Sausage & deli meats

Ham and cheese spread

FDC 171629tbsp (15 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 23 · +1 vs Sausage & deli meats median

Ham and cheese spread scores 23 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, a Low band that ranks it 28th of 60 among sausage and deli meats, just above the category median. It brings a strong 32% DV of protein along with 17% DV of calcium and 10% DV of vitamin A, courtesy of the cheese blended into the spread.

This is a spreadable deli product meant for crackers, a bagel, or a sandwich rather than eaten by the spoonful, with a tablespoon or two covering a slice of bread. It is high in sodium at 1200 mg per 100 g and high in saturated fat at 8.6 g per 100 g, so it works best as an occasional spread rather than a daily one.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around ham and cheese spread, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 16.2 g · 27%Carb 2.3 g · 4%Fat 18.5 g · 69%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories245 kcal12%
Total fat19 g24%
Saturated fat8.6 g43%
Cholesterol61 mg20%
Sodium1200 mg52%
Carbohydrate2.3 g1%
Dietary fiber0 g0%
Sugars-
Protein16 g32%
Potassium162 mg3%
Calcium217 mg17%
Iron0.76 mg4%
Magnesium18 mg4%
Vitamin C0 mg0%
Vitamin A91 µg10%
Vitamin E-

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 171629

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Protein32% DV
Calcium17% DV
Vitamin A10% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the sausage & deli meats median

Nutrient density23 vs 22 median
Protein / 100 g16 vs 14 median
Fiber / 100 g0 vs 0 median
Sodium / 100 g1200 vs 1030 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Beerwurst, pork and beefDensity 24 vs 23Blood sausageDensity 24 vs 23Frankfurter, chickenDensity 25 vs 23

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Ham and cheese spread is a smooth, spreadable blend of finely ground cooked ham and cheese, sold in a tub or squeeze container for quick sandwich building. It is spread on crackers or bread for a fast snack, used as a sandwich filling in place of sliced deli meat and cheese, or thinned slightly and used as a dip for pretzels or vegetable sticks. Its texture is closer to a pate or spreadable cheese than to sliced ham, since the meat is emulsified with the cheese into one uniform paste, and it is often packed for lunchboxes alongside crackers as a portable snack pack.

An opened tub should be kept tightly sealed in the refrigerator and used within the timeframe on the label, since the spreadable texture makes it more perishable than whole cuts of ham. Per 100 grams it has 245 calories, 16.2 grams of protein, or 32% DV, and 1,200 mg of sodium, so a tablespoon goes a long way as a spread rather than a main course, at around 15 grams per serving. It also supplies 17% DV of calcium and 10% DV of vitamin A per 100 grams, largely from the cheese component, while carbohydrate stays minimal at 2.28 grams per 100 grams.

Frequently asked questions about ham and cheese spread

How many calories are in ham and cheese spread?

It has 245 calories per 100 grams.

Is ham and cheese spread a good source of protein?

Yes, it has 16.2 grams of protein per 100 grams, equal to 32% DV.

How is ham and cheese spread typically used?

It's spread on crackers or bread, used as a sandwich filling, or thinned as a dip.

View the USDA source record