Bushra Griffith
American cheese is a processed cheese made from several types of cheese and other ingredients. It is a common ingredient in classic American dishes such as cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. A 1-ounce (28-gram) slice of American cheese provides around 94 calories, with a breakdown of 20% protein, 10% carbs, 70% fat, and 0% alcohol. While it is a good source of protein and vitamins, it is also high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 94 per slice |
| Weight | 1 ounce (28 grams) per slice |
| Protein | High |
| Carbohydrates | Low |
| Fat | High |
| Sodium | High |
| Cholesterol | High |
| Vitamins | A, D |
| Minerals | Phosphorus, calcium, zinc |
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What You'll Learn
Calorie count varies with milk fat content
Cheese is a delicious and nutritious food, but its calorie count can vary depending on several factors, one of which is the milk's fat content. American cheese, a processed cheese product made from several types of cheese and other ingredients, is no exception to this.
The calorie content of cheese is influenced by the type of milk used, the processing methods, and the age of the cheese. American cheese is made from a blend of cheeses, including Cheddar, washed curd, Colby, and granular cheese. The specific types of cheese used and their proportions can impact the overall fat content and, consequently, the calorie count.
Full-fat dairy is known to be high in calories, and the fat content of the milk used plays a significant role in determining the calorie content of the final product. American cheese is typically made with pasteurized milk, and the processing techniques can also influence the calorie count. Harder and semi-hard cheeses tend to have higher calorie counts compared to softer cheeses due to their longer aging process and lower moisture content.
While a single ounce (28-gram) slice of American cheese provides approximately 94 calories, the exact calorie count can vary based on the milk fat content and other factors. Of these calories, about 20% come from protein, 10% from carbohydrates, and a substantial 70% from fat.
It's worth noting that while American cheese is a good source of high-quality protein and essential vitamins and minerals, it is also high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Therefore, when incorporating American cheese into your diet, it's important to be mindful of the portion sizes and to ensure it aligns with your nutritional goals and overall health considerations.
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American cheese is a processed cheese
A 1-ounce (28-gram) slice of American cheese contains 9 grams of fat, 5 grams of which are saturated fats, accounting for 25% of the recommended daily intake. It also provides 10% of the daily cholesterol intake. While it is a high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sodium food, American cheese is also a good source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals.
American cheese is indeed a processed cheese product. All cheese is processed to some extent, but what sets American cheese apart is that it is made by blending several types of cheese with other ingredients. Its official name is "pasteurized process American cheese". This type of cheese was invented in the 1910s by James L. Kraft, the founder of Kraft Foods Inc., who obtained a patent for his manufacturing process in 1916.
American cheese is made by blending one or more types of cheeses, including Cheddar, Colby, washed curd cheese, and granular cheese. The exact ingredients and processes used determine the labeling on the package, which can be as simple as blending it with another cheese or as complex as melting it with additional whey, milk proteins, and emulsifying salts. This allows American cheese to melt without breaking or turning greasy.
According to the Standards of Identity for Dairy Products in the US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), to be labeled "American cheese", a processed cheese must be manufactured from the cheeses listed above or any mixture of two or more of these. Federal laws mandate that if the cheese is made from more than one type, it must be labeled as "pasteurized process American cheese". This label also indicates that the product is entirely cheese, except for a small amount of emulsifying agent, salt, colouring, acidifying agents, and optional dairy fat sources.
American cheese is commonly used in classic American dishes such as cheeseburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and breakfast meals like omelets and scrambled eggs. Its neutral flavour and soft, smooth, and meltable texture make it a versatile ingredient that pairs well with a variety of meats and other ingredients.
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High in protein, vitamins, and minerals
An ounce of American cheese, which is equivalent to a slice of roughly 20 grams, contains about 75 to 94 calories. While American cheese is indeed high in calories, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, it also provides a host of essential nutrients. Notably, it is a good source of high-quality protein, contributing to the recommended dietary allowance of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.
American cheese is also fortified with vitamin D, which plays a crucial role in strengthening bones by enhancing the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Additionally, it is a natural source of other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, phosphorus, calcium, and zinc. Vitamin A promotes eye and immune health, while zinc is essential for growth, digestion, and DNA synthesis.
The protein found in American cheese comes from dairy proteins called whey and casein, which are also known as milk proteins. These proteins provide all nine essential amino acids, which are necessary for various bodily functions, including building muscle, producing energy, and acting as precursors for neurotransmitters.
While American cheese may be a convenient and tasty addition to dishes like cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches, it is important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. This is due to its high content of saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, which have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure when consumed in excess.
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Calories from fat, protein, carbs, and alcohol
A single slice of American cheese, weighing about 1 ounce or 28 grams, contains 94 calories. Of these 94 calories, 20% come from protein, 10% from carbohydrates, and 70% from fat. Alcohol contributes 0% of the calories.
American cheese is a processed cheese product made from a blend of several types of cheese, including Cheddar, washed curd, Colby, and granular cheese. It is a common ingredient in classic American dishes such as cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches.
While American cheese is a good source of high-quality protein and essential vitamins and minerals, it is also a high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sodium food. The fat content of cheese is one of the main factors that determine its calorie count, and American cheese is composed of about 70% fat.
The cheese also has a high sodium content, which is 10 times higher than that of Swiss cheese and four times higher than that of Cheddar cheese. In addition to its high sodium levels, American cheese contains saturated fat and cholesterol, which can have negative health impacts when consumed in excess.
However, it's important to note that cheese, in moderation, can be part of a balanced diet. Soft cheeses, for example, are generally considered healthier options due to their milder flavor and creamier texture.
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High-calorie, high-fat, high-sodium food
A single slice of American cheese, weighing about 1 ounce or 28 grams, contains 94 calories. Of these calories, 20% come from protein, 10% from carbohydrates, and 70% from fat. This means that a slice of American cheese contains about 9 grams of fat, of which 5 grams are saturated fats. This accounts for 25% of the recommended daily intake of saturated fats.
While American cheese is a good source of protein and vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin D, it is also a high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sodium food. The high-calorie and high-fat content of American cheese is due to the processing and ingredients used in its production. American cheese is a processed cheese product made from a blend of several types of cheese, including Cheddar, washed curd, Colby, and granular cheese. The blend of different cheeses gives American cheese its distinct flavor and texture, but it also contributes to its high-calorie and high-fat content.
The processing methods used to make American cheese can also affect its nutritional profile. For example, highly processed cheeses tend to contain more artificial ingredients and may have a higher calorie count compared to natural cheeses made directly from milk. The aging process also plays a role in the calorie content of cheese. Hard and semi-hard cheeses, which have been aged longer, tend to have a higher calorie count compared to softer cheeses.
In addition to its high-calorie and high-fat content, American cheese is also high in sodium. The sodium content in American cheese can be up to 10 times higher than in other cheeses, such as Swiss or Cheddar. While sodium is an essential mineral for the body, excessive intake can lead to negative health effects, such as high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease. Therefore, it is important to consume high-sodium foods like American cheese in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Despite the high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sodium content, American cheese does offer some nutritional benefits. It is a good source of high-quality protein and vitamins, and it is also naturally high in minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. These nutrients are essential for bone health, growth, digestion, and overall well-being. However, when incorporating American cheese into one's diet, it is important to be mindful of portion sizes and to balance it with other nutritious foods to maintain a healthy and well-rounded diet.
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Frequently asked questions
There are 94 calories in a 1-ounce (28-gram) slice of American cheese.
American cheese is a processed cheese product made from several types of cheese and other ingredients. It is high in protein, sodium, and unsaturated fats. It is also a source of vitamin D and naturally high in other vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, phosphorus, calcium, and zinc. However, it is a high-calorie food with high contents of saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.
The calorie count of cheese varies depending on the type of cheese, the fat content of the milk used, how it's processed, and its age. Hard cheeses tend to have a higher calorie count compared to softer cheeses. American cheese falls somewhere in the middle, with Swiss and Cheddar cheese having slightly higher calorie contents due to their higher protein counts.
