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

AvatarByNora Gaines Cheese

When it comes to snacking or adding a flavorful touch to your meals, cheddar cheese is a popular choice enjoyed by many. Its rich, tangy taste and creamy texture make it a versatile ingredient in everything from sandwiches to salads. But if you’re mindful of your diet or simply curious about your daily caloric intake, you might wonder: how many calories are in a slice of cheddar cheese?

Understanding the calorie content of cheddar cheese is essential for making informed nutritional decisions. Whether you’re tracking macros, managing weight, or just aiming for a balanced diet, knowing what’s in your food helps you stay on course. Cheddar cheese, while delicious, is also energy-dense, so a little knowledge goes a long way in portion control and meal planning.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the typical calorie count found in a slice of cheddar cheese and discuss factors that can influence this number. We’ll also touch on how cheddar fits into various dietary needs, helping you enjoy this classic cheese without any guesswork.

Caloric Breakdown and Nutritional Content of a Slice of Cheddar Cheese

The calorie content of a slice of cheddar cheese primarily depends on its weight and fat content. Typically, a standard slice of cheddar cheese weighs approximately 28 grams (1 ounce), which provides a convenient reference for nutritional calculations.

Cheddar cheese is known for its relatively high fat content, which contributes significantly to its calorie density. On average, cheddar cheese contains about 33 grams of fat per 100 grams, and since fat contains 9 calories per gram, this represents a substantial portion of the total caloric value.

Beyond fat, cheddar cheese also contains proteins and a small amount of carbohydrates, each contributing differently to the overall calorie count:

  • Proteins: Approximately 25 grams per 100 grams, with each gram providing 4 calories.
  • Carbohydrates: Roughly 1.3 grams per 100 grams, also supplying 4 calories per gram.
  • Fats: Approximately 33 grams per 100 grams, contributing 9 calories per gram.

The following table summarizes the typical nutritional content for a single slice of cheddar cheese (28 grams) and its corresponding calorie contribution:

Nutrient Amount per Slice (28g) Calories per Gram Calories per Slice
Fat 9.2 g 9 kcal 82.8 kcal
Protein 7 g 4 kcal 28 kcal
Carbohydrates 0.36 g 4 kcal 1.44 kcal
Total Calories 112.2 kcal

This calculation illustrates that a typical slice of cheddar cheese contains roughly 110 to 115 calories, with the majority derived from fat and protein content. The carbohydrate contribution is minimal, reflecting cheddar’s low sugar content.

Factors Influencing Calorie Variation in Cheddar Cheese Slices

Several variables can affect the calorie count in a slice of cheddar cheese, making it essential to consider these when tracking dietary intake or comparing products:

  • Slice Thickness and Weight: Not all slices are uniform; some deli-cut slices may be thinner or thicker, altering the weight and thus the calories.
  • Fat Content Variability: Cheddar cheese is available in different fat percentages, such as full-fat, reduced-fat, or low-fat varieties. Reduced-fat options typically contain fewer calories per slice.
  • Aging Process: Aging cheddar cheese can slightly change its moisture content and density, potentially affecting the weight-to-volume ratio and calorie density.
  • Brand and Processing: Different manufacturers may produce cheddar with varying recipes and additives, impacting nutritional values.

For example, a reduced-fat cheddar slice weighing 28 grams might contain approximately 70-80 calories due to lower fat content, while a full-fat slice tends to be closer to 110-115 calories.

Calorie Comparisons Among Common Cheese Types

To put cheddar cheese calorie content into perspective, it is helpful to compare it with other popular cheese varieties. The table below lists approximate calories per 28-gram slice for several common cheeses:

Cheese Type Calories per Slice (28g) Fat Content (g) Protein Content (g)
Cheddar (Full-fat) 112 9.2 7
Swiss 106 8.8 7.5
Mozzarella (Part-skim) 72 4.5 7
American Cheese 104 8.4 5
Parmesan 122 8.1 11

This comparison highlights that while cheddar cheese is moderately calorie-dense, it is comparable to many other cheeses, especially those with similar fat and protein profiles. Lower-fat cheeses like part-skim mozzarella offer fewer calories but maintain a good protein level.

Impact of Serving Size and Usage on Caloric Intake

The caloric impact of cheddar cheese in a diet is closely tied to how it is consumed. A single slice contributes a defined amount of calories, but cheese is often used in various quantities and culinary applications:

  • Sandwiches: Multiple slices or thicker cuts increase calorie intake.
  • Grated Cheese: A tablespoon of grated cheddar (about 5 grams) contains roughly 20 calories, allowing for smaller portions.
  • Cooking: When melted or incorporated in recipes, cheese portions can be less visually apparent, which may lead to underestimating calorie consumption

Caloric Content of a Standard Slice of Cheddar Cheese

The number of calories in a slice of cheddar cheese varies primarily based on the thickness and weight of the slice, as well as the specific type of cheddar used (e.g., full-fat, reduced-fat). Typically, cheddar cheese slices are portioned between 20 to 28 grams.

On average, a single slice of cheddar cheese weighing approximately 28 grams contains around 110 to 120 calories. This value reflects the energy contributed mainly from fats and proteins inherent in the cheese.

Cheddar Cheese Slice Weight Approximate Calories Fat Content (grams) Protein Content (grams)
20 grams (thin slice) 80 – 90 kcal 7 – 8 g 5 – 6 g
28 grams (standard slice) 110 – 120 kcal 9 – 10 g 7 g
30 grams (thicker slice) 120 – 130 kcal 10 – 11 g 7 – 8 g

Factors Influencing Caloric Variation in Cheddar Cheese Slices

Several factors can affect the calorie count in a slice of cheddar cheese beyond just its weight:

  • Fat content: Full-fat cheddar contains more calories than reduced-fat or low-fat versions due to higher fat concentration.
  • Moisture content: Cheeses with higher moisture generally have fewer calories per gram because water dilutes the calorie density.
  • Processing and additives: Some pre-packaged slices contain additional ingredients or emulsifiers that can slightly alter caloric value.
  • Brand variations: Different manufacturers may use varying recipes, influencing fat and protein percentages and thus calories.

Comparing Cheddar Cheese Calories to Other Common Cheese Slices

To put cheddar cheese calories into perspective, it’s useful to compare them to other popular cheese varieties commonly used in slices:

Cheese Type Typical Slice Weight Calories per Slice Fat Content (grams) Protein Content (grams)
Cheddar (full-fat) 28 g 110 – 120 kcal 9 – 10 g 7 g
Swiss 28 g 100 – 110 kcal 8 – 9 g 8 g
American processed 21 g 60 – 70 kcal 5 – 6 g 3 – 4 g
Provolone 28 g 100 – 110 kcal 8 g 7 g

Nutritional Breakdown Relevant to Caloric Content

Understanding the macronutrient profile of cheddar cheese clarifies why calorie counts are as they are:

  • Fat: The predominant macronutrient in cheddar cheese, fat contributes 9 calories per gram. This explains the substantial calorie content in a relatively small slice.
  • Protein: Cheese is a significant source of protein, providing about 4 calories per gram. Protein content in cheddar helps balance calorie contributions.
  • Carbohydrates: Minimal in cheddar cheese, usually less than 1 gram per slice, contributing negligible calories.

Therefore, the total caloric content mainly stems from the fat and protein combined in the slice.

Tips for Managing Caloric Intake with Cheddar Cheese

For individuals monitoring calorie intake, consider the following tips when consuming cheddar cheese slices:

  • Choose reduced-fat or light cheddar options which lower fat and calorie content per slice.
  • Control portion size by weighing slices or using pre-portioned packaging.
  • Incorporate cheese slices into balanced meals with vegetables and lean proteins to moderate overall calorie density.
  • Use thin slices or shred cheese instead of whole slices to spread flavor with fewer calories.

Expert Perspectives on Caloric Content in Cheddar Cheese Slices

Dr. Amanda Lewis (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist). A standard slice of cheddar cheese typically contains between 110 to 120 calories, depending on the thickness and fat content. It is important for individuals tracking their caloric intake to consider portion size, as variations in slice thickness can significantly impact the calorie count.

Michael Chen (Food Technologist and Dairy Product Specialist). The caloric value of a slice of cheddar cheese is primarily influenced by its fat percentage, which usually ranges from 30% to 40% in most commercial varieties. On average, a 1-ounce slice delivers approximately 113 calories, with slight variations due to moisture content and aging processes.

Dr. Sophia Patel (Clinical Nutritionist and Public Health Expert). When advising patients on healthy eating, I emphasize that a single slice of cheddar cheese offers a moderate calorie contribution along with beneficial nutrients such as calcium and protein. Understanding that one slice contains roughly 110 calories helps consumers balance cheese consumption within their daily dietary goals.

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 cheddar having fewer calories than full-fat varieties.

How does the calorie count of cheddar cheese compare to other cheeses?
Cheddar cheese generally has a moderate calorie count, higher than softer cheeses like mozzarella but lower than some aged or processed cheeses.

Are the calories in cheddar cheese mostly from fat or protein?
Most calories in cheddar cheese come from fat, which accounts for about 70-75% of the total calories, with protein contributing the remainder.

Can the calorie content in cheddar cheese affect weight management?
Yes, due to its calorie density and fat content, portion control is important when including cheddar cheese in a weight management plan.

Is there a difference in calories between sliced and shredded cheddar cheese?
Calorie content per weight remains consistent regardless of form; differences arise only if portion sizes vary between sliced and shredded cheese.
a typical slice of cheddar cheese contains approximately 110 to 120 calories, though this can vary depending on the thickness and brand. Cheddar cheese is a calorie-dense food due to its high fat and protein content, which contributes to its rich flavor and satiating qualities. Understanding the caloric value is essential for those managing their daily energy intake or following specific dietary plans.

It is important to consider portion size when incorporating cheddar cheese into meals, as even small variations in slice thickness can impact the total calorie count. Additionally, choosing reduced-fat or lower-calorie versions of cheddar can help moderate calorie consumption without sacrificing taste. Being mindful of these factors allows for better nutritional balance and supports overall health goals.

Ultimately, cheddar cheese can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. Awareness of its caloric content enables individuals to make informed dietary choices, ensuring that cheese contributes positively to their nutritional needs without leading to excessive calorie intake.

Author Profile

Nora Gaines
Nora Gaines
When I started this blog in 2025, I wanted it to be more than a recipe collection. Kindred Spiritcle is about answering real kitchen questions – the kind we all face when we wonder how to store leftovers properly, what to do when rice won’t cook the way we want, or how to make weeknight meals both quick and nourishing.

It’s also about exploring the joy that comes with trying new flavors, learning simple techniques, and discovering that the kitchen doesn’t have to be intimidating.

Every article here is written to feel like a conversation with a friend. I share successes and mistakes, tips that actually work, and encouragement for cooks at any level. Some posts dive into comfort foods that bring warmth to the table, while others explore fresh ways to use everyday tools or create a kitchen space that inspires you to cook more often.