Calories in Cheddar Cheese: Full Nutrition Breakdown
How many calories are in cheddar cheese? Serving-by-serving breakdown with full nutrition facts and FAQ.
Cheddar cheese is one of the most widely consumed cheeses in the world, known for its sharp flavor that intensifies with aging. It is a calorie-dense food that provides substantial amounts of protein, calcium, and fat in relatively small servings. Here is a complete breakdown of cheddar cheese nutrition by serving size.
Calories by serving size:
| Serving | Weight | Calories | Protein | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Calcium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 oz | ~28 g | 113 kcal | 7 g | 9.3 g | 5.9 g | 200 mg |
| 1 slice (~0.75 oz) | ~21 g | 85 kcal | 5.3 g | 7 g | 4.4 g | 150 mg |
| 1 cup shredded | ~113 g | 455 kcal | 28 g | 37.5 g | 23.8 g | 807 mg |
| 1 cubic inch | ~17 g | 69 kcal | 4.3 g | 5.7 g | 3.6 g | 123 mg |
Cheddar cheese is also an excellent source of phosphorus, zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin B12. Its high calcium density makes it one of the most efficient dietary sources of this mineral.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many calories are in a slice of cheddar cheese?
A standard pre-sliced piece of cheddar cheese weighing about 21 grams (0.75 oz) contains approximately 85 calories. Thicker deli-style slices weighing a full ounce (28 g) have about 113 calories. The calorie count comes primarily from fat, which accounts for roughly 74% of the total calories in cheddar.
Is there a nutritional difference between sharp and mild cheddar?
Sharp and mild cheddar cheese have virtually identical nutritional profiles — the difference is in aging time, not composition. Sharp cheddar is aged longer (often 9 to 24 months), which develops a more intense flavor but does not significantly change the calorie, fat, or protein content. Both varieties provide about 113 calories and 7 grams of protein per ounce.
How much calcium is in cheddar cheese?
One ounce of cheddar cheese provides approximately 200 mg of calcium, which is about 15% of the recommended daily intake for adults. A cup of shredded cheddar delivers a substantial 807 mg of calcium, covering over 60% of daily needs. This makes cheddar one of the most calcium-rich foods available by weight.
Is cheddar cheese high in fat?
Yes, cheddar is a high-fat food with about 9.3 grams of total fat per ounce, of which 5.9 grams are saturated fat. Fat accounts for roughly 74% of the total calories in cheddar cheese. However, when consumed in moderate portions of 1 to 2 ounces, cheddar can fit into a balanced diet and provides valuable nutrients alongside the fat.
How much protein is in an ounce of cheddar cheese?
One ounce (28 g) of cheddar cheese contains about 7 grams of complete protein, providing all essential amino acids. This is comparable to one egg and makes cheddar a protein-dense snack or addition to meals. A cup of shredded cheddar provides about 28 grams of protein, though it also comes with significant fat and calories.
How many calories are in a slice of cheddar cheese?
Is there a nutritional difference between sharp and mild cheddar?
How much calcium is in cheddar cheese?
Is cheddar cheese high in fat?
How much protein is in an ounce of cheddar cheese?
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