Pimento cheese, a beloved Southern food, blends taste and tradition. Traditionally, it combines shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos (sweet red peppers), seasoned for a distinctive flavor. This article delves into the nutritional aspects of pimento cheese, its variations, and considerations for incorporating it into a balanced diet.
What is Pimento Cheese?
Pimento cheese is a versatile spread and dip. The traditional recipe includes cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos. Variations introduce cream cheese, hot sauce, or spices.
Nutritional Profile of Pimento Cheese
Macronutrient Breakdown
A 1-ounce (28g) serving of pimento cheese (pasteurized process) contains approximately 106 calories. The distribution of macronutrients is as follows:
- Fat: 9g (11% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 6g (28% DV)
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Monounsaturated fats: 3g
- Polyunsaturated fats: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 0.5g (0.2% DV)
- Net Carbs: 0.5g
- Fiber: 0g (0.1% DV)
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Protein: 6g
Vitamins and Minerals
Pimento cheese offers several vitamins and minerals. For 1 ounce:
- Calcium: 174mg (17% DV)
- Phosphorus: 211mg (30% DV)
- Sodium: 259mg (11% DV)
- Iron: 0.1mg (1% DV)
- Potassium: 46mg (1% DV)
- Vitamin A: 69μg (8% DV)
- Vitamin B12: 0.2μg (8% DV)
- Vitamin C: 1mg (1% DV)
- Vitamin D: 0.1μg (1% DV)
- Vitamin E: 0.1mg (1% DV)
- Vitamin K: 1μg (1% DV)
- Zinc: 1mg (8% DV)
- Choline: 10mg (2%)
- Selenium: 4μg (7%)
- Riboflavin (B2): 0.1mg (8%)
- Pantothenic acid: 0.1mg (3%)
- Vitamin B6: 0mg (2%)
- Magnesium: 6mg (1%)
- Copper: 0mg (1%)
- Manganese: 0mg (0.2%)
- Niacin: 0mg (0.1%)
- Thiamine: 0mg (1%)
- Folate (B9): 2μg (1%)
- Alpha carotene: 3μg
- Beta carotene: 43μg
Amino Acid Profile
Pimento cheese contains a range of amino acids:
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- Alanine: 0.2g
- Arginine: 0.3g
- Aspartic acid: 0.4g
- Cystine: 0g
- Glutamic acid: 1g
- Glycine: 0.1g
- Histidine: 0.3g
- Isoleucine: 0.3g
- Leucine: 1g
- Lysine: 1g
- Methionine: 0.2g
- Phenylalanine: 0.3g
- Proline: 1g
- Serine: 0.3g
- Threonine: 0.2g
- Tryptophan: 0.1g
- Tyrosine: 0.3g
- Valine: 0.4g
Variations in Pimento Cheese
Several brands and recipes offer diverse flavor profiles. Examples include:
Emmy's Original Pimento Cheese
This version uses extra sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and spices.
- Nutrition Facts (per 2 tbsp/28g serving):
- Calories: 110
- Total Fat: 10g (13% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g (23% DV)
- Cholesterol: 20mg (7% DV)
- Sodium: 135mg (6% DV)
- Total Carb: 1g (0% DV)
- Fiber: 0g (0% DV)
- Total Sugars: 1g (Includes 1g Added Sugars, 2% DV)
- Protein: 4g
- Vitamin D: 0mcg (0% DV)
- Calcium: 114mg (8% DV)
- Iron: 0mg (0% DV)
- Potassium: 11mg (0% DV)
- Ingredients: Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt Enzymes, Annatto For Color), Mayonnaise (Soybean Oil, Vinegar, Eggs, Egg Yolks, Salt, Sugar, Water, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Dried Garlic, Spices), Pimento (Pimento, Water, Citric Acid), Sugar, Onion Powder, Spices.
Emmy's Fiery Jalapeño Pimento Cheese
This variant includes diced jalapeño for added heat.
- Nutrition Facts (per 2 tbsp/28g serving):
- Calories: 100
- Total Fat: 9g (12% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 4g (20% DV)
- Cholesterol: 20mg (7% DV)
- Sodium: 170mg (7% DV)
- Total Carb: 1g (0% DV)
- Fiber: 0g (0% DV)
- Total Sugars: 1g (Includes 1g Added Sugars, 2% DV)
- Protein: 4g
- Vitamin D: 0mcg (0% DV)
- Calcium: 106mg (8% DV)
- Iron: 0mg (0% DV)
- Potassium: 10mg (0% DV)
- Ingredients: Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt Enzymes, Annatto For Color), Mayonnaise (Soybean Oil, Vinegar, Eggs, Egg Yolks, Salt, Sugar, Water, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Dried Garlic, Spices), Pimento (Pimento, Water, Citric Acid), Jalapeño (Jalapeño Peppers, Water, Vinegar, Salt, Trace Of Calcium Chloride), Sugar, Onion Powder, Spices.
Emmy's Spicy White Cheddar Pimento Cheese
Featuring extra sharp white cheddar cheese, cayenne, and garlic powder, this blend offers a bolder taste.
- Nutrition Facts (per 2 tbsp/28g serving):
- Calories: 130
- Total Fat: 13g (17% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 4g (20% DV)
- Cholesterol: 25mg (8% DV)
- Sodium: 160mg (7% DV)
- Total Carb: 1g (0% DV)
- Fiber: 0g (0% DV)
- Total Sugars: 0g (Includes 0g Added Sugars, 0% DV)
- Protein: 4g
- Vitamin D: 0mcg (0% DV)
- Calcium: 104mg (8% DV)
- Iron: 0mg (0% DV)
- Potassium: 8mg (0% DV)
- Ingredients: Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt Enzymes, Annatto For Color), Mayonnaise (Soybean Oil, Vinegar, Eggs, Egg Yolks, Salt, Sugar, Water, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Dried Garlic, Spices), Pimento (Pimento, Water, Citric Acid), Jalapeño (Jalapeño Peppers, Water, Vinegar, Salt, Trace Of Calcium Chloride), Garlic Powder, Spices.
Emmy's Fiesta Sol Ranch Dip & Spread
This variety incorporates ranch flavors with a spicy kick.
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- Nutrition Facts (per 2 Tbsp/28g serving):
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 12g (15% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g (8% DV)
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg (5% DV)
- Sodium: 125mg (5% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 2g (1% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 0g (0% DV)
- Total Sugars: 1g (Includes 0g Added Sugars, 0% DV)
- Protein: 1g
- Vitamin D: 0mcg (0% DV)
- Calcium: 30mg (2% DV)
- Iron: 0.2mg (0% DV)
- Potassium: 40mg (0% DV)
- Ingredients: CULTURED CREAM, MAYONNAISE (SOYBEAN OIL, EGGS, EGG YOLKS, WATER, VINEGAR, SUGAR, LEMON JUICE CONCENTRATE, DRIED GARLIC, SALT, SPICES), ONION, SPICES, SALT, SUGAR, GARLIC.
Emmy's Smoky Onion Dip & Spread
This dip features a creamy, smoky onion flavor.
- Nutrition Facts (per 2 Tbsp/28g serving):
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 12g (15% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g (8% DV)
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg (5% DV)
- Sodium: 160mg (7% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 2g (1% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 0g (0% DV)
- Total Sugars: 1g (Includes 0g Added Sugars, 0% DV)
- Protein: 1g
- Vitamin D: 0mcg (0% DV)
- Calcium: 20mg (2% DV)
- Iron: 0.1mg (0% DV)
- Potassium: 30mg (0% DV)
- Ingredients: CULTURED CREAM, MAYONNAISE (SOYBEAN OIL, EGGS, EGG YOLKS, WATER, VINEGAR, SUGAR, LEMON JUICE CONCENTRATE, DRIED GARLIC, SALT, SPICES), ONION, SALT, GARLIC, MESQUITE SMOKE FLAVOR.
Price*s Pimento Cheese Spreads
Price*s offers several pimento cheese spreads, including Original, Lite, and Bacon varieties.
- Price*s Original Pimento Cheese Spread is a classic taste of Texas with a sweet and tangy twist. Made with real cheddar cheese, pimentos, and salad dressing.
- Price*s Lite Pimento Cheese Spread has all the flavor as the Original-but with less fat! Made with real cheddar cheese and pimento peppers.
- Price*s Bacon Pimento Cheese Spread is made with real bacon, cheddar cheese and pimento peppers.
Ingredients of Reduced-Fat Cheese Blend: Reduced-Fat Cheddar Cheese (Pasteurized Part-Skim Milk, Salt, Cheese Cultures, Enzymes), Whey, Soybean Oil and Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Sodium Citrate, Salt, Sodium Phosphate, Potassium Sorbate [Preservative], Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Locust Bean Gum, Paprika and Annatto [Color]), Dressing (Water, Soybean Oil, Cane Sugar, Distilled Vinegar, Egg Yolk, Modified Corn Starch, Salt, Less than 2% of: Ground Mustard, Paprika, Corn Starch, Potassium Sorbate And Sodium Benzoate and Calcium Disodium EDTA [Preservative]), Diced Red Peppers (Red Sweet Pepper, Water, Citric Acid), Pimiento Puree (Pimiento, Water, Citric Acid), Bacon (Cured with Water, Salt, Sugar, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrite.
Health Considerations
Saturated Fat and Cholesterol
Pimento cheese contains saturated fat and cholesterol. Saturated fat intake can raise total cholesterol and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels, potentially increasing the risk of atherosclerosis. Dietary cholesterol is not associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease in healthy individuals.
Sodium Content
Pimento cheese can be high in sodium. For example, 1 ounce of pimento cheese contains 259mg of sodium, which is 11% of the Daily Value.
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PRAL (Potential Renal Acid Load)
The PRAL is calculated using a formula. On the PRAL scale the higher the positive value, the more is the acidifying effect on the body. The lower the negative value, the higher the alkalinity of the food.
Moderation
Given its fat and sodium content, moderation is advisable, especially for those monitoring calorie intake or cardiovascular health.
Culinary Uses
Pimento cheese is a versatile ingredient:
- Spread: Ideal for crackers and bread.
- Sandwich Filling: Adds flavor and creaminess to sandwiches.
- Dip: Pairs well with vegetables.
- Melting: Melts well for hot dishes, such as nachos.
Important Considerations
Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.