Counting Calories in Provolone Cheese
Provolone makes for a tasty addition to sandwiches, salads, and snacks. This smooth Italian cheese offers a distinct smoky flavor and mild provolone cheese calories to fit various diets. But how many calories come in typical provolone servings?
Provolone Nutrition Facts
As a full-fat aged cheese, provolone packs a nutritious punch in every bite. Two thin slices (about 28g) contain around:
- 114 calories
- 9g fat
- 2g saturated fat
- 12mg cholesterol
- 296mg sodium
- 1g carbohydrates
- 7g protein
This serving provides 9% of your Daily Value for calcium plus 6% for phosphorous and riboflavin. Provolone also contains healthy amounts of vitamin A and vitamin B12.
Calorie Differences Between Types
When buying provolone, you’ll notice different flavor profiles and textures labeled as:
- Mild provolone
- Aged provolone
- Smoked provolone
- Sharp provolone
In most cases, these varieties don’t show major calorie differences per serving. What does matter is the form you choose – sliced, shredded, or chunk.
Obviously, two packed shredded cheese cupfuls will deliver higher calories than two sliced triangular wedges. And cheese chunks give less accuracy than counted slices or shredded spoonfuls.
Serving Size Comparisons
To put the 114 calories in two provolone slices into context, here’s how other common serving sizes stack up:
- 1 oz sliced provolone: 104 calories
- 2 oz sliced provolone: 207 calories
- 1⁄4 cup shredded provolone: 113 calories
- 1⁄2 cup shredded provolone: 226 calories
And for lovers of cheeseboards and charcuterie trays, a whole wedge can add up fast:
- 1-inch cube provolone: 104 calories
- 2-inch cube provolone: 208 calories
Provolone Cheese Calories in Hot Dishes
Melting provolone into hot dishes bumps up the rich, smoky flavor. But does heating provolone cheese impact its calories?
Technically cheese loses a small bit of fat and water content when melted. However the calorie differences are usually negligible. A 1⁄2 cup of shredded provolone sprinkled atop pizza or pasta will tally up roughly the same before and after baking.
What can really tip the scales is all the other ingredients layered into cheesy baked dishes. Between high-calorie meats, creamy sauces, starchy noodles or dough, and sugary tomatoes, a single serving can quickly skyrocket.
Tips for Managing Calories
Thankfully there are easy ways to keep your provolone intake reasonable:
- Read labels closely and measure portions
- Shave thick slices thinner
- Mix in reduced-fat shredded blends
- Top salads instead of hot dishes
- Swap every other provolone slice for lower-cal swiss or mozzarella
You can still enjoy the signature smoky bite without overdoing calories.
Provolone Cheese Nutrition Benefits
Understanding provolone cheese calories is useful for weight goals. But what really makes this cheese shine is its nutritional upside.
High-Quality Protein
True parmesan cheeses like provolone offer far more than just fat and salt. Two sliced triangles provide 14% of recommended daily protein intake.
This high protein density helps provolone support stable blood sugar, curb hunger, protect muscle mass, and aid metabolic health better than carb-heavy snacks.
Bone-Building Calcium and Phosphorus
Getting adequate calcium prevents concerning bone density loss over age. Women especially require sufficient vitamin D and calcium consumption to reduce osteoporosis risks.
Just 28 grams of provolone cheese gives you 158 mg of calcium – 16% of your daily needs. It also contains phosphorus to optimize calcium absorption.
Immunity and Heart Health
Natural cheese nutrition extends beyond the basics. That same two-slice portion also supplies:
- 25% DV vitamin A for immune function
- 15% DV vitamin B12 for energy and nerves
- Conjugated linoleic acid to protect heart health
When easing cheese restrictions, provolone makes a smart choice thanks to this Vitamin and antioxidant concentration.
Keto and Low-Carb Diet Appropriate
Strict low-carb plans like the ketogenic diet often rely on fatty cheeses to replace off-limits breads and sugars. Provolone works perfectly for keto as one serving contains just 1 gram of carbs.
Pair provolone with nuts, seeds, avocado, olives, and cold cuts for easy high-fat snacks in line with ketogenic programs.
The Takeaway on Provolone Calories
With just 114 provolone cheese calories in two slices, this Italian favorite can be enjoyed guilt-free. Compare calorie counts for different serving sizes to keep your intake reasonable.
Yet the true value of provolone shines through when you emphasize all its nutritional upsides. The protein, calcium, vitamins, and antioxidants make it a commendable base for cheese boards, sandwiches, salads and more.
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.
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