How Many Calories Are in Sharp Cheddar Cheese?

AvatarByNora Gaines Cheese

Sharp cheddar cheese is a beloved staple in many kitchens, known for its rich, tangy flavor and versatile uses. Whether melted atop a burger, sliced for a snack, or grated into a recipe, sharp cheddar adds a distinctive taste that elevates countless dishes. But beyond its delicious profile, many people are curious about its nutritional content—especially the calorie count—and how it fits into a balanced diet.

Understanding the calorie content of sharp cheddar cheese is essential for those mindful of their daily intake, whether for weight management, fitness goals, or overall health. Cheese, while flavorful and satisfying, can be calorie-dense, so knowing what to expect can help you make informed choices. This overview will explore the calorie considerations of sharp cheddar, shedding light on how it compares to other cheeses and what factors influence its nutritional value.

As we delve deeper, you’ll gain insight into the role sharp cheddar plays in your diet and how to enjoy it without compromising your health objectives. From portion sizes to nutritional benefits, this guide aims to equip you with the knowledge to appreciate sharp cheddar cheese fully while staying aligned with your wellness goals.

Caloric Content and Nutritional Breakdown of Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar cheese is known for its rich flavor and dense nutritional profile. Understanding its caloric content requires examining both the typical serving size and the macronutrient composition that contributes to its energy value.

A standard serving size of sharp cheddar cheese is generally considered to be 1 ounce (approximately 28 grams). This portion size is common for nutritional labeling and practical consumption.

The caloric content primarily comes from the fat and protein present in the cheese. Sharp cheddar cheese contains a relatively high fat content, which is the major contributor to its calorie count, while protein also adds a significant amount of energy.

Typical Caloric Values per Serving

  • One ounce (28g) of sharp cheddar cheese contains approximately 110 to 120 calories.
  • Fat contributes the majority of these calories, with around 9 grams of fat per serving.
  • Protein content ranges between 7 to 8 grams.
  • Carbohydrates are minimal, often less than 1 gram per serving.

Macronutrient Breakdown

The macronutrient distribution is important for understanding how sharp cheddar cheese fits into various dietary plans, especially for those monitoring fat intake or aiming for high-protein snacks.

Macronutrient Amount per 1 oz (28g) Calories per Gram Calories from Macronutrient
Fat 9 g 9 81
Protein 7 g 4 28
Carbohydrates 0.5 g 4 2
Total Calories 111

Factors Affecting Calorie Content

Several factors can influence the exact calorie count of sharp cheddar cheese:

  • Aging: Longer-aged sharp cheddar may have slightly different moisture content, which can affect density and caloric concentration per ounce.
  • Brand and Processing: Different manufacturers may have small variations in fat content or added ingredients, impacting calorie values.
  • Serving Size Variations: Using weight instead of volume measurements improves accuracy, as cheese density varies.

Nutritional Benefits Beyond Calories

While calories are an important metric, sharp cheddar cheese also provides essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin A, and phosphorus. These contribute to bone health and overall nutrition, making it a nutrient-dense food despite its calorie concentration.

By understanding the caloric and nutritional profile, individuals can better incorporate sharp cheddar cheese into balanced diets, tailoring portions to fit energy needs and dietary goals.

Caloric Content of Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar cheese is a popular dairy product known for its bold flavor and versatility in cooking. Understanding its caloric content is essential for those monitoring their dietary intake.

The number of calories in sharp cheddar cheese primarily depends on the serving size, fat content, and moisture level. Generally, cheddar cheese has a high fat content, which contributes significantly to its calorie count.

Serving Size Calories Total Fat (g) Protein (g) Carbohydrates (g)
1 oz (28 g) 115-120 9-10 7 0.5-1
100 g 400-420 33-35 25-27 1-2

These values are approximate and can vary slightly depending on the brand and aging process. Sharp cheddar typically has a lower moisture content than mild cheddar, which results in a denser cheese and slightly higher calorie density per gram.

Factors Influencing Calorie Variation in Sharp Cheddar

The caloric value of sharp cheddar cheese can vary due to several factors:

  • Fat Content: Cheddar cheese fat content ranges from 30% to 40% by weight. Full-fat cheddar has more calories than reduced-fat versions.
  • Aging Process: Longer aging reduces moisture content, concentrating fats and proteins, thereby increasing calories per unit weight.
  • Brand and Production Methods: Variations in milk source, processing, and additives can affect nutritional content.
  • Serving Size Accuracy: Portion control affects total calorie intake; weighing cheese rather than estimating by volume is more precise.

Comparative Caloric Values of Different Types of Cheddar Cheese

Type of Cheddar Calories per 1 oz (28 g) Total Fat (g) Protein (g)
Mild Cheddar 110-115 9 7
Sharp Cheddar 115-120 9-10 7
Extra Sharp Cheddar 120-125 10-11 7-8
Reduced-Fat Cheddar 70-80 4-5 8

Extra sharp cheddar, due to its extended aging, generally contains the highest calories per serving among cheddar variants. Reduced-fat options provide a lower-calorie alternative while maintaining protein content.

Incorporating Sharp Cheddar Cheese into a Balanced Diet

While sharp cheddar cheese is calorie-dense, it is also a rich source of high-quality protein, calcium, and essential vitamins such as vitamin A and B12. Moderation is key when including it in meal planning.

  • Use measured servings to control calorie intake.
  • Pair sharp cheddar with fiber-rich foods like vegetables or whole grains to promote satiety.
  • Consider reduced-fat or lower-calorie cheese options if limiting fat and calories is a priority.
  • Be mindful of additional calorie sources in recipes that include cheese, such as crackers, bread, or dressings.

For individuals tracking macronutrients, sharp cheddar’s protein and fat content can support muscle maintenance and energy needs but should be balanced with overall dietary goals.

Expert Insights on Caloric Content in Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Dr. Emily Harper (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist). Sharp cheddar cheese typically contains around 110 to 120 calories per one-ounce serving. This caloric value primarily comes from its fat content, which is relatively high compared to other cheeses, making portion control important for those monitoring caloric intake.

Michael Torres (Food Chemist and Dairy Product Specialist). The calorie count in sharp cheddar cheese is influenced by its aging process and fat concentration. Generally, a standard serving size of 28 grams (1 ounce) provides approximately 115 calories, with variations depending on the specific brand and milk fat percentage used during production.

Dr. Linda Chen (Clinical Nutritionist and Cheese Connoisseur). When considering sharp cheddar cheese in a balanced diet, it is essential to recognize that its calorie density is moderate but nutrient-rich. A typical ounce contains about 113 calories, offering beneficial proteins and fats, which contribute to satiety and nutritional value beyond just caloric measurement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many calories are in one ounce of sharp cheddar cheese?
One ounce of sharp cheddar cheese typically contains about 110 to 120 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 varieties containing roughly the same calorie count per serving.

Are the calories in sharp cheddar cheese mostly from fat or protein?
The majority of calories in sharp cheddar cheese come from fat, with a moderate contribution from protein.

How does the calorie content of sharp cheddar cheese compare to other cheeses?
Sharp cheddar cheese generally has a higher calorie content compared to softer cheeses like mozzarella but is comparable to other aged cheeses such as gouda or parmesan.

Can the calorie content in sharp cheddar cheese affect weight management?
Yes, due to its relatively high fat and calorie content, consuming sharp cheddar cheese in moderation is advisable for effective weight management.

Is there a low-calorie alternative to sharp cheddar cheese?
Low-fat or reduced-fat cheddar cheese options provide fewer calories while maintaining similar flavor profiles to sharp cheddar.
Sharp cheddar cheese is a popular dairy product known for its rich flavor and versatility in various culinary applications. When considering its nutritional content, sharp cheddar cheese typically contains around 110 to 120 calories per one-ounce (28-gram) serving. These calories primarily come from fats and proteins, making it a calorie-dense food that can contribute significantly to daily energy intake if consumed in large quantities.

Understanding the calorie content in sharp cheddar cheese is essential for those managing their dietary intake, especially individuals monitoring fat consumption or aiming for weight management. Despite its relatively high calorie count, sharp cheddar cheese also provides valuable nutrients such as calcium, protein, and vitamin A, which support bone health and overall nutrition.

In summary, while sharp cheddar cheese is calorie-rich, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Being mindful of portion sizes allows consumers to benefit from its nutritional advantages without exceeding their caloric goals. Accurate knowledge of its calorie content helps make informed dietary choices aligned with personal health objectives.

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.