Nachos cheese

Snack

Item Rating: 49/100

1 serving (50 grams) contains 173 calories, 3.8 grams of protein, 10.8 grams of fat, and 17.2 grams of carbohydrates.

Nutrition Information

1 cup (238.1g)

Calories		823.8
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		51.2 g	65%
	Saturated Fat	20.2 g	101%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0 g
Cholesterol		35.7 mg	11%
Sodium		1942.9 mg	84%
Total Carbohydrates		82.1 g	29%
	Dietary Fiber	8.3 g	29%
	Sugars	6.0 g
protein		17.9 g	35%
Vitamin D		0 mcg	0%
Calcium		476.2 mg	36%
Iron		2.9 mg	16%
Potassium		428.6 mg	9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Food Attributes

🍯 Low sugar

Source of Calories

Fat: 460 cal (53.5%)

Protein: 71 cal (8.3%)

Carbs: 328 cal (38.2%)

About Nachos cheese

Nachos with cheese are a popular Tex-Mex dish originating in the 1940s in Piedras Negras, Mexico. Traditionally, they consist of tortilla chips topped with melted cheese and other ingredients like jalapeños, beans, and meat. Nutritionally, nachos cheese can vary depending on preparation but typically provides fats and proteins from cheese and carbohydrates from tortilla chips. A standard serving of nachos with cheese offers approximately 300-400 calories, 15-20 grams of fat, 8-12 grams of protein, and 30-40 grams of carbohydrates, along with notable calcium due to the cheese.

Health Benefits

• High calcium content from cheese supports bone health, providing roughly 150-200 mg of calcium per serving.
• Cheese offers protein, which is crucial for muscle repair and immune function—about 8-12 grams per serving.
• Natural tortilla chips (made from corn) supply dietary fiber, aiding in digestive health and providing around 2-3 grams per serving.

Dietary Considerations

Allergens: Contains milk, corn (depending on preparation)

Suitable for: Vegetarian (if meat-free), non-gluten-sensitive (if gluten-free tortilla chips are used)

Not suitable for: Vegans, lactose-intolerant individuals, gluten-sensitive individuals (if chips are made with gluten-containing flour)

Selection and Storage

Store unused tortilla chips in an airtight container at room temperature and keep cheese refrigerated. Assemble fresh for best results to prevent sogginess.

Common Questions About Nachos cheese Nutrition

Is nacho cheese high in protein?

Nacho cheese contains a moderate amount of protein depending on the brand or recipe. On average, 1 ounce of nacho cheese sauce provides about 2 grams of protein. However, it is not considered a high-protein food compared to other dairy products like cottage cheese or Greek yogurt.

Can I eat nacho cheese on a keto diet?

Nacho cheese can fit into a keto diet as it is relatively low in carbohydrates, typically containing around 1-3 grams of net carbs per ounce. However, check the label, as some brands or homemade versions may include added thickeners or starch that increase the carb count.

What are the health concerns of eating nacho cheese?

The main concerns with nacho cheese are its high sodium and saturated fat content. A 1-ounce serving can have around 300-400 milligrams of sodium and 3-4 grams of saturated fat, which may contribute to heart health issues if consumed in excess. Additionally, heavily processed nacho cheese often contains artificial additives and preservatives.

What is the recommended serving size for nacho cheese?

The typical serving size for nacho cheese sauce is 1 ounce or about 2 tablespoons, which contains approximately 50-80 calories depending on the brand. It's easy to overconsume, so measuring your portion and pairing it with healthier options like vegetables is advisable.

How does nacho cheese compare to other cheese options?

Nacho cheese is often more processed than natural cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella. It generally has a creamier consistency due to added emulsifiers and thickeners but lacks the high protein and calcium benefits of natural cheeses. For a healthier option, opt for shredded natural cheese melted at home.

Data Sources & Scientific References