How Many Calories Are in Sharp Cheddar Cheese?

AvatarByTonya Taylor Nutrition & Health

When it comes to snacking or enhancing your favorite dishes, sharp cheddar cheese often takes center stage with its rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture. Whether melted over a burger, grated onto a salad, or simply enjoyed on its own, this beloved cheese adds a satisfying punch to any meal. But beyond its taste, many people are curious about how sharp cheddar fits into their daily nutritional goals—especially when it comes to calorie content.

Understanding the calorie count in sharp cheddar cheese is essential for anyone mindful of their diet, whether you’re managing weight, tracking macros, or simply aiming for balanced eating. Cheese, known for being nutrient-dense, can vary in calories depending on its type and serving size. Sharp cheddar, with its concentrated flavor and fat content, offers a unique profile that can influence your overall calorie intake more than you might expect.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the calorie content of sharp cheddar cheese, how it compares to other cheeses, and what factors can affect its nutritional value. This overview will help you make informed choices about incorporating sharp cheddar into your meals without compromising your health goals.

Caloric Content of Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar cheese is known for its rich flavor and dense texture, which also contributes to its relatively high calorie content. The calories in sharp cheddar primarily come from its fat and protein composition, with fat being the predominant source of energy. On average, the caloric value of sharp cheddar cheese can vary slightly depending on factors such as aging, moisture content, and brand, but typical values provide a reliable benchmark.

A standard serving size of sharp cheddar cheese is generally considered to be 1 ounce (approximately 28 grams). This serving size helps to standardize nutritional information and allows for easier comparison across different types of cheese and food products.

Serving Size Calories Total Fat (g) Protein (g) Carbohydrates (g)
1 oz (28 g) 115-120 kcal 9-10 7 0.4
100 g 400-430 kcal 33-35 25-27 1.5

The variation in calories is mainly due to the fat content. Sharp cheddar cheese typically contains between 33% to 35% fat by weight, making it one of the higher-fat cheeses. The aging process reduces moisture content, concentrating the nutrients and calories, which explains why aged sharp cheddar is slightly higher in calories than milder, younger cheddar varieties.

Factors Influencing the Caloric Value

Several factors can impact the calorie count of sharp cheddar cheese. Understanding these can help consumers make more informed choices based on their dietary needs.

  • Aging: As cheddar ages, moisture decreases and fat and protein concentrations increase, raising calorie density.
  • Fat Content: Different brands may produce sharp cheddar with varying fat percentages, affecting caloric content.
  • Serving Size Variability: While 1 ounce is standard, actual portion sizes can differ, influencing total calorie intake.
  • Additives and Processing: Some commercially available sharp cheddars might contain additives or be blended with other ingredients, slightly altering caloric content.

Comparing Sharp Cheddar to Other Cheeses

Sharp cheddar cheese is often compared to other cheese types regarding calories. Here is a comparison to provide perspective on how it stacks up against some common varieties:

Cheese Type Calories per 1 oz (28 g) Total Fat (g) Protein (g)
Sharp Cheddar 115-120 9-10 7
Mozzarella (Part-Skim) 70-85 5-6 7
Swiss 110-115 8-9 8
Parmesan 110-120 7-8 10
Feta 75-80 6-7 4-5

Sharp cheddar is comparatively higher in calories than softer cheeses like mozzarella or feta, primarily due to its higher fat content and lower moisture levels. Hard cheeses such as Parmesan and Swiss have similar caloric values but differ in flavor profiles and nutritional composition.

Nutritional Considerations When Consuming Sharp Cheddar

While sharp cheddar cheese is a calorie-dense food, it also provides valuable nutrients, which should be taken into account in a balanced diet.

  • Protein: Sharp cheddar is a good source of high-quality protein, which supports muscle maintenance and repair.
  • Calcium: It is rich in calcium, essential for bone health.
  • Fat Content: The high saturated fat content can be a consideration for heart health, so moderation is advised.
  • Sodium: Sharp cheddar often contains moderate to high sodium levels, which may impact blood pressure in sensitive individuals.

Given these factors, sharp cheddar can be incorporated into a well-rounded diet when consumed in appropriate portions and balanced with other nutrient-dense foods.

Caloric Content of Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar cheese is a popular dairy product known for its rich flavor and versatility in culinary uses. Understanding its caloric content is essential for those monitoring their dietary intake, especially in relation to fat and protein consumption.

The number of calories in sharp cheddar cheese can vary slightly depending on factors such as brand, aging process, and fat content. However, standard nutritional values provide a reliable reference point for most consumers.

Serving Size Calories Total Fat (g) Protein (g) Carbohydrates (g)
1 ounce (28 grams) 115-120 9-10 7 0.4
100 grams 400-420 33-35 25 1.3

These values reflect typical sharp cheddar cheese with approximately 30-35% fat content by weight. The calorie count primarily comes from fat, which contributes 9 calories per gram, and protein, which provides 4 calories per gram.

Nutritional Breakdown and Impact on Diet

Sharp cheddar cheese is nutrient-dense, offering more than just calories. Its macronutrient profile makes it a significant source of energy, particularly for those following low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diets.

  • Fat Content: The high fat content contributes to satiety and provides essential fatty acids. However, it also increases the calorie density, so portion control is important for weight management.
  • Protein: With approximately 7 grams of protein per ounce, sharp cheddar cheese supports muscle maintenance and repair. This makes it beneficial for individuals looking to increase their protein intake.
  • Carbohydrates: Minimal carbohydrate content makes sharp cheddar cheese suitable for low-carb dietary plans.

In addition to macronutrients, sharp cheddar cheese contains essential micronutrients such as calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin B12. These contribute to bone health, immune function, and red blood cell production.

Factors Influencing Caloric Variations

Several factors can cause variations in the caloric content of sharp cheddar cheese:

  • Fat Level Variations: Some sharp cheddar cheeses are labeled as reduced-fat or extra-sharp, which might slightly alter the fat and calorie content.
  • Aging Process: The aging duration impacts moisture content; longer-aged cheeses are drier and thus more calorie-dense by weight.
  • Brand Formulations: Different manufacturers may add varying amounts of salt or other ingredients, marginally affecting the overall nutrition.

Consumers should check the nutrition label on specific products for the most accurate caloric information, especially when managing strict dietary requirements.

Expert Insights on Caloric Content in Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Dr. Emily Carter (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist). Sharp cheddar cheese typically contains around 110 to 120 calories per one-ounce serving. This caloric density is primarily due to its fat content, which contributes significantly to its rich flavor and texture. Consumers should consider portion sizes carefully when incorporating sharp cheddar into their diets.

Mark Thompson (Food Chemist and Dairy Industry Consultant). The caloric value of sharp cheddar cheese stems from its macronutrient composition—mainly fats and proteins. On average, one ounce of sharp cheddar provides approximately 115 calories, with about 9 grams of fat and 7 grams of protein. Variations can occur depending on aging processes and milk fat percentages used during production.

Linda Nguyen (Clinical Nutritionist and Author). When evaluating how many calories are in sharp cheddar cheese, it is important to recognize that this cheese is energy-dense but also nutrient-rich. A standard serving size of one ounce contains roughly 110 to 120 calories, which supports satiety due to its protein and fat content. For those monitoring caloric intake, moderation is key while enjoying its distinctive sharp flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many calories are in one ounce of sharp cheddar cheese?
One ounce of sharp cheddar cheese contains approximately 115 calories.

Does the calorie content vary between sharp and mild cheddar cheese?
The calorie difference between sharp and mild cheddar cheese is minimal, with both types averaging around 110 to 120 calories per ounce.

Are the calories in sharp cheddar cheese primarily from fat or protein?
Most calories in sharp cheddar cheese come from fat, which accounts for about 9 grams per ounce, while protein contributes around 7 grams.

How does the calorie content of sharp cheddar cheese compare to other cheeses?
Sharp cheddar cheese has a moderate calorie content compared to other cheeses, with some softer cheeses like mozzarella having fewer calories and harder cheeses like Parmesan having slightly more.

Can the calorie count of sharp cheddar cheese impact a weight management diet?
Yes, due to its high fat and calorie content, portion control is important when including sharp cheddar cheese in a weight management plan.

Does aging affect the calorie content of sharp cheddar cheese?
Aging sharp cheddar cheese does not significantly change its calorie content, though it may alter flavor and texture.
Sharp cheddar cheese is a nutrient-dense food that contains a significant amount of calories, primarily from fats and proteins. On average, a one-ounce (28-gram) serving of sharp cheddar cheese provides approximately 110 to 120 calories. This caloric content can vary slightly depending on the brand and specific formulation, but it generally remains within this range.

Understanding the calorie content in sharp cheddar cheese is important for those managing their dietary intake, especially individuals monitoring fat and calorie consumption. Despite its relatively high calorie count, sharp cheddar cheese also offers valuable nutrients such as calcium, protein, and essential vitamins, making it a beneficial addition to a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.

In summary, sharp cheddar cheese should be enjoyed with consideration to portion size due to its calorie density. Incorporating it thoughtfully into meal planning can provide both flavor and nutritional benefits without exceeding daily caloric goals. Awareness of its calorie content supports informed dietary decisions and promotes overall nutritional balance.

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.