Andy Montoya
Cheese is a delicious and nutritious food, but its calorie count is a concern for health-conscious consumers. The calorie content of cheese varies depending on the type of cheese, the fat content of the milk used, the processing methods, and the age of the cheese. American cheese, a popular variety, is known for its smooth texture and melting qualities, but how does it fare in terms of calories? A single slice of American cheese, typically weighing around 28 grams or 1 ounce, contributes about 80 calories to your daily intake. This calorie count is influenced by the cheese's fat, protein, and carbohydrate content.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 80 |
| Carbs | 1g |
| Net carbs | 1g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Weight | 1-ounce (28-gram) |
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What You'll Learn
A single slice of American cheese contains around 80 calories
While American cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, it is also a high-calorie food with significant amounts of saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. A single slice can contain up to 9 grams of fat, with 5 grams coming from saturated fats. This contributes to 25% of the recommended daily value of saturated fat intake.
When compared to other cheeses, American cheese falls into the category of hard or semi-hard cheeses, which tend to have higher calorie counts than softer cheeses. This is due to the longer aging process, which results in lower moisture content and a more robust flavor. However, it's important to note that even high-calorie cheeses can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
The nutritional value of cheese, including American cheese, extends beyond calories. Cheese is a good source of high-quality protein and provides essential amino acids. Additionally, American cheese is fortified with vitamin D and naturally contains other vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, phosphorus, calcium, and zinc. These nutrients offer various health benefits, such as strengthening bones and promoting eye and immune health.
In summary, while a single slice of American cheese contributes around 80 calories, it also provides a range of essential nutrients that can offer health benefits when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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It is a low-carb cheese
A slice of American white cheese typically contains around 80 calories. It is considered a low-carb cheese, with approximately 1 gram of total carbs per slice, though some sources suggest it may contain as little as 0.5 grams of total carbs.
American cheese is a processed cheese product, often containing less than 51% actual cheese. This processing gives it an extended shelf life compared to natural cheeses, and it does not need to be refrigerated until opened. While it is low in carbs, it is high in calories, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. As such, diets high in American cheese may be associated with an increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
However, American cheese also provides high-quality protein and is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and D, phosphorus, calcium, and zinc. Vitamin D helps strengthen bones by improving calcium and phosphorus absorption, while vitamin A promotes eye and immune health. Zinc, meanwhile, is essential for growth, digestion, and DNA synthesis.
When compared to other cheeses, American cheese has a higher carb content than Swiss and Cheddar cheeses. However, all three cheeses provide the same amount of total and saturated fat per slice. American cheese also has a higher sodium content than both Swiss and Cheddar.
For those following a ketogenic diet, which is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet, American cheese can be consumed in moderation. While it is technically a low-carb food, there are other cheeses with even lower carb counts, such as cheddar, brie, blue cheese, and mozzarella. These may be more appealing options for those watching their carb intake.
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It is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals
A slice of American white cheese, weighing around 20-28 grams, contains approximately 75-80 calories. While it is a high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sodium food, it is also a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
American cheese is a processed cheese product, made from a blend of several types of cheese, including Cheddar, washed curd cheese, Colby cheese, and granular cheese. Despite being called "American cheese," its official name is "pasteurized process American cheese." This cheese is commonly sold in blocks, shredded, cubed, or as individual slices known as "singles."
The protein in American cheese comes from dairy proteins called casein and whey, which provide all nine essential amino acids that the human body requires from its diet. These amino acids are crucial for important body functions, such as building muscle, producing energy, and acting as precursors for neurotransmitters. A single slice of American cheese can provide around 3.7-4 grams of protein, contributing to the recommended dietary allowance (RDA).
In addition to protein, American cheese is a good source of vitamins and minerals. It is fortified with vitamin D, which helps strengthen bones by improving the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D also maintains calcium levels, preventing muscle spasms and promoting bone health. American cheese is also a natural source of vitamin A, which promotes eye and immune health. Furthermore, this cheese contains minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. Calcium is essential for bone strength and may help prevent osteoporosis. Phosphorus and zinc also play important roles in bone structure and overall health.
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It has a high saturated fat content
A single slice of American cheese weighs about one ounce, or 28 grams. A slice of American cheese typically contains around 80 to 90 calories.
While the calorie content of cheese is dependent on several factors, including the type of milk used, the fat content, how it's processed, and its age—it is generally composed mostly of fat and protein.
American cheese is a highly processed product with an extended shelf life compared to natural cheeses. It is also a good source of calcium and high-quality protein and is fortified with vitamin D. However, one of the primary health concerns associated with American cheese is its high saturated fat content. Out of the 9 grams of fat in a slice, 5 grams come from saturated fats, which is around 25% of the recommended daily intake.
Saturated fats are known to have negative health impacts, especially on the cardiovascular system. They can increase levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol, in the body, which can lead to a buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. High saturated fat intake has also been linked to other health issues, such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Therefore, while American cheese can be a convenient and tasty addition to meals, its high saturated fat content is a notable drawback from a health perspective. It is recommended to consume this cheese in moderation and opt for more natural, less processed cheese varieties when possible.
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It has a high sodium content
A single slice of American cheese, weighing about 1 ounce (28 grams), contains around 80 calories. While the calorie content of cheese is largely dependent on the type of milk used and the processing methods, American cheese is generally considered a high-calorie food.
In addition to its high calorie content, American cheese is also high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Of the 9 grams of fat in a slice, 5 grams come from saturated fats, which is about 25% of the recommended daily value. The same serving size also provides 10% of the daily value for cholesterol.
When it comes to sodium, American cheese has a significantly higher content compared to other types of cheese. For example, its sodium content is 10 times higher than that of Swiss cheese and 4 times higher than that of Cheddar cheese. This high sodium content can be attributed to the processing methods and the addition of salt during production.
The high sodium content in American cheese can be a cause for concern, especially for individuals with certain health conditions or those watching their salt intake. Sodium, or salt, is often added to foods as a preservative and to enhance flavor. While sodium is an essential mineral that helps maintain fluid balance and nerve function in the body, excessive sodium intake can lead to negative health effects.
High sodium intake is linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. It can also worsen existing heart conditions and contribute to fluid retention in individuals with kidney or liver issues. Therefore, it is generally recommended to limit sodium consumption and opt for lower-sodium alternatives whenever possible.
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Frequently asked questions
A 1-ounce (28-gram) slice of American cheese contains 9 grams of fat, 5 of which come from saturated fats, and about 80 calories.
Yes, the calorie count of cheese varies depending on the type of cheese, with softer cheeses generally having fewer calories than harder ones.
A slice of American cheese contains around 7 grams of protein, vitamins A and D, phosphorus, calcium, and zinc.
Cheese is a high-calorie food, with a single slice of American cheese containing more calories than many other types of cheese. However, it is important to consider the nutritional value of cheese, which includes protein, vitamins, and minerals.
While American cheese provides high-quality protein and essential vitamins and minerals, it is also high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, which may be a health concern for some individuals.
