Andy Montoya
American cheese is a popular food item, but how many calories does it contain? When considering the calorie count of American cheese, it's important to note that it varies depending on the brand and the thickness of the slice. On average, a thin slice of American cheese weighing around 20-28 grams can contain about 70-75 calories. While it is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, it is also high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, which are important to keep in mind when considering its nutritional value.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Weight | 20.6 grams or 1 ounce (28 grams) |
| Calories | 75 |
| Carbohydrates | 1 gram or 1.1 grams |
| Fats | 6 grams (9 grams) of which 3.73 grams (5 grams) are saturated fats |
| Protein | 3.7 grams or 4 grams |
| Calcium | 178 milligrams |
| Phosphorus | 16% of the RDA |
| Vitamin D | 10% of the RDA |
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What You'll Learn
A thin slice of American cheese has 75 calories
A thin slice of American cheese, weighing 20.6 grams, contains approximately 75 calories. While this type of cheese is a good source of calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, protein, and other nutrients, it is also considered a high-calorie food.
The calorie count in a thin slice of American cheese is influenced by its nutritional composition. This includes its content of dietary fats, with 68% of the calories in a slice coming from fat. Specifically, a 20.6-gram slice contains about 6 grams of total fat, including 3.73 grams of saturated fat.
The protein content also contributes to the calorie count. A thin slice of American cheese provides approximately 3.7 to 4 grams of high-quality protein, which is essential for body functions and can be especially beneficial for those on a meat-free diet.
Additionally, American cheese is a source of carbohydrates, with one thin slice containing around 1 to 1.1 grams of carbs. Half of these carbohydrates come from lactose, a natural sugar found in milk.
While a thin slice of American cheese provides various nutrients, it is important to consider its high-calorie content. The calorie count can be a factor in dietary decisions, especially for those monitoring their calorie intake or focusing on weight management.
In conclusion, a thin slice of American cheese weighing 20.6 grams typically contains around 75 calories. This calorie count is influenced by the cheese's nutritional composition, including its fat, protein, and carbohydrate content. While American cheese offers certain nutritional benefits, its calorie content is a factor to consider when incorporating it into a balanced diet.
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It has 6.3 grams of fat
A thin slice of American cheese, weighing around 20-28 grams, contains 6.3 grams of total fat. This is a significant amount, constituting 68% of the calories in a slice of American cheese. Of the 6.3 grams of fat, 3.73 grams are from saturated fats, with the remaining fat being unsaturated.
The fat content in American cheese is a cause for concern for some. It is considered a high-fat food, with saturated fat accounting for 25% of the daily recommended intake. However, it is important to note that dietary fats are essential for the transport and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K into the bloodstream.
American cheese is a processed cheese product, which contributes to its extended shelf life compared to natural cheeses. This processing also results in a high saturated fat content, which, along with its high sodium levels, are the primary health concerns associated with consuming American cheese.
Despite the high-fat content, American cheese does offer some nutritional benefits. It is a good source of calcium, contributing 178 milligrams per slice, or 17% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA). Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, and American cheese provides a significant source of this mineral, especially in the United States, where dairy products like American cheese provide about 72% of dietary calcium.
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It's a good source of calcium
A thin slice of American cheese (20.6 grams or 0.7 ounces) typically contains around 75 calories. While the calorie count is relatively low, American cheese is a good source of calcium, providing 178 milligrams per slice, or 17% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA). Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth, and it is also important for muscle function.
American cheese is crafted from a blend of savoury Cheddar cheeses, resulting in a smooth, creamy texture and a pleasantly mild taste. It is made with whole cow's milk and a combination of young, medium, and mature Cheddars that are barrel-aged and carefully selected to meet specific standards. This process ensures that American cheese has a rich flavour and an excellent melting quality.
The calcium content in American cheese is further enhanced by the presence of vitamin D, which promotes calcium absorption and helps to maintain normal bone health. Vitamin D also acts as an anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory agent, boosting immune system response and reducing the severity of illnesses.
In addition to its calcium content, American cheese offers several other nutritional benefits. It is a good source of protein, providing 3.7 to 4 grams of high-quality protein per slice, which is essential for body processes such as nitrogen balance and growth. American cheese also contains dietary fats, which facilitate the transport and absorption of essential fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E, and K.
While American cheese can be a valuable source of calcium and other nutrients, it is important to note that it may also be high in sodium and fat, depending on the brand. As such, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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There are 4 grams of protein
A thin slice of American cheese, weighing around 20.6 grams, contains 4 grams of protein. This amount of protein 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 is derived from the dairy proteins casein and whey, which provide all nine essential amino acids that the human body requires from its diet.
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and are essential for several important bodily functions, including nitrogen balance and growth. A protein deficiency could result in severe malnutrition, although this is rare. American cheese is a good source of protein for those on a meat-free diet, as dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt provide all the essential amino acids and are considered high-quality protein sources.
The protein content of American cheese is lower than that of Swiss and Cheddar cheeses, which contributes to their higher calorie contents. However, American cheese is still considered a good source of high-quality protein, especially for those who do not consume meat. It is also a good option for those on a low-carb diet, as it provides quality protein, dietary fats, and satiety.
In addition to its protein content, American cheese also offers other nutritional benefits. It is a good source of calcium, providing 178 milligrams per slice, which is 17% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA). Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, and American cheese also contains vitamin D, which aids in the absorption of calcium and maintains calcium levels for normal bone maintenance.
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It's high in sodium
A thin slice of American cheese, weighing 20.6 grams, contains about 75 calories. While American cheese has several nutritional benefits, it is also sometimes high in sodium, depending on the brand.
Cheese, in general, has a high sodium problem, and American cheese is no exception. The sodium content in cheese varies considerably in the United States, with process cheese containing the highest mean level of sodium at 1,242 mg/100 g, followed by string cheese at 724 mg/100 g. Across all LMPS Mozzarella forms, the mean sodium content was 666 mg/100 g, while for Cheddar, it was 615 mg/100 g. Manufacturers tend to be conservative in their reporting of sodium levels on labels, and there is a need to reduce variability to better target desired sodium levels.
The older and harder a cheese is, the higher its sodium content. This group includes cheeses with longer ripening periods, such as Gruyere, Provolone, and mature Cheddar, which have a sodium benchmark of 625 mg/100 g. Soft and medium-hard cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and Munster have a benchmark of 510 mg/100 g. Processed cheese slices fall into a separate category, with a WHO sodium benchmark of 720 mg/100 g, as they are made with added seasonings, including salt.
High sodium intake is linked to various health risks. The World Health Organization (WHO) has not set acceptable benchmarks for some cheese categories, as their maximum sodium levels are too high to be considered healthy. These include brine-stored cheeses like feta and halloumi, blue cheeses, and extra-hard ripened cheeses like Parmesan. Reducing sodium content in cheese products is essential for lowering overall sodium intake by consumers.
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Frequently asked questions
There are about 75 calories in a thin slice of American cheese, weighing around 20.6 grams.
American cheese is a good source of vitamin D, calcium, and protein. It also contains vitamins A, E, and K, as well as phosphorus and zinc.
One thin slice of American cheese contains around 20.6 grams of fat, with 3.73-5 grams coming from saturated fats. It provides 3.7-4 grams of protein and 1.1 grams of carbohydrates.
Yes, American cheese is high in saturated fat and sodium, which may have negative health impacts. It is also a processed product with a longer shelf life compared to natural cheeses.
