Andy Montoya
Yellow American cheese is a processed cheese made from cow's milk. It was first made by Kraft in the early 20th century and is now popular in the USA for its affordable price and soft texture. A slice of this cheese contains around 70 to 80 calories, with 5% to 7% of those calories coming from carbohydrates. This equates to 1 to 2 grams of carbohydrates per slice. Therefore, yellow American cheese does contain some carbs, but it is considered a low-carb cheese relative to other types of cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 1 oz: 7% carbs |
| 1 slice: 2g carbs | |
| Calories | 1 slice: 50, 70, 80 calories |
| 1 cubic inch: 43 calories | |
| 1 oz: 68, 110 calories | |
| 1 cup: 535 calories | |
| 1 lb: 1084 calories | |
| Fat | 1 slice: 5g fat |
| 1 oz: 74% fat | |
| 1 slice: 7g fat | |
| Protein | 1 oz: 18% protein |
| 1 slice: 4g protein | |
| 1 slice: 19% protein |
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What You'll Learn
Yellow American cheese is a processed cheese
Yellow American cheese is a high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sodium food. A one-ounce slice of this cheese contains around 70 to 110 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 5-7% carbohydrates, 74-76% fat, and 18-19% protein. It is a good source of high-quality protein and is fortified with vitamin D and naturally rich in other vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, phosphorus, calcium, and zinc.
While it provides essential nutrients, Yellow American cheese also has some downsides. Its high sodium content, for example, is significantly higher than that of Swiss or Cheddar cheese. Additionally, as a processed cheese, it may contain additives to improve flavour, texture, appearance, or preservation. These additives can be natural or artificial, with many artificial additives being discovered in the 19th century.
Despite being a processed cheese, Yellow American cheese does provide some nutritional benefits. It is a good source of high-quality protein and can help boost calcium intake, contributing to bone strength and potentially reducing the risk of osteoporosis. The vitamins and minerals present in this cheese also offer additional health benefits.
In summary, Yellow American cheese is a processed cheese that offers both positive and negative nutritional qualities. While it is a good source of protein and certain vitamins and minerals, its high sodium content and presence of additives may be considered downsides. As with any food, moderation and a balanced diet are key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
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It is made from cow's milk
Yellow American cheese is a processed cheese made from cow's milk. It was first made by the Kraft brand in the early 20th century and is now popular in the USA for its affordable price and soft texture. The cheese is typically sold in packages of individual slices or as block cheese.
The FDA has deemed cow's milk, along with milk from water buffalo, goats, and sheep, acceptable for cheesemaking. Each type of milk produces a unique kind of cheese. For example, goat's milk has a mildly acidic, zingy flavour that can develop a sweet caramel finish as it ages. Sheep's milk, on the other hand, contains twice the amount of fat and proteins as cow's or goat's milk, resulting in a decadent, palate-coating texture.
Yellow American cheese is made by blending real cheese with texture- and flavour-altering ingredients. It is produced by mixing Cheddar cheese, washed curd cheese, Colby cheese, and granular cheese, among other ingredients. The cheese gets its yellow colour from annatto, a seasoning.
Yellow American cheese is considered a processed product, which gives it an extended shelf life compared to natural cheeses. It is also a low-carb cheese and a good source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals. A 1-ounce (28-gram) slice provides vitamins A, D, phosphorus, calcium, and zinc.
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It is a good source of protein
Yellow American cheese is a good source of protein. While it is a processed cheese, it is made from cow's milk, which is a dairy product. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are considered high-quality protein sources because they provide all the essential amino acids that are the building blocks of protein.
A single slice of yellow American cheese typically contains around 4 grams of protein, which is about 18-19% of its total macronutrient composition. This makes it a relatively good source of protein compared to other types of cheese. For example, Swiss and Cheddar cheeses have slightly higher protein counts, but American cheese provides the same amount of total and saturated fat per slice.
Being a processed product, yellow American cheese has an extended shelf life compared to natural cheeses. It also has a mild, salty, and slightly sweet flavor, which has made it popular in the USA. In addition to its protein content, yellow American cheese is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and D, phosphorus, calcium, and zinc.
However, it is important to note that yellow American cheese is also a high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sodium food. As such, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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It is high in sodium
While yellow American cheese offers a good source of protein and calcium, it is important to note that it is high in sodium. The sodium content in cheese primarily comes from the cheese-making process, where salt is added as a preservative and for flavor enhancement. On average, a single slice of American cheese can contain around 170 mg of sodium, which is a significant amount considering the recommended daily sodium intake is less than 2,300 mg per day for adults.
The high sodium content in yellow American cheese is a concern because excessive sodium intake can lead to various health issues. Sodium plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance and blood pressure regulation in the body. However, consuming too much sodium can lead to water retention and increased blood pressure, which are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. High sodium intake is also linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer and can aggravate kidney problems.
It is important for individuals to monitor their sodium intake, especially those with hypertension or those at risk of developing high blood pressure. To reduce sodium intake, one can opt for low-sodium cheese alternatives or choose natural, unprocessed cheeses that tend to have lower sodium levels. Moderation is key, and while cheese can be a part of a healthy diet, it should be consumed in smaller portions to maintain a balanced and healthy diet.
Additionally, reading nutrition labels and comparing sodium content across different cheese varieties can help make informed choices. Some manufacturers offer reduced-sodium versions of American cheese, which can be a better option for those watching their salt intake. However, it is worth noting that reduced-sodium cheeses may also have added preservatives or other ingredients to enhance flavor, so checking the ingredient list is always advisable.
When incorporating yellow American cheese into meals, it is advisable to limit other high-sodium ingredients. For example, when making a grilled cheese sandwich, opt for fresh bread instead of packaged, processed bread, which often contains added sodium. Similarly, when adding cheese to pasta dishes or salads, be mindful of other salty ingredients like cured meats, olives, or salad dressings, as these can quickly elevate the overall sodium content of the meal.
In conclusion, while yellow American cheese has its nutritional benefits, its high sodium content is a concern and should be considered when including it in a healthy diet. Consumers should be mindful of their daily sodium intake and opt for lower-sodium alternatives or natural cheese options when possible. By making informed choices and practicing moderation, individuals can still enjoy the flavor and benefits of cheese while maintaining a healthy sodium balance in their diet.
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It is a low-carb cheese
Yellow American cheese is indeed a low-carb cheese, with a typical slice containing around 1-2g of carbohydrates. This is in addition to 4-5g of protein and 7-8g of fat, totalling around 70-80 calories per slice.
American cheese is a processed cheese made from cow's milk and is popular in the USA for its affordable price and soft texture. Its colour ranges from white to light yellow or orange. It is commonly sold in individual slices or blocks and has a mild, salty, and slightly sweet flavour.
Being a processed product, American cheese has a longer shelf life than natural cheeses. It is also a good source of high-quality protein and is fortified with vitamin D and naturally high in other vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, phosphorus, calcium, and zinc.
While American cheese has some nutritional benefits, it is also a high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sodium food. The sodium content, in particular, is significantly higher than that of other cheeses such as Swiss and Cheddar.
In conclusion, yellow American cheese is a low-carb cheese option, but it is important to consider its other nutritional aspects when including it in a balanced diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, yellow American cheese does contain carbohydrates. The percentage of carbs in a slice of yellow American cheese can range from 5% to 7%, which is around 1-2g of carbs per slice.
The number of calories in yellow American cheese can vary depending on the brand and serving size. On average, a single slice of cheese contains between 70 and 80 calories.
Yellow American cheese is a processed cheese made from cow's milk. It is created by mixing different types of cheese, including Cheddar, washed curd cheese, Colby cheese, and granular cheese.
