Calories in Cheddar Cheese Slices: Nutrition Facts

Evaluating Calorie and Nutrition Numbers in Cheddar Cheese Slices

With its savory, slightly sharp flavor, cheddar cheese makes a tasty addition to sandwiches, burgers, omelets and more. But when watching calories and fat, is enjoying a slice of cheddar still a smart choice? Let's break down the nutrition numbers.

Cheddar Cheese Nutrition Basics

As one of the most popular cheese varieties, cheddar offers a nice balance of fat and protein plus bone-strengthening calcium. Made from cow's milk, traditional cheddar gets its signature crumbly texture and tangy zip from aging processes.

Dry curing, in which salt extract moisture, or wet curing using brine solutions allow flavor and texture changes over weeks or months before the aged cheddar gets packaged for sale.

To extend shelf life and improve sliceability, many commercial cheddar cheese companies incorporate emulsifying salts too. These stabilize the proteins for smoother melting properties.

Nutritional Profile of Cheddar Cheese

Here is the basic nutrition information found in a 1 ounce serving of regular cheddar cheese made from whole milk:

• Calories: 114
• Fat: 9g - 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 176mg
• Carbohydrates: trace amounts
• Protein: 7g
• Calcium: 20% Daily Value

Keep in mind nutrition numbers can vary slightly based on factors like cow diet, aging time, dairy processes, and moisture content that alter fat and protein ratios in the finished cheese.

Determining Calories Per Slice of Cheddar

With 114 calories in a single ounce of solid cheddar cheese, determining calories per slice depends on knowing slice thickness and weights.

Here is the typical calorie count for different cheddar slice sizes:

• 1 slice Kraft Single (0.5oz) = 57 calories
• Deli slice (0.75oz) = 86 calories
• Fast food slice (1oz) = 114 calories

Clearly cheddar slice calories can quickly multiply when enjoying a grilled cheese sandwich made with 2-3 slices stacked up. Or think of the cheese coverage piled high atop nachos, tacos or baked potatoes.

Variables Impacting Cheddar Calories

Several factors influence the calories and nutrients found in different types of cheddar cheese products.

For starters, regular full-fat cheddar made from whole milk contains more calories and fat than reduced-fat or low-fat cheddar slices. Extra sharp cheddar and aged versions also tend to be higher in fat and calories versus mild cheddar.

Additives like emulsifiers, stabilizers, and preservatives can alter nutrition numbers too. Even packaging makes a difference, with individually plastic-wrapped cheddar slices containing more calories than fresh-cut deli counter versions.

Stacking Up Cheddar Cheese Calories to Other Cheeses

To better evaluate cheddars calorie impact, it helps to compare nutrition numbers to other popular cheese choices like mozzarella, Swiss, provolone and American cheese.

Here is how 1 ounce of various cheese types stack up:

• Cheddar: 114 calories
• Mozzarella: 85 calories
• Swiss: 111 calories
• Provolone: 108 calories
• American Cheese: 101 calories

What these figures show is cheddar is moderately high in calories compared to other cheese options. Mozzarella offers the lowest calorie impact while Swiss cheese contains comparable calories versus cheddar in a typical 1 ounce slice.

Cheese Calorie Density

Even though cheddar clocks in higher for calories versus other cheese picks, it still qualifies as a nutrient-dense choice thanks to ample protein, calcium and bioavailable vitamin content.

Research shows cheese eaters have higher intakes of key micronutrients like vitamin A, vitamin B12, zinc, selenium without increased calories or saturated fat consumption.

Thanks to providing substantial nutrition alongside the fat and calories, enjoying cheddar cheese regularly as part of a balanced diet aligns with better health according to emerging research.

Fat and Calories in Light Cheddar Options

For those limiting fat and calories, turning to light, reduced-fat cheddar slices seems an obvious choice. But is lighter cheddar cheese really better when examining nutrition?

Here is how 1 ounce of regular full-fat cheddar compares to popular light cheddar varieties:

• Regular Cheddar
• Calories: 114
• Fat: 9g
• Kraft 2% Milk Light Cheddar
• Calories: 90
• Fat: 7g
• Sargento Reduced Fat Sharp Cheddar
• Calories: 80
• Fat: 5g

As these nutrition panels indicate, swapping out regular cheddar for reduced-fat types does cut calories and fat grams notably. A 1 ounce portion saves 20-35 calories and eliminates 2-4 fat grams compared to full-fat cheddar.

The Catch with Light Cheddar Cheese

It's true lighter cheddar options seem like the optimal choice if limiting fat or calories. But some significant nutritional downsides exist to watch out for.

Because removing fat also strips out flavor, reduced-fat cheddar relies more heavily on stabilizers, salt and chemical additives to upgrade taste and texture.

Research also shows lower-fat cheddar versions provide 30-50% less protein compared to regular full-fat cheddar. Essential bone-building calcium levels take a hit in light cheddar as well.

Additionally, many reduced-fat cheddars swap milk fat for vegetable or coconut oils along with thickening agents like corn starch, potato starch, guar gum or carrageenan.

So in exchange for slightly fewer calories and fat, light cheddar cheese loses nutrients while gaining additives. That's why dietitians recommend moderate enjoyment of full-fat versions instead for best nutrition and satisfaction.

Tips for Enjoying Cheddar Cheese Guilt-Free

Despite containing more calories than some cheese alternatives, cheddar remains an ultimate comfort food favorite thanks to its sharp, robust flavor.

By using smart portion control and combining cheddar with other nutrient-rich foods, you can still enjoy this versatile cheese guilt-free as part of a healthy diet.

Watch Serving Sizes

To keep calories in check, stick near the recommended 1-2 ounce portions of cheddar cheese per serving. Measure portions to increase awareness of proper sizes.

Increase Fiber and Protein

Pairing cheddar with high fiber crackers, veggie slices, or whole grain bread boosts nutrition while providing more satisfaction from smaller cheddar portions.

Amp Up Nutrient Density

Offsetting cheddar's calories by enjoying it alongside antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies maximizes the nutrition you gain from each meal or snack.

Savor the Flavor

Instead of mindless nibbling, take time to slowly savor each tasty morsel of your favorite cheddar variety. You'll likely feel satisfied with less.

Using these smart strategies makes it easy to enjoy cheddar cheese guilt-free any time your cheesy cravings strike!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.