How Many Calories Are 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, whether melted on a sandwich, paired with crackers, or simply savored on its own. But for those mindful of their dietary intake, understanding the caloric content of cheddar cheese is an important consideration.

Cheddar cheese varies in size and thickness when sliced, which can influence the number of calories in each piece. Additionally, factors such as fat content and aging process can subtly affect its nutritional profile. Exploring these elements can help you make informed decisions about how cheddar cheese fits into your daily diet and overall health goals.

In the following sections, we’ll delve into the calorie count of a typical slice of cheddar cheese, discuss how portion size impacts caloric intake, and offer insights into balancing enjoyment with nutrition. Whether you’re counting calories or simply curious, this guide will provide the clarity you need to savor cheddar cheese without second-guessing.

Caloric Content of Different Sizes and Types of Cheddar Cheese Slices

The number of calories in a slice of cheddar cheese can vary significantly depending on the slice’s weight, thickness, and whether it is a regular, reduced-fat, or flavored variety. Typically, a standard slice of cheddar cheese weighs approximately 20 to 28 grams, but this can change based on brand and packaging.

A typical full-fat cheddar cheese slice contains around 70 to 115 calories. Reduced-fat versions generally have fewer calories, often ranging from 40 to 70 calories per slice, depending on how much fat has been removed. Flavored or processed cheddar slices, which may contain additional ingredients like herbs or smoke flavoring, can have slightly different caloric values, sometimes marginally higher due to added ingredients.

Factors Influencing Caloric Content

  • Slice Thickness: Thicker slices contain more cheese by weight, increasing calories.
  • Fat Content: Full-fat cheddar has more calories per gram than reduced-fat or low-fat options.
  • Moisture Content: Some cheddar varieties with higher moisture content might weigh more but have a slightly lower calorie density.
  • Additives and Flavorings: Processed or flavored slices may have additional calories from added ingredients.
Cheddar Cheese Type Typical Slice Weight (grams) Calories per Slice Fat Content (grams) Protein Content (grams)
Regular Full-Fat Cheddar 25 110 9 7
Reduced-Fat Cheddar 25 70 5 7
Sharp Cheddar 28 115 10 7.5
Processed Cheddar Slice 20 90 7 6
Low-Fat Cheddar 25 50 3 7

Understanding Calorie Breakdown in Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese calories primarily come from its macronutrient composition: fats, proteins, and a small amount of carbohydrates. Fat is the most calorie-dense macronutrient, providing about 9 calories per gram, whereas protein and carbohydrates each provide approximately 4 calories per gram.

In cheddar cheese, fat content is relatively high, typically making up 70-80% of the total calories. Protein contributes the rest, with very minimal carbohydrates present, usually less than 1 gram per slice. This makes cheddar cheese a nutrient-dense food that is rich in energy, predominantly from fat.

Macronutrient Contribution to Calories

  • Fats: Around 70-80% of total calories; source of essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins.
  • Proteins: Approximately 20-25% of total calories; important for muscle repair and enzyme function.
  • Carbohydrates: Usually less than 1 gram per slice; negligible calorie contribution.

Caloric Considerations for Dietary Planning

When incorporating cheddar cheese into a diet, it is important to consider the caloric density as well as the nutritional benefits. For individuals managing weight or monitoring fat intake, opting for reduced-fat or low-fat slices can significantly reduce overall calorie consumption without sacrificing protein intake.

Moreover, pairing cheddar cheese with low-calorie foods such as vegetables or whole grain bread can help balance meals. Cheese can also serve as a flavorful protein source that contributes to satiety, potentially aiding in appetite control.

Tips for Managing Cheese Calories in Your Diet

  • Measure slice weight if possible to track calories accurately.
  • Choose reduced-fat or low-fat cheddar to lower calorie intake.
  • Use thin slices to control portion size.
  • Combine cheese with fiber-rich foods to enhance fullness.
  • Account for cheese calories when planning daily intake to maintain balance.

Comparing Cheddar Cheese Calories with Other Cheese Varieties

Cheddar cheese is moderately high in calories compared to some other popular cheese types. Softer cheeses like mozzarella and cottage cheese often have fewer calories per slice or serving due to lower fat content and higher moisture levels. Harder cheeses such as Parmesan can be more calorie-dense per gram because they are aged and concentrated.

Cheese Type Calories per 28g (1 oz) Serving Fat Content (grams) Protein Content (grams)
Cheddar 115 9 7
Mozzarella (part-skim) 85 6 7
Parmesan 120 8 11
Cottage Cheese (

Caloric Content of a Slice of Cheddar Cheese

The number of calories in a slice of cheddar cheese varies depending on several factors, including the thickness of the slice, the brand, and whether the cheese is full-fat or reduced-fat. Generally, a standard slice of cheddar cheese weighs approximately 20 to 28 grams.

On average, cheddar cheese contains about 400 to 420 calories per 100 grams. Using this information, the caloric content in a single slice can be estimated as follows:

Slice Weight (grams) Calories per 100 grams Estimated Calories per Slice
20 g 410 82 kcal
25 g 410 102.5 kcal
28 g 410 114.8 kcal

The slight variance in calories is primarily due to the slice thickness and moisture content. Reduced-fat cheddar cheeses may have approximately 20-30% fewer calories.

Nutritional Breakdown of Cheddar Cheese Slice

Beyond calories, cheddar cheese provides a range of macronutrients and micronutrients essential for health. The typical nutritional values for a 28-gram slice of full-fat cheddar cheese are as follows:

Nutrient Amount per 28g Slice Daily Value (%)
Calories 115 kcal 6%
Total Fat 9.4 g 14%
Saturated Fat 6 g 30%
Protein 7 g 14%
Carbohydrates 0.4 g 0%
Calcium 200 mg 20%
Vitamin A 150 IU 3%
  • Fat content: Cheddar cheese is rich in fats, predominantly saturated fats, which should be consumed in moderation.
  • Protein: It is an excellent source of high-quality protein, beneficial for muscle repair and growth.
  • Micronutrients: Calcium and vitamin A levels are notable, supporting bone health and immune function.

Factors Affecting Calorie Count in Cheddar Cheese Slices

Several variables can influence the caloric content of a slice of cheddar cheese:

  • Slice Thickness: Thicker slices naturally contain more cheese and therefore more calories.
  • Moisture Content: Higher moisture cheddar varieties tend to have slightly fewer calories per gram due to water weight.
  • Fat Content: Reduced-fat or low-fat cheddar cheeses reduce calories but may alter taste and texture.
  • Brand and Processing: Differences in manufacturing processes and added ingredients can lead to variability.
  • Serving Method: Pre-packaged slices are often standardized, while freshly cut slices from a block can vary significantly.

Comparison of Caloric Values Across Cheese Types

To place cheddar cheese in context, here is a comparison of calories per 28-gram slice with other common cheese varieties:

Expert Insights on Caloric Content in Cheddar Cheese Slices

Dr. Emily Carter (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist). Understanding the caloric content in a slice of cheddar cheese is essential for managing dietary intake, especially for those monitoring fat and protein consumption. Typically, a standard slice weighing about 28 grams contains approximately 110 to 120 calories, primarily derived from fats and proteins, which contribute to its dense energy profile.

James Mitchell (Food Chemist and Dairy Product Specialist). The calorie count in cheddar cheese slices can vary slightly depending on moisture content and aging process, but on average, a single slice contains roughly 113 calories. This value reflects the balance of macronutrients inherent to cheddar, including saturated fats and casein proteins, which influence both flavor and nutritional density.

Dr. Sophia Nguyen (Clinical Nutritionist and Metabolic Health Expert). When assessing how many calories are in a slice of cheddar cheese, it is important to consider portion size and fat percentage. A typical 1-ounce slice of full-fat cheddar cheese provides about 115 calories, making it a nutrient-rich option that should be consumed mindfully within a balanced diet to maintain metabolic health goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many calories are in a typical slice of cheddar cheese?
A standard slice of cheddar cheese, approximately 28 grams (1 ounce), contains about 110 to 120 calories.

Does the calorie content vary between different brands of cheddar cheese slices?
Yes, calorie content can vary slightly depending on the brand, fat content, and slice thickness, but most fall within the 100 to 130 calorie range per slice.

Are reduced-fat cheddar cheese slices lower in calories?
Reduced-fat cheddar cheese slices generally contain fewer calories, often around 70 to 90 calories per slice, due to lower fat content.

How do calories in cheddar cheese slices compare to other types of cheese?
Cheddar cheese slices tend to have a moderate calorie count compared to softer cheeses like mozzarella, which may have fewer calories, and harder cheeses like Parmesan, which often have more calories per serving.

What nutrients contribute most to the calorie content in cheddar cheese slices?
The majority of calories in cheddar cheese come from fat, followed by protein, with minimal carbohydrates.

Can the calorie content in cheddar cheese slices impact a weight management plan?
Yes, due to their fat and calorie density, portion control of cheddar cheese slices is important when managing caloric intake for weight control.
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 calorie-dense food primarily due to its fat content, which contributes to its rich flavor and creamy texture. Understanding the calorie content is essential for those managing their daily caloric intake or following specific dietary plans.

It is important to consider portion size when consuming cheddar cheese, as even small variations can impact overall calorie consumption. Additionally, cheddar cheese provides valuable nutrients such as protein, calcium, and vitamin A, making it a nutrient-rich option when eaten in moderation. Balancing cheese intake with other foods can help maintain a healthy and well-rounded diet.

Ultimately, awareness of the caloric value of a slice of cheddar cheese enables individuals to make informed dietary choices. Whether for weight management or nutritional balance, incorporating cheddar cheese thoughtfully can contribute positively to one’s overall health goals without compromising taste or satisfaction.

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.

© 2025 Kindred Spiritcle

Cheese Type Calories per 28g Slice Fat Content (g) Protein Content (g)
Cheddar 115 kcal 9.4 g 7 g
Swiss 110 kcal 8.5 g 8 g
American 105 kcal 8 g 6 g
Mozzarella (part skim) 85 kcal 6 g 7 g