If you're a fan of Mexican cuisine but watching your weight, you'll love 1/4 cup of shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese. At only 80 calories per serving, it's a guilt-free way to add some delicious cheesy goodness to your meals.

But it's not just about the calories - this cheese also packs in some impressive nutritional benefits. Let's take a closer look.

Whether you're whipping up some tacos, nachos, or a cheesy casserole, there's no denying that Mexican cheese is a staple ingredient in many delicious recipes. But what about its nutritional value? Let's find out.

Calories in Mexican Cheese, Shredded, Reduced Fat

As previously mentioned, 1/4 cup of shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese contains 80 calories. This makes it a low-calorie way to add some cheesy flavor to your meals, without going overboard on the calories. However, it's important to note that calories are not the only factor to consider when it comes to nutrition. Let's take a closer look at the other nutrients this cheese provides.

Mexican Cheese, Shredded, Reduced Fat Nutrition Facts

In addition to its low calorie count, 1/4 cup of shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese also provides some key nutrients. These include 6 grams of protein, 2 grams of carbohydrates, and 20% of your daily recommended intake of calcium. Calcium is an essential nutrient for bone health and many Americans do not get enough in their diets. By adding this cheese to your meals, you can help boost your calcium intake. It's also worth noting that reduced-fat cheese is a healthier option than full-fat cheese, as it contains less saturated fat and calories.

Mexican Cheese, Shredded, Reduced Fat Benefits

In addition to its nutritional value, shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese also offers a number of benefits. For example, it's a convenient and tasty way to add some protein to your meals. Protein is essential for many bodily functions, including building and repairing tissues, building muscle mass, and supporting immune function. By incorporating this cheese into your meals, you can help ensure that you're getting enough protein in your diet.

Mexican Cheese, Shredded, Reduced Fat Serving Size

When it comes to serving size, 1/4 cup of shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese is a reasonable portion. This is equivalent to about one ounce of cheese, which is the recommended serving size for most cheeses. However, it's important to keep in mind that cheese is a calorie-dense food, so it's best to enjoy it in moderation.

Mexican Cheese, Shredded, Reduced Fat Fat Content

As a reduced-fat cheese, shredded Mexican cheese is lower in fat than its full-fat counterparts. However, it still contains some fat - 5 grams per serving, to be exact. While this may seem like a lot, it's important to remember that not all fat is bad. In fact, some types of fat (such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats) are actually good for you in moderation. Additionally, cheese is a good source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which is a type of fatty acid that has been linked to various health benefits, including improved body composition and reduced inflammation.

Mexican Cheese, Shredded, Reduced Fat Protein Content

As previously mentioned, shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese provides 6 grams of protein per serving. This may not seem like a lot, but it can add up throughout the day if you're incorporating cheese into multiple meals or snacks. Protein is an important macronutrient that is essential for many bodily functions, so it's important to make sure you're getting enough in your diet.

Mexican Cheese, Shredded, Reduced Fat Carbohydrate Content

Shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese provides 2 grams of carbohydrates per serving. While this is not a significant amount, it's important to be aware of your carbohydrate intake if you're following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. It's also worth noting that cheese is a high-sodium food, so it's important to consider your overall sodium intake if you're salt-sensitive.

Mexican Cheese, Shredded, Reduced Fat Calcium Content

As previously mentioned, shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese is a good source of calcium, providing 20% of your daily recommended intake per serving. Calcium is an essential nutrient for bone health, and getting enough in your diet is important for preventing osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions.

Mexican Cheese, Shredded, Reduced Fat Sodium Content

As a high-sodium food, shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese provides 170 milligrams of sodium per serving. While this may not seem like a lot, it can add up quickly if you're consuming multiple servings of cheese throughout the day.

Mexican Cheese, Shredded, Reduced Fat Cholesterol Content

Shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese contains 10 milligrams of cholesterol per serving. While this may not be a concern for most people, it's important to keep in mind if you're following a low-cholesterol diet or have high cholesterol levels.