Calories in String Cheese: Full Nutrition Breakdown

String cheese is a snack-friendly form of part-skim mozzarella that is stretched and shaped into individual sticks, making it a convenient portable protein source. Each stick delivers a solid amount of protein and calcium with moderate calories and fat. Here is a complete breakdown of string cheese nutrition by serving size.

Calories by serving size:

String cheese is also a good source of phosphorus and vitamin B12, while being naturally low in carbohydrates with less than 1 gram per stick. Its individually wrapped format makes it one of the most portion-controlled cheese options available.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many calories are in one stick of string cheese?

A single stick of string cheese (28 g) contains approximately 80 calories. This calorie count is consistent across most major brands, as string cheese is typically made from part-skim mozzarella with a standardized fat content. Some light or reduced-fat versions bring the count down to 50 to 60 calories per stick.

Is string cheese a healthy snack?

String cheese is a nutritious snack option that provides 7 grams of protein and 200 mg of calcium (about 15% of the daily value) for just 80 calories. It is low in carbohydrates and comes pre-portioned, which helps prevent overeating. Paired with fruit or whole-grain crackers, it makes a balanced and satisfying mini-meal.

How much protein is in a stick of string cheese?

One stick of string cheese provides about 7 grams of protein, which is comparable to one egg. This protein is complete, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids needed by the body. The combination of protein and fat in string cheese helps promote satiety, making it effective at curbing hunger between meals.

Is string cheese a good snack for kids?

String cheese is widely recommended as a kid-friendly snack because of its fun peelable texture, mild flavor, and good nutritional profile. One stick provides roughly 15 to 20% of a child's daily calcium needs depending on age, along with protein for growth. Its individually wrapped packaging also makes it easy to include in lunch boxes and travel snacks.

How does string cheese compare to regular mozzarella?

String cheese is made from part-skim mozzarella and has about 80 calories and 5 grams of fat per ounce, while whole-milk mozzarella has roughly 85 calories and 6.3 grams of fat per ounce. The nutritional differences are modest, as the main distinction is in texture and convenience rather than composition. Regular mozzarella is available in fresh, shredded, and block forms, while string cheese is specifically designed for snacking.