Frederic Melton
American cheese is a popular choice for sandwiches and burgers, but how many calories does it contain? A single slice of American cheese, weighing around 20 grams, typically contains between 60 and 75 calories. In addition to calories, American cheese provides protein, vitamins, and minerals, which offer various health benefits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Weight | 20.6 grams |
| Calories | 75 |
| Carbohydrates | 1 gram |
| Fats | 6 grams |
| Saturated Fats | 3.73 grams |
| Unsaturated Fats | 2.3 grams |
| Protein | 3.7-4 grams |
| Calcium | 178 milligrams |
| Phosphorus | 16% of the RDA |
| Vitamin D | 10% of the RDA |
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What You'll Learn
Calorie count: 75 calories per slice
A single slice of American cheese, weighing around 20.6 grams, contains approximately 75 calories. This calorie count contributes to the recommended daily intake of 2,000 calories for the average adult.
The calorie content of American cheese is largely derived from its dietary fats. Each slice contains about 6 grams of fat, making up 68% of the calories in the slice. Of these 6 grams, 3.73 grams are from saturated fats, while the remaining portion consists of unsaturated fats.
In addition to calories, a slice of American cheese provides other nutritional components. It is a good source of calcium, with 178 milligrams per slice, contributing to the recommended daily allowance (RDA). American cheese also offers phosphorus and vitamin D, which are important for bone health.
The cheese contains protein, with sources citing anywhere between 3.7 grams and 4 grams per slice. This protein content is made up of milk proteins whey and casein, which provide all nine essential amino acids. American cheese is also a source of carbohydrates, with one slice providing approximately 1 gram of carbohydrates, half of which comes from lactose, the sugar naturally found in milk.
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Carbohydrates: 1.1 grams per slice
A single slice of American cheese, weighing around 20.6 grams, contains 1.1 grams of carbohydrates. This is a relatively small amount, and as such, American cheese is considered a low-carb food. In fact, some sources state that there is only 1 gram of carbohydrates per slice.
The carbohydrates in American cheese come from sugars, specifically lactose, which is the sugar found naturally in milk. Lactose accounts for around half of the total carbohydrate content in a slice of American cheese.
While it is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and protein, American cheese is also high in dietary fats. Each slice contains approximately 6 grams of fat, including 3.73 grams of saturated fat. These fats are important for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. However, the high-fat content means that dietary fats make up 68% of the calories in a slice of American cheese.
In terms of calories, a slice of American cheese typically contains around 75 calories, although the exact number may vary depending on the brand. For example, Kraft Singles American Cheese Slices are advertised as having 60 calories per slice.
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Dietary fats: 6 grams per slice
A single slice of American cheese, weighing around 20.6 grams, contains about 6 grams of dietary fat. This constitutes 68% of the calories in a slice, which is approximately 75 calories.
Dietary fats are essential for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins into the bloodstream. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble vitamins that require dietary fats for transport and absorption. American cheese is a good source of vitamin D, which is critical for immune system response and bone health. Vitamin D acts as an anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory agent, helping to reduce the severity of illness.
The dietary fats in American cheese are a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats. Of the 6 grams of total dietary fat, 3.73 grams come from saturated fats, while the remaining portion consists of unsaturated fats. It's important to note that while American cheese provides beneficial dietary fats, it can also be high in sodium and fat, depending on the brand.
In addition to dietary fats, American cheese offers other nutritional benefits. It is a good source of protein, providing 3.7 to 4 grams of high-quality protein per slice. This protein comes from milk proteins whey and casein, which provide all nine essential amino acids that are necessary for important body functions like building muscle and producing energy. American cheese is also a source of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, which are important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
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Protein: 4 grams per slice
A single slice of American cheese, weighing around 20.6 grams, contains approximately 4 grams of protein. This contributes to the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.
The protein in American cheese comes from dairy proteins, specifically casein and whey. These proteins provide all nine essential amino acids, which are required for several important bodily functions. For example, amino acids are necessary for building muscle, producing energy, and acting as precursors for neurotransmitters.
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and are crucial for maintaining a healthy body. They are involved in various processes, including nitrogen balance and growth. A severe protein deficiency could lead to malnutrition, although this is rare.
American cheese is often considered a low- or no-carb food, with only about 1 gram of carbohydrates per slice. Including cheese in a low-carb diet can provide quality protein, dietary fats, and a feeling of fullness.
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Vitamins: good source of vitamins A, D, E, and K
A single slice of American cheese, weighing around 20.6 grams, contains about 75 calories. The calorie count in a slice of American cheese can vary across brands, with some sources citing 60 calories per slice. This discrepancy may be due to variations in serving size or the specific product formulation.
In addition to its calorie content, American cheese offers a range of nutritional benefits, particularly in terms of its vitamin content. It is a good source of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K. These vitamins require dietary fats for optimal absorption into the bloodstream. Fortunately, American cheese contains a significant amount of dietary fat, approximately 6 grams per slice, which facilitates the absorption and transport of these essential vitamins.
Vitamin D, a critical nutrient for immune system response, is found in notable amounts in American cheese. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory agent, helping to lower the risk of illness and potentially reducing the severity of sickness. Additionally, vitamin D plays a crucial role in bone health. It promotes the absorption of calcium, another nutrient abundant in American cheese, and helps maintain adequate calcium levels for strong bones and teeth. This combination of vitamin D and calcium is not only important for bone health but also for preventing muscle spasms.
While American cheese is a good source of vitamins, it's important to consider its other nutritional aspects. American cheese is a source of protein, providing approximately 3.7 to 4 grams of high-quality protein per slice. This protein comes from milk proteins whey and casein, which provide all nine essential amino acids that are necessary for important body functions like building muscle and producing energy. However, it's worth noting that American cheese can be high in sodium and fat, depending on the brand. As such, while it offers certain nutritional benefits, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Frequently asked questions
There are about 75 calories in a 20.6-gram slice of American cheese.
American cheese is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and protein.
Depending on the brand, American cheese can be high in sodium and fat.
