Sharp Cheddar Cheese Nutrition

Sharp cheddar cheese originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England. Sharp cheddar has a distinct flavor and creamy texture and is a good source of protein, calcium and vitamins. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Nutrient Database, which provides a full nutrient profile, 1 ounce of sharp cheddar cheese has 114 calories.

Description

Cheddar cheese is a hard cheese made from cow's milk that has been aged from three months to five years. The longer cheddar is aged, the sharper the cheese. The color of sharp cheddar cheese can range from white to orange. Orange or yellow cheddar is colored with annatto, a natural dye.

Macronutrients

The major nutrients in sharp cheddar cheese are protein and fat. Because sharp cheddar is very low in lactose, a type of carbohydrate, it is well tolerated by people who are lactose intolerant. A 1-ounce serving of sharp cheddar provides 7 grams of protein, 9.4 g of fat and only 0.36 g of carbohydrate. Adults need 46 to 56 g of protein daily and between 20 and 35 g of fat, as recommended by the National Academies' Institute of Medicine.

Vitamins

Sharp cheddar cheese provides vitamin B12, a vitamin essential for red blood cell production and energy metabolism. A 1-ounce serving of sharp cheddar has 0.24 micrograms of vitamin B12. Adults need 2.4 mcg of vitamin B12 daily, according to the National Academies' Institute of Medicine. Sharp cheddar is also a source of vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin necessary for healthy eyes and immune system function.

Minerals

Sharp cheddar is a good source of calcium, a mineral essential for bone and tooth formation, blood clotting and muscle contraction. A 1 oz. serving of sharp cheddar has 204 mg of calcium. Adults need 1,000 mg of calcium daily, as recommended by the National Academies' Institute of Medicine. Other minerals in cheddar include zinc, fluoride and magnesium.

Considerations

Sharp cheddar cheese is high in saturated fat and cholesterol, both of which can increase the risk of heart disease. The National Academies' Institute of Medicine recommends limiting saturated fat and cholesterol in the diet. To limit saturated fat from sharp cheddar cheese, choose reduced or low-fat varieties.