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

AvatarByCynthia Crase Cheese

When it comes to snacking or adding a flavorful touch to your meals, cheddar cheese is often a top choice. Its rich, tangy taste and creamy texture make it a beloved staple in many kitchens around the world. But if you’re mindful of your diet or simply curious about your nutritional intake, you might find yourself wondering: how many calories are in one slice of cheddar cheese?

Understanding the calorie content of cheddar cheese is more than just a number—it’s a key piece of information that can help you make informed decisions about portion sizes and overall dietary balance. Whether you’re tracking calories for weight management, aiming to boost your protein intake, or just curious about what goes into your favorite sandwich, knowing the caloric value of a single slice can provide valuable insight.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the calorie count of cheddar cheese slices, factors that influence these numbers, and how this beloved cheese fits into various dietary plans. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of how to enjoy cheddar cheese while keeping your nutritional goals in check.

Caloric Content of Cheddar Cheese Slices

The number of calories in one slice of cheddar cheese can vary depending on factors such as thickness, brand, and specific recipe. Typically, a standard slice of processed cheddar cheese weighs approximately 20 grams, which serves as a common reference point for nutritional calculations.

On average, one slice of cheddar cheese contains between 70 to 110 calories. The variation primarily stems from differences in fat content, moisture levels, and any added ingredients during processing. Natural cheddar tends to have a higher fat content, which directly influences its caloric density.

Several nutritional components contribute to the total calorie count in a slice of cheddar cheese:

  • Fat: The predominant source of calories, contributing approximately 9 calories per gram.
  • Protein: Provides about 4 calories per gram and is significant in cheese due to its dairy origin.
  • Carbohydrates: Minimal in cheddar cheese, but still contribute to the calorie total.
  • Water content: While not a source of calories, water percentage affects the density and weight of the cheese slice.

Understanding these components helps clarify why calorie counts can differ between types and brands of cheddar cheese.

Detailed Nutritional Breakdown per Slice of Cheddar Cheese

Below is a table presenting the typical nutritional values found in one 20-gram slice of cheddar cheese. These values represent averages and can vary slightly depending on production methods and specific formulations.

Nutrient Amount per Slice (20g) Caloric Contribution
Total Calories 90 kcal (average) 100%
Fat 7.5 g ~68 kcal
Protein 5 g ~20 kcal
Carbohydrates 0.5 g ~2 kcal
Water 6 g 0 kcal

Fat constitutes the majority of the caloric content, making cheddar cheese a calorie-dense food. The protein content also contributes significantly, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety. Carbohydrates are minimal, often less than 1 gram per slice, reflecting cheddar’s low-carb profile.

Factors Influencing Calorie Variation in Cheese Slices

Several variables can affect how many calories you find in a slice of cheddar cheese:

  • Slice Thickness: Thicker slices naturally contain more cheese and thus more calories.
  • Fat Content: Reduced-fat or low-fat cheddar cheeses have fewer calories, sometimes as low as 50–60 calories per slice.
  • Added Ingredients: Some processed cheddar slices may include emulsifiers or fillers, which can slightly alter the calorie count.
  • Brand Differences: Each manufacturer may use unique recipes that affect moisture and fat content.
  • Aging Process: Aged cheddar may have less moisture and thus higher calorie density per gram compared to mild cheddar.

When tracking caloric intake, always check the nutrition label of the specific product to obtain the most accurate information.

Comparing Caloric Values Across Cheese Types

While this section focuses on cheddar cheese, it is helpful to compare its caloric content with other popular cheese varieties to understand its relative energy density.

Cheese Type Calories per 20g Slice Fat Content (g)
Cheddar 90 kcal 7.5
Swiss 80 kcal 6.5
American Processed 70 kcal 6
Mozzarella (part-skim) 60 kcal 4.5
Parmesan 85 kcal 7

Cheddar cheese tends to be higher in calories than mozzarella but comparable to other hard cheeses like Parmesan. Processed cheeses may have fewer calories per slice due to added ingredients and lower fat content.

Understanding these differences can assist in making informed dietary choices, especially when managing calorie intake for weight control or nutritional goals.

Caloric Content of a Standard Slice of Cheddar Cheese

The calorie count in one slice of cheddar cheese can vary depending on the thickness and weight of the slice, as well as the specific brand or type of cheddar. However, a typical pre-sliced cheddar cheese slice, commonly used for sandwiches and burgers, provides a consistent estimate for caloric content.

On average, one slice of cheddar cheese weighs approximately 20 grams (0.7 ounces). The calories primarily come from fat and protein, with minimal carbohydrates.

Portion Size Weight (grams) Calories (kcal) Protein (g) Fat (g) Carbohydrates (g)
One slice (standard) 20 80-110 5-7 7-9 0.5-1

This range reflects typical cheddar cheese slices found in grocery stores. The variation depends largely on the fat content of the cheese—full-fat cheddar tends to be at the higher end of the calorie range, while reduced-fat or light versions contain fewer calories.

Factors Influencing Calorie Variation in Cheddar Cheese Slices

Several factors influence the caloric content of a slice of cheddar cheese:

  • Slice Thickness and Weight: Thicker or larger slices contain more cheese and thus more calories. For example, a thicker slice weighing 30 grams could have approximately 120-165 calories.
  • Fat Content: Full-fat cheddar cheese generally contains about 9 grams of fat per 20-gram slice, whereas reduced-fat varieties might have 4-6 grams, resulting in fewer total calories.
  • Brand and Processing: Some brands add preservatives or use different aging processes that can slightly alter the nutritional profile.
  • Moisture Content: Aged cheddar tends to be drier and more concentrated, which can affect calorie density.

Nutritional Breakdown of One Slice of Cheddar Cheese

Understanding the macronutrient composition of a cheddar cheese slice helps contextualize the calorie content:

Nutrient Typical Amount per 20g Slice Contribution to Calories
Protein 6 g Approximately 24 kcal (4 kcal per gram)
Fat 8 g Approximately 72 kcal (9 kcal per gram)
Carbohydrates 0.5 g Approximately 2 kcal (4 kcal per gram)

These values illustrate that fat is the primary contributor to the calorie content of cheddar cheese slices, followed by protein. Carbohydrates contribute minimally.

Comparing Calorie Content in Different Types of Cheese Slices

To provide context, here is a comparison of calories in one slice of cheddar versus other commonly sliced cheeses:

Cheese Type Weight per Slice (g) Calories per Slice Fat Content (g)
Cheddar (full fat) 20 90-110 7-9
Swiss 20 80-100 6-8
American (processed) 20 60-80 5-7
Provolone 20 70-90 5-7

This comparison highlights that cheddar cheese slices are generally higher in calories than some other common cheeses, primarily due to their fat content and density.

Expert Insights on Caloric Content in Cheddar Cheese Slices

Dr. Melissa Hartman (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist). A standard slice of cheddar cheese typically contains around 110 to 120 calories, depending on its thickness and fat content. This caloric value is primarily derived from fats and proteins, making it a dense energy source that should be consumed mindfully within a balanced diet.

James O’Connor (Food Technologist and Dairy Product Specialist). The caloric content of one slice of cheddar cheese can vary slightly based on manufacturing processes and moisture levels. On average, a one-ounce slice contains approximately 113 calories, with variations influenced by aging and fat percentage, which are crucial factors for both flavor and nutrition labeling.

Dr. Anita Singh (Clinical Nutritionist and Metabolic Health Expert). When considering how many calories are in one slice of cheddar cheese, it is important to account for portion size and cheese variety. A typical slice weighing about 28 grams generally provides about 110 calories, contributing valuable protein and calcium but also saturated fats, which should be balanced within daily caloric intake recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Does the calorie content vary between different brands of cheddar cheese?
Yes, calorie content can slightly vary depending on factors like fat content, moisture level, and slice thickness, but variations are generally minimal.

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. Reduced-fat cheddar cheese slices typically have fewer calories than full-fat versions.

Are there lower-calorie alternatives to traditional cheddar cheese slices?
Yes, reduced-fat or low-fat cheddar cheese slices offer fewer calories while maintaining similar taste and texture.

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

Can the way cheddar cheese is served affect its calorie intake?
Yes, pairing cheddar cheese slices with high-calorie accompaniments or consuming larger portions will increase overall calorie intake. Portion control is key to managing calorie consumption.
One slice of cheddar cheese typically contains approximately 110 to 120 calories, though this can vary slightly depending on the brand, thickness of the slice, and fat content. Cheddar cheese is a calorie-dense food due to its high fat and protein levels, making it important for individuals to consider portion sizes when incorporating it into their diet. Understanding the calorie content helps in managing overall daily caloric intake, especially for those monitoring weight or nutritional goals.

In addition to calories, cheddar cheese provides valuable nutrients such as calcium, protein, and vitamins A and B12, which contribute to bone health and muscle maintenance. However, it is also relatively high in saturated fat and sodium, so moderation is advised to maintain a balanced diet. Choosing reduced-fat or lower-sodium options can help mitigate some of these concerns without significantly altering the calorie count per slice.

Ultimately, being aware of the calorie content in one slice of cheddar cheese allows consumers to make informed dietary choices. Whether used in sandwiches, snacks, or recipes, cheddar cheese can be enjoyed as part of a healthy eating plan when consumed mindfully and in appropriate portions. This knowledge supports better nutritional planning and promotes overall wellness.

Author Profile

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Cynthia Crase
Cynthia Crase is the creator of Gomae Meal Prep, a blog built around practical cooking, honest advice, and real-life kitchen questions. Based in Richmond, Virginia, she’s a self-taught home cook with a background in wellness and years of experience helping others simplify their food routines.

Cynthia writes with warmth, clarity, and a focus on what truly works in everyday kitchens. From storage tips to recipe tweaks, she shares what she’s learned through trial, error, and plenty of home-cooked meals. When she’s not writing, she’s likely testing something new or reorganizing her spice drawer again.