How Many Calories Are in One Pack of Cheese?

November 27, 2025 •

4 min read

The calorie count in a single serving of cheese can vary dramatically, ranging from around 25 to over 90 calories, depending on the type and brand. Understanding how many calories are in one pack of cheese is crucial for those monitoring their daily intake, and the portion size is a key factor in your overall nutritional impact.

Quick Summary

Calorie content in single-serve cheese depends on fat content, moisture, and processing. Popular options like string cheese, Kraft Singles, and Laughing Cow wedges have different counts, which can significantly affect diet plans.

Key Points

Variety is Key: The calorie count for a single pack of cheese is highly dependent on the type, with processed and hard cheeses often being more calorie-dense than soft or reduced-fat varieties.
Check the Label: Always review the nutrition label for precise calorie, fat, and sodium information, as these can vary significantly between brands and products.
Low-Calorie Options Exist: For lower calorie choices, look for options like The Laughing Cow Light wedges (25 kcal) or part-skim mozzarella string cheese (around 80-90 kcal).
Consider Other Nutrients: Beyond calories, evaluate fat, sodium, and protein content. Cheese can be a great source of protein and calcium, but some types are high in sodium and saturated fat.
Portion Control is Important: Individually wrapped packs are excellent for managing portion sizes, which helps prevent overconsumption of a calorie-dense snack.
Pairing Improves Nutrition: For a more balanced snack, pair cheese with healthy, low-calorie foods like vegetables, fruits, or whole-grain crackers.

The calorie count in a single-serve cheese pack is highly dependent on a few key factors: the type of cheese, its fat content, and whether it's a natural or processed variety. For instance, a small, soft processed cheese wedge will have a very different nutritional profile than a firmer, natural cheddar stick. Consumers need to read nutrition labels carefully, as even within the same brand, variations like "light" or "full-fat" can alter the numbers significantly. This article provides a comprehensive look at popular single-serve cheeses to help you make informed snack choices.

Factors That Affect Calorie Count

Fat and Moisture Content

Cheese is a concentrated source of the nutrients found in milk, and fat is a major determinant of its calorie density. Cheeses are categorized by their moisture and fat content, which directly impacts the calorie count.

Hard vs. Soft Cheeses: Hard, aged cheeses like Parmesan have a lower moisture content and are therefore more calorie-dense per ounce compared to soft, fresh cheeses like mozzarella or cottage cheese.
Full-Fat vs. Reduced-Fat: It's no surprise that a reduced-fat version of any cheese will contain fewer calories than its full-fat counterpart. Many brands now offer low-fat alternatives for health-conscious consumers.

Processing and Added Ingredients

Processed cheese, such as individually wrapped American singles, contains emulsifiers and other added ingredients that can affect its nutritional makeup. The fat and calorie content can vary by brand and product type, so it is essential to check the specific nutritional information. Some packaged cheese snacks might also include additives like spices or flavorings that add minimal calories, but still influence the overall content.

Calorie Comparison of Popular Single-Serve Cheeses

The following table provides a breakdown of the typical calorie counts for several common types of single-serving cheese packs, based on the standard serving size. Note that these figures are averages and can vary by brand and specific product formulation.


Cheese Type	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Fat Content	Typical Sodium
Kraft Singles (American)	1 Slice (around 19g)	50-70 calories	Moderate	Moderate to High
The Laughing Cow Wedge (Light)	1 Wedge (around 17g)	25 calories	Low	Moderate
The Laughing Cow Wedge (Original)	1 Wedge (around 19g)	45-50 calories	Moderate	Moderate
String Cheese (Low-Moisture Mozzarella)	1 Stick (around 28g)	80-90 calories	Moderate	Low to Moderate
Mini Babybel (Original)	1 Piece (around 20g)	48 calories	Moderate	Moderate
Mini Babybel Light	1 Piece (around 20g)	43 calories	Low	Low
Cheddar Stick (Sharp/Mild)	1 Stick (around 28g)	80-90 calories	Moderate	Moderate

Reading the Label: More Than Just Calories

While calories are a useful metric, they don't tell the whole story. When choosing a packaged cheese snack, it’s worth considering other nutritional facts.

Fat content: Look at the total fat and saturated fat. Lower-fat options will significantly reduce your calorie intake for the same volume.
Sodium: Processed cheeses often contain more sodium to enhance flavor and preserve the product. For those monitoring their salt intake, natural cheese or low-sodium varieties are better.
Protein: Cheese is a great source of protein, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. Some types, like string cheese, are particularly high in protein for their calorie count.
Calcium: Most cheeses are excellent sources of calcium, essential for bone health. Checking the % Daily Value (%DV) can help you meet your nutritional goals.

Making a Healthier Cheese Snack Choice

To manage your calorie intake while still enjoying cheese, consider these strategies:

Opt for Low-Fat Varieties: Choosing products labeled "light" or "reduced-fat" can provide a satisfying cheese snack for fewer calories.
Stick to Natural Cheeses: Natural cheese tends to have fewer additives and can sometimes be a more nutrient-dense choice, even if the calorie count per gram is higher. Since their flavor is often more intense, a smaller portion may be more satisfying.
Mind Your Portion Sizes: Individually wrapped packs are great for portion control, preventing you from overindulging from a larger block of cheese.
Pair with Healthy Options: Combine your cheese snack with low-calorie, high-fiber foods like vegetables or fruit to create a more balanced and filling snack. A wedge of Laughing Cow on a few cucumber slices is a great example.
Look Beyond Traditional Cheeses: For a high-protein, lower-calorie alternative, consider cottage cheese. A half-cup of 2% fat cottage cheese can have as few as 90 calories.

Conclusion

The number of calories in one pack of cheese varies widely depending on the type, brand, and size. While higher-fat varieties offer rich flavor, low-fat and portion-controlled options allow you to enjoy a cheesy snack without consuming excessive calories. Always review the nutritional label to make the most informed decision for your dietary needs. By considering fat content, sodium levels, and protein, you can choose a delicious and satisfying cheese snack that fits perfectly into a healthy lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard individual slice of Kraft Singles American cheese contains approximately 50 to 70 calories, with variations depending on the exact product and serving size.

A single wedge of The Laughing Cow cheese contains approximately 45-50 calories for the Original version and around 25 calories for the Light version, as seen in their nutrition facts.

One stick of string cheese, typically low-moisture mozzarella, contains about 80 to 90 calories, making it a relatively protein-dense snack.

Yes, light or reduced-fat versions of cheese packs consistently have fewer calories and less fat than their full-fat counterparts, offering a lighter snacking option.

Yes, single-serve cheese packs are generally individually wrapped for convenience and portion control, which helps prevent accidental overconsumption.

The variation in calories is due to differences in fat content, moisture levels, and the aging process. Harder, aged cheeses are more calorie-dense than softer, fresher ones.

Yes, many types of cheese, including those in single-serve packs like string cheese, are good sources of protein, helping to keep you feeling full and satisfied.