How Many Calories Are in Sharp Cheddar Cheese?

AvatarByMary Ford Cheese and Cheese Products

When it comes to snacking or adding flavor to your favorite dishes, sharp cheddar cheese often takes center stage. Its rich, tangy taste and creamy texture make it a beloved choice for cheese enthusiasts everywhere. But beyond its delicious flavor, many people are curious about the nutritional aspects of sharp cheddar, particularly its calorie content. Understanding how many calories are in sharp cheddar cheese can help you make informed decisions about incorporating it into your diet.

Cheese, in general, is known for being calorie-dense due to its fat content, and sharp cheddar is no exception. However, the exact number of calories can vary based on factors such as serving size and brand. Exploring these details provides valuable insight for those mindful of their calorie intake, whether for weight management, fitness goals, or overall health.

In addition to calories, sharp cheddar offers a range of nutrients that contribute to its popularity, making it more than just a tasty treat. As you delve deeper into the topic, you’ll discover how this cheese fits into a balanced diet and what to consider when enjoying it as part of your meals or snacks.

Caloric Content and Nutritional Breakdown of Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar cheese is a nutrient-dense food, meaning it provides a significant amount of calories relative to its serving size. The calorie content in sharp cheddar primarily derives from its fat and protein components, both of which contribute to its rich flavor and texture.

On average, a 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of sharp cheddar cheese contains approximately 110 to 120 calories. The exact number can vary slightly based on the brand and aging process, but this range is a reliable estimate for most sharp cheddar varieties.

The calories in sharp cheddar come from the following macronutrients:

  • Fat: This is the primary source of calories in cheddar cheese. It typically contains around 9 grams of fat per ounce, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats.
  • Protein: Sharp cheddar provides about 7 grams of protein per ounce, which also contributes to its caloric content.
  • Carbohydrates: Cheddar cheese contains negligible carbohydrates, usually less than 1 gram per serving.

Below is a detailed nutritional breakdown of sharp cheddar cheese per 1-ounce serving:

Nutrient Amount per 1 oz (28g) Calories
Total Calories — 110-120 kcal
Fat 9 g 81 kcal*
Protein 7 g 28 kcal*
Carbohydrates 0.5 g 2 kcal*

*Calories calculated based on macronutrient calorie values: fat = 9 kcal/g, protein = 4 kcal/g, carbohydrates = 4 kcal/g.

Understanding the caloric breakdown helps in meal planning, especially for those monitoring their fat or protein intake. The relatively high fat content makes sharp cheddar cheese calorie-dense, which can be beneficial for individuals seeking to increase their energy intake but requires moderation for those aiming to reduce fat consumption.

Factors Influencing Calorie Variations in Sharp Cheddar Cheese

While the average calorie content of sharp cheddar cheese is fairly consistent, several factors can influence slight variations in its caloric value:

  • Aging Process: Sharp cheddar is aged longer than mild cheddar, which can slightly alter moisture content and concentration of nutrients. As cheese ages and loses moisture, the fat and protein content per weight unit may increase, leading to a marginal rise in calories.
  • Fat Content Variation: Different manufacturers may produce cheddar cheeses with varying fat percentages. Some may offer reduced-fat options that contain fewer calories, while full-fat versions maintain the typical 9 grams of fat per ounce.
  • Moisture Content: Cheeses with higher moisture content weigh more and therefore have fewer calories per ounce compared to drier, aged cheeses. Sharp cheddar is relatively dry compared to mild cheddar, concentrating calories.
  • Additives and Processing: Some brands add ingredients like colorants or preservatives, but these typically have a negligible impact on calorie count.

For those tracking calories closely, checking the nutrition label on the specific cheddar cheese product is recommended, as it provides the most accurate information based on that product’s formulation.

Caloric Comparison: Sharp Cheddar Cheese and Other Cheese Varieties

Comparing sharp cheddar cheese to other common cheese types helps contextualize its calorie content:

Cheese Type Calories per 1 oz (28g) Fat Content (g) Protein Content (g)
Sharp Cheddar 110-120 9 7
Mozzarella (part skim) 70-85 5 7
Parmesan 110-120 7 10
Swiss 100-110 8 8
Feta 75-80 6 5

Sharp cheddar cheese ranks among the higher-calorie cheeses due to its fat content and aging process, similar to Parmesan. Lower-fat cheeses like part-skim mozzarella offer fewer calories but also different flavor profiles and textures.

Practical Considerations for Calorie Management with Sharp Cheddar Cheese

When incorporating sharp cheddar cheese into a diet, the following considerations can help manage calorie intake effectively:

  • Portion Control: Due to its calorie density, limiting servings to 1 ounce or less helps keep calorie intake moderate.
  • Pairing Choices: Combining sharp cheddar with nutrient-rich, low-calorie foods such as vegetables can provide balance and satiety.
  • Substitution: For reduced calorie consumption, consider substituting sharp cheddar with lower-fat cheeses, but be mindful of the flavor differences.
  • Meal Planning: Use sharp cheddar strategically in recipes to add

Caloric Content of Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar cheese is a popular dairy product known for its rich flavor and dense texture. Understanding its caloric content is essential for those managing their dietary intake or tracking macronutrients.

The calorie count in sharp cheddar cheese primarily comes from its fat and protein content, with a small amount contributed by carbohydrates. Typically, the calorie content can vary slightly depending on the brand, aging process, and fat percentage.

Serving Size Calories Total Fat (g) Protein (g) Carbohydrates (g)
1 oz (28 grams) 115-120 9-10 7 0.4-1
100 grams 400-420 33-35 25-27 1-2

Factors Influencing Calorie Variation in Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Several factors can influence the calorie content of sharp cheddar cheese, including:

  • Fat Content: Full-fat sharp cheddar contains more calories due to its higher fat percentage compared to reduced-fat or low-fat versions.
  • Aging Process: Longer aging may slightly alter moisture content, leading to denser cheese and increased calories per weight unit.
  • Brand and Production Methods: Different manufacturers may use varying milk fat percentages and additives, affecting caloric value.
  • Serving Size Accuracy: Calorie counts depend on precise serving sizes, as cheese is often consumed in variable amounts.

Nutritional Breakdown of Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar cheese provides more than just calories; it is a nutrient-dense food offering essential vitamins and minerals alongside macronutrients.

Nutrient Amount per 1 oz (28 g) Daily Value (%)
Calories 115-120 kcal 6%
Total Fat 9-10 g 14-15%
Saturated Fat 6 g 30%
Protein 7 g 14%
Calcium 200 mg 20%
Vitamin A 6% of DV
Sodium 180 mg 8%

Comparing Calories in Sharp Cheddar Cheese to Other Cheese Varieties

When managing caloric intake, it is helpful to compare sharp cheddar cheese to other common cheese types:

Cheese Type Calories per 1 oz (28 g) Fat Content (g)
Sharp Cheddar 115-120 9-10
Mozzarella (part-skim) 70-85 4-6
Swiss Cheese 105-110 8-9
Parmesan 110-120 7-9
Feta 75-80 6-7

This comparison illustrates that sharp cheddar is moderately high in calories and fat relative to softer cheeses like mozzarella or feta, reflecting its denser texture and higher fat content.

Practical Considerations for Calorie Counting with Sharp Cheddar Cheese

When incorporating sharp cheddar cheese into a diet plan, consider the following points to accurately estimate calorie consumption:

  • Portion Control: Weigh cheese portions to ensure precise calorie tracking, as visual estimation can lead to inaccuracies.
  • Label Reading: Check nutrition labels on specific brands since caloric values can vary.
  • Cooking Effects: Melting or combining cheese in dishes does not significantly alter its caloric content but may affect serving size perception.
  • Complementary Foods: Account for

    Expert Insights on the Caloric Content of Sharp Cheddar Cheese

    Dr. Melissa Grant (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist). Sharp cheddar cheese typically contains around 110 to 120 calories per one-ounce serving. This caloric value primarily comes from its fat content, which contributes to both its rich flavor and energy density. Consumers should consider portion sizes carefully when incorporating sharp cheddar into their diets.

    James Holloway (Food Chemist and Dairy Product Specialist). The calorie count in sharp cheddar cheese is influenced by its fat percentage, usually ranging between 30% to 35% fat by weight. This high fat content results in a calorie-dense product, with approximately 115 calories per ounce. Understanding this helps in nutritional planning and managing daily caloric intake effectively.

    Dr. Anita Patel (Clinical Nutritionist and Cheese Aficionado). Sharp cheddar cheese’s caloric content is significant due to its concentrated nutrients and fat profile. On average, one ounce of sharp cheddar contains about 113 calories, making it important for individuals tracking their calorie consumption to account for cheese as a substantial energy source within their meals.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    How many calories are in one ounce of sharp cheddar cheese?
    One ounce of sharp cheddar cheese contains approximately 115 calories.

    Does the calorie content vary between sharp and mild cheddar cheese?
    Calorie differences between sharp and mild cheddar cheese are minimal, typically within a few calories per serving.

    Are the calories in sharp cheddar cheese mostly from fat or protein?
    The majority of calories in sharp cheddar cheese come from fat, with a significant contribution from protein as well.

    How does the calorie content of sharp cheddar cheese compare to other cheeses?
    Sharp cheddar cheese generally has a moderate calorie content, higher than soft cheeses like mozzarella but lower than some aged or processed cheeses.

    Can the calorie content of sharp cheddar cheese affect weight management?
    Yes, due to its calorie density, portion control is important when including sharp cheddar cheese in a weight management plan.

    Is there a low-calorie alternative to sharp cheddar cheese?
    Low-fat or reduced-fat cheddar cheeses offer fewer calories while maintaining similar flavor profiles.
    Sharp cheddar cheese is a popular dairy product known for its rich flavor and versatility in culinary applications. When considering its nutritional content, sharp cheddar cheese typically contains around 110 to 120 calories per one-ounce (28-gram) serving. These calories primarily come from fats and proteins, making it a calorie-dense food that should be consumed in moderation, especially for those monitoring their caloric intake.

    In addition to calories, sharp cheddar cheese provides essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin A, and protein, which contribute to bone health and muscle maintenance. However, it is also relatively high in saturated fat and sodium, factors that should be taken into account when incorporating it into a balanced diet. Understanding the calorie content alongside these nutritional aspects can help individuals make informed dietary choices.

    Overall, sharp cheddar cheese can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet when consumed mindfully. Being aware of its calorie density and nutrient profile allows for better portion control and helps maintain nutritional balance. For those seeking to manage weight or improve heart health, moderating sharp cheddar cheese intake and pairing it with nutrient-rich foods is advisable.

    Author Profile

    Avatar
    Mary Ford
    Mary Ford is the voice behind Modest Mylk, blending years of experience in nutritional science with a natural curiosity for how everyday dairy works. Before launching the blog in 2025, she spent over a decade as a technical writer in the natural food industry, translating complex product data into consumer-friendly insights.

    Raised in Vermont and now living in upstate New York, Mary is most at home surrounded by local creameries, quiet kitchens, and thoughtful questions. Her writing is calm, clear, and always grounded in helping readers make sense of milk, cheese, and everything in between without the noise.