Kamil Perry
American cheese is a popular ingredient in cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, and other sandwiches. It is a highly processed product with an extended shelf life compared to natural cheeses. A slice of American cheese typically weighs around 20-28 grams and contains about 75 calories. While it is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamins A, D, and K, it is also high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 per slice |
| Weight | 1-ounce (28-gram) slice |
| Fat | 9 grams, 5 grams of which are saturated fats |
| Cholesterol | 10% of the daily value (DV) |
| Sodium | 230 mg, or 10% of the DV |
| Carbohydrates | Low carb |
| Protein | High-quality protein |
| Vitamins and Minerals | Vitamin D, vitamin A, phosphorus, calcium, and zinc |
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What You'll Learn
A single slice of American cheese has 60 calories
In a 28-gram or 1-ounce slice of American cheese, there are 9 grams of fat, of which 5 grams come from saturated fats. This accounts for 25% of the recommended daily value (DV) or the amount recommended not to exceed in a day. The same serving size also provides 10% of the DV for cholesterol.
Despite being a processed product, American cheese is a popular ingredient in many dishes, such as cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, and other sandwiches. Its smooth texture and melting qualities make it a versatile choice for both hot and cold applications.
However, it's important to be mindful of the nutritional content when consuming American cheese. As a high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sodium food, it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The primary health concerns associated with eating American cheese are its high saturated fat and sodium contents.
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It's a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals
A single slice of American cheese, weighing around 20-28 grams, contains about 75 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 great source of calcium, with a single slice providing 178 milligrams, or 17% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA). Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth, and it also plays a role in muscle function. Additionally, American cheese is fortified with vitamin D, which aids in the absorption of calcium and promotes bone health. Vitamin D also has immunoregulatory properties and can help reduce the severity of illnesses.
Phosphorus, another important mineral for bone health, is also found in American cheese, contributing to 16% of the RDA. The cheese also contains vitamin A, which promotes eye and immune health, and zinc, which is crucial for growth, digestion, and DNA synthesis.
American cheese is a good source of high-quality protein, providing all nine essential amino acids that are necessary for building muscle, producing energy, and acting as precursors for neurotransmitters. The protein content in a single slice of American cheese is around 3.7-4 grams, depending on the source.
While American cheese does offer these nutritional benefits, it is important to consume it in moderation due to its high-fat and high-sodium content. It may be beneficial to include it as part of a balanced diet, alongside other dairy products and healthier cheese options, to ensure a good intake of these important nutrients.
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It has high saturated fat and sodium content
A single slice of American cheese, weighing about 1 ounce or 28 grams, is a rich source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is also fortified with vitamin D and naturally high in vitamin A, phosphorus, calcium, and zinc.
However, American cheese is a high-calorie food with high contents of saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Out of the 9 grams of fat in a slice, 5 grams come from saturated fats, which account for 25% of the recommended daily intake. The same serving size also provides 10% of the daily cholesterol intake.
The high saturated fat content in American cheese is a cause for concern as it can increase LDL cholesterol levels, which may lead to high cholesterol, heart disease, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. High sodium content is also detrimental as it may lead to high blood pressure. Therefore, it is recommended to consume cheese in limited amounts and opt for lower-fat cheeses such as mozzarella, feta, cottage cheese, or reduced-fat cheeses.
Moreover, the dietary patterns associated with cheese intake can have an impact on health. In the US, cheese is often added to pizzas or burgers containing refined grains and processed meats, which are high in saturated fats and sodium. Such a dietary pattern is likely to have adverse health effects regardless of the amount of cheese consumed. It is suggested that replacing red meat with low-fat or high-fat dairy, including cheese, may reduce the risk of stroke.
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It's made from cheddar cheese
A single slice of American cheese, weighing around 20.6 grams, contains about 75 calories. This variety of cheese is also a good source of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and protein.
American cheese is a processed cheese, typically made by blending different types of natural cheeses, such as Cheddar, Colby, Jack, and even some Grana cheese. The term "American cheese" commonly refers to this processed variety, which was invented in the 1910s by James L. Kraft, instead of traditional, more expensive cheddars also made and sold in the US.
Cheddar cheese is a singular, natural cheese made from pressed and salted curds from 100% cow's milk (raw or pasteurized) that has been coagulated with rennet. It has a distinctively harder and crumbly texture compared to the softer, more creamy American cheese. Cheddar's unique texture is achieved through the "cheddaring" process, where cheese is melted and emulsified, resulting in a texture that separates when melted.
American cheese, on the other hand, contains emulsifiers, allowing it to maintain a creamy texture as it melts. This is why it has become a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, as it guarantees a gooey cheese pull. The inclusion of emulsifiers is also a critical factor in the manufacturing process, as it permits the cheese to be pasteurized without its components separating.
While the key ingredient in American cheese is often considered sodium citrate, a crucial emulsifier, Cheddar cheese obtains its flavour from aging and the use of a buttermilk culture. The "cheddaring" process also influences the acidity level and texture of the cheese. Therefore, while American cheese is made from Cheddar, the processing methods and additional ingredients create distinct differences in flavour, texture, and melting characteristics between the two varieties.
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It's a low-carb cheese
A 1-ounce (28-gram) slice of American cheese provides around 9 grams of fat, with 5 grams coming from saturated fats. It is also a source of protein and is fortified with vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A and D, phosphorus, calcium, and zinc. However, it is considered a high-calorie food with high cholesterol and sodium content.
American cheese is indeed a low-carb cheese. It is also a good source of calcium and high-quality protein. The cheese is often made from Cheddar, which is also a low-carb variety. Cheddar is a popular yellow cheese that comes in mild and sharp flavours. It has a long shelf life compared to natural cheeses and does not need to be refrigerated until opened.
If you are on a keto diet, you can still eat cheese as it is high in fat and protein and low in carbohydrates. However, not all cheeses are created equal, and some are better suited for keto than others. Harder cheeses like Cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan tend to have the lowest carb counts, while softer cheeses like cottage cheese and ricotta have higher amounts of carbs.
Goat cheese, blue cheese, and Gouda are also excellent choices for a keto diet as they are lower in lactose and have minimal carbs. Blue cheese, in particular, has a keto-approved nutrient profile, with 8 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, and only 1 gram of carbs per 1-ounce (28-gram) serving.
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Frequently asked questions
There are about 75 calories in a slice of American cheese, which is 20.6 grams or 1 ounce (28 grams).
American cheese is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and protein.
American cheese is a high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sodium food. It also contains cholesterol and saturated fats, which can be detrimental to health in large quantities.
American cheese is made from milk, cream, water, sodium citrate, cheese culture, citric acid, enzymes, salt, sorbic acid, and soy lecithin. It is a processed product, which gives it an extended shelf life compared to natural cheeses.
