How many calories are in 1 triangle cheese? Your complete nutritional guide

November 4, 2025 •

4 min read

A standard Original Laughing Cow cheese triangle contains approximately 42 calories. Knowing exactly how many calories are in 1 triangle cheese can be crucial for managing daily intake, but the numbers vary significantly based on brand and fat content, making label-reading a key part of informed snacking.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of a single cheese triangle is generally low, ranging from approximately 23 to 50 calories depending on the specific brand and whether it is a light or original variety. Different brands, such as Laughing Cow and Dairylea, each offer unique nutritional profiles.

Key Points

Varies by Brand: The calorie count for one cheese triangle is not universal and can range from 23 to 50 calories depending on the manufacturer and specific product line.
Choose 'Light' for Fewer Calories: 'Light' or reduced-fat versions, like The Laughing Cow Light, have significantly fewer calories and less fat than their original counterparts.
Mindful Snacking: The individually wrapped portions make cheese triangles a convenient tool for portion control, which is essential for managing your calorie intake.
Nutrient Content: Beyond calories, these snacks provide calcium for bone health and some protein, but can be high in sodium, especially in full-fat versions.
Pair with Whole Foods: To make the snack more filling and nutritious, pair a cheese triangle with vegetables, fruits, or whole-grain crackers to add fiber.

Understanding the Calorie Count in Triangle Cheese

While a single triangle of cheese is a relatively small and low-calorie snack, the exact calorie count can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific product line. For instance, a light version will have fewer calories than an original full-fat version. Popular brands like The Laughing Cow, Dairylea, and Puck all have different nutritional values, making it important to check the packaging for the most accurate information. This guide provides a breakdown of common brands to help you make an informed choice.

Calorie Breakdown by Brand

For many people, the terms 'triangle cheese' immediately bring to mind brands like The Laughing Cow or Dairylea. Here's what you can expect from some of the most widely available varieties:

The Laughing Cow Original: A single wedge (approximately 17.5g) contains around 42 calories. It also provides a moderate amount of fat and protein, along with calcium.
The Laughing Cow Light: Designed for those watching their intake, a light wedge contains only about 23-25 calories. This version has 55% less fat than the original, offering a guilt-free creamy snack.
Dairylea Cheese Triangles: A single portion (around 15.6g) typically contains 33-42 calories, depending on the specific product and regional variation. Lighter versions are also available, often with a slightly lower calorie count.
Puck Cheese Triangles: Some versions, like those found in the Middle East, contain a higher number of calories, sometimes around 40-50 per triangle. It's a good reminder that regional products can have different formulations.

A Deeper Dive into Nutrition: Beyond the Calorie Count

Beyond just calories, cheese triangles offer a mix of other macronutrients. While processed cheese is not as nutrient-dense as some natural cheeses, it can still provide some essential nutrients. All varieties are typically good sources of calcium, which is vital for bone health. Protein content is also present, contributing to muscle maintenance. However, it is important to be aware of the fat and sodium content, as both can be high, particularly in the original versions. Light options successfully reduce fat and calories but may still contain a notable amount of sodium.

Making Healthier Choices

Incorporating cheese triangles into a balanced diet is all about moderation and smart pairing. Here are some tips to keep your snacking healthy:

Pair with fiber: Instead of eating them alone, pair a cheese triangle with high-fiber foods like whole-grain crackers, apple slices, or celery sticks. This helps you feel fuller for longer.
Vegetable dips: Use the cheese triangle as a dip for carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or bell peppers. This boosts your vegetable intake and adds flavor without excessive calories.
Mindful portioning: Stick to just one or two triangles per snack. The individual wrapping makes this easy, preventing you from overeating.
Opt for 'light': If calorie or fat intake is a concern, always choose the light or reduced-fat version of your favorite brand. The calorie savings can add up over time.

Comparison Table: Triangle Cheese vs. Other Cheeses

To put the calorie count of a cheese triangle into perspective, here is a comparison with other popular cheese types. All values are approximate and for a standard serving size.


Cheese Type	Calories (per portion)	Fat (approx.)	Protein (approx.)	Sodium (approx.)
Laughing Cow Original (1 triangle)	42 kcal	3.3g	1.9g	160mg
Laughing Cow Light (1 triangle)	25 kcal	1.5g	2g	160mg
Standard Cheddar Slice (21g)	85 kcal	7.9g	6.3g	150mg
Low-Fat Cottage Cheese (1/2 cup)	81 kcal	1g	14g	450mg

This table demonstrates that while a single triangle cheese is low in calories, its nutritional profile, particularly sodium, can vary. A half-cup of cottage cheese, for example, offers more protein for a higher calorie count, while a slice of cheddar provides more fat and a similar calorie density for its size. For a low-fat and low-calorie snack, the 'light' triangle cheese is a strong contender.

Conclusion: A Convenient Snack with Important Distinctions

Knowing how many calories are in 1 triangle cheese is a simple question with a layered answer. The precise number depends on the brand and fat content, with 'light' versions being the clear low-calorie winner. For most people, a single cheese triangle can be a healthy and convenient snack, providing a small amount of protein and calcium. The individually wrapped portions make portion control easy, and pairing them with vegetables or whole grains can enhance their nutritional value. As with all foods, the key to a healthy diet is moderation and reading the nutrition labels to understand what you're consuming. Consulting a resource like the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Nutrition Source can provide further context on cheese and dairy in a healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Light cheese triangles can be a healthy, low-calorie snack option, especially when paired with fruits or vegetables. They are low in calories and fat compared to original versions and provide calcium and protein, but their sodium content should be considered.

A standard cheese triangle contains fewer calories per portion than a typical slice of cheddar or a half-cup of cottage cheese. However, it's important to compare fat, protein, and sodium content based on serving size.

No, the calorie content varies by brand. For example, a Laughing Cow Original wedge has about 42 calories, while a light version has around 25 calories.

Yes, you can eat cheese triangles on a diet, especially the light varieties, as they are relatively low in calories. As with any food, moderation and portion control are key.

A primary nutritional benefit of eating cheese triangles is their calcium content, which is important for maintaining healthy teeth and bones.

Triangle cheese can be high in sodium, particularly in processed varieties. It is important to check the nutrition label, especially for those monitoring their sodium intake.

Yes, cheese triangles are a popular and convenient snack for children. They provide calcium for growing bones, though portion sizes should be considered as part of a balanced diet.