Pimento Cheese Keto: Is Price's Product Compliant?

Pimento cheese is a popular keto option, especially in the American South. It's a tasty, tangy spread made with cheddar cheese, pimentos, and mayonnaise. While it's generally keto-friendly, it's important to check the ingredients list for any unexpected additions. The best way to ensure your pimento cheese is keto-friendly is to make it yourself.

Price's Pimiento Cheese Spread is a well-known brand that can be found in the cheese department of most markets. It's a convenient option for those who want to enjoy this southern delicacy without the hassle of making it from scratch. The original version is made with real cheddar cheese, pimentos, and a tangy, slightly sweet salad dressing. Price's also offers a lite version with half the fat and a bacon variety for those who want an extra kick of flavour.

Is Price's pimento cheese keto-friendly?

Price's Pimiento Cheese Spread is a Texas classic made with real cheddar cheese, pimentos, and salad dressing. It's a versatile product that can be enjoyed as a snack, a meal, or a topping. But is it suitable for those following a keto diet?

Keto-Friendly Characteristics

The ketogenic diet aims to shift the body into a metabolic state called ketosis, where it burns fats instead of carbohydrates for energy. This means that keto-friendly foods should be high in fat and low in net carbs.

Price's Pimiento Cheese Spread fits the bill in terms of fat content. It's made with real cheddar cheese, which is naturally high in fat and moderate in protein. Additionally, the spread contains mayonnaise, which also contributes to its high-fat content.

When it comes to carbohydrates, pimento cheese generally has a low net carb count. This is because the main ingredients—cheddar cheese, pimentos, and mayonnaise—are not significant sources of carbohydrates.

Nutritional Information for Price's Pimiento Cheese Spread

Price's Original Pimiento Cheese Spread comes in 7 oz, 12 oz, and 20 oz containers. The serving size is 2 tablespoons (31g), and the number of servings per container varies depending on the size.

According to the nutritional information provided by Price's, a 2-tablespoon serving of the original spread contains:

• 90 calories
• 8g of fat
• 2g of carbohydrates
• 1g of protein

It's important to note that the total carbohydrate content and the net carb content are two different values. The net carb content is calculated by subtracting fibre and sugar alcohols from the total carbohydrates. In the context of a ketogenic diet, net carbs are the crucial value to consider.

Based on the nutritional information, Price's Original Pimiento Cheese Spread can be considered keto-friendly. While it contains a small amount of carbohydrates, the net carb content is likely to be even lower, as fibre and sugar alcohols are subtracted. Additionally, the spread is high in fat, which aligns with the macros of a ketogenic diet.

However, it's important to remember that portion sizes are crucial. Even though the product is keto-friendly, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced, nutrient-dense ketogenic diet.

Incorporating Price's Pimiento Cheese Spread into a Keto Diet

• Use it as a dip for low-carb vegetables like celery, cucumber, or bell peppers.
• Spread it on keto-friendly crackers or bread.
• Stuff avocados, tomatoes, or chicken breasts with the pimento cheese for a tasty and filling snack or meal.
• Add it to eggs, either as a filling for an omelette or mixed into scrambled eggs.
• Use it as a topping for burgers or steak.

Price's Pimiento Cheese Spread is a delicious and versatile product that can be enjoyed by those following a ketogenic diet. Its high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-net-carb content make it a suitable choice for keto dieters. However, as with any food, portion control is important to ensure it fits within your daily macronutrient goals.

What are the nutritional values of Price's pimento cheese?

Price's Pimiento Cheese Spread is a delicious, tangy treat, but it's important to be aware of its nutritional values. The spread is made with real cheddar cheese, pimentos, and salad dressing, and it can be enjoyed as a snack, a meal, or simply on a cracker.

Nutritional values will vary depending on the variety and serving size. The original variety comes in 7 oz, 12 oz, and 20 oz containers, with a 2-tablespoon (31g) serving size. This serving size contains 170 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 14% carbs, 74% fat, and 12% protein.

The Lite variety, which has 50% less fat than the USDA Standard Pimento Cheese, is available in a 12 oz container. It also has a 2-tablespoon (31g) serving size, but its nutritional values are not provided.

The Bacon variety, which includes real bacon, is sold in a 10.5 oz container and has a 2-tablespoon (31g) serving size. Unfortunately, its nutritional values are also not provided.

While Price's Pimiento Cheese Spread is keto-friendly due to its high fat, moderate protein, and low net carb content, it is important to remember that it is also high in calories. Therefore, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced, nutrient-dense ketogenic diet.

How does Price's pimento cheese compare to other keto-friendly snacks?

Price's Pimiento Cheese Spread is a keto-friendly snack option, thanks to its high-fat, moderate protein, and low net carb content. The spread is made with real cheddar cheese, pimentos, and salad dressing, resulting in a classic Texas taste with a sweet and tangy twist. While it is a tasty keto-friendly option, how does it compare to other keto snacks available in the market?

When it comes to keto-friendly snacks, variety is the spice of life. From savoury to sweet, there are numerous options to choose from. Here's a detailed comparison of Price's Pimiento Cheese Spread to some of the other popular keto-friendly snacks:

Nut Butters:

Nut butters, such as peanut, almond, and sesame, are excellent keto-friendly options. They are high in fat and protein while being low in carbs. Natural nut butters without added sugar are the best choice. For example, two tablespoons of natural peanut butter contain approximately 16 grams of fat and 7 grams of protein. This makes nut butters a filling and nutritious snack, perfect for curbing those mid-day cravings.

Olives:

Olives are another tasty keto snack, providing a good amount of healthy fats while being low in protein. A 3.5-ounce serving of olives offers 145 calories and 15 grams of fat. However, it's important to note that olives are also high in sodium, so individuals with specific dietary restrictions may need to be cautious.

Nuts and Seeds:

Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds, are excellent sources of protein and healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids. They are also low in carbs, making them a perfect keto-friendly snack. For instance, a quarter cup of raw almonds contains 15 grams of fat and 7 grams of protein. Opting for unsalted nuts without any additional ingredients is recommended.

Avocados:

Avocados are a keto-diet staple, packed with healthy fats and dietary fibre. A single avocado provides 22.5 grams of fat and 12.5 grams of fibre. They are also a good source of vitamin C, which aids in iron absorption. Avocados are versatile and can be enjoyed as a snack on their own or used in various keto recipes, such as guacamole or keto toast.

Hard-boiled Eggs:

Hard-boiled eggs are a protein-rich snack and a great keto option. One large egg contains 6.29 grams of protein and 5.3 grams of fat. Boiling or poaching are lower-fat cooking methods, but if you need more fat in your diet, you can fry or scramble the eggs in butter or oil. Hard-boiled eggs are also a convenient snack that can be easily prepared in advance.

Full-Fat Cheese:

Cheese, especially full-fat varieties, is a fantastic keto snack. A 1-inch cube of cheddar cheese, for example, has 3.89 grams of protein and 5.66 grams of fat, while being very low in carbs. However, it's important to note that low-fat and fat-free cheeses may contain around 2 grams of carbs per serving, so they may not be the best option for keto dieters.

Green Bell Peppers:

Green bell peppers, enjoyed in moderation, are another keto-friendly vegetable. They are relatively low in carbs, with 4 grams of carbs in a 3-ounce serving. They can be chopped and paired with a dip like unsweetened Greek yogurt for a tasty and healthy snack. However, it's worth noting that Greek yogurt can contain 3-5 grams of carbs per half cup, so portion sizes should be considered.

Carrots:

Carrots, like bell peppers, can be enjoyed in moderation on a keto diet. A 3-ounce serving of carrot sticks contains 7 grams of carbs and provides various nutrients, including beta-carotene. They can be eaten raw or cooked and are a great addition to a keto snack platter.

Greek Yogurt:

Plain, full-fat Greek yogurt is another keto-friendly option, offering both protein and fat while being relatively low in carbs. A 6-ounce serving of Greek yogurt typically contains around 5 grams of protein and 10 grams of fat. However, those on a keto diet may need to plan their carb intake if they wish to include Greek yogurt as a snack.

Celery Sticks:

Celery sticks are a low-calorie, low-carb snack option for keto dieters. About nine celery sticks contain around 3 grams of carbs. They are perfect for dipping into nut butters or low-carb dips and can help add a crunchy texture to your keto snack platter.

Berries:

While fruit is generally high in carbs and limited on a keto diet, certain berries can be enjoyed in moderation. Raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries provide fibre and antioxidants, making them a nutritious snack option. However, they do contain natural sugars, so moderation is key. For example, three-quarters of a cup of raspberries contains 17 grams of carbs, so portion sizes should be considered.

Cucumbers:

Cucumbers are another low-carb vegetable option, with 1 cup of sliced cucumbers containing around 2.57 grams of carbs. They can be enjoyed as a refreshing snack on their own, added to a salad, or used as a dipper for low-carb dips.

Price's Pimiento Cheese Spread is a delicious and keto-friendly snack option, but it's always good to have a variety of choices to suit different tastes and dietary needs. The above-mentioned keto-friendly snacks offer a range of savoury and sweet options, ensuring that individuals following a keto diet don't have to compromise on taste or nutrition. It's important to remember that portion sizes and individual dietary requirements may vary, so adjusting serving sizes accordingly is essential.

What are some keto-friendly recipes that use Price's pimento cheese?

Pimento cheese is a keto-friendly food due to its high fat, moderate protein, and low net carb content. It can be incorporated into a keto diet in many ways, and below are some recipes that specifically use Price's pimento cheese:

Keto Pimento Cheese Stuffed Avocados

Cut an avocado in half, remove the pit, and fill the cavity with Price's pimento cheese. This can be a satisfying breakfast or a quick snack, offering a good dose of healthy fats and low net carbs.

Pimento Cheese Omelet

Add a dollop of Price's pimento cheese to your morning omelet for a tasty twist. It pairs well with other low-carb veggies like spinach, bell peppers, and mushrooms.

Pimento Cheese Dip

Price's pimento cheese can be paired with an array of fresh, crunchy vegetables like celery, cucumber, bell peppers, or keto-friendly crackers for social gatherings or a night in.

Pimento Cheese Topped Grilled Chicken

Top grilled chicken breast with Price's pimento cheese and let it melt slightly for a creamy, spicy, and delicious dinner option.

Other Ideas

Price's pimento cheese can also be used as a topping for burgers, stuffed into olives, or served with low-carb crackers or celery, zucchini, and red pepper sticks. It can also be used as a spread on keto-friendly bread or added to a lettuce wrap BLT.

What are some serving suggestions for Price's pimento cheese?

Pimento cheese is a keto-friendly food that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions specifically for Price's pimento cheese:

As a Snack or Appetizer

Price's pimento cheese can be served as a snack on its own or as an appetizer with vegetables or low-carb crackers. You can also serve it with keto-friendly crackers, celery sticks, zucchini sticks, and red pepper strips. For a more substantial snack, use it as a filling for pimento cheese-stuffed olives or jalapeños, or as a topping for keto-friendly toast.

As a Side or Condiment

Price's pimento cheese can be a delicious addition to your meal as a side or condiment. You can spread it on burgers or use it as a topping for grilled chicken. It also pairs well with other low-carb veggies like spinach, bell peppers, and mushrooms. For a refreshing snack, spread it on veggies like cucumbers or carrots.

In Dips and Spreads

Price's pimento cheese can be used as a dip for an array of fresh, crunchy vegetables like celery, cucumber, bell peppers, or keto-friendly crackers. You can also use it as a spread in sandwiches or wraps, such as a lettuce wrap with ham or turkey.

In Eggs

Add a dollop of Price's pimento cheese to your scrambled eggs or use it as a filling for an omelette. You can also get creative and make deviled eggs with it.

In Stuffed Dishes

Price's pimento cheese can be used as a stuffing in various dishes. Try stuffing avocados, tomatoes, or jalapeños with the pimento cheese for a tasty treat. You can also stuff chicken breasts with the pimento cheese and roast them in the oven for a delicious, creamy meal.

Remember to enjoy Price's pimento cheese in moderation as part of a balanced, nutrient-dense ketogenic diet.

Frequently asked questions