String Cheese (1 Stick) Calories

80 calories per serving

Snacks

One stick of string cheese (typically about 28g/1 oz) contains around 80 calories, making it one of the more portion-friendly high-protein snacks available. It delivers a solid hit of calcium and protein with minimal carbohydrates, which is great for satiety between meals. The main nutritional consideration to watch is sodium, as a single stick can contribute roughly 200mg — something to keep in mind if you're monitoring daily salt intake.

Protein

6g

30% of calories

Carbs

1g

5% of calories

Fat

5g

56% of calories

Ingredient Breakdown

IngredientCaloriesProteinCarbs
Part-skim mozzarella cheese (primary base, ~26g)705.5g0.8g
Salt (added during processing)00g0g
Cultures & enzymes (trace amounts)20.2g0.1g
Annatto or natural coloring (optional, trace)10g0.1g
Cellulose coating / preservatives (trace)20g0g
Milk fat (natural component of mozzarella)50.3g0g
Total806g1g

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Healthier Alternatives

Light string cheese (reduced-fat version, 1 stick)

Saves ~30 calories with similar protein and even less fat

50 cal

Baby Bel Light cheese round (1 piece)

Saves ~38 calories while still providing calcium and protein

42 cal

Non-fat Greek yogurt (small 3 oz portion)

Saves ~35 calories with significantly more protein per serving

45 cal

Cottage cheese (low-fat, ¼ cup)

Saves ~35 calories and offers a higher protein-to-fat ratio

45 cal

Portion Tips

  • 1.

    Stick to one string cheese stick per snack — the pre-portioned format naturally helps with portion control, so avoid opening multiple at once.

  • 2.

    Pair it with a piece of fruit (like an apple or grapes) to increase fiber and volume without adding many calories, making the snack more satisfying.

  • 3.

    If you're hungry for more, choose the light or reduced-fat variety for a second stick rather than doubling up on regular string cheese — you'll save 30–40 calories.

  • 4.

    Check the brand label carefully: some string cheese sticks are larger (1.2–1.5 oz) and can contain 100–120 calories — size varies more than you might think.

  • 5.

    Avoid pairing string cheese with crackers, deli meats, or high-sodium foods without tracking, as sodium can add up quickly in a cheese-based snack combo.

Common Questions About String Cheese (1 Stick)

How many calories are in 1 stick of string cheese?

A standard 1 oz (28g) stick of part-skim mozzarella string cheese contains approximately 80 calories. However, this can range from 50 to 120 calories depending on the brand and whether it's a regular, light, or larger-format stick — always check your specific product label.

Is string cheese a healthy snack?

String cheese is generally considered a nutritious snack option. It provides protein (about 6g per stick) and calcium with very few carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb and higher-protein eating patterns. The main downside is its sodium content (~200mg per stick), so those watching salt intake should factor this in. It's not a medical recommendation — consult a dietitian for personalized advice.

How much protein is in a string cheese stick?

A typical 1 oz stick of part-skim mozzarella string cheese contains about 6 grams of protein. Light or reduced-fat versions may have slightly less protein (around 4–5g), while some larger premium sticks can provide up to 8g per serving.

Is string cheese good for weight loss?

String cheese can fit into a calorie-conscious eating plan thanks to its built-in portion control, moderate calorie count (~80 per stick), and protein content, which can help with satiety. Opting for the light version reduces calories further. That said, weight management depends on your overall diet and lifestyle — these are general estimates, not medical advice.

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