Cheddar cheese is often served with crackers on a party tray or with mild cheeses such as Monterey Jack or Colby. Cheddar can also be melted and used in baked dishes or as a sauce over homemade macaroni. Melt the cheese into a sauce and mix it with salsa for a queso-style dip.
Calories and Fat
A 1 oz. serving of cheddar cheese contains 110 calories. Each cube contains 9 g of fat, 6 g of which is saturated fat. The fat content of this high-fat food contributes 80 of its 110 calories. Saturated fat increases your risk for heart disease and high cholesterol. The USDA recommends limiting your fat intake to less than 35 percent of your total calorie intake. Limit your total fat intake to less than 700 calories, or 78 g of fat per day, based on a 2,500-calorie diet.
Cholesterol and Sodium
A cube of cheddar cheese contains 10 percent of your daily recommended cholesterol intake, at 30 g per serving. Each serving also contributes 180 mg of sodium, or 8 percent of your daily allowance. Because of its high sodium and cholesterol content, eat cheddar cheese sparingly. Limit your total sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day, or 1,500 mg if your doctor has recommended a low-sodium diet.
Carbohydrates, Protein and Calcium
Cheddar cheese is carbohydrate-free; it is classified as a protein. A serving of cheddar cheese contains 7 g of protein. Its high protein content makes cheese a good choice to pair with a whole grain complex carbohydrate to help keep your blood sugar balanced. An ideal snack is cheese, whole grain crackers and a few apple slices. A serving of cheddar cheese also contains 20 percent of your daily requirement for calcium.
Variances
Actual nutrition figures may vary based on the specific cheddar cheese or manufacturer. Low-fat cheddar contains less fat than regular cheddar cheese and may contain fewer calories. Other cheddar alternatives include sharp and extra sharp, as well as various aged cheeses.
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