Randy Chandler
American cheese is a processed product with a longer shelf life than natural cheeses. It is a good source of calcium and protein, and is fortified with vitamin D. However, it is also high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. A single slice of American cheese contains 45-60 calories. Therefore, two slices of American cheese contain 90-120 calories.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 calories (approximately) for 2 slices |
| Carbohydrates | 4g total carbs, 4g net carbs |
| Fat | 5g (of which 2.5g is saturated fat) |
| Protein | 8g |
| Sodium | 230mg |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Vitamins | A, D |
| Minerals | Phosphorus, Calcium, Zinc |
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What You'll Learn
Kraft Singles American Cheese: 45 calories per slice
Kraft Singles American Cheese is a convenient and tasty addition to any meal, but how does it fare in terms of calorie count? Well, a single slice of this cheese contains 45 calories. So, if you're enjoying a grilled cheese sandwich with two slices of this variety, you're consuming around 90 calories just from the cheese.
While this may not seem like a significant contribution to your daily calorie intake, it's important to consider the other nutrients and potential health implications associated with American cheese. Firstly, it's a highly processed product, which contributes to its extended shelf life compared to natural cheeses. This processing also means that American cheese is a good source of calcium and high-quality protein, as well as vitamins A and D.
However, the high saturated fat and sodium content in American cheese are the primary health concerns. A single slice can contribute 5 grams of saturated fat, which is 25% of the recommended daily value. This type of fat can raise LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup.
Additionally, American cheese is generally recognized as a high-calorie food. When compared to Swiss and Cheddar cheeses, it has a slightly lower calorie content due to its lower protein count. Nevertheless, all three cheeses provide the same amount of total and saturated fat per slice, and American cheese boasts the highest sodium content by far.
So, while Kraft Singles American Cheese may offer some nutritional benefits, it's important to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The high-calorie count and presence of saturated fat and sodium mean it should be considered an occasional treat rather than a staple in your daily meals.
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High in saturated fat
A slice of American cheese weighing 28 grams (1 ounce) contains 60 calories. Two slices, therefore, contain 120 calories. However, it's important to note that American cheese is high in saturated fat, with 2.5 grams of saturated fat per slice, accounting for 12% of the Daily Value (DV). The high saturated fat content in American cheese can have several health implications.
Firstly, consuming too much saturated fat can increase your risk of high LDL cholesterol, heart disease, and stroke. Saturated fat intake is recommended to be no more than 5% to 6% of your daily calories. For a 2,000-calorie diet, this translates to a maximum of 120 calories or 13 grams of saturated fat per day. American cheese, with 5 grams of saturated fat per slice, contributes a significant portion of this daily limit.
Secondly, diets high in saturated fat are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, including atherosclerosis, which is characterized by plaque buildup and narrowing of the arteries. This can lead to serious health complications, making it a major risk factor for cardiovascular issues and a significant cause of death worldwide. The high saturated fat content in American cheese can contribute to these adverse health effects if consumed in excess.
Moreover, American cheese is also high in sodium, which, when consumed in high amounts, can increase the risk of hypertension or high blood pressure. The combination of high saturated fat and sodium content in American cheese can further elevate these health risks. Therefore, it is generally recommended to consume American cheese in moderation to maintain a healthy balance between enjoying its taste and mitigating potential adverse health consequences.
While American cheese does offer some nutritional benefits, such as providing high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin B12, the potential drawbacks of its high saturated fat and sodium content cannot be overlooked. To maintain a healthy diet, it is advisable to limit the consumption of American cheese and opt for low-fat or fat-free cheese varieties whenever possible.
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High in sodium
Two slices of American cheese typically contain 120 calories. However, the calorie count may vary depending on the brand and the specific product. American cheese is a processed cheese product made from a blend of different types of cheese and other ingredients. While it offers some nutritional benefits, it is also high in sodium.
American cheese is a popular ingredient in classic American dishes like cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. It is known for its smooth, creamy texture and mild flavor. However, due to its high sodium content, it may pose some health concerns.
The high sodium content in American cheese is primarily because salt is one of its main ingredients. While salt is necessary for our bodies to function properly, excessive sodium intake can lead to negative health effects. According to Healthline, diets high in sodium have been associated with an increased risk of hypertension or high blood pressure. Therefore, it is recommended to monitor and control sodium intake to maintain a healthy blood pressure level.
The sodium content in American cheese can vary depending on the brand and type. For example, a regular pasteurized process American cheese contains about 470 mg of sodium per 1-ounce serving. On the other hand, Boar's Head offers a lower-sodium option with 300 mg of sodium per 1-ounce serving, which is a 36% reduction compared to the regular variety.
When considering the sodium content of American cheese, it is important to view it in the context of an overall diet. While high sodium intake is linked to health risks, these risks can be mitigated by ensuring that the overall diet is balanced and that other sources of sodium are considered. Additionally, there are low-sodium cheese options available, such as St. Nectaire, Saint Marcellin, Comté, ricotta, and mozzarella. These cheeses are made without direct salting of the curd or use brine to impart a salty flavor.
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Good source of calcium
A single slice of American cheese is typically around 45 to 60 calories. The calorie count can vary depending on the brand and specific type of American cheese. For example, Kraft Singles American 2% Milk Cheese Slices have 45 calories per slice, while another variety of Kraft Singles has 60 calories per slice.
While American cheese is a high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sodium food, it also offers some nutritional benefits. It is a good source of calcium, providing about 72% of the dietary calcium supply in the United States. Calcium is essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones and teeth.
American cheese is also a source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals. It contains vitamins A and D, phosphorus, calcium, and zinc. Vitamin D works together with calcium to strengthen bones by improving the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin A promotes eye and immune health, while zinc is crucial for growth, digestion, and DNA synthesis.
It is worth noting that American cheese is a processed product, which contributes to its extended shelf life compared to natural cheeses. This processing also results in higher levels of saturated fat and sodium, which can have negative health impacts if consumed in excess. Therefore, while American cheese can be a good source of calcium and other nutrients, it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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High-quality protein
Two slices of American cheese contain 120 calories. Cheese is a dairy product, and dairy products are rich in protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. However, dairy products can also be high in saturated fat, so it is recommended to choose low-fat dairy options and limit cheese intake.
Protein is an essential nutrient for everyone, especially those who are physically active, as it helps to stay healthy and physically fit. High-quality protein, also known as complete protein, is protein that contains all the essential amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks that form proteins. Animal sources of protein, such as meat, eggs, and dairy, are considered complete proteins. Lean meats, such as chicken, turkey, beef, and pork, are excellent sources of high-quality protein and provide important nutrients like iron and zinc. Fish, such as salmon, tuna, halibut, and whitefish, are also considered lean, complete proteins.
Eggs are another easily digestible source of high-quality protein. An average egg contains approximately 6 or 7 grams of protein and is rich in vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Additionally, egg whites are almost pure protein, while the yolk provides additional nutrients.
While most plant-based proteins are considered incomplete proteins, some exceptions include soy, quinoa, and beans, which are complete proteins. Soy is one of the few vegetable-based proteins that are considered complete and high-quality. Quinoa, a plant-based food, contains all nine essential amino acids. Beans, such as chickpeas and black beans, are also high-protein legumes, providing 7.05 grams and 8.86 grams of protein per 100 grams cooked, respectively.
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Frequently asked questions
Two slices of American cheese typically contain around 90 calories.
American cheese is a good source of calcium and protein. It is also fortified with vitamin D and naturally contains vitamins A and B12, phosphorus, calcium, and zinc.
American cheese is highly processed and contains high levels of saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. A high intake of saturated fat may increase LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, raising the risk of atherosclerosis.
