String cheese is a popular snack food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s often seen as a healthier alternative to other processed snacks, but how many calories does it contain?
This article explores the calorie content of string cheese and provides some nutritional tips for making the most out of this delicious snack.
What Is String Cheese?
String cheese is a type of cheese that has been pulled and stretched into thin strands. It’s usually made from low-fat mozzarella, but it can also be made with other varieties, such as cheddar or Colby.
String cheese typically comes in individual, pre-portioned sticks that are easy to grab on the go.
How Many Calories Are In String Cheese?
Most brands of string cheese contain about 80 calories per 28-gram serving, which is equivalent to one stick. This amount is relatively low compared to other snack foods, especially when it comes to fat content.
String cheese typically contains around 6 grams of fat per serving – most of which is the healthy monounsaturated kind.
Nutritional Benefits Of String Cheese
We all know that string cheese is undeniably delicious, but does it have any nutritional benefits? The answer is, perhaps surprisingly, yes, and some of the main benefits of string cheese include:
Good Source Of Protein
One of the main benefits of string cheese is that it contains a good amount of protein. Each 28-gram serving provides about 7 grams of protein, which is important for building and maintaining muscle mass.
Low In Carbs And Sugar
String cheese also contains very few carbs and almost no sugar, making it an ideal snack for those looking to cut back on added sugars. The carb content of string cheese is mostly lactose, which is a milk sugar that is easily digested by most people.
Good Source Of Calcium And Other Minerals
String cheese is an excellent source of calcium, which is important for bone health. It’s also rich in other minerals, such as phosphorus and magnesium, which are essential for proper muscle and nerve function.
Great Source Of vitamin A
String cheese is also a great source of vitamin A, which is important for vision and skin health. Vitamin A can also help boost the immune system and protect against infections.
Can Help With Digestion
String cheese is also naturally high in probiotics, which can help with digestion and gut health. The probiotics in string cheese can help keep your digestive system running smoothly and minimize the chance of bloating or stomach discomfort.
Downsides Of String Cheese
As with any food, there are some downsides to eating string cheese, and some of the main concerns include:
High In Sodium
Most brands of string cheese are quite high in sodium, with some varieties containing up to 400 mg per serving. If you’re trying to reduce your sodium intake, it’s best to look for a low-sodium variety or limit the amount of string cheese you eat.
Contains Lactose
String cheese contains lactose, which is a type of milk sugar that can cause digestive issues in some people. If you are lactose intolerant, it’s best to avoid string cheese and opt for an alternative snack.
Can Be High In Preservatives
Like most processed snacks, string cheese can be high in preservatives and other additives. If you’re looking for a healthier option, it’s best to opt for a natural or organic variety that is free from artificial ingredients.
Best Ways To Enjoy String Cheese
String cheese is a versatile snack that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Some of the best ways to enjoy string cheese include:
One of the best uses for string cheese is to create some mouthwatering cheese sticks – and this is a simple, easy, and fun recipe to make. All you need is some string cheese, flour, cornstarch, two eggs, oil, and breadcrumbs.
Once you have gathered your ingredients, open the string cheese packets, cut them in half, and freeze them for two hours.
Then, add the cornstarch, flour, and breadcrumbs to a bowl, and whisk the eggs and olive oil in another bowl, and dip half a cheese string into each. Roll this in the flour, and then add it back to the egg mixture, coating well, before adding it to the breadcrumbs.
Freeze for around five minutes, and then fry the sticks in the oil – voilà! You have your very own mouthwatering cheese sticks.
Create Your Own Stuffed Crust Pizza
Do you love the taste of stuffed crust pizza, but resent paying more? Then why not make your own using string cheese; simply wrap your pizza crust with string cheese and bake in the oven.
It’s a delicious and easy way to enjoy your favorite pizza topping – and means that you can ensure you will have all the cheese you can manage!
Create Tasty Italian Pasta Salad
Another way to enjoy string cheese is to add it to a pasta salad. Simply cook some of your favorite pasta, such as penne or fusilli, and add diced tomatoes, olives, and onions.
Then, cut string cheese into cubes and mix with the other ingredients – finally, dress with an Italian vinaigrette dressing for a delicious meal.
String cheese is also delicious when used to make pesto cheese bombs; simply wrap string cheese in some store-bought biscuit or dough with half a cup of pesto, and then bake until the dough is golden. Finally, top it with your favorite pesto or marinara sauce, and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
String cheese is a tasty and convenient snack that’s high in protein and calcium, but low in saturated fat. It can be enjoyed in many ways, including as cheese sticks, stuffed crust pizza, pasta salad, or pesto cheese bombs.
However, it’s important to note that some varieties of string cheese are high in sodium and preservatives, so it’s best to opt for a low-sodium and natural variety and ensure that you enjoy this snack in moderation.
