Are you a cheese lover, but worried about the calories? Fear not, because Mild Cheddar Cheese Slices are here to save the day! With only 70 calories in a 17 g slice, you can indulge in your love for cheese without worrying about weight gain.
Apart from being low in calories, mild cheddar cheese slices are also a good source of nutrients. One slice contains 6 g of protein, 1 g of carbohydrates, and 5 g of fat. It also contains important minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and zinc.
In this article, we'll explore the nutritional benefits, potential risks and various ways to incorporate mild cheddar cheese slices into your diet.
What is Mild Cheddar Cheese?
Cheddar cheese is a popular type of cheese that originated in the English village of Cheddar. It is a hard, yellow-orange colored cheese that has a nutty, creamy flavor. Mild cheddar cheese is a younger version of cheddar cheese that has been aged for only a few months. It has a milder flavor compared to other types of cheddar cheese and is much softer and easier to slice.
As mentioned earlier, mild cheddar cheese slices are a good source of nutrients. Here is a breakdown of the nutritional information in one slice (17 g) of mild cheddar cheese.
- calories: 70
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Calcium: 20% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Phosphorus: 10% of the DV
- Zinc: 5% of the DV
How to Incorporate Mild Cheddar Cheese Slices into your Diet
Mild cheddar cheese slices are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some easy ways to incorporate them into your diet.
- As a snack: Mild cheddar cheese slices can be eaten as a snack on their own or with crackers.
- In sandwiches: Add a slice or two of mild cheddar cheese to your sandwich to add flavor and texture.
- In omelets: Use mild cheddar cheese slices in your omelet to make it extra cheesy and tasty.
- In salads: Add a sprinkle of mild cheddar cheese slices to your favorite salad for added flavor.
- In pasta dishes: Use mild cheddar cheese slices to make a creamy cheese sauce for your pasta dishes.
Calories Comparison of Mild Cheddar Cheese with other Cheese Types
While mild cheddar cheese slices are relatively low in calories, they are not the lowest calorie cheese option out there. Here is a comparison of the calorie content of mild cheddar cheese with other popular cheese types.
- Mild Cheddar Cheese (17 g slice): 70 calories
- Low-fat Cottage Cheese (100 g): 70 calories
- Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese (28 g): 70 calories
- Feta Cheese (28 g): 75 calories
- Blue Cheese (28 g): 100 calories
Health Benefits of Mild Cheddar Cheese Slices
Apart from being a good source of nutrients, mild cheddar cheese slices also provide various health benefits.
- Good for bone health: Mild cheddar cheese is a good source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones.
- May reduce the risk of heart disease: Studies have shown that consuming cheese in moderation may reduce the risk of heart disease.
- May help with weight loss: Despite its high fat content, mild cheddar cheese can be a part of a weight loss diet as its protein and fat content can keep you feeling full for longer.
Potential Risks of Consuming Mild Cheddar Cheese Slices
While mild cheddar cheese slices can be a healthy addition to your diet, there are some potential risks associated with consuming them.
- High in sodium: One slice of mild cheddar cheese contains around 180 mg of sodium. Consuming too much sodium can increase blood pressure and the risk of heart disease.
- High in saturated fat: While moderate intake of saturated fat is necessary for good health, consuming too much can increase the risk of heart disease.
- Mild cheddar cheese may contain additives like food coloring, preservatives, and artificial flavors, which may not be good for your health.
Tips for Choosing and Storing Mild Cheddar Cheese Slices
To ensure that you get the best quality mild cheddar cheese slices, here are some tips for choosing and storing them.
- Look for cheese that is firm with a smooth surface and free from any cracks or mold.
- Check the expiration date and choose cheese that has a longer shelf life.
- Store the cheese in the fridge at a consistent temperature of around 2-4°C.
- Wrap the cheese in wax paper or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any odors.
- Use the cheese as soon as possible after opening the packet.
How to Make Mild Cheddar Cheese Slices at Home
If you're feeling adventurous, you can try making your own mild cheddar cheese slices at home. Here is a simple recipe to get you started.
- Heat 1 gallon of milk to 86°F and add 2 tsp of calcium chloride to the milk to help it coagulate.
- Add 1/4 tsp of mesophilic culture to the milk and mix well. Let the milk rest for 60 minutes.
- Add 1/2 tsp of rennet to the milk and stir for 2 minutes. Let the milk rest for another 45 minutes.
- Cut the curd into small pieces and cook them for additional 40 minutes.
- Drain the whey from the curds and add salt to the curds while mixing gently.
- Place the curds in a cheese mold and press them for around 4-6 hours.
- Remove the cheese from the mold and age it for around 2-3 months in your fridge.
Mild Cheddar Cheese Slices Recipes
Here are some simple and delicious recipes that feature mild cheddar cheese slices as the star ingredient.
- Mild Cheddar Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Toast two slices of bread with a slice of mild cheddar cheese in between until the cheese is melted.
- Mild Cheddar and Broccoli Soup: Cut a broccoli head into small pieces and simmer it in chicken broth with a few slices of mild cheddar cheese until cooked. Puree the soup and serve it hot.
- Mild Cheddar Quesadillas: Spread a tortilla with refried beans, top it with mild cheddar cheese slices and another tortilla. Heat in a skillet until the cheese is melted and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mild Cheddar Cheese Slices
Here are some commonly asked questions about mild cheddar cheese slices.
- Q: Are mild cheddar cheese slices good for weight loss?
- A: Yes, mild cheddar cheese slices can be a part of a weight loss diet as its protein and fat content can keep you feeling full for longer.
- Q: Can mild cheddar cheese slices be frozen?
- A: Yes, mild cheddar cheese slices can be frozen for up to 6 months.
- Q: Can I consume mild cheddar cheese slices if I am lactose intolerant?
- A: Mild cheddar cheese contains very little lactose, so it may not affect lactose intolerant individuals. However, it's best to consult with a doctor if you have any concerns.
The only thing better than a slice of cheddar cheese is a slice of mild cheddar cheese! It's soft, creamy and bursts with flavor.
5 FAQ About Mild Cheddar Slices
1. What is the serving size of Mild Cheddar Slices?
The serving size of Mild Cheddar Slices is one slice which is about 17 grams.
2. How many calories are in one slice of Mild Cheddar?
One slice of Mild Cheddar contains 70 calories.
3. Is Mild Cheddar Slices a good source of protein?
Yes, Mild Cheddar Slices are a good source of protein as they contain about 4 grams of protein per slice.
4. Are there any nutritional benefits of Mild Cheddar Slices?
Mild Cheddar Slices are a good source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. They also provide some vitamin A and phosphorus.
5. Can Mild Cheddar Slices be used in cooking?
Yes, Mild Cheddar Slices can be used in cooking in various dishes such as sandwiches, burgers, quesadillas, and more. They can also be melted on top of pasta, pizza, or potatoes.