How Many Calories Are 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 beloved choice for many. Its rich, tangy taste and creamy texture make it a staple in kitchens around the world. But beyond its delicious flavor, cheddar cheese also brings nutritional considerations to the table—particularly when it comes to calorie content. Understanding how many calories are in a slice of cheddar cheese can help you make informed decisions about portion sizes and dietary balance.

Cheddar cheese varies in size, thickness, and fat content, all of which influence its calorie count. Whether you enjoy it melted on a sandwich, sliced on a cracker, or simply on its own, being mindful of the calories can support your health goals without sacrificing enjoyment. This overview will explore the factors that affect the calorie content in cheddar cheese and why it matters in everyday eating.

As you delve deeper into the topic, you’ll gain insight into how cheddar cheese fits into different dietary plans and how to balance indulgence with nutrition. Whether you’re counting calories, managing weight, or just curious about what’s in your favorite cheese, understanding the calorie content of a slice of cheddar is a valuable piece of the puzzle.

Caloric Content and Nutritional Breakdown of Cheddar Cheese

The calorie count in a slice of cheddar cheese depends largely on the thickness and weight of the slice. Typically, a standard slice of cheddar cheese weighs about 28 grams (1 ounce), which is a common serving size used for nutritional information. On average, this amount contains approximately 110 to 120 calories.

Cheddar cheese is a nutrient-dense food, providing not only calories but also a significant amount of protein and fat. The calories primarily come from fat and protein, with carbohydrates being negligible in most varieties.

Key nutritional components per 1-ounce slice of cheddar cheese generally include:

  • Calories: 110–120 kcal
  • Protein: 7 grams
  • Total Fat: 9 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 6 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 0–1 gram
  • Calcium: About 200 mg (20% of daily recommended intake)

The high-fat content contributes to the rich flavor and texture of cheddar cheese but also means it should be consumed in moderation, especially by individuals monitoring their fat intake.

Nutrient Amount per 1 oz (28g) Slice % Daily Value*
Calories 113 kcal 6%
Protein 7 g 14%
Total Fat 9 g 14%
Saturated Fat 6 g 30%
Carbohydrates 0.4 g 0%
Calcium 200 mg 20%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Factors Affecting Calorie Variations in Cheddar Cheese Slices

Several variables can influence the calorie content of a slice of cheddar cheese. These include:

  • Slice Thickness and Weight: Thicker or larger slices contain more cheese by weight, thereby increasing calorie content proportionally.
  • Type of Cheddar: Variations such as mild, sharp, or extra sharp cheddar may have slight differences in fat content, influencing calories.
  • Processing and Additives: Some processed cheddar slices may contain added ingredients such as emulsifiers or fillers, which can alter nutritional values.
  • Moisture Content: Cheddar with higher moisture will weigh more per slice but may contain fewer calories per gram due to water content.
  • Fat Content Variants: Reduced-fat or low-fat cheddar cheese versions offer fewer calories per slice compared to full-fat variants.

Understanding these factors helps in more accurately estimating calorie intake when consuming cheddar cheese.

Comparing Caloric Content with Other Cheese Varieties

Cheddar cheese is moderately high in calories compared to some other cheeses, but the variation among cheese types can be significant. Below is a comparison of calories per 1-ounce slice of common cheeses:

Cheese Type Calories per 1 oz Slice Fat Content (g)
Cheddar 113 kcal 9 g
Swiss 106 kcal 8 g
Mozzarella (whole milk) 85 kcal 6 g
Parmesan 122 kcal 8 g
Feta 75 kcal 6 g

Cheddar’s higher fat content compared to mozzarella or feta results in more calories, but it also provides a richer source of protein and calcium. For individuals aiming to manage calorie intake, selecting lower-fat cheese varieties or moderating portion size can be effective strategies.

Tips for Managing Caloric Intake When Consuming Cheddar Cheese

Given cheddar cheese’s relatively high calorie and fat content, consider the following tips to maintain a balanced diet:

  • Measure Portions: Use a kitchen scale or pre-sliced cheese to control portion size accurately.
  • Choose Lower-Fat Options: Opt for reduced-fat cheddar cheeses to reduce calorie intake without sacrificing flavor entirely.
  • Pair with Low-Calorie Foods: Combine cheddar slices with vegetables or whole-grain crackers to increase volume and satiety.
  • Limit Frequency: Enjoy cheddar cheese as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple to manage overall fat and calorie consumption.
  • Incorporate into Balanced Meals: Use cheddar cheese as part of a meal that includes lean proteins, fiber, and healthy fats to promote nutritional balance.

By applying these strategies, cheddar cheese can be enjoyed within a calorie-conscious diet without compromising taste or nutritional benefits.

Caloric Content of a Typical Slice of Cheddar Cheese

The number of calories in a slice of cheddar cheese varies depending on the thickness, weight, and brand. However, a standard pre-packaged slice typically weighs around 20 grams (approximately 0.7 ounces).

On average, a single slice of cheddar cheese contains:

  • Calories: 70 to 110 kcal
  • Protein: 4 to 7 grams
  • Total Fat: 6 to 9 grams
  • Carbohydrates: Less than 1 gram

This range accounts for variations in moisture content and fat percentage, as some cheddar cheese slices are reduced-fat while others are full-fat.

Type of Cheddar Slice Weight (grams) Calories (kcal) Protein (g) Total Fat (g) Carbohydrates (g)
Regular Full-Fat Cheddar 20 110 7 9 0.5
Reduced-Fat Cheddar 20 70 6 5 0.5

Factors Influencing Calorie Count in Cheddar Cheese Slices

Several factors contribute to the variation in calorie content per slice of cheddar cheese:

  • Slice Thickness and Weight: Thicker slices or larger weights naturally contain more calories. For example, deli-cut slices may weigh more than pre-packaged slices, increasing caloric content proportionally.
  • Fat Content: Full-fat cheddar cheese has a higher calorie density due to increased fat levels compared to reduced-fat or low-fat varieties.
  • Moisture Content: Aged cheddar tends to have lower moisture and thus a higher concentration of calories per gram than younger, fresher cheddar.
  • Brand Formulation: Some brands may add additional ingredients like preservatives or flavor enhancers that slightly affect calorie content.

Comparing Cheddar Cheese to Other Cheese Varieties

Understanding how cheddar cheese compares to other popular cheese types provides useful context for caloric intake considerations.

Cheese Type Typical Slice Weight (g) Calories per Slice Fat Content (g) Protein Content (g)
Cheddar (Full Fat) 20 110 9 7
Swiss 20 100 8 7
American Processed Cheese 20 80 6 5
Mozzarella (Part-Skim) 20 70 5 7

Cheddar cheese tends to have a higher fat content compared to some other cheeses like mozzarella, which influences its calorie density. Processed cheeses often have additives that reduce fat but may also impact nutritional quality.

Expert Insights on Caloric Content in Cheddar Cheese Slices

Dr. Melissa Grant (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist). A typical slice of cheddar cheese contains approximately 110 to 120 calories, depending on its thickness and fat content. This caloric value is primarily derived from the cheese’s fat and protein composition, making it a dense energy source that should be consumed mindfully within a balanced diet.

James Thornton (Food Chemist and Dairy Product Specialist). The calorie count in a slice of cheddar cheese can vary slightly due to factors such as aging and moisture levels. Generally, a standard 28-gram slice will have around 113 calories, with most of these calories coming from saturated fats. Understanding these variations is crucial for accurate nutritional labeling and dietary planning.

Dr. Elena Vasquez (Clinical Nutritionist and Public Health Expert). When considering how many calories are in a slice of cheddar cheese, it is important to note that portion size significantly impacts caloric intake. Moderation is key, as cheddar cheese is calorie-dense but also provides essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin A, which contribute to overall health when included as part of a well-rounded diet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Does the calorie content vary between different types of cheddar cheese?
Yes, calorie content can vary slightly depending on the fat content and aging process, with sharper or aged cheddars sometimes having marginally higher calories.

How does the calorie count of cheddar cheese compare to other cheeses?
Cheddar cheese generally has a moderate calorie level compared to softer cheeses like mozzarella, which tend to have fewer calories, and harder cheeses like Parmesan, which may have more.

Are calories from cheddar cheese primarily from fat or protein?
Most calories in cheddar cheese come from fat, which constitutes about 9 grams per ounce, while protein contributes approximately 7 grams.

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

Is there a difference in calories between sliced and shredded cheddar cheese?
Calorie content per weight is consistent between sliced and shredded cheddar cheese; differences arise only from portion size and moisture content.
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, offering a good source of protein, calcium, and fat, which contributes to its calorie content. Understanding the calorie count in a slice of cheddar cheese is essential for those monitoring their dietary intake, especially in calorie-controlled diets.

It is important to consider portion size when incorporating cheddar cheese into meals, as the calories can add up quickly with multiple slices or additional cheese-based ingredients. Additionally, choosing reduced-fat or lower-calorie versions of cheddar can help manage overall caloric consumption without sacrificing flavor. Being mindful of these factors allows for balanced nutrition while enjoying the benefits of cheddar cheese.

Ultimately, awareness of the calorie content in cheddar cheese slices supports informed dietary choices and contributes to effective nutrition planning. Whether for weight management or general health, understanding the energy contribution of each slice enables better control over daily calorie intake and promotes a well-rounded diet.

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.