Are Cheese Strings Low in Calories? A Comprehensive Guide

November 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a single 28-gram serving of mozzarella string cheese contains approximately 80 to 90 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie snack. This moderate energy count makes string cheese a popular choice for those mindful of their caloric intake, but it's important to understand the full nutritional profile beyond just the numbers.

Quick Summary

This guide examines the calorie content and overall nutrition of cheese strings, including protein, fat, and other key nutrients. It compares different types and brands, offering insights into their suitability for weight management and a balanced diet.

Key Points

Moderate Calorie Count: A standard 1-ounce (28g) string cheese stick contains approximately 80 to 90 calories, qualifying it as a low to moderate-calorie snack.
High in Protein: Each serving provides a good amount of protein (6-7g), which helps increase satiety and control appetite, making it beneficial for weight management.
Rich in Calcium: String cheese is a convenient source of calcium, which is essential for bone health and proper bodily function.
Check Brand Labels: Caloric content can vary slightly between brands; for instance, Frigo Cheese Heads contain 80 calories, while Sargento sticks have 90 calories.
Good for Weight Management: Due to its protein content and low sugar, string cheese can be a satisfying snack that helps curb hunger, preventing overeating.
Nutrient-Dense Snack: String cheese is considered a nutrient-dense food, providing important vitamins like B12 and minerals like selenium alongside its protein and calcium.
Reduced-Fat Options Available: Brands like Galbani offer reduced-fat versions with even fewer calories, ideal for those focusing on fat intake.

Understanding the Caloric Content of String Cheese

While a single stick of string cheese appears small, its calorie count can vary slightly depending on the brand and whether it is made from whole milk or part-skim milk. Most standard mozzarella string cheese sticks range from 80 to 90 calories per 1-ounce (28g) serving. This makes it a balanced, satisfying snack that provides a good dose of protein and calcium for a relatively low energy investment.

What Influences String Cheese Calories?

The caloric value of string cheese is primarily derived from its fat and protein content. The fat content contributes significantly to the total calories, though many varieties use part-skim milk to reduce this amount. For instance, a 28g serving often contains around 6 grams of fat and 6 to 7 grams of protein. Carbohydrates and sugars contribute very few, if any, calories to the final count, as they are typically minimal or nonexistent in pure mozzarella string cheese.

The Nutritional Benefits of String Cheese

Beyond just calories, string cheese offers a wealth of nutritional benefits, which is a key reason it is considered a healthy snack choice.

High in Protein: The protein in string cheese helps promote satiety and can curb hunger, making it an excellent snack for those trying to manage their weight.
Rich in Calcium: As a dairy product, string cheese is an excellent source of calcium, which is crucial for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: String cheese often contains important micronutrients like vitamin B12 and selenium, which support a healthy immune system and overall well-being.

Are All Cheese Strings Created Equal?

No, not all string cheese products are the same. While mozzarella is the most common type, variations exist. Brands also differ slightly in their ingredients and nutritional profiles. Some products, like the UK-based Cheestrings, may be fortified with additional vitamins but have a slightly different macronutrient breakdown compared to standard US-style mozzarella sticks. Always check the nutrition label for the most accurate information.

Comparison Table: Popular String Cheese Brands


Brand	Calories (per 1 oz/28g serving)	Protein (grams)	Fat (grams)	Saturated Fat (grams)	Notes
Frigo Cheese Heads	80	6	6	3.5	Popular, widely available part-skim mozzarella.
Sargento	90	7	6	3	100% natural mozzarella, often slightly higher in protein.
Organic Valley Stringles	80	6	6	N/A	Organic, creamy, and noted for its pure dairy flavor.
Galbani Reduced Fat	70	8	4	2.5	A lower-calorie, high-protein option for weight management.

Incorporating String Cheese into a Healthy Diet

To make string cheese part of a balanced diet, consider pairing it with other nutritious foods to create a more well-rounded snack. For instance, pairing a stick with a piece of fruit, a handful of nuts, or some whole-grain crackers adds fiber, healthy fats, and additional vitamins to your meal. The protein and fat in the cheese will help slow the digestion of carbohydrates from other foods, providing sustained energy and keeping you feeling full for longer.

Conclusion: So, are cheese strings low in calories?

Yes, for the most part, cheese strings are a low-calorie snack, especially when compared to many processed snack foods. With approximately 80 to 90 calories per serving, they offer a significant amount of protein and calcium for their energy investment. While they are a good source of nutrition, it's important to read labels and be mindful of portion sizes, particularly for those watching their fat intake. Opting for part-skim or reduced-fat varieties is a simple way to slightly reduce calories while still enjoying this satisfying and convenient treat.

Other Healthy Snack Options

If you're looking to diversify your snack routine, consider these alternatives to complement your string cheese habit:

Yogurt and Berries: Greek yogurt offers even more protein, while berries provide antioxidants and fiber.
Apple Slices with Peanut Butter: A classic combo that provides a great mix of fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: An excellent source of high-quality protein with very few calories.
Carrot Sticks and Hummus: A mix of vitamins, fiber, and protein that is both crunchy and satisfying.

For more information on the nutritional aspects of string cheese and other foods, consult reliable sources such as Verywell Fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count for a single stick of string cheese (approximately 1 ounce or 28 grams) is generally between 80 and 90 calories, depending on the brand and whether it's made from part-skim or whole milk.

Yes, string cheese can be a healthy snack for weight loss. Its high protein content helps promote satiety and reduces hunger, making it a satisfying choice that can prevent overeating.

Standard mozzarella string cheese typically contains around 6 grams of fat per serving. For a lower fat option, reduced-fat or part-skim varieties are available that contain less fat and fewer calories.

String cheese is traditionally made from mozzarella cheese. The unique stringy texture is created by heating and stretching the cheese curd, which aligns the milk proteins.

The sodium content varies by brand. Some brands contain around 190-200 mg of sodium per serving, which is a moderate amount. If you are watching your sodium, it's best to check the nutritional label.

String cheese, especially mozzarella, is a low-lactose food because most of the lactose is removed during the cheese-making process. Many individuals with lactose intolerance can tolerate it, but it's best to test small amounts first.

String cheese is generally lower in calories than an equivalent serving of cheddar cheese. Cheddar typically has more fat and therefore more calories per serving. A single stick of mozzarella string cheese is usually a lighter option than a block of cheddar.