How many calories are in one slice of white cheese?

January 5, 2026 •

3 min read

A single slice of white cheese can contain anywhere from 40 to over 100 calories, depending heavily on the type and serving size. Knowing the specific calorie count is essential for managing dietary intake and making informed food choices. This information helps individuals balance their meals effectively.

Quick Summary

Calorie count for a single slice of white cheese varies by type and weight. American cheese averages 70-80 calories, while white cheddar and provolone are closer to 80-113 calories. Macronutrient breakdowns, including fat and protein content, are key to understanding the total nutritional value.

Key Points

Average Range: A single slice of white cheese typically contains between 70 and 115 calories, varying by type and size.
Type Matters: Processed white American cheese slices average 70-80 calories, while natural white cheddar slices can have 110-114 calories.
Fat is Key: Cheese is calorie-dense primarily due to its fat content; full-fat versions have more calories than low-fat alternatives.
Serving Size Varies: Standard pre-cut slices typically weigh between 0.7 oz (20g) and 1 oz (28g).
Nutrient Rich: Despite the calories, white cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, offering health benefits in moderation.

Factors Influencing Calorie Count

The primary factors that determine the caloric value of a cheese slice are:

Type of Cheese: Different cheese varieties have inherently different fat and moisture content, which directly impacts their calorie density. Harder, aged cheeses tend to have more calories per ounce than softer, higher-moisture options.
Serving Size (Weight): A 1-ounce (28g) slice will have more calories than a smaller 0.5-ounce (14g) slice. Pre-packaged slices often have consistent weights, typically ranging from 0.7 oz to 1 oz (21g to 28g).
Fat Content: Full-fat cheeses are higher in calories compared to their reduced-fat or low-fat versions. Fat contains more than double the calories per gram compared to protein or carbohydrates.
Processing: Processed white American cheese often has a slightly different nutritional profile than natural white cheddar or provolone.

Calorie Comparison: Popular White Cheeses

To provide a clear picture, here is a comparison of the approximate calorie count for a standard 1-ounce (28g) slice of popular white cheeses, based on available nutrition data:


Type of White Cheese	Approx. Calories (per 1 oz/28g slice)	Total Fat (g)	Protein (g)
White American (Processed)	70-80 calories	5-7g	4-5g
Provolone	98-100 calories	7-8g	7g
White Cheddar (Mild/Sharp)	110-114 calories	9g	6-7g
Swiss	~110 calories	~8g	~8g

It is clear that natural, harder cheeses like white cheddar tend to have a higher calorie count per slice than processed options like white American cheese. The fat content is the primary driver of this difference.

Nutritional Breakdown of a Typical Slice

Beyond calories, a slice of white cheese offers essential nutrients. It is a good source of protein and an excellent source of calcium. Most natural cheeses have minimal to no carbohydrates or sugar, making them a popular choice for low-carb diets.

A 1-ounce slice of white cheddar might contain:

Calories: ~113 kcal
Protein: ~7g
Total Fat: ~9g
Saturated Fat: ~6g
Carbohydrates: ~0.4g
Calcium: ~200mg (around 15% of Daily Value)

These nutritional values underscore that while cheese is calorie-dense, it also provides significant amounts of essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to a balanced diet. Health authorities generally link moderate cheese consumption to a lower risk of certain cardiovascular issues.

Conclusion

The specific number of calories in one slice of white cheese ranges significantly, but a general estimate for a standard slice is between 70 and 115 calories. Processed American cheese tends to be on the lower end, while natural provolone and white cheddar are on the higher end. For precise tracking, always check the product's nutrition label, as serving sizes and formulations can differ by brand. Incorporating cheese into a balanced diet in moderation allows you to enjoy its flavor and nutritional benefits without excessive caloric intake.

Citations

Fitia: White Cheese - Calories and Nutrition Facts
CalorieKing: Calories in Shoprite White American Cheese Sliced
Eat This Much: President's Choice Sliced White Cheddar Cheese
Nutritionix: Calories in White American Cheese
Eat This Much: Mr. Sub Process White Cheese Slice Nutrition Facts
Baladna: Impressive Health Benefits of Eating White Cheddar Cheese
Nutritionix: Calories in 1 Slice Cheddar Cheese
UR Medicine: Cheese, provolone, 1 slice (1 oz)
Nutritionix: Calories in Cheese, provolone - 1 slice (1 oz) from USDA
Verywell Fit: Provolone Cheese Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits
Healthline: The Benefits and Risks of Cheese for People with Diabetes
Harvard Health: Eat cheese, if you please

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, significantly. For example, a 1-ounce slice of white American cheese has about 70-80 calories, while a 1-ounce slice of white cheddar has over 110 calories due to differences in fat and moisture content.

A typical pre-packaged slice of white cheese usually weighs between 0.7 ounces (20g) and 1 ounce (28g).

Yes, white cheese is a good source of essential nutrients like protein and an excellent source of calcium. It also contains vitamins such as Vitamin A and D.

Yes, opting for low-fat or reduced-fat white cheese dramatically lowers the calorie count because fat is the most calorie-dense macronutrient.

Yes, most natural white cheeses contain very few carbohydrates (often less than 1g per slice) and no sugar, making them suitable for low-carb diets.

There is virtually no nutritional or caloric difference between white and yellow cheddar cheese. The color difference comes from an added natural dye called annatto, which has no impact on calories.

Yes, the thicker the slice, the more it weighs, and therefore the higher the calorie count. A thin deli slice has fewer calories than a thick, hand-cut slice.