Is String Cheese a Healthy Food?

String cheese is a type of cheese that is available in a convenient, single-serve size. It’s usually made from cow’s milk, but there are some varieties made from other types of milk such as goat and sheep.

It’s a popular snack food because it provides protein and calcium in an easy to eat form. But is string cheese a healthy food?

When it comes to nutrition, string cheese can be a great choice. One ounce of string cheese typically contains about 8 grams of protein, 8 percent of the daily value for calcium, and 6 percent of the daily value for vitamin A. Protein helps build and maintain muscle mass and vitamin A helps keep eyes healthy.

However, one downside to string cheese is that it can be high in fat and sodium. One ounce of regular string cheese contains about 6 grams of fat—4 grams saturated fat—and 170 milligrams of sodium. That’s about 10 percent of the recommended daily limit for saturated fat and 7 percent for sodium.

Low-fat String Cheese Options

Fortunately, if you’re looking to cut back on fat, there are several brands that offer lower-fat string cheeses. These varieties contain around 4 grams of fat per ounce—2 grams saturated fat—and 140 milligrams or less sodium per serving.

Other Considerations

String cheese can be a great snack choice when eaten in moderation. However, it’s important to remember that it should not be used as a substitute for other nutrient-dense foods such as fruits and vegetables.

It’s also important to check labels carefully; some brands may add additional ingredients such as sugar or preservatives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, string cheese can be part of a healthy diet when eaten in moderation. Low-fat varieties are available for those looking to reduce their intake of saturated fat and sodium. However, it should not be used as a substitute for other nutrient-dense foods such as fruits and vegetables.