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How Many Calories in Muenster Cheese? Nutrition Facts & Macros

28 g (1 slice) of muenster cheese has 103 calories

Protein 6.6g · Carbs 0.3g · Fat 8.4g

Muenster cheese traces its roots to Alsatian Benedictine monks who began making cheese in the Vosges mountains as early as the 7th century — the name itself comes from the French word "monastère" (monastery). American Muenster is a mild, smooth, semi-soft cheese with a distinctive orange rind colored by annatto, a natural plant-based dye. Per 100 g it provides 368 calories with 23.41 g of protein and 30.04 g of fat, while containing only 1.12 g of carbs — making it exceptionally keto-friendly. Its standout micronutrient is calcium at 717 mg per 100 g (72% DV), one of the highest among all common cheeses. American Muenster is much milder than its French relative Munster AOC, a pungent washed-rind cheese from Alsace-Lorraine. Thanks to its excellent melting properties, muenster is a popular choice for sandwiches, burgers, grilled cheese, and macaroni dishes.

368 kcal

1540 kJ · per 100g

Muenster Cheese: 368 kcal (1540 kJ), Protein 23.41g, Carbs 1.12g, Fat 30.04g per 100g
23.41g Protein
1.12g Carbs
30.04g Fat
Protein
23.41g
Carbs
1.12g
Fat
30.04g

Calorie Calculator: Muenster Cheese

28 g

28 g Muenster Cheese contains 103 kcal

Protein 6.6 g Carbs 0.3 g Fat 8.4 g

Calories by Portion Size

Portion Calories Protein Carbs Fat
100 grams 368 kcal 23.4g 1.1g 30g
1 slice (28 g) 103 kcal 6.6g 0.3g 8.4g
2 slices (56 g) 206 kcal 13.1g 0.6g 16.8g
1 cup shredded (113 g) 416 kcal 26.5g 1.3g 33.9g

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Muenster Cheese — Nutrition Facts

Muenster Cheese per 100g
Calories 368 kcal
Protein 23.41 g
Fat 30.04 g
Carbs 1.12 g
Fiber 0 g
Sugar 1.12 g
Sodium 628 mg

Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID: 171245) · Data verified April 2026

Muenster Cheese: 368 kcal (1540 kJ), Protein 23.41g, Carbs 1.12g, Fat 30.04g per 100g
Muenster Cheese — 368 kcal / 100g

Variations

American Muenster

368 kcal per 100 g. The most common variety in the United States — a mild, smooth, semi-soft cheese with a distinctive orange annatto-colored rind. 23.41 g protein, 30.04 g fat, 1.12 g carbs. USDA 171245. Outstanding melting properties make it a favorite for sandwiches, burgers, and grilled cheese. Buttery flavor with a slightly tangy finish.

French Munster (AOC)

~320 kcal per 100 g (estimated). AOC/AOP-protected since 1969, made exclusively in the Alsace-Lorraine region of France. A washed-rind cheese with a pungent, complex aroma and soft, creamy interior. Very different from American Muenster — stronger flavor, higher moisture, and a distinctive reddish-orange rind from regular brine washing. Traditionally served with cumin seeds and boiled potatoes.

Baby Muenster

~360 kcal per 100 g (estimated). Small individual wheels of muenster, typically weighing 100–200 g. Very mild and fresh with a softer, creamier texture than standard muenster. Popular as a snacking cheese or in lunchboxes. The smaller format means less aging time, resulting in a milder flavor profile and slightly higher moisture content.

Muenster with caraway

~370 kcal per 100 g (estimated). A traditional variation featuring caraway seeds mixed throughout the cheese or pressed into the rind. The caraway adds a warm, slightly anise-like, earthy flavor that complements muenster's mild butteriness. Popular in German and Alsatian cheese traditions. The seeds also aid digestion. Nutritionally very similar to standard muenster.

Dietary Perspectives

For Weight Loss

Muenster has 368 kcal per 100 g, but a single 28 g slice delivers just 103 calories with 6.6 g of protein — 42 fewer calories per 100 g than cheddar (410 kcal). The high protein and fat content promotes satiety, helping you feel full longer. Calcium at 717 mg per 100 g (72% DV) may also support fat metabolism — several studies link adequate calcium intake to improved weight management. For calorie-conscious meals, one or two slices provide excellent nutrition while keeping portions manageable.

For Athletic Performance

Muenster delivers 23.41 g of complete protein per 100 g — all essential amino acids for muscle repair and growth. Its calcium content (717 mg per 100 g, 72% DV) is among the highest of any food, supporting bone density critical for high-impact sports. A 56 g portion (2 slices) provides 13.1 g protein and 401 mg calcium at just 206 calories — an efficient recovery snack. The sodium content (628 mg) helps replace electrolytes lost through sweat. Pair muenster with carb sources post-workout for optimal glycogen replenishment and muscle protein synthesis.

For Keto

Muenster is one of the best keto cheeses available. With only 1.12 g of carbs per 100 g — lower than cheddar (2.13 g), gouda (2.22 g), and most other cheeses — it fits easily within strict keto limits. A single slice (28 g) adds just 0.3 g of carbs. The 30.04 g of fat per 100 g aligns perfectly with ketogenic macros, and 23.41 g protein supports muscle maintenance without excessive gluconeogenesis. Muenster provides sodium (628 mg) and calcium (717 mg), two electrolytes commonly depleted during keto adaptation. Its outstanding melting properties make it perfect for keto-friendly grilled cheese, casseroles, and stuffed meats. Keep muenster in the fridge for quick, zero-prep keto snacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in muenster cheese?

100 g of muenster cheese contains 368 calories. A single slice (28 g, about 1 oz) has approximately 103 calories. Two slices (56 g) provide about 206 calories, and one cup of shredded muenster (113 g) has roughly 416 calories. Most of the energy comes from fat (30.04 g per 100 g), followed by protein (23.41 g), with minimal carbs (1.12 g). While calorie-dense, muenster is very satiating — a single slice delivers 6.6 g of protein and 200 mg of calcium for just 103 calories.

Is muenster cheese healthy?

Muenster offers several important nutritional benefits. It is an excellent source of calcium (717 mg per 100 g — 72% of the daily value), which supports bone health, muscle function, and nerve signaling. It provides 23.41 g of complete protein per 100 g with all essential amino acids. Muenster also contains meaningful amounts of phosphorus, zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin B12. As a semi-soft cheese with relatively low lactose content, most lactose-sensitive individuals tolerate it well. Compared to cheddar, muenster has fewer calories (368 vs 410 kcal) while offering slightly more calcium.

Is muenster cheese keto-friendly?

Muenster is one of the best cheeses for keto. With only 1.12 g of carbs per 100 g — lower than cheddar (2.13 g), gouda (2.22 g), and most other cheeses — it fits easily within strict keto limits. A single slice (28 g) adds just 0.3 g of carbs. The high fat content (30.04 g per 100 g) aligns perfectly with ketogenic macros, and 23.41 g of protein supports muscle maintenance. Muenster also provides essential electrolytes — sodium (628 mg) and calcium (717 mg) — which are commonly depleted during keto adaptation. Its outstanding melting properties make it perfect for keto-friendly grilled cheese and casseroles.

What's the difference between American Muenster and French Munster?

American Muenster and French Munster are very different cheeses despite their shared monastic origins. American Muenster is a mild, smooth, semi-soft cheese with a thin orange rind colored by annatto. It has a buttery, slightly tangy flavor and melts beautifully. French Munster (or Munster-Géromé) is an AOC/AOP-protected washed-rind cheese from Alsace-Lorraine, recognized since 1969. It has a strong, pungent aroma, soft creamy interior, and reddish-orange rind from regular brine washing during aging. French Munster is aged 5–8 weeks minimum and develops a much more intense flavor profile. Nutritionally, French Munster has slightly fewer calories (~320 kcal per 100 g) due to higher moisture content.

How should you store muenster cheese?

For optimal freshness, wrap muenster cheese in wax paper or parchment paper, then loosely in plastic wrap or place in a resealable bag. This allows the cheese to breathe while preventing it from drying out. Stored this way in the refrigerator, opened muenster keeps well for 2–3 weeks. Avoid wrapping directly in tight plastic wrap, as trapped moisture can promote mold growth. If mold appears on the surface, cut away at least 2.5 cm (1 inch) around the affected area. Muenster can also be frozen for up to 2 months — slice or shred before freezing for easier portioning. Frozen muenster works best for melting in cooked dishes, as the texture may become slightly crumbly after thawing.

Compare with Similar Foods

Portion kcal Protein Carbs Fat
Muenster Cheese 368 23.41g 1.12g 30.04g
Gouda 356 24.94g 2.22g 27.44g
Colby Cheese 394 23.76g 2.57g 32.11g
Provolone Cheese 351 25.58g 2.14g 26.62g
Mozzarella (Whole Milk) 299 22.17g 2.4g 22.14g

per 100g

Muenster delivers 368 kcal per 100 g with 23.41 g protein and 30.04 g fat — 42 fewer calories than cheddar (410 kcal) and lower fat than colby (394 kcal, 32.11 g fat). Its calcium content (717 mg, 72% DV) is among the highest of all common cheeses. With only 1.12 g of carbs per 100 g, muenster is one of the lowest-carb cheeses available — lower than cheddar (2.13 g), mozzarella (2.4 g), and provolone (2.14 g).

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