How Many Calories Are in a String Cheese Stick?

AvatarByTonya Taylor Fresh Mozzarella & Ricotta

When it comes to quick, convenient snacks, string cheese sticks have become a popular choice for many. Whether you’re packing a lunchbox, grabbing a post-workout bite, or simply craving something savory, these individually wrapped cheese sticks offer a satisfying and portable option. But as with any snack, understanding their nutritional content—especially calorie count—is key for those mindful of their diet or looking to maintain a balanced lifestyle.

String cheese is often praised for being a good source of protein and calcium, making it a seemingly healthy snack option. However, the calorie content can vary depending on the brand, type of cheese, and portion size. For anyone tracking their daily caloric intake or managing weight, knowing exactly how many calories are in a string cheese stick can help make informed choices without sacrificing taste or convenience.

In this article, we’ll explore the calorie content of string cheese sticks and examine factors that influence their nutritional profile. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, a busy parent, or simply curious about what’s in your favorite snack, this guide will provide the insight you need to enjoy string cheese with confidence.

Caloric Content of Different Types of String Cheese

String cheese is a popular snack known for its convenience and portion-controlled size. However, the caloric content can vary depending on the type of cheese, fat content, and brand. Generally, the calorie count in a typical string cheese stick ranges between 70 to 110 calories per stick, but this varies based on specific factors.

The primary types of string cheese include:

  • Mozzarella String Cheese: This is the most common type, often made from part-skim milk. It tends to have fewer calories due to its reduced fat content.
  • Whole Milk String Cheese: Made with whole milk, these sticks contain more fat and therefore more calories.
  • Low-Fat or Reduced-Fat String Cheese: These are designed to provide fewer calories and less fat without sacrificing flavor.
  • Flavored or Specialty String Cheese: Varieties with added herbs, spices, or smoked flavors might have slight variations in calorie content.

Below is a table summarizing the approximate calorie content for various types of string cheese sticks based on a standard serving size of one stick (approximately 28 grams or 1 ounce):

Type of String Cheese Calories per Stick Fat Content (g) Protein Content (g)
Part-Skim Mozzarella 70-80 5-6 7-8
Whole Milk Mozzarella 85-110 7-9 6-7
Low-Fat String Cheese 60-70 3-4 7-8
Flavored/Specialty 80-100 6-8 6-7

Factors Influencing Calorie Variations

Several factors influence the calorie content in string cheese, making it important to check the nutrition label for precise information.

  • Milk Fat Percentage: Cheese made from whole milk naturally contains more fat and calories than part-skim or skim varieties.
  • Portion Size: Though most string cheese sticks are standardized, slight variations in size or weight can affect calorie count.
  • Additives and Flavorings: Ingredients such as smoked flavor, herbs, or spices may add minimal calories but can influence the overall nutritional profile.
  • Brand Formulation: Different manufacturers may use varying recipes and processing methods, resulting in slight calorie differences.
  • Moisture Content: Higher moisture content typically means lower calorie density, as water dilutes the calorie concentration.

Comparing String Cheese to Other Cheese Snacks

When evaluating calories, it’s useful to compare string cheese with other common cheese snacks to understand its relative energy contribution.

  • Cheese Cubes: A 1-ounce serving of cheddar or similar cheese cubes usually contains about 110-120 calories, slightly higher than part-skim string cheese.
  • Cheese Slices: One slice of processed cheese generally contains between 60-80 calories, comparable to string cheese sticks.
  • Cheese Spread or Dip: These products often have higher calorie densities due to added oils or creams, sometimes exceeding 150 calories per ounce.

This comparison highlights string cheese as a moderate-calorie, protein-rich snack option suitable for portion control.

Caloric Breakdown and Nutritional Benefits

String cheese is not only valued for its calorie content but also for its macronutrient balance, particularly its high protein content relative to calories. This makes it a practical choice for satiety and muscle maintenance.

  • Protein: Typically, a string cheese stick contains 6-8 grams of protein, which supports muscle repair and growth.
  • Fat: The fat content varies, with whole milk versions having more saturated fats, which should be consumed in moderation.
  • Carbohydrates: Most string cheese sticks have negligible carbohydrates, usually less than 1 gram.
  • Calcium and Micronutrients: String cheese is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and other essential nutrients important for bone health.

The following table presents a typical nutritional breakdown for a standard part-skim mozzarella string cheese stick:

Nutrient Amount per Stick (28g)
Calories 80
Protein 7 g
Total Fat 6 g
Saturated Fat 3.5 g
Carbohydrates 1 g
Calcium 200 mg (20% DV)

Understanding these nutritional elements can help individuals incorporate string cheese appropriately into their dietary plans based on their caloric needs and health goals.

Caloric Content of a Typical String Cheese Stick

String cheese sticks are a popular snack option, particularly known for their convenience and portion control. The caloric content of a standard string cheese stick primarily depends on its size, type of cheese, and fat content. Most commonly, string cheese is made from mozzarella, which is a semi-soft cheese with moderate fat levels.

On average, a single string cheese stick weighing approximately 28 grams (1 ounce) contains the following calories:

Type of String Cheese Serving Size Calories per Serving Protein (g) Fat (g) Carbohydrates (g)
Part-Skim Mozzarella 28g (1 stick) 80 7 5 1
Whole Milk Mozzarella 28g (1 stick) 90-100 6-7 7-8 1
Low-Fat Mozzarella 28g (1 stick) 60-70 7 3-4 1

The variation in calorie count is largely due to differences in fat content. Part-skim versions have fewer calories and less fat compared to whole milk mozzarella. Low-fat options provide the least calories but maintain a similar protein level, making them a preferred choice for those monitoring their calorie intake.

Factors Influencing Calorie Variability in String Cheese

Several factors contribute to the calorie differences found in string cheese sticks across brands and types. Understanding these can help consumers make informed dietary choices.

  • Fat Content: Cheese with higher fat content naturally contains more calories. Whole milk string cheese tends to be richer and more calorie-dense than part-skim or low-fat varieties.
  • Serving Size: Although most string cheese sticks are standardized at about 1 ounce, some brands offer larger portions or double sticks, which doubles the calorie count.
  • Additional Ingredients: Some string cheeses are flavored or processed with added ingredients such as herbs, spices, or smoke flavoring. These additions may slightly increase the calorie count, though generally not significantly.
  • Moisture Content: Cheese with higher moisture content tends to have fewer calories per gram compared to drier cheese sticks.

Comparing String Cheese to Other Cheese Snacks

When considering string cheese in the context of other cheese-based snacks, it is useful to compare calorie density and nutritional content to understand its relative impact on diet.

Cheese Snack Serving Size Calories Protein (g) Fat (g)
String Cheese (Part-Skim Mozzarella) 28g (1 stick) 80 7 5
Cheddar Cheese Cubes 28g (1 oz) 110 7 9
Babybel Cheese 20g (1 mini wheel) 70 5 5
Cheese Crackers (per 28g) 28g 140 2 8

String cheese generally provides a moderate calorie count with a high protein-to-fat ratio, making it a relatively nutritious snack option compared to processed cheese snacks or cheese crackers, which tend to have higher calories and fat with lower protein content.

Calories and Portion Control Considerations

Portion control is essential when incorporating string cheese into a calorie-conscious diet. Despite its moderate calorie content, consuming multiple sticks can quickly add up.

  • A single stick provides about 80-100 calories, which fits well into most snack allowances.
  • Eating two or more sticks doubles the calorie intake and should be accounted for within daily calorie goals.
  • Pairing string cheese with fruits or vegetables can create a balanced snack with fiber and vitamins while keeping calories in check.

For individuals monitoring macronutrients, string cheese is a convenient source of protein and fat, but it should be consumed mindfully to avoid excessive calorie intake from saturated fats.

Caloric Impact of Homemade Versus Store-Bought String Cheese

Homemade string cheese, often made from fresh mozzarella or other cheese types, can vary in calorie content depending on

Expert Perspectives on Caloric Content in String Cheese Sticks

Dr. Emily Hartman (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist) states, “A typical string cheese stick contains approximately 80 calories, primarily derived from fat and protein. This makes it a convenient, portion-controlled snack that supports satiety without excessive caloric intake, fitting well into balanced dietary plans.”

James Keller (Food Technologist and Dairy Product Specialist) explains, “The caloric value of string cheese sticks generally ranges between 70 to 90 calories per stick, depending on the milk fat content and processing methods. Manufacturers often standardize serving sizes to maintain consistency in nutritional labeling for consumer clarity.”

Dr. Sophia Nguyen (Clinical Nutritionist and Public Health Expert) notes, “When considering ‘How Many Calories Are In A String Cheese Stick,’ it is important to recognize that these snacks provide a nutrient-dense option, combining moderate calories with essential nutrients such as calcium and protein, which contribute positively to overall dietary quality.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many calories are in a typical string cheese stick?
A typical string cheese stick contains approximately 80 calories, though this can vary slightly by brand and type.

Do low-fat string cheese sticks have fewer calories?
Yes, low-fat string cheese sticks generally have fewer calories, often ranging between 50 to 70 calories per stick.

What contributes to the calorie content in string cheese sticks?
The calorie content primarily comes from fat and protein found in the cheese, with fat being the major contributor.

Are calories in string cheese sticks affected by flavor variations?
Flavor variations usually have minimal impact on calorie content, as most flavored string cheeses maintain similar fat and protein levels.

Can string cheese sticks be part of a calorie-controlled diet?
Yes, string cheese sticks can be included in a calorie-controlled diet due to their moderate calorie content and high protein, which promotes satiety.

How does the size of a string cheese stick influence its calorie count?
Larger string cheese sticks contain more calories proportionally, so it is important to check the serving size when calculating calorie intake.
In summary, a typical string cheese stick contains approximately 80 calories, though this number can vary slightly depending on the brand and specific type of cheese used. String cheese is generally made from mozzarella or a similar cheese, offering a convenient and portion-controlled snack option that is relatively low in calories compared to many other snack foods.

Beyond calorie content, string cheese provides a good source of protein and calcium, making it a nutritious choice for those seeking to maintain a balanced diet. It is important to consider the nutritional label on the packaging, as some varieties may contain added ingredients or different fat contents that can influence the overall caloric value.

Ultimately, string cheese sticks are a practical and health-conscious snack option for individuals monitoring their calorie intake while still wanting a satisfying and nutrient-dense treat. Understanding the calorie content and nutritional benefits can help consumers make informed decisions aligned with their dietary goals.

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.