How Many Calories Are in 2 Cups of Grated Cheese?: A Comprehensive Nutritional Breakdown

October 28, 2025 •

3 min read

The calorie count for cheese varies dramatically depending on the type and fat content, making the simple question of how many calories are in 2 cups of grated cheese surprisingly complex. While two cups of shredded part-skim mozzarella might be around 640 calories, two cups of shredded cheddar can be significantly higher, reaching nearly 990 calories.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of two cups of grated cheese varies significantly based on the cheese type, fat, and moisture content. Harder, aged cheeses like cheddar are higher in calories, while softer, part-skim varieties like mozzarella are lower. Accurate measurement is key to managing intake.

Key Points

Wide Variation: Calories in 2 cups of grated cheese depend heavily on the type, ranging from around 640 for whole-milk mozzarella to nearly 990 for cheddar.
Fat is Key: Higher fat content, especially in aged cheeses like parmesan and cheddar, leads to a higher calorie density.
Moisture Matters: Harder, drier cheeses like parmesan are more calorie-dense by weight due to lower water content compared to softer cheeses.
Density Difference: The weight of 2 cups of grated cheese varies significantly between cheese types, directly impacting the final calorie count.
Mindful Consumption: Practicing portion control is essential for managing caloric intake, as cheese is a calorie-dense food.

When considering the calorie content of grated cheese, it's crucial to understand that there is no single answer. The nutritional profile changes dramatically based on the type of cheese, its fat content, and even how finely it's grated. A comparison of popular cheeses reveals a wide range, underscoring the importance of checking nutritional labels for accurate information.

The Calorie Breakdown by Cheese Type

To illustrate the calorie differences, let's examine the nutritional data for two of the most commonly used grated cheeses: cheddar and mozzarella, along with a harder cheese like parmesan.

2 Cups of Grated Cheddar Cheese: Two cups of shredded cheddar cheese can contain a substantial number of calories. One source cites 2 cups of shredded cheddar at approximately 990 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown showing a high percentage of fat. Another source indicates around 911 calories for the same amount, while a specific brand is listed at 888 calories for 2 cups. The variation is likely due to differences in fat content (e.g., sharp vs. mild) and density.
2 Cups of Grated Mozzarella Cheese: Part-skim shredded mozzarella is often a lower-calorie option compared to cheddar. Two cups of shredded part-skim mozzarella can contain approximately 640 calories. Some brands may be slightly lower; one recent source shows 2 cups of mozzarella shredded cheese at 482 calories.
2 Cups of Grated Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese, a hard, aged cheese, is very calorie-dense by weight. However, since it's typically grated more finely and used in smaller quantities, its total cup measurement can vary. Based on nutritional data, one cup of grated parmesan cheese is around 420 calories, meaning two cups would be roughly 840 calories.

Factors Influencing Calorie Count

Several factors contribute to the calorie count of grated cheese, and understanding them is key to making informed dietary choices.

Fat Content and Aging Process

The primary factor driving calorie variation is the fat and moisture content. Full-fat cheeses inherently have more calories than their reduced-fat or part-skim counterparts. Additionally, the aging process plays a role. Hard, aged cheeses like parmesan or cheddar lose moisture over time, concentrating the fat, protein, and therefore, the calories into a smaller, denser product.

Grating and Density

The way cheese is grated affects its volume and density per cup. Coarsely shredded cheese will have more air and weigh less per cup than finely grated or densely packed cheese. This is a significant reason for the calorie ranges observed in different product listings for the same type of cheese.

Other Ingredients and Milk Source

The source of milk (whole vs. skim) and any added ingredients also influence the final calorie count. Cheeses made from whole milk will contain more calories than those made with part-skim milk. Pre-packaged shredded cheeses may contain anti-caking agents and other additives, which might subtly alter the nutritional content, although the fat content remains the most significant variable.

Nutritional Comparison of Common Grated Cheeses

To provide a clear overview, here is a comparison table of the approximate nutritional content for a standard 1-cup serving of various grated cheeses based on search results:


Cheese Type	Approximate Calories (per 1 cup)	Fat (g)	Protein (g)
Grated Cheddar	455-495	37-41	27-28
Grated Whole Milk Mozzarella	336	25	25

Frequently Asked Questions

Part-skim mozzarella or reduced-fat cheddar will generally have fewer calories per cup than their full-fat counterparts. Cottage cheese is also notably lower in calories.

Since the volume of grated cheese can vary widely based on how tightly packed it is, using a food scale is the most accurate method. For estimates, use nutrition information for one-ounce (28g) servings and approximate your grated cheese volume by weight.

Cheddar cheese has a higher fat content than most mozzarella, especially part-skim varieties. Additionally, cheddar is denser, so a cup of grated cheddar weighs more than a cup of grated mozzarella, resulting in more calories.

No, grating does not change the calorie count. However, pre-shredded cheese can sometimes contain anti-caking agents, and freshly grated cheese might be less dense per cup, so weighing is still the most accurate way to measure calories.

Yes, cheese can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. It's a good source of calcium and protein, but its high calorie, fat, and sodium content means portion control is important.

A standard serving of natural cheese is typically 1 to 1.5 ounces (about 28 to 42 grams). This is significantly less than two cups, which is why moderation is key.

This depends on your dietary goals. Full-fat cheese often provides more intense flavor, allowing you to use less. Low-fat options contain fewer calories and saturated fat, which may be preferable for calorie-restricted diets.