Cheese, cheddar, sharp, sliced
Whole food · Dairy and Egg Products
Photo: Wikipedia
Sharp cheddar is a firm, aged cow's milk cheese with a pronounced, tangy flavor and a slightly crumbly texture that becomes smoother with heat. Its deep, nutty notes are the result of careful aging, which concentrates its rich, savory character. Nutritionally, it's a powerhouse of protein and fat, providing substantial energy and essential nutrients like calcium.
💚 Why it's loved
People adore sharp cheddar for its complex, robust flavor that can stand alone on a cheeseboard or elevate a simple dish. Its melting quality makes it a versatile staple in everything from grilled sandwiches to savory sauces.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
It is high in saturated fat and sodium, which should be considered by those managing heart health or blood pressure. As a dairy product, it's a common allergen for those with lactose intolerance or milk protein sensitivity. Tip: Pair smaller portions with fiber-rich foods like whole-grain crackers or apples, and balance a cheesy meal with lower-sodium sides.
Key benefits
- Excellent source of complete protein for muscle maintenance.
- Rich in calcium and phosphorus for bone and dental health.
- High in vitamin B12, crucial for nerve function and red blood cell formation.
- Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may support metabolic health.
- Provides fat-soluble vitamins A and K2.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The distinctive orange color of many cheddars comes from annatto, a natural seed extract, a practice started centuries ago to mimic the golden hue of summer milk.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 36.1 g |
| Energy | 410 kcal |
| Energy | 1715 kj |
| Protein | 24.3 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 33.8 g |
| Ash | 3.7 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 2.1 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.27 g |
| Sucrose | 0.00 g |
| Glucose | 0.00 g |
| Fructose | 0.00 g |
| Lactose | 0.18 g |
| Maltose | 0.00 g |
| Galactose | 0.08 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 711 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.16 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 27.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 460 mg |
| Potassium, K | 76.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 644 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 3.7 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.04 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.02 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 28.3 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.03 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.43 mg |
| Niacin | 0.04 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.48 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.07 mg |
| Folate, total | 27.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 27.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 27.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 16.5 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.88 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 263 ug |
| Retinol | 256 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 85.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 994 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.78 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Tocopherol, beta | 0.00 mg |
| Tocopherol, gamma | 0.06 mg |
| Tocopherol, delta | 0.00 mg |
| Tocotrienol, alpha | 0.00 mg |
| Tocotrienol, beta | 0.00 mg |
| Tocotrienol, gamma | 0.00 mg |
| Tocotrienol, delta | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 41.0 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 1.0 ug |
| Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) | 1.0 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 2.4 ug |
| Vitamin K (Dihydrophylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (Menaquinone-4) | 8.6 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 19.4 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.68 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.56 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.36 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.86 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.97 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 3.1 g |
| SFA 15:0 | 0.32 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 8.7 g |
| SFA 17:0 | 0.20 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 3.5 g |
| SFA 20:0 | 0.05 g |
| SFA 22:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 24:0 | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 8.4 g |
| MUFA 14:1 | 0.30 g |
| MUFA 15:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.49 g |
| MUFA 16:1 c | 0.39 g |
| MUFA 17:1 | 0.06 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 7.5 g |
| MUFA 18:1 c | 6.7 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.06 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 c | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 24:1 c | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.4 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 1.2 g |
| PUFA 18:2 n-6 c,c | 0.78 g |
| PUFA 18:2 CLAs | 0.17 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.12 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-3 c,c,c (ALA) | 0.12 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-6 c,c,c | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:3i | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:2 n-6 c,c | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:3 | 0.04 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-6 | 0.04 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.05 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 22:4 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 1.2 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-monoenoic | 0.95 g |
| TFA 16:1 t | 0.10 g |
| TFA 18:1 t | 0.84 g |
| TFA 22:1 t | 0.00 g |
| TFA 18:2 t not further defined | 0.23 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-polyenoic | 0.23 g |
| Cholesterol | 99.0 mg |
| Tryptophan | 0.32 g |
| Threonine | 1.1 g |
| Isoleucine | 1.3 g |
| Leucine | 2.4 g |
| Lysine | 2.0 g |
| Methionine | 0.59 g |
| Cystine | 0.14 g |
| Phenylalanine | 1.3 g |
| Tyrosine | 1.3 g |
| Valine | 1.6 g |
| Arginine | 1.1 g |
| Histidine | 0.71 g |
| Alanine | 0.84 g |
| Aspartic acid | 2.0 g |
| Glutamic acid | 5.7 g |
| Glycine | 0.48 g |
| Proline | 2.7 g |
| Serine | 1.4 g |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
What makes cheddar 'sharp'?
Sharpness refers to the tangy, complex flavor developed during extended aging (typically 6-24 months). Longer aging breaks down proteins and fats, intensifying the taste.
Is sharp cheddar lactose-free?
While not completely lactose-free, the aging process significantly reduces lactose content. Many people with mild lactose intolerance can tolerate small portions of aged cheddar.
How should I store it to prevent mold?
Wrap it in wax paper or parchment, then place it in a loosely sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator. This allows it to breathe while preventing excess moisture loss.