Mozzarella cheese sticks, also known as string cheese, are a popular and convenient snack made from low-moisture mozzarella. This mild, semi-soft cheese is stretched and molded into a thin, cylindrical shape, making it easy to peel and eat. A standard, individually wrapped mozzarella cheese stick typically contains a substantial amount of protein, usually falling within the range of 6 to 8 grams per serving. This makes the cheese stick a simple option for those seeking a protein boost without the need for preparation.
Protein Content in Standard Servings
The typical serving size for a string cheese snack is one ounce, which corresponds to approximately 28 grams of cheese. Within this standard 1-ounce portion, most commercial brands deliver around 7 grams of protein. This amount represents roughly 14% of the daily value for protein, positioning the cheese stick as a good source of this macronutrient in a snack context.
Consuming protein-rich snacks like a mozzarella stick can contribute significantly to satiety, or the feeling of fullness. Protein takes longer to digest compared to carbohydrates, which helps to manage appetite and delay the return of hunger. Furthermore, the amino acids provided by dairy protein are necessary for the maintenance and repair of muscle tissue throughout the body. The protein content helps make this snack a functional choice for supporting physical activity and overall metabolic health.
Factors Influencing Nutritional Variability
The exact protein figure is not uniform across all products, as several factors influence the final nutritional makeup of a mozzarella stick. One of the primary variables is the size and weight of the stick itself, with products ranging from smaller 0.75-ounce portions to larger 1.5-ounce options. A larger stick will naturally contain a higher total number of grams of protein simply due to the increased quantity of cheese.
The type of milk used in the cheese-making process also introduces variability in the nutrient profile. Many popular string cheese products are made with “part-skim” or “low-moisture part-skim” milk. This process removes some of the fat content, which in turn slightly concentrates the remaining nutrients, including protein, compared to a cheese made with whole milk. Therefore, a part-skim mozzarella stick may contain a marginally higher protein-to-weight ratio than a full-fat version of the same size.
The Full Nutritional Snapshot
Beyond the protein content, a standard 1-ounce mozzarella stick offers a balanced nutritional profile. This portion size typically contains between 80 and 90 calories, making it a modest energy source. The fat content usually ranges from 5 to 6 grams, which includes a few grams of saturated fat.
The cheese stick is also a notable source of essential micronutrients, particularly calcium. A single stick can provide between 150 to 200 milligrams of calcium, which is about 10% to 15% of the recommended daily intake for adults. This mineral is crucial for bone health, making the snack a valuable contributor to skeletal maintenance. Sodium levels are also present, often falling between 180 and 200 milligrams per stick, which provides flavor and acts as a preservative.