Tillamook cheese is a popular brand known for its high-quality dairy products, including cheeses, butter, and ice cream. Among its many offerings, the Tillamook square cheese is a convenient, individually wrapped option that’s perfect for snacking or adding to your meals. If you’re keeping track of your calories, you may be wondering, “How many calories are in a Tillamook square cheese?”
In this article, we’ll explore the calorie content of Tillamook square cheese, break down its nutritional information, and discuss its place in a healthy diet. We’ll also answer other common questions related to Tillamook cheese and give you tips on how to incorporate it into your diet in a balanced way.
What is Tillamook Square Cheese?
Tillamook square cheese is a pre-portioned block of cheese that comes wrapped in individual packaging, making it easy to grab and go. Tillamook offers several varieties of cheese, but the most common is cheddar—a classic cheese known for its creamy texture and rich flavor. The square cheese is made from high-quality ingredients, ensuring a smooth, satisfying taste.
Tillamook cheeses are made using farm-fresh milk, and they don’t contain any artificial growth hormones or additives. It’s a popular choice for cheese lovers because of its bold, natural flavor and smooth texture.
How Many Calories Are in a Tillamook Square Cheese?
The number of calories in a Tillamook square cheese varies depending on the type of cheese. Let’s take a look at the calorie content for the most common options:
Calories in Tillamook Cheddar Square Cheese:
A single Tillamook cheddar square cheese typically contains around 80 calories per serving. This is for a 1-ounce (28-gram) square of cheese.
Calories in Other Tillamook Square Cheese Varieties:
- Tillamook Mozzarella: 70 calories per 1-ounce serving
- Tillamook Pepper Jack: 80 calories per 1-ounce serving
- Tillamook Colby Jack: 80 calories per 1-ounce serving
These calorie counts are fairly consistent across the different varieties of Tillamook square cheeses, with the cheddar, pepper jack, and Colby jack all containing about 80 calories per 1-ounce serving.
Nutritional Breakdown of Tillamook Square Cheese
Let’s take a deeper dive into the nutritional profile of Tillamook square cheese. In addition to the calorie content, it’s important to understand the macronutrients and micronutrients in this tasty snack.
Macronutrient Breakdown (Per 1-ounce serving of Tillamook Cheddar Square Cheese):
- Calories: 80
- Total Fat: 7 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 25 milligrams
- Sodium: 200 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Protein: 5 grams
Micronutrients:
- Calcium: 200 milligrams (20% of the daily value)
- Iron: 0 milligrams (0% of the daily value)
- Vitamin A: 6% of the daily value
- Vitamin D: 10% of the daily value
Is Tillamook Square Cheese Healthy?
Now that we know the calories and nutritional content, let’s discuss whether Tillamook square cheese is a healthy snack choice.
1. High in Protein:
At 5 grams of protein per serving, Tillamook square cheese provides a good amount of protein for a small snack. Protein is essential for building and repairing muscles, and it also helps you feel fuller for longer. Cheese can be an excellent source of protein, especially when paired with other healthy foods like fruits, nuts, or whole-grain crackers.
2. High in Fat:
While cheese is a good source of protein, it is also high in fat, particularly saturated fat. A single serving of Tillamook cheddar square cheese contains 4.5 grams of saturated fat, which is about 22% of the recommended daily intake. Excessive consumption of saturated fat may increase LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol), potentially leading to heart disease. If you’re concerned about fat intake, it’s important to enjoy cheese in moderation.
3. Low in Carbs:
Tillamook square cheese is a low-carb food, containing only 1 gram of carbohydrates per serving. This makes it suitable for those following low-carb diets like keto or paleo.
4. Rich in Calcium:
Cheese is an excellent source of calcium, a mineral that is vital for bone health. A 1-ounce serving of Tillamook square cheese provides 200 milligrams of calcium, which is about 20% of the recommended daily value. Including dairy products like cheese in your diet can help support strong bones and teeth.
How Does Tillamook Square Cheese Compare to Other Cheeses?
If you’re wondering how Tillamook square cheese stacks up against other types of cheese, here’s a comparison of some common cheeses in terms of calories, fat, and protein content:
| Cheese | Calories (per 1-ounce serving) | Fat (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tillamook Cheddar | 80 | 7 | 5 |
| Mozzarella (part-skim) | 70 | 4.5 | 7 |
| Pepper Jack | 80 | 7 | 5 |
| Colby Jack | 80 | 7 | 5 |
| American Cheese | 50-70 | 4 | 3 |
| Swiss Cheese | 106 | 9 | 8 |
Comparison Summary:
- Calories: Tillamook square cheese has about 80 calories per serving, which is similar to other full-fat cheeses like pepper jack and Colby jack. Mozzarella (part-skim) tends to have fewer calories.
- Fat: Most cheeses are high in fat, and Tillamook square cheese is no exception with 7 grams of fat per serving. Swiss cheese, however, tends to have slightly higher fat content.
- Protein: Tillamook square cheese contains 5 grams of protein, which is on par with most other cheeses, but mozzarella (part-skim) has a slightly higher protein content.
How Can I Incorporate Tillamook Square Cheese Into My Diet?
While Tillamook square cheese is a delicious snack on its own, you can get creative with how you incorporate it into your meals and snacks. Here are some ideas:
1. Add to Salads:
Chop up a piece of Tillamook square cheese and add it to a salad for extra flavor and protein. It pairs well with leafy greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.
2. Pair with Whole-Grain Crackers:
Combine a Tillamook square cheese with whole-grain crackers for a simple and satisfying snack. This combination provides a good balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats.
3. Top on Veggies:
For a low-carb meal or snack, top roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli with slices of Tillamook square cheese for added flavor and protein.
4. Include in Wraps or Sandwiches:
Tillamook square cheese can be a great addition to wraps or sandwiches. It adds flavor without overwhelming your meal with extra calories.
5. Pair with Fruit:
Pair your Tillamook square cheese with fruits like apples, grapes, or berries. This provides a nice balance of sweet and savory flavors while also adding fiber and vitamins to your meal.
Real-Life Scenario
Imagine preparing a quick snack with a Tillamook Cheese square. Pairing it with whole-grain crackers or fruit creates a balanced snack, providing protein and healthy fats. However, eating multiple squares without considering portion sizes can quickly add up to 300–400 extra calories, which can impact daily calorie goals.
Expert Contribution
Nutritionists note that cheese is nutrient-dense, providing high-quality protein, calcium, and vitamins like B12. However, because of its saturated fat content, experts recommend limiting intake to 1–2 ounces per day as part of a balanced diet. For individuals managing cholesterol or weight, portion control is key.
Recommendations Grounded in Proven Research and Facts
- Monitor portion size: Stick to one square per snack to manage calories effectively.
- Pair with healthy foods: Combine cheese with fiber-rich foods like whole-grain crackers or vegetables to increase satiety.
- Balance overall intake: Cheese can fit into a healthy diet if you adjust other sources of fat throughout the day.
- Choose lower-fat options if needed: Tillamook offers reduced-fat varieties which lower calorie and saturated fat intake.
- Moderation is essential: Research supports that moderate cheese consumption (1–2 servings/day) is linked to good bone health without significantly increasing cardiovascular risk in most healthy adults.
FAQ: How Many Calories in a Tillamook Square Cheese?
1. How many calories are in a Tillamook square cheese?
A 1-ounce serving of Tillamook square cheese contains 80 calories.
2. Is Tillamook square cheese healthy?
Tillamook square cheese is a good source of protein and calcium but is also high in fat, particularly saturated fat. It can be a healthy choice in moderation, especially when paired with other nutritious foods.
3. How does Tillamook square cheese compare to other cheeses?
Tillamook square cheese contains 80 calories, which is similar to other cheeses like pepper jack and Colby jack, but lower than some options like Swiss cheese.
4. What’s the protein content in Tillamook square cheese?
Each 1-ounce serving of Tillamook square cheese contains 5 grams of protein, making it a good source of this essential nutrient.
5. How much fat is in Tillamook square cheese?
A 1-ounce serving of Tillamook square cheese contains 7 grams of fat, with 4.5 grams of that being saturated fat.
Conclusion
A Tillamook square cheese offers a tasty and convenient snack with approximately 80 calories per 1-ounce serving. It provides a good source of protein and calcium, though it’s also relatively high in fat, particularly saturated fat. While it’s important to enjoy cheese in moderation, Tillamook square cheese can be part of a balanced diet, offering flavor and nutrition.
Whether you’re adding it to salads, pairing it with whole-grain crackers, or simply enjoying it as a snack, Tillamook square cheese is a versatile and delicious choice. As with all dairy products, it’s best to consume it as part of a well-rounded diet and exercise plan.
