How Many Calories in a Slice of Kraft Cheese?
Understanding how many calories in a slice of kraft cheese depends on the specific variety of Kraft Singles you select. A standard yellow Kraft Singles American pasteurized prepared cheese product slice contains exactly 60 calories, 4 grams of total fat, and 3 grams of protein. However, Kraft manufactures several product variations—including 2% Milk, Fat Free, Extra Thick, and Sharp Cheddar—which alter the caloric count between 25 and 80 calories per individually wrapped slice.
Kraft Singles Varieties: Caloric and Macronutrient Breakdown
Kraft Singles have been a staple of American households for decades, known for their melting characteristics on cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. A single classic yellow Kraft Single weighs approximately 19 grams (0.67 ounces). The 60 calories in a standard slice are derived primarily from milk fat and dairy proteins, providing 4 grams of total fat (2.5 grams of saturated fat), 2 grams of carbohydrates (1 gram of naturally occurring lactose sugars), and 3 grams of protein.
For consumers monitoring caloric intake, Kraft produces tailored alternatives. Kraft Singles 2% Milk slices contain only 45 calories and 2.5 grams of fat while boosting protein to 4 grams per slice. The lowest calorie version—Kraft Singles Fat Free—contains just 25 calories and zero grams of fat, though it contains slightly more sodium to enhance palatability. Conversely, Kraft Singles Thick Cut slices weigh approximately 28 grams and provide 80 calories and 6 grams of fat per slice.
Compare calorie counts, macronutrients, and weights across popular Kraft Singles varieties:
| Kraft Cheese Variety | Calories Per Slice | Slice Weight | Total Fat (Saturated) | Protein Content | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic American Yellow | 60 Calories | 19 Grams | 4.0g (2.5g sat) | 3.0 Grams | 250 mg |
| Classic White American | 60 Calories | 19 Grams | 4.0g (2.5g sat) | 3.0 Grams | 250 mg |
| Kraft Singles 2% Milk | 45 Calories | 19 Grams | 2.5g (1.5g sat) | 4.0 Grams | 240 mg |
| Kraft Singles Fat Free | 25 Calories | 19 Grams | 0.0g (0.0g sat) | 4.0 Grams | 290 mg |
| Kraft Singles Extra Thick Cut | 80 Calories | 28 Grams | 6.0g (3.5g sat) | 4.0 Grams | 370 mg |
| Kraft Sharp Cheddar Singles | 60 Calories | 19 Grams | 4.5g (2.5g sat) | 3.0 Grams | 230 mg |
| Kraft Swiss Singles | 50 Calories | 19 Grams | 3.5g (2.0g sat) | 3.0 Grams | 230 mg |
| Kraft Pepper Jack Singles | 60 Calories | 19 Grams | 4.0g (2.5g sat) | 3.0 Grams | 240 mg |
Real Cheese vs. 'Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product'
Consumers frequently wonder why the packaging on Kraft Singles refers to the item as a 'pasteurized prepared cheese product' rather than simply 'cheese'. Under the Code of Federal Regulations enforced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), natural cheese must be made directly from milk, cultures, salt, and enzymes. To be labeled 'pasteurized process cheese,' a product must contain at least 51% natural cheese by weight.
Kraft Singles incorporate real cheddar and colby cheeses, but blend them with milk protein concentrate, whey, sodium citrate (an emulsifying mineral salt that prevents oil separation when melted), and calcium phosphate. Because of these added dairy ingredients, Kraft Singles fall into the technical FDA classification of 'pasteurized prepared cheese product'. These emulsifiers give Kraft Singles their creamy, silky melt that never separates into grease pools when heated.
Review how Kraft Singles compare nutritionally against authentic natural block cheeses (per 19g slice):
| Cheese Type (19g Equivalent) | Calories | Total Fat | Calcium DV% | Sodium (mg) | Melting Texture |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kraft American Singles | 60 Calories | 4.0 Grams | 15% DV (150 mg) | 250 mg | Smooth, creamy, zero oil separation |
| Natural Mild Cheddar (Block cut) | 76 Calories | 6.3 Grams | 14% DV (140 mg) | 125 mg | Oily melt, stretches with firm bite |
| Natural Whole Milk Mozzarella | 57 Calories | 4.2 Grams | 11% DV (110 mg) | 115 mg | Elastic, stringy, chewy stretch |
| Natural Swiss Cheese | 74 Calories | 5.9 Grams | 17% DV (170 mg) | 35 mg | Glossy melt, nutty, firm structure |
| Natural Provolone | 67 Calories | 5.1 Grams | 14% DV (140 mg) | 160 mg | Smooth, elastic stretch |
Dietary Considerations: Sodium, Calcium, and Keto Compatibility
From a micronutrient perspective, Kraft Singles provide an excellent source of dietary calcium. A single 60-calorie slice supplies approximately 150 milligrams of bioavailable calcium, representing 15% of the Daily Value (DV) for adults, along with 10% DV of Vitamin D. However, individuals on medically restricted low-sodium diets should note that each slice contains 250 milligrams of sodium, accounting for roughly 11% of the recommended daily sodium ceiling.
For individuals following low-carbohydrate or ketogenic dietary protocols, Kraft Singles fit easily into daily macros. With only 2 grams of total carbohydrates and 1 gram of net carbs per slice, you can melt Kraft Singles over bunless burgers, breakfast eggs, or keto cauliflower casseroles without spiking blood glucose levels or disrupting nutritional ketosis.
How to Incorporate Kraft Cheese into a Balanced Diet
Follow these five dietary tips to enjoy Kraft cheese slices while meeting your nutrition and calorie goals.
Check the Exact Package Label for Slice Tonnage
Verify whether you purchased standard 60-calorie slices or 80-calorie Extra Thick slices before logging calories.
Switch to 2% Milk Singles to Cut 25% of Calories
Choose Kraft 2% Milk Singles to enjoy 45 calories per slice with identical melt quality and higher protein.
Track Daily Sodium If Consuming Multiple Slices
Factor 250 mg of sodium per slice into your daily 2,300 mg sodium allowance when making two-slice sandwiches.
Store Individually Wrapped Slices at 34°F to 38°F
Keep Singles refrigerated in their airtight wrapper to maintain moisture barrier freshness.
Melt Over Low to Medium Heat to Prevent Burning
Cook over moderate heat; emulsifying salts melt evenly at lower temperatures than natural aged cheddar.
Frequently Asked Questions (8 Questions Answered)
Q1: How many calories are in 1 slice of regular Kraft cheese?
One regular slice of yellow Kraft Singles American cheese contains exactly 60 calories.
Q2: How many calories are in 2 slices of Kraft American cheese?
Two slices of standard Kraft American cheese provide 120 calories, 8 grams of fat, and 6 grams of protein.
Q3: How many calories in Kraft 2% Milk cheese slices?
A slice of Kraft Singles 2% Milk contains 45 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, and 4 grams of protein.
Q4: Is Kraft Singles real cheese?
Kraft Singles are made with real cheddar cheese blended with milk protein and emulsifiers, officially classified as a pasteurized cheese product.
Q5: Are Kraft Singles keto friendly?
Yes, containing only 2 grams of carbohydrates (1 gram net carb) per slice, Kraft Singles fit cleanly into ketogenic meal plans.
Q6: How much sodium is in a slice of Kraft cheese?
A standard slice of Kraft Singles contains 250 milligrams of sodium, or roughly 11% of the recommended daily value.
Q7: How much protein is in one slice of Kraft Singles?
Each standard 19-gram slice delivers 3 grams of complete dairy protein.
Q8: Why do Kraft Singles melt so smoothly?
Sodium citrate and phosphate emulsifiers keep milk proteins and fats bonded together when heated, preventing oil separation.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
In conclusion, understanding how many calories in a slice of kraft cheese? provides essential clarity, practical strategies, and actionable advice. By incorporating these foundational insights, adhering to verified safety guidelines, and following structured best practices, you ensure reliable, long-term outcomes while preventing common mistakes. Stay informed, consult certified professionals when needed, and maintain consistent quality care.