Mozzarella string cheese is a popular snack food that is convenient, tasty, and portable. Many people enjoy mozzarella string cheese by itself or paired with fruit or crackers for a quick snack or mini-meal. But exactly how many calories are in one stick of mozzarella string cheese? Let’s take a closer look.
Calories in Mozzarella String Cheese
Most single sticks of mozzarella string cheese contain about 80 calories per stick. However, the exact calorie count can vary slightly depending on the brand and specifics of the product.
Here are some approximate calorie counts for popular brands of mozzarella string cheese:
| Brand | Calories per Stick |
|---|---|
| Sargento | 80 |
| Kraft | 80 |
| Frigo | 80 |
| Galbani | 70 |
| Polly-O | 70 |
As you can see, most major brands of mozzarella string cheese contain right around 80 calories per stick. Store brands or less common brands may have slightly varying calorie counts, but they generally provide 70-90 calories.
So in general, you can expect one stick of mozzarella string cheese to provide about 80 calories.
Nutritional Profile of Mozzarella String Cheese
In addition to calories, mozzarella string cheese also contains other key nutrients:
Fat
Most of the calories in mozzarella string cheese come from fat. Each stick contains about 6 grams of total fat, 4.5 of which are saturated fat. So while mozzarella string cheese provides protein and calcium, it is high in saturated fat.
Protein
Mozzarella string cheese is a good source of protein, with about 6-7 grams per stick. Protein helps keep you full and aids muscle growth and repair.
Carbohydrates
Mozzarella string cheese contains minimal carbs, with less than 1 gram of carbs per stick. It is considered a low-carb food.
Calcium
Mozzarella string cheese provides about 15% of the daily recommended calcium intake. Calcium is essential for bone health.
So in summary, mozzarella string cheese is high in protein and calcium relative to its calorie content, but also high in saturated fat.
Mozzarella String Cheese as Part of a Healthy Diet
Mozzarella string cheese can be part of a healthy diet in moderation. Here are some tips for enjoying mozzarella string cheese as a nutritious snack:
– Stick to 1-2 sticks per serving and pair with other foods like whole grain crackers, apple slices, or carrot sticks to make a balanced snack.
– Choose low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella to reduce the amount of fat and calories per stick.
– Avoid excessive sodium intake by limiting processed and pre-packaged mozzarella string cheese and opting for fresh mozzarella.
– Increase nutritional value by choosing organic string cheese when possible.
– Read labels and aim for mozzarella string cheese without artificial flavors, colors or excess preservatives.
– Measure out single serving sizes instead of eating directly from a large package, which can lead to overeating.
– Substitute mozzarella string cheese for less nutritional snack options like chips, candy or cookies.
When enjoyed in moderation and as part of an overall healthy diet, mozzarella string cheese can be a tasty and convenient mini-meal or snack. Just be mindful of portion sizes to keep calories under control.
Health Benefits of Mozzarella String Cheese
Beyond its nutritional content, mozzarella string cheese has several health benefits:
Convenient Source of Protein and Calcium
The protein and calcium in mozzarella make it a convenient on-the-go mini-meal for busy lifestyles. The protein helps satisfy hunger and calcium benefits bone health.
Portability
Individually wrapped string cheese is easy to toss in a bag or keep at your desk for a quick snack. Its portability makes it easy to eat healthy even when you’re out and about.
Versatility
String cheese can be snacked on its own or paired with fruits, vegetables, crackers, lunch meats and more for a customizable snack.
Kid-Friendly
Many kids enjoy the mild flavor and fun, stringy texture of mozzarella string cheese. It can be an easy way to provide kids with protein and calcium.
So mozzarella string cheese not only provides key nutrients, but also offers convenience and versatility as a snack choice. Keep portions in check and it can be a healthy addition to your diet.
Alternatives to Mozzarella String Cheese
Mozzarella string cheese is certainly not the only option for a tasty, convenient snack. Here are some healthy alternatives:
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is creamy like mozzarella but contains less fat. It also offers more protein. Enjoy a 1/2 cup serving with fruit or flaxseed.
Greek Yogurt
Plain Greek yogurt is higher in protein than mozzarella, lower in calories and provides probiotics. Pair it with fresh berries or honey.
Edamame
Shelled edamame makes for an easy grab-and-go snack. It packs protein, fiber and phytonutrients.
Trail Mix
Homemade trail mix with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit provides fiber, protein and healthy fats. Portion to a 1/4 cup serving size.
Hummus and Vegetables
Hummus paired with sliced cucumbers, carrots or bell peppers makes for a filling, nutritious snack that’s high in protein and fiber.
Air-Popped Popcorn
Popcorn is a whole grain that’s low in calories. Air-pop it yourself and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and paprika.
So next time you reach for a mozzarella stick, consider mixing it up and trying one of these alternatives instead. Your body and taste buds will thank you!
Risks or Downsides to Eating Too Much Mozzarella String Cheese
While mozzarella string cheese can absolutely be part of a healthy diet, there are some potential downsides to eating too much:
High in Saturated Fat
The biggest risk would be going overboard on saturated fat. Mozzarella string cheese is relatively high in saturated fat, which in excess amounts is linked to increased cholesterol levels and heart disease risk.
High Sodium
Some mozzarella string cheese, especially processed varieties, can be high in sodium. Excess sodium intake is associated with high blood pressure.
Limited Nutrients
If you fill up on mozzarella string cheese at the expense of other fruits, vegetables and whole foods, you could miss out on valuable vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Constipation
Cheese can be binding for some people, possibly leading to constipation if consumed in large amounts without enough fiber from other sources.
Weight Gain
While one mozzarella stick is just 80 calories, mindless snacking on multiple sticks in a sitting can cause unwanted weight gain. Be conscious of portion sizes.
The key is moderation. Stick to recommended serving sizes of 1-2 mozzarella sticks per snack, and complement it with a variety of nutritious foods throughout your day.
Conclusion
One stick of mozzarella string cheese contains about 80 calories, with 6 grams of protein and 15% of the daily recommended calcium intake. In moderation, mozzarella string cheese can provide protein, calcium and portability as part of a balanced diet. Be mindful of portion sizes and choose low-fat versions when possible. Pair string cheese with a variety of fruits, veggies, whole grains and healthy fats instead of snacking solely on cheese. Alternate it with other high-protein snacks like yogurt, cottage cheese, edamame and trail mix. While mozzarella string cheese can fit into a healthy lifestyle, overdoing it may negatively impact your cholesterol, sodium intake or weight. Overall, enjoyed in proper amounts, mozzarella string cheese can be a convenient mini-meal or snack choice.
