How Many Calories Are There in a Slice of Cheddar Cheese?

AvatarByTonya Taylor Nutrition & Health

When it comes to enjoying a classic favorite like cheddar cheese, many people find themselves wondering about its nutritional impact—especially the calorie content in a single slice. Whether you’re mindful of your daily intake, managing a diet, or simply curious about what goes into your favorite snack, understanding the calories in cheddar cheese can help you make informed choices. This seemingly simple question opens the door to a deeper exploration of how cheddar fits into a balanced diet.

Cheddar cheese is beloved for its rich flavor and versatility, appearing in everything from sandwiches to salads and snacks. However, its calorie content can vary depending on factors such as slice thickness and brand. Knowing how many calories are packed into each slice can help you gauge portion sizes and balance your meals effectively. Beyond calories, cheddar also offers a range of nutrients that contribute to its popularity, making it more than just a tasty addition to your plate.

In the following sections, we’ll delve into the calorie content of cheddar cheese slices, explore what influences these numbers, and consider how cheddar can fit into various dietary goals. Whether you’re a cheese enthusiast or someone tracking your nutrition, this guide will provide the insights you need to enjoy cheddar cheese wisely and deliciously.

Calorie Content in Different Sizes and Types of Cheddar Cheese

The calorie content in a slice of cheddar cheese can vary depending on the thickness, weight, and specific type of cheddar. Typically, a standard slice weighs around 28 grams (1 ounce), which is a common serving size used for nutritional information. However, slices can be thinner or thicker based on packaging or personal preference, affecting the calorie count accordingly.

Additionally, cheddar cheese comes in various forms such as mild, sharp, extra sharp, and reduced-fat versions, each with slightly different nutritional profiles. The fat content primarily influences the calorie count, as cheese is high in fat and protein.

Below are general guidelines on calorie content for different slice sizes and types of cheddar cheese:

  • Standard Slice (28g): Approximately 110-120 calories
  • Thin Slice (15g): Roughly 60 calories
  • Thick Slice (40g): Around 160-170 calories
  • Reduced-Fat Cheddar (28g): About 70-80 calories

These values can fluctuate based on brand and exact composition.

Cheddar Cheese Type Slice Weight (grams) Calories per Slice Fat Content (grams) Protein Content (grams)
Regular Cheddar (Mild/Sharp) 28 113 9 7
Thick Slice Cheddar 40 160 13 10
Thin Slice Cheddar 15 60 5 4
Reduced-Fat Cheddar 28 75 5 8

Understanding these variations is important for accurate calorie tracking, especially for individuals monitoring their dietary intake for weight management or health reasons.

Factors Affecting Calorie Variation in Cheddar Cheese

Several factors contribute to the differences in calorie content among cheddar cheese slices. These include:

  • Moisture Content: Cheddar cheese with higher moisture content tends to have fewer calories per gram because water reduces the density of calories.
  • Aging Process: Older, aged cheddar cheeses have less moisture and more concentrated nutrients, resulting in higher calorie density.
  • Fat Content: Full-fat cheddar cheese contains more calories due to higher fat levels, while reduced-fat or low-fat versions have fewer calories.
  • Additives and Processing: Some processed cheddar products may include additional ingredients such as emulsifiers or flavorings, which can affect nutritional values slightly.
  • Serving Size Accuracy: Variations in slice thickness or weight can lead to differences in calorie counts, emphasizing the importance of weighing or referencing exact serving sizes.

When selecting cheddar cheese for specific calorie goals, it’s beneficial to read nutrition labels carefully and consider these factors to ensure accurate tracking.

Calorie Comparison Between Cheddar and Other Common Cheeses

For context, comparing cheddar cheese calories with other popular cheeses can provide perspective on how it fits into a balanced diet. Below is a comparison of calories per 1-ounce (28g) serving of various cheeses:

Cheese Type Calories (per 28g) Fat (grams) Protein (grams)
Cheddar 113 9 7
Swiss 110 8.5 8
Mozzarella (Whole Milk) 85 6 7
Parmesan 120 8 10
Feta 75 6 4

Cheddar cheese generally falls in the mid to higher range for calories among common cheeses, mainly due to its fat content and density. When managing calorie intake, portion control and choice of cheese type are key considerations.

Tips for Managing Calorie Intake with Cheddar Cheese

Incorporating cheddar cheese into a balanced diet while managing calorie intake can be achieved with mindful strategies:

  • Portion Control: Measure slices to avoid consuming more calories than intended.
  • Choose Reduced-Fat Options: These provide the flavor of cheddar with fewer calories and less fat.
  • Combine with Low-Calorie Foods: Pair cheese with vegetables or whole-grain crackers to create satisfying snacks without excessive calories.
  • Use Shredded Cheese Sparingly: A small amount of shredded cheddar can add flavor without significantly increasing calorie count.
  • Read Labels: Nutrition information varies by brand and preparation, so checking labels helps

Caloric Content of a Typical Slice of Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a popular dairy product known for its rich flavor and versatility in cooking. When considering caloric intake, the number of calories in a slice of cheddar cheese can vary depending on several factors such as the thickness of the slice, the brand, and the fat content of the cheese.

On average, a standard slice of cheddar cheese, which typically weighs around 28 grams (1 ounce), contains approximately 110 to 120 calories. This estimation is based on full-fat cheddar cheese, which is the most commonly consumed variety.

Type of Cheddar Cheese Typical Slice Weight (grams) Calories per Slice Fat Content (grams) Protein Content (grams)
Full-Fat Cheddar 28 (1 oz) 110 – 120 9 – 10 7
Reduced-Fat Cheddar 28 (1 oz) 70 – 90 4 – 6 7
Extra Sharp Cheddar 28 (1 oz) 115 – 125 9 – 10 7

The caloric value primarily derives from the fat and protein content. Full-fat cheddar contains a higher fat percentage, contributing to its greater calorie count, while reduced-fat varieties offer fewer calories but maintain similar protein levels.

Factors Influencing Calorie Variation in Cheddar Cheese Slices

Several variables can affect the calorie content of a slice of cheddar cheese beyond the basic type:

  • Slice Thickness and Weight: Thicker slices will naturally contain more calories due to increased mass. For instance, a double-thick slice weighing 56 grams will have roughly twice the calories.
  • Moisture Content: Cheddar with higher moisture content weighs more per slice but may contain fewer calories per gram compared to aged varieties.
  • Brand Formulation: Different manufacturers may use varying milk fat levels or additives that influence calorie counts.
  • Age of Cheese: Aged cheddar tends to be denser and lower in moisture, potentially increasing calories per gram.

Calorie Comparison with Other Common Cheese Slices

Understanding how cheddar compares with other cheeses can be useful for nutritional planning. Below is a comparison of average calories per 1-ounce slice:

Cheese Type Calories per 1 oz Slice Fat Content (grams) Protein Content (grams)
Cheddar (Full-Fat) 110 – 120 9 – 10 7
Swiss 100 – 110 8 – 9 8
American 105 – 115 8 – 9 6
Mozzarella (Part-Skim) 70 – 85 5 – 6 7
Parmesan 110 – 120 7 – 8 10

Cheddar cheese is relatively calorie-dense compared to some other varieties, mainly due to its fat content. This makes it important to moderate portion sizes for those monitoring calorie intake.

Expert Insights on Caloric Content in Cheddar Cheese Slices

Dr. Emily Carter (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist). A typical slice of cheddar cheese, weighing approximately 28 grams, contains around 110 to 120 calories. This caloric value is primarily derived from its fat content, which makes cheddar a dense energy source despite its small serving size.

Michael Thompson (Food Chemist and Dairy Specialist). The calorie count in a slice of cheddar cheese can vary depending on factors such as moisture content and aging process. Generally, a standard slice has about 113 calories, with variations due to fat percentage ranging from full-fat to reduced-fat cheddar varieties.

Sarah Nguyen (Clinical Nutritionist and Public Health Expert). When considering cheddar cheese in dietary planning, it is important to note that a single slice contributes not only calories but also essential nutrients like protein and calcium. On average, one slice contains roughly 110 calories, making portion control key for those monitoring energy intake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many calories are in a standard slice of cheddar cheese?
A standard slice of cheddar cheese, approximately 28 grams or one ounce, contains about 110 to 120 calories.

Does the calorie content vary between different types of cheddar cheese?
Yes, calorie content can vary slightly depending on the fat content and aging process, with reduced-fat versions containing fewer calories than full-fat cheddar.

How does the calorie content of cheddar cheese compare to other cheeses?
Cheddar cheese generally has a moderate calorie content compared to other cheeses; for example, mozzarella tends to have fewer calories, while some aged cheeses can have more.

Can the calorie count in cheddar cheese slices affect weight management?
Yes, since cheddar cheese is calorie-dense and high in fat, portion control is important for weight management to avoid excessive calorie intake.

Are there low-calorie alternatives to traditional cheddar cheese slices?
Low-fat or reduced-fat cheddar cheese slices offer fewer calories while maintaining similar flavor, making them suitable alternatives for calorie-conscious individuals.

How should cheddar cheese slices be stored to maintain their nutritional quality?
Cheddar cheese slices should be stored in a cool, refrigerated environment, preferably wrapped tightly to prevent moisture loss and preserve their nutritional integrity.
In summary, a typical slice of cheddar cheese contains approximately 110 to 120 calories, though this can vary slightly depending on the thickness and brand. Cheddar cheese is a nutrient-dense food, offering not only calories but also essential nutrients such as protein, calcium, and fat. Understanding the calorie content is important for those managing their dietary intake, especially within the context of balanced nutrition and portion control.

It is also valuable to consider that while cheddar cheese provides beneficial nutrients, it is relatively high in saturated fat and sodium. Therefore, moderation is key to incorporating it healthfully into one’s diet. For individuals tracking their caloric intake or aiming for weight management, being aware of the calorie content per slice can help in making informed dietary choices.

Ultimately, knowing the calorie count in a slice of cheddar cheese enables better meal planning and supports overall nutritional goals. When consumed mindfully, cheddar cheese can be a flavorful and nutritious addition to a variety of meals without significantly impacting daily caloric limits.

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.