers should be cautious of the added sugar, unhealthy fats, and excess sodium that come with processed foods. While some studies have not shown a direct link between cheese intake and cardiovascular issues, the high saturated fat content can increase LDL ("bad") cholesterol.
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Swiss cheese is a good source of vitamin A
A single slice of Swiss cheese contains approximately 100-112 calories, while a slice of American cheese contains 104 calories. Swiss cheese is a good source of vitamin A, which provides numerous health benefits. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble nutrient that plays a vital role in maintaining healthy skin and eyesight, supporting immune system function, and promoting cell growth and development. It is also essential for maintaining vision, body growth, reproductive health, and immune function.
In addition to being a good source of vitamin A, Swiss cheese also contains other essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, calcium, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), selenium, and protein. Vitamin B12 is vital for maintaining brain and nervous system health and may have protective effects against dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and depression. Calcium is important for bone and teeth health, while CLA has beneficial health properties, including anti-cancer, anti-obesity, anti-diabetes, and anti-heart disease activities.
Swiss cheese is a versatile and tasty addition to any meal, and with its nutritional benefits, it can be a great way to add some extra vitamin A to your diet. Whether enjoyed in a sandwich, burger, or fondue, Swiss cheese is a delicious and nutritious choice.
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Swiss cheese has a sweeter, nuttier flavour
Swiss cheese is a healthier option than American cheese if you are watching your sodium intake. It has a lower amount of sodium and a sweeter, slightly nuttier flavour. Swiss cheese is also high in protein and calcium, supporting muscle maintenance and bone strength. Its milk flavour and lower sodium content make it a good choice for those watching their salt intake. Swiss cheese is also lower in fat than many other cheeses, fitting well into a balanced, protein-rich diet without significantly increasing calorie consumption.
Swiss cheese is a hard cheese that is full of flavour. It is a great alternative to higher-fat sandwich cheeses like provolone and cheddar. Swiss cheese is also high in vitamin A and low in calories, fat, and sodium. A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of Swiss cheese contains 111 calories, 8 grams of protein, 9 grams of fat, less than 1 gram of carbs, and 19% of the daily value of calcium.
Swiss cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, with one slice containing approximately 100 calories. It has a stronger flavour than American cheese, which means that you are likely to be satisfied with less. Swiss cheese also has a lower carb content than many other types of cheese, making it a good option for people with diabetes or those following a ketogenic diet.
American cheese, on the other hand, tends to be lower in calories but higher in carbohydrates and saturated fat. It is designed to be overeaten, using the cheapest ingredients possible. While it may be a slightly lower-calorie option, it is not necessarily a healthier choice overall due to its higher fat and carb content.
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Frequently asked questions
Both cheeses have similar calorie content per ounce, with Swiss cheese containing 111 calories per ounce and American cheese containing 104 calories per ounce. However, some consider Swiss cheese to be a healthier option due to its lower sodium content and higher protein content.
Swiss cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, which support muscle maintenance and bone strength. It also has a lower sodium content, making it suitable for those monitoring their salt intake. Additionally, Swiss cheese is lower in fat than many other cheeses, including American cheese, which can help with maintaining a balanced diet.
Other cheeses that are known for being lower in calories include cottage cheese, mozzarella, feta, and goat cheese. These cheeses can be great alternatives for those looking for healthier options without sacrificing taste.
