Nacho cheese dip, sometimes referred to by its Spanish equivalent, "queso," is usually made with a blend of melted Monterrey Jack cheese, oils and preservatives. Different brands use different oils, but the most common are corn, canola, soybean or sunflower oils. Some brands also use tomatoes, spicy chilies and sweet peppers. You can use the sauce for dipping, as a filling for Mexican-inspired entrees or as a topping. Nacho cheese dips vary in nutritional value depending on the brand and recipe.
Calories And Servings
A serving of nacho cheese is 2 tbsp., weighing a little more than 30 g. Each serving of nacho cheese provides about 45 to 50 calories, and 25 to 30 calories from fat. On its own, nacho cheese represents about 2.5 percent of a 2,000 calorie diet. One 1 oz. serving of tortilla chips adds about 140 calories, so the snack combination accounts for about 10 percent of the daily value of calories for a typical diet.
Fat And Cholesterol
A typical brand of nacho cheese dip contains between 3 and 3.5 g of fat, representing about 5 percent the daily value for a 2,000 calorie diet. Nacho cheese dip also contains a small amount of saturated fat, with about 1 to 1.5 g per serving, and the product is free of trans fat. Nacho cheese dip contains a small amount of cholesterol, with about 2 mg or less per serving.
Carbohydrates and Protein
One serving of a typical brand of nacho cheese dip contains 4 g of carbohydrate, equaling just 1 percent the daily value for this macronutrient. Some brands contain a trace of sugar as well, though it's generally less than 1 g per serving. Nacho cheese is not a significant source of dietary fiber. A serving of nacho cheese contains about 1 g of protein.
Minerals
Nacho cheese is high in sodium. A serving of nacho cheese dip can contain between 200 and 280 mg of sodium, depending on the brand, representing about 8 to 12 percent of the daily value for this mineral. While the body needs a moderate amount of sodium, you should limit your intake to no more than 1,500 mg a day to prevent an unhealthy increase in blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association. Nacho cheese also contains about 2 percent the daily value for calcium.
Member Comments