The Calorie Breakdown of Queso de Mano
For those tracking their nutritional intake, understanding the specific calorie count of foods is essential. The calorie content of queso de mano, a handcrafted Venezuelan cheese, can vary slightly depending on the brand and specific recipe. However, a reliable baseline exists based on common product data.
A one-ounce (28g) serving of queso de mano is typically reported to contain around 70 to 72 calories. This caloric value is derived primarily from its fat and protein content, as this cheese has a very low carbohydrate count. For context, a 100-gram serving, which is a little over 3.5 ounces, would contain roughly 199 calories, a figure supported by some nutrition databases. The source of the milk, whether solely cow's milk or a combination with ewe's milk, and the specific fat content can cause these minor variations.
Factors Influencing Calorie Count
Several elements contribute to the specific caloric and nutritional profile of a given queso de mano product:
- Milk Source: The ratio of cow's milk to ewe's milk can change the overall fat content. Milk fat is the most calorie-dense macronutrient, so a higher proportion of fatty milk will increase the final calorie count.
- Artisanal vs. Commercial: Mass-produced commercial versions often have more standardized nutritional information, while small-scale artisanal makers might produce cheeses with a higher or lower fat content depending on their process and ingredients.
- Moisture Content: As a fresh, soft cheese, queso de mano has a relatively high moisture content. As the cheese ages and dries, its caloric density per gram would increase. However, since it is typically consumed fresh, this is less of a factor.
A Closer Look at Macronutrients
Beyond just calories, the macronutrient composition offers a more complete picture of what you are consuming. Here’s a typical breakdown for a 1-ounce (28g) serving of queso de mano, based on various brand data:
- Protein: Around 5 grams. This makes queso de mano a good source of protein, which is vital for building and repairing body tissues.
- Fat: Approximately 5 grams. A significant portion of this is saturated fat, which should be considered in the context of a balanced diet.
- Carbohydrates: Typically less than 1 gram. This makes queso de mano suitable for low-carb and ketogenic diets.
List of Key Nutrients
In addition to the macronutrients, queso de mano offers other beneficial components:
- Calcium: An essential mineral for bone health, often present in significant amounts in cheese.
- Sodium: The sodium content can vary by brand. Some brands list very low sodium, while others have a more moderate level, so checking the specific product label is recommended.
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of fat-soluble vitamins, such as Vitamin A.
How Queso de Mano Compares to Other Cheeses
To put its nutritional value into perspective, let's compare queso de mano to other popular cheeses. The table below provides a comparison based on a standard 1-ounce serving size, using general industry averages.
| Cheese Type | Calories (per 1 oz) | Protein (per 1 oz) | Fat (per 1 oz) | Saturated Fat (per 1 oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queso de Mano | ~70-72 kcal | ~5g | ~5g | ~4g |
| Fresh Mozzarella | ~75-80 kcal | ~6g | ~5g | ~3g |
| Cheddar (Aged) | ~114 kcal | ~7g | ~9g | ~6g |
| Feta | ~74 kcal | ~4g | ~6g | ~4g |
| Part-Skim Mozzarella | ~72 kcal | ~7g | ~4g | ~2g |
As the table shows, queso de mano's caloric and macronutrient profile is quite similar to fresh mozzarella. It is a lower-calorie option compared to hard, aged cheeses like cheddar, which are much more calorically dense due to lower moisture and higher fat content.
Common Pairings and Their Caloric Impact
Queso de mano is rarely eaten alone. Its true caloric impact often comes from the dishes it accompanies, particularly arepas and cachapas. A simple, one-ounce portion of cheese might be low in calories, but a full meal with these accompaniments changes the picture significantly.
- Arepas with Queso de Mano: An arepa is a cornmeal cake, which can be fried or grilled. When filled with cheese, the total calories can easily rise to over 400 kcal or more, depending on the arepa's preparation and size.
- Cachapas with Queso de Mano: Cachapas are sweet corn pancakes, often served with a slice of fresh cheese. The sweetness of the cachapa and the addition of the cheese, and sometimes extra butter, can lead to a caloric count similar to or higher than an arepa combination.
Being mindful of these pairings is crucial for overall dietary planning, as the cheese itself is just one component of the meal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, queso de mano is a relatively low-calorie fresh cheese, with approximately 70-72 calories per one-ounce serving. Its nutritional profile includes a good source of protein and calcium, though it is also notably high in saturated fat. When comparing it to other cheeses, it is a lighter option than aged variants like cheddar but is nutritionally similar to fresh mozzarella. The final caloric impact of consuming queso de mano largely depends on how it is prepared and paired with other foods, especially in traditional Venezuelan dishes like arepas and cachapas. As with any food, moderation is key to incorporating queso de mano into a balanced diet. You can find more comprehensive nutritional data on many food tracking applications and websites, such as Eat This Much.
Glossary
- Macronutrients: The main nutrients required by the body in large amounts, including protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
- Artisanal Cheese: Cheese produced by hand in small batches, often using traditional methods.
- Arepa: A flat, round cornmeal cake that is a staple in Venezuelan and Colombian cuisine.
- Cachapa: A pancake-like dish made from fresh corn kernels.
- Queso Fresco: A term for a type of fresh, unripened cheese, of which queso de mano is an example.
Resources for further information
- Nutritionix: Offers detailed nutritional information on many food products, including queso de mano from various brands.
- Eat This Much: A nutritional database that provides macronutrient breakdowns for a wide variety of foods.
