Dairylea Cheese Triangle Nutritional Breakdown
Beyond the headline calorie number, understanding the full nutritional context of a Dairylea cheese triangle helps inform dietary choices. The figures are based on a standard 15.63g portion.
Per 15.63g Triangle:
- Energy: 135 kJ (33 kcal)
- Fat: 2.3g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 0.7g
- Sugars: 0.7g
- Protein: 1.9g
- Salt: 0.23g
- Calcium: 138mg (17% of Reference Intake)
These figures demonstrate that Dairylea offers a moderate amount of fat and protein for its small size, along with a notable calcium contribution. The sugar content is naturally occurring from the dairy ingredients.
What is a Dairylea Cheese Triangle Made Of?
As a processed cheese product, Dairylea's ingredient list differs from natural block cheese. The recipe uses a blend of dairy components and additives to create its signature creamy texture and long shelf life.
Key ingredients include:
- Skimmed milk (reconstituted from water and skimmed milk powder)
- Cheese
- Milk fat
- Whey powder
- Emulsifying salts (like triphosphate and polyphosphates)
- Inulin (a source of fibre)
- Calcium phosphate
The emulsifying salts are responsible for the smooth, spreadable consistency and for preventing the fat from separating, a common feature of processed cheeses.
Comparing Dairylea to Other Cheese Spreads
When considering a snack, it's useful to see how Dairylea compares to alternatives like its 'light' variant or a competitor like The Laughing Cow. This comparison helps in making an informed decision based on your dietary needs.
| Product | Calories (per 15-16g portion) | Fat | Saturated Fat | Protein | Calcium (per 15-16g portion) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dairylea Original Triangle | ~33 kcal | ~2.3g | ~1.5g | ~1.9g | ~138mg |
| Dairylea Light Triangle | ~23 kcal | ~1.3g | ~0.8g | ~2.2g | ~111mg |
| Laughing Cow Original | ~36 kcal | ~2g | ~1.3g | ~2g | Data varies |
As the table shows, the Dairylea Light version offers a reduction in both calories and fat, but also contains slightly less calcium per serving. The nutritional profiles of competing brands like The Laughing Cow are often very similar to the standard Dairylea triangle.
How Dairylea Triangles Fit into a Balanced Diet
Dairylea is a convenient snack or addition to lunchboxes. For children and adults alike, it provides a source of calcium, which is vital for bone health. However, some nutrition experts point out its high salt and saturated fat content relative to its size, advising consumption in moderation as part of a wider variety of foods. It is often classified as an ultra-processed food due to its manufacturing and ingredient list, which some dietitians suggest limiting. The product should be viewed as a treat rather than a primary health food, especially given the availability of less processed cheese options.
To make the most of your Dairylea triangles, consider pairing them with wholesome foods. Instead of eating them alone, spread one on a high-fibre cracker or some vegetable sticks to create a more balanced and filling snack.
Conclusion
One Dairylea cheese triangle contains 33 calories and provides a small but useful portion of protein and calcium. While it is a convenient and tasty snack, its status as a processed food with higher salt and saturated fat content than natural cheese means it's best enjoyed in moderation. By understanding its nutritional makeup, consumers can make informed choices and balance it with other nutrient-rich foods to maintain a healthy diet. For more in-depth nutritional guidance and to explore the complexities of processed foods, you can visit the Wikipedia article on Dairylea.
