Andy Montoya
American cheese is a processed food product made by blending different types of cheese, such as Cheddar, washed curd cheese, Colby cheese, and granular cheese. It is often sold as 'singles' and can be sliced. A slice of American cheese weighing 20.6 grams contains approximately 75 calories, while two slices (28 grams) of American cheese contain around 180 calories.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Carbohydrates | 5% |
| Fat | 76% |
| Protein | 19% |
| Number of slices | 2 |
| Weight per slice | 28 grams |
| Calories per slice | 90 |
| Carbohydrates per slice | 1.1 grams |
| Fat per slice | 3.4 grams |
| Saturated fat per slice | 3.73 grams |
| Protein per slice | 4 grams |
| Sodium per slice | 342 milligrams |
| Calcium per slice | 178 milligrams |
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What You'll Learn
Two slices of American cheese contain 180 calories
American cheese is a good source of calcium and protein. It has an extended shelf life compared to natural cheeses and does not need to be refrigerated until it is opened. However, it should be consumed in moderation due to its high saturated fat and
One slice of American cheese (20.6 grams) provides 178 milligrams of calcium, or 17% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA). It also offers 4 grams of protein, contributing to the recommended dietary allowance. It is considered a low-carb food, with only 1 gram of carbohydrates per slice.
The calorie count of two slices of American cheese is influenced by its high fat and sodium content. American cheese has 68% of its calories from dietary fats, with 3.73 grams coming from saturated fats. It also contains 342 milligrams of sodium per slice, making it a high-sodium food. Those with high blood pressure may want to limit their intake or choose low-sodium varieties.
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It's a processed food, made by combining different cheeses
The calorie count of two slices of American cheese depends on the weight of each slice. A 28-gram or 1-ounce slice of American cheese is approximately 100 calories. Thus, two slices would be 200 calories.
American cheese is a processed food, invented in Switzerland in 1911 by Walter Gerber and Fritz Stettler, who sought to reduce cheese waste by melting together scraps from various batches of cheese. In 1916, Canadian-American entrepreneur James Kraft perfected the technique in the US, patented it, and began selling the very first processed American cheese. Kraft Foods Inc. introduced the first commercially available, shelf-stable, sliced processed cheese in 1950.
Processed cheese is made by blending different types of cheese, such as Colby and cheddar, with other ingredients to alter its texture and flavor. The exact processes and ingredients used determine the labeling on the package. For example, additional ingredients may include melting the cheese with whey, milk proteins, and emulsifying salts, or simply blending it with another type of cheese. Processed cheese typically contains around 50-60% cheese and 40-50% other ingredients.
The process of making American cheese gives it a longer shelf life compared to natural cheeses, and it does not need refrigeration until it is opened. It also melts in a way that real cheese does not, making it ideal for cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. However, it should be consumed in moderation due to its high saturated fat and sodium content, which may increase the risk of heart disease.
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It's high in saturated fat and sodium
Two slices of processed American cheese can contain between 140 and 230 calories, depending on the brand and the weight of the slice. This type of cheese is also a good source of calcium and high-quality protein, as well as vitamins A and D, phosphorus, and zinc. However, it is also high in saturated fat and sodium, which can have negative health effects if consumed in excess.
Saturated fat and sodium are both essential nutrients, but they can be harmful if consumed in large quantities. Saturated fat, in particular, is known to raise LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels in the blood, which can lead to a build-up of plaque in the arteries (atherosclerosis). This, in turn, increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Sodium, on the other hand, can affect blood pressure, with high intake leading to high blood pressure and further increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Processed American cheese is made by mixing different types of cheese, including Cheddar, washed curd cheese, Colby cheese, and granular cheese. This combination of cheeses results in a product that is higher in saturated fat and sodium than some other types of cheese. For example, a 1-ounce (28-gram) slice of American cheese has the same amount of total and saturated fat as a slice of Swiss or Cheddar cheese, but its sodium content is 10 times higher.
It's important to note that the effects of saturated fat and sodium on health can depend on the overall diet and lifestyle. For instance, eating cheese in moderation as part of a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may not have the same negative effects as consuming it in a diet high in refined grains, processed meats, and other unhealthy foods. Additionally, some studies suggest that specific nutrients in cheese, such as calcium and conjugated linoleic acid, may have protective effects on the heart.
To minimize the negative health effects of saturated fat and sodium, it's generally recommended to consume processed American cheese in moderation. Choosing low-fat or reduced-fat cheese varieties can also help lower saturated fat intake. Additionally, pairing cheese with healthy foods, such as fruits or whole grains, instead of refined grains and processed meats, may enhance its health benefits.
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It's a good source of calcium and protein
Processed American cheese is made by combining different types of cheese, including cheddar, washed curd cheese, Colby cheese, and granular cheese. It is a popular pasteurized cheese in the US and is known for its smooth melt and distinct cheesy flavour.
While American cheese is a high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sodium food, it is also a good source of calcium and protein. Calcium is a mineral that makes up most of the structure of our bones, and it is important for maintaining bone strength. It may also help prevent osteoporosis, which is a condition characterized by an increased risk of fractures due to fragile bones. Dairy products like American cheese provide about 72% of the dietary calcium supply in the United States. A single slice of American cheese (20.6 grams) provides 178 milligrams of calcium, which is 17% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA).
American cheese is also a source of high-quality protein, providing all nine essential amino acids that are required for important body functions like building muscle, producing energy, and acting as precursors for neurotransmitters. A single slice of American cheese contains 3.7 to 4 grams of protein, contributing to the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.
Vitamin D, which is also present in American cheese, promotes the absorption of calcium and maintains calcium levels for normal bone maintenance and to prevent muscle spasms. Thus, enjoying an occasional slice of American cheese may help boost your intake of high-quality protein and calcium, but it should be consumed in moderation due to its high saturated fat and sodium content.
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It has a longer shelf life than natural cheese
Two slices of American cheese, each weighing 1 ounce (28 grams), contain varying amounts of calories depending on the brand and ingredients. However, it is generally agreed that American cheese is a high-calorie food, with each slice containing similar amounts of total and saturated fat as Swiss and Cheddar cheeses.
American cheese is a processed cheese, which means it has a longer shelf life than natural cheese. This extended shelf life is due to the addition of an emulsifying agent or calcium chelator, such as sodium citrate, which prevents the formation of lumps when the cheese is melted and re-cooled. This process was first developed in Switzerland in 1911 by Walter Gerber and Fritz Stettler, who were seeking to create a cheese with a longer shelf life. The first commercially available, shelf-stable, sliced processed cheese was introduced by Kraft Foods Inc. in 1950.
The longer shelf life of processed cheese is also due to the heat-based sterilization methods that can be applied without forming lumps. Additionally, the mass-produced nature of processed cheese provides a lower cost and enables industrial-scale production volumes, lower distribution costs, a steadier supply, and faster production time compared to traditional cheesemaking.
Processed cheese typically contains around 50–60% cheese and 40–50% other ingredients, such as vegetable oils, unfermented dairy ingredients, salt, food coloring, or sugar. These additional ingredients give processed cheese a variety of flavors, colors, and textures. American cheese, for example, is made by mixing Cheddar cheese, washed curd cheese, Colby cheese, and granular cheese, among other ingredients.
While natural cheese needs to be refrigerated for safety, American cheese does not require refrigeration until it is opened. Even after opening, American cheese can last up to 2 months in the refrigerator. This extended shelf life is a significant advantage of processed cheese over natural cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
There are approximately 180 calories in 2 slices of American cheese.
American cheese is a processed cheese made by mixing Cheddar cheese, washed curd cheese, Colby cheese, and granular cheese, among other ingredients.
American cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, phosphorus, vitamin D, and zinc. It is also a low-carb food.
American cheese is high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, which can increase the risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis.
When stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, American cheese can last up to 2 to 3 weeks.
