How Many Calories Are in String Cheese?

AvatarByTonya Taylor Fresh Mozzarella & Ricotta

String cheese is a popular snack choice for many, loved for its convenient size, satisfying texture, and delicious taste. Whether you’re packing it in a lunchbox, grabbing a quick bite on the go, or looking for a protein-packed treat, string cheese often fits the bill. But beyond its appeal as a tasty snack, many people are curious about its nutritional profile—especially when it comes to calories.

Understanding the calorie content of string cheese can help you make informed decisions about incorporating it into your diet. Calories are a key factor for those monitoring their energy intake, whether for weight management, athletic performance, or overall health. As a dairy product, string cheese offers more than just calories; it provides essential nutrients that contribute to a balanced diet.

In this article, we’ll explore the calorie count of string cheese and what influences it, along with how it compares to other snack options. By gaining a clearer picture of what you’re consuming, you can enjoy string cheese mindfully while aligning it with your nutritional goals.

Caloric Content of Different Types of String Cheese

String cheese, typically made from mozzarella, varies slightly in calorie count depending on factors such as fat content, serving size, and brand. On average, a standard stick of string cheese weighing approximately 28 grams (1 ounce) contains between 70 to 90 calories. The variance arises mainly due to the type of milk used (whole, part-skim, or skim) and any added ingredients.

Part-skim mozzarella string cheese is the most common variety and tends to have fewer calories compared to whole milk versions. Additionally, some brands offer low-fat or reduced-calorie options, which can further decrease the caloric content per serving.

Nutritional Breakdown of Standard String Cheese

Understanding the macronutrient composition of string cheese helps clarify why it carries its calorie load. Most of the calories in string cheese come from fat and protein, with minimal carbohydrates.

  • Protein: String cheese is a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
  • Fat: The fat content provides energy and contributes to the creamy texture.
  • Carbohydrates: Typically very low in carbs, making string cheese suitable for low-carb diets.
Nutrient Amount per 28g Serving Calories per Nutrient
Calories 80 (average) 80 kcal
Protein 7 grams 28 kcal (4 kcal/g)
Fat 6 grams 54 kcal (9 kcal/g)
Carbohydrates 1 gram 4 kcal (4 kcal/g)

Factors Influencing Calorie Counts in String Cheese

Several elements can influence the total calorie count of string cheese products:

  • Milk Fat Content: Whole milk string cheese has higher fat and calories than part-skim or fat-free varieties.
  • Serving Size: Some string cheese sticks come in larger sizes, increasing calorie intake per piece.
  • Added Ingredients: Flavored or smoked varieties may have additional oils or seasonings that contribute to calories.
  • Brand Formulations: Different manufacturers may use varying recipes and fat percentages, affecting calories.

Consumers should check nutrition labels for precise information and serving sizes to accurately gauge calorie intake.

Comparing String Cheese to Other Cheese Snacks

When considering calories in string cheese, it is helpful to compare it with other cheese-based snacks. String cheese often provides a convenient, portion-controlled source of protein and fat with relatively moderate calories.

Cheese Snack Type Typical Serving Size Approximate Calories Protein (g) Fat (g)
String Cheese (mozzarella) 28g (1 stick) 70–90 7 6
Cheddar Cheese Cubes 28g (1 oz) 110–120 7 9
Cheese Crackers 30g (about 10 crackers) 140–150 3 7
Cottage Cheese (low-fat) 100g 90 11 2

String cheese strikes a balance between convenience, calorie control, and nutrient density compared to other snack options, making it a popular choice for those monitoring caloric intake while seeking protein-rich snacks.

Caloric Content of String Cheese

String cheese is a popular snack known for its convenience and portion-controlled size. The number of calories in string cheese varies depending on the type of cheese used, fat content, and serving size. Most commonly, string cheese is made from mozzarella, which influences its nutritional profile.

Typically, a standard stick of string cheese weighs about 21 grams (approximately 0.75 ounces) and contains:

  • Calories: 70 to 80 calories
  • Protein: 6 to 7 grams
  • Fat: 5 to 6 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 1 gram or less

These values can fluctuate based on factors such as whether the cheese is part-skim or whole milk.

Type of String Cheese Serving Size (grams) Calories Protein (g) Fat (g) Carbohydrates (g)
Part-Skim Mozzarella 21 70 7 5 1
Whole Milk Mozzarella 21 80 6 6 1
Low-Fat String Cheese 21 50-60 6 3-4 1

Factors Influencing Calorie Count in String Cheese

The calorie content in string cheese is influenced by multiple factors:

  • Milk Fat Content: Whole milk string cheese contains more fat and thus higher calories compared to part-skim or low-fat variants.
  • Serving Size: Larger or thicker sticks will naturally contain more calories. Always check the weight or serving information on packaging.
  • Additives and Flavorings: Some flavored string cheeses (e.g., with herbs, jalapeño, or spices) may contain additional ingredients that slightly increase calorie content.
  • Type of Cheese: Although mozzarella is the most common, string cheese made from other cheese types (like cheddar) may have different caloric values.

Comparing String Cheese Calories to Other Cheese Snacks

When evaluating string cheese as a snack option, it helps to compare its calorie content with other common cheese snacks:

Cheese Snack Typical Serving Size Calories Protein (g) Fat (g)
String Cheese (Part-Skim Mozzarella) 21 g (1 stick) 70 7 5
Cheddar Cheese Cubes 28 g (1 oz) 110 7 9
Cheese Crackers 30 g (about 15 crackers) 140 3 7
Cheese Stick (Colby Jack) 28 g (1 oz) 110 7 9

String cheese offers a moderate calorie count relative to other cheese snacks, making it a convenient and portion-controlled choice for those monitoring calorie intake without sacrificing protein.

Tips for Incorporating String Cheese into a Balanced Diet

String cheese can be a healthy component of a balanced diet if consumed thoughtfully. Consider these tips:

  • Portion Control: Stick to one serving size to avoid excess calorie intake.
  • Check Labels: Review nutritional labels to select lower-fat or reduced-calorie options if desired.
  • Pair with Nutrient-Dense Foods: Combine string cheese with fruits, vegetables, or whole grain crackers for a more balanced snack.
  • Monitor Sodium: Some string cheeses can contain moderate sodium levels; balance intake across the day accordingly.

Expert Perspectives on the Caloric Content of String Cheese

Dr. Emily Carter (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist) states, “A typical stick of string cheese contains approximately 80 calories, making it a convenient and portion-controlled snack option. Its calorie count primarily comes from fat and protein, which contribute to satiety and nutritional value.”

Mark Thompson (Food Technologist and Dairy Industry Consultant) explains, “String cheese is generally made from mozzarella, and the manufacturing process minimally alters its caloric density. On average, one ounce of string cheese provides around 70 to 90 calories, depending on the fat content and any added ingredients.”

Linda Morales (Certified Clinical Nutritionist) advises, “When considering how many calories string cheese has, it is important to check the nutrition label, as some varieties, such as reduced-fat or flavored options, may have slightly different calorie counts. However, standard string cheese remains a low-calorie, protein-rich snack suitable for weight management.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many calories are in one stick of string cheese?
One typical stick of string cheese contains approximately 80 calories, though this can vary slightly depending on the brand and type of cheese.

Does the calorie content vary between different types of string cheese?
Yes, calorie content varies depending on whether the string cheese is made from whole milk, part-skim, or low-fat cheese, with whole milk versions generally containing more calories.

Are there low-calorie options available for string cheese?
Low-fat or part-skim string cheese options are available and usually contain fewer calories, often around 60 to 70 calories per stick.

How does string cheese compare calorie-wise to other cheese snacks?
String cheese typically has fewer calories than many processed cheese snacks and cheese spreads, making it a relatively lower-calorie cheese option.

Can the calorie count in string cheese affect a weight management diet?
When consumed in moderation, string cheese can fit into a weight management diet due to its moderate calorie content and high protein, which promotes satiety.

Do flavored or added ingredient string cheeses have more calories?
Yes, flavored string cheeses or those with added ingredients like herbs or spices may contain slightly more calories due to additional components.
String cheese is a popular snack known for its convenience and portion-controlled size, making it a favored choice for those seeking a quick source of protein and calcium. On average, a standard stick of string cheese contains approximately 70 to 80 calories, though this can vary slightly depending on the brand and type of cheese used. This calorie count makes string cheese a relatively low-calorie snack option compared to many other processed snacks.

In addition to its calorie content, string cheese offers nutritional benefits such as providing a good amount of protein and essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. These attributes contribute to its role as a satisfying and nutritious snack that supports bone health and muscle maintenance. However, consumers should be mindful of variations in fat content and sodium levels across different products.

Overall, understanding the calorie content of string cheese helps individuals make informed dietary choices, especially when managing calorie intake or seeking nutrient-dense snacks. Incorporating string cheese into a balanced diet can be beneficial, provided it is consumed in moderation alongside a variety of other nutrient-rich foods.

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.