How many calories are in one slice of Tasty cheese?

November 4, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the brand Bega, one 17-gram slice of its Farmers' Tasty Cheese contains approximately 70 calories. The exact caloric content of one slice of Tasty cheese can vary based on the specific brand, fat content, and slice size, but it typically ranges from 70 to 85 calories.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a slice of Tasty cheese depends on the brand and size, typically falling between 70 and 85 calories. Key nutritional data includes fat, protein, and sodium levels. Variations exist between full-fat and light versions, as well as when compared to other popular cheeses like cheddar.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A single slice of Tasty cheese generally contains between 70 and 85 calories, varying by brand and slice size.
Nutrient Breakdown: Each slice offers protein and calcium, but is also relatively high in fat and sodium compared to some other cheeses.
Brand Variations: Bega's Tasty cheese is around 70 calories per 17g slice, while Cheer's is about 85 calories per 21g slice.
Portion Control: Limiting yourself to a standard 30g serving is key to enjoying cheese responsibly.
Comparison with Cheddar: Tasty cheese is a type of aged cheddar, but some brands have higher sodium levels than standard, milder cheddar.
Healthier Alternatives: Options like mozzarella, ricotta, or cottage cheese are lower in fat and calories for those seeking lighter alternatives.

Understanding Tasty Cheese

Tasty cheese is a flavorful type of mature cheddar, known for its sharper taste compared to standard mild cheddar. Originating from New Zealand and Australia, it is aged for a longer period, often up to 18 months, which develops its characteristic crumbly texture and full-bodied flavor profile. The aging process concentrates both its taste and nutritional content, including calories, fat, and sodium.

Nutritional breakdown of a single slice

For an accurate calorie count, it is best to check the specific brand's nutritional label, as slice sizes and recipes differ. For example, a 17-gram slice of Bega Tasty cheese contains about 70 calories, while a 21-gram slice of Cheer Tasty cheese has around 85 calories.

Fat: A typical slice contains approximately 6-7 grams of fat, with a significant portion being saturated fat.
Protein: You can expect to find around 4 to 6 grams of protein in a single slice.
Carbohydrates: Cheese is very low in carbohydrates, with a single slice containing less than 1 gram.
Sodium: The sodium content can be a notable factor, with some slices containing a moderate amount. For instance, a 25g serving of Tasty cheese was reported to have a significantly higher sodium level than cheddar.
Calcium: Cheese is an excellent source of calcium, crucial for bone health.

Comparison: Tasty vs. Other Popular Cheeses

Comparing Tasty cheese to other common varieties helps put its calorie count and nutritional profile into perspective. While Tasty cheese is a specific brand of aged cheddar, comparing it to a generic cheddar and other types highlights important differences.


Cheese Type	Typical Slice Weight	Approx. Calories	Protein (g)	Fat (g)	Sodium (mg)
Tasty Cheese	17-25g	70-85	4-6	6-7	150-250
Cheddar (Generic)	28g (1 oz)	114	6	9	185
Swiss	28g (1 oz)	111	8	9	54
Mozzarella (low-moisture)	28g (1 oz)	85	6	3.5	175
American (Processed)	28g (1 oz)	102	5	9	468

Factors that influence calorie counts

Several factors can cause the calorie count of a cheese slice to fluctuate. For health-conscious individuals, understanding these variations is key to making informed dietary decisions.

Brand Variations: As seen with Bega and Cheer, different brands of Tasty cheese will have slightly different nutritional profiles based on their specific manufacturing processes and ingredient sourcing.
Slice Thickness: A thicker or larger slice will naturally have more calories and fat. Many packaged slices are standardized, but a hand-cut slice from a block can vary significantly.
Light vs. Full-Fat: Many cheese brands offer a 'light' or 'reduced fat' version. These are specifically manufactured to contain less fat and, consequently, fewer calories. For example, Cheer offers a 'Light'n Tasty' cheese slice.
Processing: Processed cheese products, like American cheese slices, often have different fat and sodium levels compared to natural cheese due to the additives used to create a uniform, meltable product.

Making healthier cheese choices

While Tasty cheese can certainly be part of a balanced diet, considering your options and portion sizes is important. For instance, comparing the table above shows that Swiss cheese offers more protein per ounce for a similar calorie count and significantly less sodium than American cheese.

Tips for incorporating cheese healthily:

Mind your portion sizes: Stick to one or two slices rather than mindlessly snacking. A standard hard cheese serving size is around 30 grams.
Choose natural varieties: Opt for natural cheese over heavily processed versions to avoid high sodium levels and artificial additives.
Explore low-fat alternatives: Consider 'light' versions or naturally lower-fat cheeses like mozzarella or cottage cheese.
Pair with fiber: Enjoy cheese with high-fiber foods like whole-grain crackers or vegetables to promote steady blood sugar levels.
Focus on flavor: Aged cheeses like Tasty have a stronger flavor, meaning a smaller amount can go a long way in adding taste to your meal, helping with portion control.

Conclusion

In summary, one slice of Tasty cheese typically contains between 70 and 85 calories, with the precise number depending on the brand and size of the slice. While it provides beneficial nutrients like protein and calcium, it is also high in fat and sodium. For those monitoring their intake, mindful portion control and exploring lower-fat alternatives or comparing with other cheeses like Swiss or light mozzarella are effective strategies. Tasty cheese can be a flavorful and nutritious part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tasty cheese is a type of mature, aged cheddar cheese, typically matured for up to 18 months, which gives it a more robust and sharper flavor profile than mild cheddar.

Not necessarily. While both are nutritious, some brands of Tasty cheese can be higher in sodium than standard cheddar. Cheddar might offer a slight edge in protein and lower sodium, but both should be consumed in moderation.

Yes, 'light' versions are specifically produced with less fat, resulting in a lower calorie count per slice compared to their full-fat counterparts.

To reduce calories, you can opt for low-fat versions, practice strict portion control by measuring servings, or choose naturally lower-fat cheeses like mozzarella or feta.

Beyond calories, a slice of Tasty cheese is a source of protein and essential minerals like calcium. It also contains fat, including saturated fat, and varying amounts of sodium.

A standard, healthy serving size for hard cheese is about 30 grams, which can help in managing weight and blood sugar levels.

Yes, a thicker, hand-cut slice from a block will have more calories than a thinner, pre-packaged slice. Consistency in slice size is key for calorie counting.