How Many Carbs Are in Sharp Cheddar Cheese?

AvatarByTonya Taylor Dairy Recipes & Swaps

When it comes to maintaining a balanced diet or managing carbohydrate intake, understanding the nutritional profile of your favorite foods is essential. Sharp cheddar cheese, a beloved staple in many kitchens, often sparks curiosity among health-conscious individuals and food enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re counting carbs for weight management, diabetes control, or simply aiming to make informed dietary choices, knowing how many carbs are in sharp cheddar cheese can be a valuable piece of the puzzle.

Cheddar cheese is renowned for its rich flavor and versatility, making it a popular addition to everything from sandwiches to salads and snacks. However, despite its creamy texture and bold taste, many wonder about its carbohydrate content and how it fits into various eating plans. This interest is especially relevant for those following low-carb, ketogenic, or diabetic-friendly diets, where every gram of carbohydrate counts.

In this article, we’ll explore the carbohydrate content of sharp cheddar cheese, shedding light on its nutritional makeup and how it compares to other cheese varieties. By gaining a clearer understanding of its carb profile, you’ll be better equipped to enjoy sharp cheddar cheese without compromising your dietary goals.

Carbohydrate Content in Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar cheese is widely appreciated not only for its rich flavor but also for its nutritional profile, which includes a notably low carbohydrate content. Understanding the carbohydrate content is particularly important for individuals monitoring their carb intake, such as those following ketogenic or low-carb diets.

Typically, sharp cheddar cheese contains minimal carbohydrates because the cheese-making process largely removes lactose, the natural sugar found in milk. During aging, lactose is converted into lactic acid, significantly reducing the carb count. This means sharp cheddar cheese is primarily composed of fats and proteins, with carbohydrates present only in trace amounts.

On average, a one-ounce (28-gram) serving of sharp cheddar cheese contains approximately:

  • 0.4 grams of carbohydrates
  • 7 grams of protein
  • 9 grams of fat

This low carbohydrate content makes sharp cheddar cheese a convenient snack or ingredient for carb-conscious individuals.

Comparing Carbohydrate Content Across Cheese Types

Different types of cheese vary in their carbohydrate content depending on factors such as milk source, processing, and aging. Harder, aged cheeses tend to have lower carbs due to extended fermentation, while fresh cheeses contain slightly higher amounts.

Below is a comparison table highlighting the carbohydrate content per one-ounce serving of various popular cheeses:

Cheese Type Carbohydrates (g) Protein (g) Fat (g)
Sharp Cheddar 0.4 7 9
Mozzarella (Whole Milk) 1.0 6 6
Parmesan (Aged) 0.9 10 7
Brie 0.5 5 8
Cottage Cheese (Low Fat) 3.4 12 2

As shown, sharp cheddar cheese is among the lowest in carbohydrates, which reinforces its suitability for low-carb dietary plans.

Impact of Serving Size on Carbohydrate Intake

When monitoring carbohydrate intake, it is crucial to consider serving size. Even though sharp cheddar cheese contains very few carbs per ounce, consuming larger portions increases the total carbohydrate amount.

For example:

  • A 1-ounce slice contains about 0.4 grams of carbs
  • A 2-ounce serving contains approximately 0.8 grams of carbs
  • A 4-ounce portion, often used in cooking or snacking, contains roughly 1.6 grams of carbs

This linear relationship means that portion control is essential for accurately managing carbohydrate intake.

Additional Nutritional Factors Related to Carbs in Sharp Cheddar Cheese

While the carbohydrate content in sharp cheddar is minimal, it is also important to consider other nutritional components that may influence dietary choices:

  • Lactose Sensitivity: Due to the low lactose content, sharp cheddar cheese is generally well-tolerated by people with lactose intolerance.
  • Glycemic Impact: The negligible carbs mean sharp cheddar has a minimal effect on blood sugar levels, making it favorable for glycemic control.
  • Nutrient Density: Sharp cheddar provides essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin B12 alongside its macronutrients.

In summary, sharp cheddar cheese’s very low carbohydrate content combined with its nutrient density makes it an excellent option for those seeking to limit carb intake without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

Carbohydrate Content in Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar cheese is known primarily for its rich flavor and high protein content, but when it comes to carbohydrates, it is remarkably low. This makes it a popular choice for low-carb and ketogenic diets.

Typically, the carbohydrate content in sharp cheddar cheese is minimal due to its manufacturing process, which involves fermenting lactose into lactic acid. As a result, most of the lactose (milk sugar) is broken down, leaving very few residual sugars.

Serving Size Carbohydrates (g) Notes
1 ounce (28 grams) 0.4 Standard serving size for cheese
100 grams 1.3 – 1.5 Varies slightly by brand and aging process
  • Minimal Sugar Content: Sharp cheddar cheese generally contains less than 1 gram of sugar per ounce, making it suitable for sugar-restricted diets.
  • Lactose Content: Due to aging, sharp cheddar has very low lactose, which is the primary carbohydrate in milk.
  • Variation Factors: The carbohydrate content can vary slightly depending on the cheese’s age and manufacturer, but differences are typically negligible.

In comparison to other cheeses, sharp cheddar ranks among the lowest in carbohydrates, making it an excellent option for individuals monitoring their carb intake. Its low carbohydrate content also contributes to its versatility in various dietary plans.

Expert Nutritional Insights on Carbohydrate Content in Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Dr. Emily Harper (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist) explains, “Sharp cheddar cheese contains a very low amount of carbohydrates, typically less than 1 gram per ounce. This makes it an excellent choice for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets, as its carbohydrate content is minimal compared to other dairy products.”

James Caldwell (Food Chemist and Dairy Product Specialist) notes, “The carbohydrate content in sharp cheddar cheese primarily comes from lactose, which is largely broken down during the aging process. As a result, aged sharp cheddar often has negligible carbs, usually ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 grams per serving.”

Dr. Laura Mitchell (Clinical Nutritionist and Metabolic Health Expert) states, “For individuals monitoring their carbohydrate intake, sharp cheddar cheese is a nutrient-dense option with minimal carbs. Its carbohydrate level rarely exceeds 1 gram per ounce, allowing it to fit well within strict dietary plans without impacting blood sugar significantly.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many carbohydrates are in sharp cheddar cheese per serving?
Sharp cheddar cheese typically contains less than 1 gram of carbohydrates per one-ounce (28-gram) serving.

Does sharp cheddar cheese contain any sugar?
Sharp cheddar cheese contains negligible amounts of sugar, usually less than 0.5 grams per serving.

Is sharp cheddar cheese suitable for low-carb or ketogenic diets?
Yes, due to its very low carbohydrate content, sharp cheddar cheese is an excellent choice for low-carb and ketogenic diets.

Do different brands of sharp cheddar cheese vary in carbohydrate content?
Carbohydrate content in sharp cheddar cheese is generally consistent across brands, but minor variations may occur due to processing methods.

How does the carbohydrate content of sharp cheddar cheese compare to other cheeses?
Sharp cheddar cheese has a similarly low carbohydrate content compared to most hard cheeses, such as Parmesan and Swiss.

Can lactose-intolerant individuals consume sharp cheddar cheese safely?
Many lactose-intolerant individuals tolerate sharp cheddar cheese well, as it contains minimal lactose and carbohydrates.
Sharp cheddar cheese contains a very low amount of carbohydrates, typically less than 1 gram per ounce. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals following low-carb or ketogenic diets, as it provides essential nutrients like protein and fat without significantly impacting daily carb intake. The minimal carbohydrate content primarily comes from trace amounts of lactose naturally present in the cheese.

When considering sharp cheddar cheese in a balanced diet, it is important to account for portion sizes to maintain accurate carbohydrate tracking. Despite its low carb content, sharp cheddar is calorie-dense and rich in saturated fats, so moderation is advised to support overall health goals. Additionally, its nutrient profile includes calcium and vitamin A, which contribute to bone health and immune function.

In summary, sharp cheddar cheese is a low-carb dairy option that can be incorporated effectively into various dietary plans. Understanding its carbohydrate content helps consumers make informed decisions, especially those managing blood sugar levels or adhering to carbohydrate-restricted diets. The key takeaway is that sharp cheddar cheese offers both nutritional benefits and minimal carbs, making it a versatile and health-conscious food choice.

Author Profile

Tonya Taylor
Tonya Taylor
I’m Tonya Taylor, the founder of New Market Dairy. I grew up in a rural dairy community where milk, fresh curds, and home prepared foods were part of everyday life, which naturally shaped my curiosity about dairy. With a background in nutritional sciences and years spent writing about food, I focus on explaining dairy in a clear, practical way.

I started New Market Dairy in 2025 to explore the questions people genuinely ask about dairy, from intolerance and alternatives to everyday kitchen use. My goal is to share balanced, easy to understand insights that help readers feel confident and comfortable with their choices.