How Many Calories Are in Shredded Cheddar Cheese?

AvatarByTonya Taylor Dairy Recipes & Swaps

When it comes to enjoying the rich, creamy flavor of shredded cheddar cheese, many people find themselves wondering about its nutritional impact—especially the calorie content. Whether you’re sprinkling it over a fresh salad, melting it into a comforting casserole, or simply savoring it as a snack, understanding how many calories are in shredded cheddar cheese can help you make informed dietary choices. This knowledge is particularly valuable for those tracking their calorie intake or striving to maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing flavor.

Cheddar cheese is a beloved staple in kitchens worldwide, known for its versatility and satisfying taste. However, like many dairy products, it carries a certain caloric density that can add up quickly depending on portion size. Exploring the calorie content of shredded cheddar cheese offers insight into how it fits into various eating plans, from weight management to muscle-building diets. Moreover, understanding these details can empower you to enjoy your favorite dishes without guilt or guesswork.

In the sections that follow, we’ll delve into the calorie specifics of shredded cheddar cheese, compare it with other cheese varieties, and offer practical tips on how to incorporate it wisely into your meals. Whether you’re a cheese enthusiast or simply curious about its nutritional profile, this guide will provide the clarity you need to savor shredded cheddar cheese with confidence.

Caloric Content of Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Shredded cheddar cheese is a popular dairy product used in various culinary applications, prized for its rich flavor and ease of melting. When considering its caloric content, it’s important to recognize that calories primarily come from macronutrients such as fat, protein, and carbohydrates, with fat contributing the most energy per gram.

On average, shredded cheddar cheese contains approximately 110 to 120 calories per ounce (28 grams). This amount can vary slightly depending on the fat content of the cheese and whether it is full-fat, reduced-fat, or fat-free.

Factors influencing calorie content include:

  • Fat percentage: Full-fat cheddar tends to have more calories due to higher fat content.
  • Moisture level: Higher moisture cheeses generally have fewer calories by weight.
  • Additives: Some pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents which minimally affect calorie count.

Understanding these variables helps in accurately tracking calorie intake when using shredded cheddar cheese in recipes.

Macronutrient Breakdown of Shredded Cheddar Cheese

The caloric value of shredded cheddar cheese is derived from its macronutrient composition. Typically, cheddar cheese is rich in fat and protein, with minimal carbohydrates. Below is a typical macronutrient profile per 1 ounce (28 grams) of shredded cheddar cheese:

Macronutrient Amount (per 1 oz / 28g) Calories per Gram Total Calories
Fat 9 g 9 kcal 81 kcal
Protein 7 g 4 kcal 28 kcal
Carbohydrates 1 g 4 kcal 4 kcal
Total 17 g 113 kcal

This breakdown highlights that fat is the primary contributor to the total calorie content, accounting for roughly 72% of the calories in shredded cheddar cheese. Protein provides a substantial portion as well, while carbohydrates contribute minimally.

Comparing Calories in Different Types of Cheddar Cheese

Caloric content can vary between different types of cheddar cheese, especially when considering variations such as full-fat, reduced-fat, and non-fat options. Here is a comparison to illustrate these differences:

  • Full-fat shredded cheddar: Approximately 110-120 calories per ounce.
  • Reduced-fat shredded cheddar: Approximately 80-90 calories per ounce.
  • Fat-free shredded cheddar: Approximately 50-60 calories per ounce.

The reduction in calories primarily comes from the decrease in fat content. When selecting shredded cheddar cheese, reviewing the nutrition label is essential to understand the exact caloric value.

Serving Sizes and Caloric Impact

Accurate portion control is important when including shredded cheddar cheese in meals, as the calories can add up quickly. Typical serving sizes and their approximate calorie counts are:

  • 1 tablespoon (about 7 grams): 28-30 calories
  • 1/4 cup (about 28 grams or 1 ounce): 110-120 calories
  • 1/2 cup (about 56 grams or 2 ounces): 220-240 calories

When cooking or assembling dishes, measuring shredded cheese by weight or volume helps manage calorie intake effectively.

Factors Affecting Calorie Estimates

Several factors can influence the precise calorie count in shredded cheddar cheese:

  • Brand variations: Different manufacturers may have slight differences in fat content and additives.
  • Freshness: Moisture loss over time can concentrate calories per gram.
  • Packaging: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents like cellulose, which are low-calorie but slightly affect weight measurements.

For those tracking calories meticulously, weighing the cheese rather than relying solely on volume measurements can improve accuracy.

Calorie Comparison With Other Cheeses

To put shredded cheddar cheese calories into context, here is a brief comparison with other common shredded cheeses per 1-ounce serving:

Cheese Type Calories (per 1 oz / 28g)
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Full-fat) 110-120 kcal
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Whole milk) 85-90 kcal
Shredded Parmesan Cheese 110-115 kcal
Shredded Colby Jack Cheese 110-120 kcal

This comparison shows that shredded cheddar cheese is moderately calorie-dense, similar to other semi-hard cheeses, while softer cheeses like mozzarella tend to be lower in calories.

Practical Tips for Managing Caloric Intake with Shredded Cheddar

To enjoy shredded cheddar cheese while managing calorie intake, consider the following tips:

  • Use reduced-fat or fat-free versions

Caloric Content of Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Shredded cheddar cheese is a popular dairy product used widely in cooking and as a topping. Its caloric content can vary slightly depending on the brand, fat content, and moisture level. Generally, cheddar cheese is a high-calorie food due to its fat content, which contributes to its rich flavor and texture.

The typical calorie count for shredded cheddar cheese is provided below:

Serving Size Calories Total Fat (g) Protein (g) Carbohydrates (g)
1 tablespoon (about 7 grams) 28-30 2.3 1.7 0.1
1/4 cup (28 grams) 110-115 9.0 7.0 0.5
1 ounce (28 grams) 110-120 9-10 6-7 0-1

Variations in calories mostly arise from differences in moisture content and the fat percentage of the cheese. Full-fat shredded cheddar cheese typically contains about 33% fat by weight, which is the primary contributor to its calorie density.

Factors Influencing Caloric Value

Several factors impact the exact calorie count found in shredded cheddar cheese:

  • Fat Content: Regular cheddar cheese typically contains 30-35% fat. Reduced-fat or low-fat cheddar varieties contain less fat and therefore fewer calories.
  • Moisture Level: Cheese with higher moisture content (such as mild cheddar) will have slightly fewer calories per gram than aged, drier cheddar cheese.
  • Processing Additives: Some shredded cheeses may contain anti-caking agents or preservatives, which minimally affect caloric content but can influence weight and volume.
  • Serving Size Accuracy: Caloric values are dependent on the exact weight of cheese consumed, so measuring by weight rather than volume is more precise.

Comparison with Other Cheese Types

To place shredded cheddar cheese calories in context, here is a brief comparison with other common shredded cheeses per 1-ounce serving (28 grams):

Cheese Type Calories Total Fat (g) Protein (g)
Shredded Cheddar 110-120 9-10 6-7
Shredded Mozzarella 70-85 5-6 6-7
Shredded Parmesan 110-120 7-8 10-11
Shredded Colby Jack 110-115 9-10 6-7

Compared to mozzarella, shredded cheddar cheese is higher in fat and calories, while Parmesan provides more protein per calorie. This information can help tailor cheese choices according to dietary goals.

Expert Insights on Caloric Content of Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Dr. Amanda Lewis (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist). “Shredded cheddar cheese typically contains around 110 to 120 calories per ounce, depending on moisture content and fat percentage. It is important for consumers to check nutrition labels as variations in processing can slightly alter caloric density.”

Michael Chen (Food Chemist and Dairy Product Specialist). “The caloric value of shredded cheddar cheese is primarily influenced by its fat content, which generally ranges from 30% to 35%. This translates to approximately 400 to 450 calories per 100 grams, making portion control essential for calorie-conscious individuals.”

Sarah Patel (Clinical Nutritionist and Public Health Advisor). “When considering shredded cheddar cheese in meal planning, it is crucial to account for its calorie density. While it provides valuable protein and calcium, one ounce can contribute over 100 calories, which can add up quickly in recipes if not measured carefully.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many calories are in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese?
One cup of shredded cheddar cheese contains approximately 440 to 460 calories, depending on the brand and fat content.

Does the calorie count vary between full-fat and reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese?
Yes, reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese typically contains fewer calories, averaging around 300 to 350 calories per cup, compared to full-fat versions.

How many calories are in a typical serving size of shredded cheddar cheese?
A standard serving size of shredded cheddar cheese is about 1/4 cup, which contains roughly 110 to 115 calories.

Are there significant calorie differences between shredded cheddar cheese and block cheddar cheese?
No, the calorie content is generally the same per weight unit, whether the cheese is shredded or in block form.

How does shredded cheddar cheese contribute to daily caloric intake?
Shredded cheddar cheese is calorie-dense and should be consumed in moderation to maintain balanced caloric intake, especially in calorie-restricted diets.

Can shredded cheddar cheese be part of a healthy diet despite its calorie content?
Yes, when consumed in appropriate portions, shredded cheddar cheese provides valuable nutrients like protein and calcium while fitting into a balanced diet.
Shredded cheddar cheese is a popular dairy product known for its rich flavor and versatility in various dishes. When considering its caloric content, it is important to note that shredded cheddar cheese typically contains approximately 110 to 120 calories per one-ounce (28-gram) serving. This calorie count can vary slightly depending on the brand and whether the cheese is full-fat, reduced-fat, or part-skim. Understanding the calorie content is essential for those managing their dietary intake or tracking macronutrients.

In addition to calories, shredded cheddar cheese provides valuable nutrients such as protein, calcium, and fat, which contribute to its overall nutritional profile. While it is calorie-dense, it can be incorporated into a balanced diet in moderation. Consumers should also be mindful of portion sizes and consider the impact of added ingredients or toppings when using shredded cheddar cheese in recipes.

Ultimately, shredded cheddar cheese can be enjoyed as part of a healthy eating plan when consumed thoughtfully. Awareness of its calorie content and nutritional benefits allows individuals to make informed decisions that align with their dietary goals and preferences. This knowledge supports better meal planning and promotes a balanced approach to enjoying flavorful 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.