106 kcal P 16.7g C 0.27g F 3.73g
🥚 Dairy and Egg Products
Calories in Cheese, swiss
Its famous holes are blown by bacteria exhaling carbon dioxide inside the cheese.
393 kcal
What makes cheese so powerful?
The iconic holes in Swiss cheese—technically called "eyes"—are the work of Propionibacterium freudenreichii, bacteria that feed on lactic acid produced during earlier fermentation and release carbon dioxide as a byproduct. As the cheese ages in warm cellars around 22°C (72°F), this gas accumulates inside the elastic curd, forming spherical bubbles that become the characteristic openings. In 2015, scientists at Agroscope, the Swiss government's agricultural research institute, discovered that the number and size of these holes had been declining in modern Swiss cheese. The culprit wasn't the bacteria but the extreme cleanliness of contemporary dairy processing. Microscopic particles of hay dust in traditionally handled raw milk act as nucleation sites where CO₂ bubbles can form. When milk is microfiltered and handled in ultra-clean environments, those particles disappear, and the gas disperses too evenly to create large eyes. This finding confirmed what cheesemakers had long suspected anecdotally: a little barn dust plays a structural role in one of the world's most recognizable cheeses. The propionic acid produced alongside the CO₂ also contributes to Swiss cheese's slightly sweet, nutty flavor.
Bacteria blow the holes
Propionibacterium freudenreichii consume lactic acid and exhale CO₂ that inflates the eyes during warm aging.
Hay dust is structural
Microscopic hay particles in raw milk serve as nucleation sites where gas bubbles can form and grow.
Warm aging builds eyes
The eye-forming phase happens at roughly 22°C, a distinct warm stage after initial cold ripening.
💡 When & how to use it
Swiss cheese melts exceptionally well thanks to its elastic protein structure and relatively high moisture, making it ideal for French onion soup, gratins, and hot sandwiches. Its nutty, sweet flavor intensifies with age—look for "aged" or "reserve" labels for sharper depth. Store wrapped in parchment or wax paper inside a loose plastic bag in the refrigerator to balance humidity without trapping excess moisture. Pair with ham and mustard for a classic deli combination, or melt over roasted vegetables where its mild acidity cuts through richness.
Calories by Serving Size
100g
393 kcal
P 27g C 1.44g F 31g
1 slice (21.9g)
86 kcal
P 5.9g C 0.3g F 6.8g
200g
786 kcal
P 54g C 2.9g F 62g
50g
197 kcal
P 13.5g C 0.7g F 15.5g
Full Nutrition Facts
Per 100g — daily values based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 100g
Calories 393
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 31g 40%
Saturated Fat 18.2g 91%
Trans Fat 0.99g
Cholesterol 93mg 31%
Sodium 185mg 8%
Total Carbohydrate 1.44g 1%
Protein 27g 54%
Calcium 890mg 68%
Iron 0.13mg 1%
Potassium 71mg 2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
How does Cheese fit your daily goals?
79 min
Walking to burn 393 kcal
20%
of 2,000 kcal daily goal
27g
protein (54% of daily 50g)
5
servings until 2,000 kcal
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in Cheese, swiss?
Cheese, swiss contains 393 calories per 100g. A standard serving of 1 slice (21.9g) provides 86 calories. It is relatively calorie-dense, so portion control is important.
How much protein does Cheese, swiss have?
Cheese, swiss provides 27g of protein per 100g, which is 54% of the 50g daily recommended value. It is an excellent source of protein.
How many carbs are in Cheese, swiss?
Cheese, swiss contains 1.44g of carbohydrates per 100g .
Is Cheese, swiss good for weight loss?
Cheese, swiss has 393 kcal per 100g, so portions need to be monitored on a weight-loss diet. Use CalRay to track your intake accurately. Its high protein content (27g/100g) helps with satiety.
How do I track Cheese, swiss calories accurately?
The easiest way to track cheese is with CalRay. Simply snap a photo of your meal and the AI will automatically identify the food and calculate calories and macros based on the estimated portion size — no manual lookup required. You can also search by name and adjust gram weight manually.
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