How Many Calories Are There in a Slice of Cheddar Cheese?

AvatarByMary Ford Cheese and Cheese Products

When it comes to snacking or adding a flavorful touch to your meals, cheddar cheese is a popular choice enjoyed by many around the world. Its rich, sharp taste and creamy texture make it a versatile ingredient, whether sliced atop a sandwich, melted into a dish, or simply savored on its own. But beyond its delicious flavor, many people are curious about the nutritional impact of cheddar cheese, especially when it comes to calorie content.

Understanding how many calories are in a slice of cheddar cheese is essential for anyone mindful of their diet, whether you’re counting calories for weight management, tracking macronutrients, or simply aiming to make informed food choices. Cheese is often considered a calorie-dense food, but the exact amount can vary depending on factors like slice thickness and brand. Exploring these details can help you enjoy cheddar cheese while maintaining a balanced approach to your nutrition.

In the following sections, we’ll delve into the calorie content of a typical slice of cheddar cheese, discuss how it fits into various dietary plans, and offer tips on enjoying this beloved dairy product without compromising your health goals. Whether you’re a cheese enthusiast or just curious, this guide will provide the insights you need to savor cheddar cheese wisely.

Caloric Content of Different Types and Sizes of Cheddar Cheese Slices

The calorie count in a slice of cheddar cheese can vary significantly depending on its thickness, weight, and the specific variety of cheddar used. Standard pre-packaged slices typically weigh around 20 to 28 grams, but slices cut from a block may be thicker or thinner, which directly affects the calorie content.

Cheddar cheese is generally rich in fat and protein, both of which contribute to its caloric density. The aging process and fat content in the cheese (such as full-fat, reduced-fat, or low-fat versions) also influence the total calories per slice. For example, extra sharp cheddar might have slightly higher fat content than mild cheddar, increasing the calorie value.

When considering a slice of cheddar cheese:

  • Weight: Most slices range from 20 to 28 grams.
  • Fat content: Full-fat cheddar averages about 33-35% fat by weight.
  • Calories per gram: Approximately 4 calories per gram of cheddar cheese.

Below is a detailed table illustrating the approximate calorie content for various slice weights and cheddar types:

Cheddar Type Slice Weight (grams) Calories per Slice Fat Content (grams) Protein Content (grams)
Full-fat Mild Cheddar 20 80 7 5
Full-fat Sharp Cheddar 25 110 9 7
Reduced-fat Cheddar 22 70 5 6
Low-fat Cheddar 20 60 3 6

Factors Influencing Calorie Variations in Cheddar Cheese Slices

Several factors influence the calorie content in a slice of cheddar cheese. Understanding these can help in making informed dietary choices:

  • Fat Percentage: Cheese with higher fat content will naturally have more calories. Full-fat cheddar typically contains 33-35% fat, whereas reduced-fat or low-fat versions have significantly less.
  • Moisture Content: Cheddar cheese’s moisture level affects its density and weight. A higher moisture content results in a lighter cheese per slice but may decrease calorie density.
  • Aging Process: Aged cheddar tends to be drier and denser, which may increase the calories per gram compared to younger cheddar.
  • Slice Thickness and Size: Thicker slices weigh more and contain more calories. When slicing cheese at home, using a kitchen scale provides the most accurate calorie estimate.
  • Additives and Processing: Some processed cheddar slices include additional ingredients such as emulsifiers or preservatives, which may slightly alter caloric content.

Calorie Comparison: Cheddar Cheese vs. Other Common Cheese Slices

For those monitoring calorie intake, it’s useful to compare cheddar cheese slices with other popular cheese types to understand where cheddar stands in terms of energy density.

  • Swiss Cheese: Generally has fewer calories per slice due to lower fat content.
  • American Cheese: Processed cheese slices tend to have similar or slightly higher calories due to added ingredients.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Low-moisture mozzarella slices often have fewer calories than cheddar.
  • Gouda Cheese: Typically similar in calories but may vary based on fat content and aging.

Here is a comparative table showing average calories per typical slice (approximately 20-25 grams) of various cheeses:

Cheese Type Average Slice Weight (grams) Calories per Slice Fat Content (grams)
Cheddar (Full-fat) 25 110 9
Swiss 25 95 7
American (Processed) 22 105 8
Mozzarella (Part-skim) 25 85 6
Gouda 25 110 9

Understanding these variations allows for better portion control and nutritional planning when including cheddar cheese in meals or snacks.

Caloric Content of a Typical Slice of Cheddar Cheese

The calorie count in a slice of cheddar cheese varies depending on the thickness, size, and brand, but a standard slice generally provides a consistent range of energy. Cheddar cheese is a dense source of calories primarily from fats and proteins, making it a popular choice for those monitoring their dietary intake.

A typical slice of cheddar cheese weighs approximately 20 to 28 grams (about 0.7 to 1 ounce). The calorie content per slice can be summarized as follows:

Slice Weight (grams) Calories per Slice Calories from Fat Calories from Protein
20 g (0.7 oz) 80-90 kcal 60-70 kcal 15-20 kcal
28 g (1 oz) 110-120 kcal 75-85 kcal 25-30 kcal

These figures represent average values; exact calories can vary based on the cheese’s fat content and moisture level. Full-fat cheddar cheese typically contains around 33 grams of fat per 100 grams, which heavily influences the calorie count.

Nutritional Breakdown Affecting Calorie Count

Cheddar cheese calories come primarily from three macronutrients: fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Understanding their proportions helps explain the energy provided by each slice.

  • Fat: The largest contributor to calories in cheddar cheese, fat contains 9 calories per gram. Since cheddar is a high-fat cheese, it significantly impacts the total calorie content.
  • Protein: Provides about 4 calories per gram. Cheddar cheese is a good source of protein, contributing to satiety and muscle repair.
  • Carbohydrates: Minimal in cheddar cheese, usually less than 1 gram per slice, contributing negligible calories.

Typical macronutrient values for a 28-gram slice of full-fat cheddar cheese:

Nutrient Amount Calories
Fat 9-10 g 81-90 kcal
Protein 7 g 28 kcal
Carbohydrates 0.5 g 2 kcal

This breakdown helps explain why fat content is the principal determinant of the calorie count in cheddar cheese slices.

Factors Influencing Calorie Variations in Cheddar Cheese Slices

Several factors can cause variations in the calorie content of cheddar cheese slices:

  • Slice Thickness and Weight: Thicker or larger slices naturally contain more calories. Pre-packaged slices often have standardized weights, but homemade cuts can vary.
  • Fat Content: Reduced-fat or low-fat cheddar cheeses have fewer calories due to lower fat content. For example, reduced-fat cheddar can have 20-30% fewer calories.
  • Moisture Content: Higher moisture cheddar tends to have fewer calories per gram because it contains more water and less fat by weight.
  • Brand and Processing: Different brands may use varying recipes and processing techniques, slightly impacting calorie density.

For consumers aiming to control calorie intake, it is advisable to check the nutritional label for precise information on calories and fat content per slice.

Expert Insights on Caloric Content in Cheddar Cheese Slices

Dr. Melissa Hartman (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist). A typical slice of cheddar cheese, weighing around 28 grams or one ounce, contains approximately 110 to 120 calories. This caloric value primarily comes from its fat content, which is why portion control is important for those monitoring their daily energy intake.

James O’Connor (Food Chemist and Dairy Industry Consultant). The calorie count in a slice of cheddar cheese can vary slightly depending on its moisture content and aging process. Generally, a standard slice has about 113 calories, with variations caused by differences in fat percentage and density during production.

Dr. Elena Ruiz (Clinical Nutritionist and Public Health Expert). For individuals tracking their calorie consumption, understanding that a slice of cheddar cheese averages around 110 calories is crucial. This knowledge helps balance nutrient intake, especially when cheddar is used in sandwiches or snacks alongside other calorie-dense foods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many calories are in a standard slice of cheddar cheese?
A standard slice of cheddar cheese, approximately 28 grams (1 ounce), contains about 110 to 120 calories.

Do different brands of cheddar cheese vary in calorie content?
Yes, calorie content can vary slightly between brands due to differences in fat content and processing methods.

How does the fat content in cheddar cheese affect its calorie count?
Higher fat content increases the calorie count, as fat provides 9 calories per gram, making full-fat cheddar more calorie-dense than reduced-fat versions.

Is the calorie count different for shredded versus sliced cheddar cheese?
The calorie count per weight is consistent, but serving sizes may differ; shredded cheese is often measured by volume, which can affect calorie estimation.

Can the aging process of cheddar cheese impact its calories?
The aging process does not significantly change the calorie content, as it primarily affects flavor and texture rather than macronutrient composition.

How should I account for calories if I use cheddar cheese in recipes?
Calculate calories based on the exact weight of cheese used, considering that one slice typically weighs about 28 grams and contains roughly 110–120 calories.
In summary, a typical slice of cheddar cheese contains approximately 110 to 120 calories, though this can vary slightly depending on the thickness and brand. Cheddar cheese is a nutrient-dense food that provides not only calories but also essential nutrients such as protein, calcium, and fats. Understanding the caloric content of a slice helps individuals manage their dietary intake, especially when monitoring calorie consumption for weight management or nutritional goals.

It is important to consider portion size and the specific type of cheddar cheese, as reduced-fat or low-calorie versions may have fewer calories per slice. Additionally, pairing cheddar cheese with other foods can impact the overall calorie count of a meal. Being mindful of these factors allows for better dietary planning and supports balanced nutrition without compromising taste or satisfaction.

Ultimately, incorporating cheddar cheese in moderation can be part of a healthy diet. Awareness of its caloric content empowers consumers to make informed choices that align with their health objectives while enjoying the rich flavor and nutritional benefits that cheddar cheese offers.

Author Profile

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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.