Randy Chandler
American cheese is a processed cheese made by blending one or more types of cheese, including cheddar, washed curd cheese, Colby cheese, and granular cheese. It is typically sold in blocks, shredded, cubes, spread, or slices. A single slice of American cheese contains around 1g of carbohydrates, along with protein, fat, and essential vitamins and minerals. While it offers nutritional benefits, it is also high in calories, fat, and sodium.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 1g per slice |
| Calories | 60-70 per slice |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5g per slice |
| Sodium | 230mg per slice |
| Protein | High-quality, 4g per slice |
| Vitamins | A and D |
| Minerals | Phosphorus, calcium, and zinc |
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What You'll Learn
American cheese has the highest carb content out of Swiss, Cheddar, and American
American cheese is a processed cheese made by mixing one or more types of cheese, including cheddar, washed curd cheese, Colby cheese, and granular cheese. It is called "pasteurized process American cheese," and unlike natural cheese, it is made from a blend of cheeses, with the blend comprising at least 51% of the final product's weight. Other ingredients include salt, water, artificial coloring, and flavoring. It is a good source of protein and offers health benefits such as providing high-quality protein and vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A and D, phosphorus, calcium, and zinc. However, it is also high in calories, fat, and sodium.
On the other hand, natural cheddar cheese contains zero carbohydrates and is a good source of calcium, providing 200 mg per ounce, which is 20% of the daily recommended value. Cheddar cheese is also high in fat, with 10 grams of total fat and 6 grams of saturated fat per ounce. While it has nutritional drawbacks, a moderate amount can be part of a healthy diet.
Swiss cheese, the American kind, is a pale yellow, slightly firm cheese made from cow's milk, inspired by Switzerland's Emmental cheese. It is a sharp-flavored cheese known for its distinctive holes formed by bacteria. It is a good source of high-quality protein and is considered a healthy snack option, especially when paired with whole-grain crackers.
Comparing the three cheeses, American cheese has the highest carb content out of Swiss, Cheddar, and American varieties. A one-ounce slice of American cheese contains 1 gram of total carbs, while natural cheddar cheese contains zero carbs, and Swiss cheese, while rich in protein, has not had its carb content specified.
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One slice of American cheese contains 1g of carbohydrates
American cheese is a processed cheese made by combining one or more types of cheese, including cheddar, washed curd cheese, Colby cheese, and granular cheese. It is typically sold in blocks, shredded, cubed, or as slices. These slices, commonly known as "singles", contain 1g of carbohydrates per slice, in addition to 1g of net carbs, 5g of fat, 4g of protein, and 70 calories. The calorie count is relatively low compared to other cheeses, with Swiss and Cheddar cheeses having slightly higher calorie contents due to their higher protein counts.
American cheese is a good source of high-quality protein and provides all the essential amino acids. It also offers vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A and D, phosphorus, calcium, and zinc. The calcium content in dairy products like American cheese is particularly notable, with dairy providing about 72% of the dietary calcium supply in the United States.
However, it is important to note that American cheese is also a high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sodium food. A single slice can contain up to 230 mg of sodium, which is 10% of the daily recommended value. Additionally, the sodium content in American cheese is 10 times higher than in Swiss cheese and 4 times higher than in Cheddar cheese.
While American cheese has its nutritional benefits, it is a processed product with a longer shelf life than natural cheeses. This processing also means that, unlike soft cheeses, American cheese does not need refrigeration until it is opened, though it will last longer if refrigerated.
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American cheese is a processed product, made from a blend of cheeses
A single slice of American cheese contains 1g of carbohydrates, 5g of fat, 4g of protein, and 70 calories. American cheese is a processed cheese product, often sold in slices, with a mild flavour and a soft, creamy texture. It is made from a blend of cheeses, including Cheddar, Colby, washed curd cheese, and granular cheese. The blend of cheeses should make up at least 51% of the final product's weight. The remaining ingredients can include milk, skim milk, buttermilk, cream, whey proteins, water, salt, artificial colouring, acidifying agents, and emulsifying agents.
The process of making American cheese involves melting chunks of cheese with a liquid and an emulsifying agent, such as sodium citrate, to prevent the cheese from separating and create a smooth, homogeneous mixture. This mixture is then heated to a temperature of at least 150 °F (66 °C) during pasteurization, which is a process of heat-treating milk to destroy harmful organisms. The pasteurization process and the addition of other ingredients give American cheese its characteristic melting properties, allowing it to melt without breaking or turning greasy.
The term "American cheese" specifically refers to "pasteurized process American cheese" according to the FDA and the Standards of Identity for Dairy Products. This means that it must be manufactured from a blend of the specified types of cheeses and can include other ingredients to make up the remaining percentage. Any similar product found in the US that does not include the term "cheese" in its description is considered a "cheese food" and contains less than 51% cheese in its ingredients.
While American cheese is a processed product, it still provides high-quality protein and essential amino acids, similar to other dairy products like milk and yoghurt. It also contains vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A and D, phosphorus, calcium, and zinc. However, it is also a high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sodium food, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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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 approximately 1 gram of carbohydrates. While it is a low-carb food, it is also a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
American cheese is a processed cheese product made from a blend of cheeses, including Cheddar, washed curd cheese, Colby cheese, and granular cheese. It is often sold as singles or slices and can be a convenient and tasty addition to sandwiches, burgers, and other dishes. Despite its reputation as a highly processed cheese, American cheese does offer some nutritional benefits.
First and foremost, American cheese is a good source of high-quality protein. The protein in American cheese comes from milk proteins called whey and casein, which provide all nine essential amino acids that are necessary for important body functions like building muscle, producing energy, and supporting growth. Including cheese in a low-carb diet can provide quality protein, as well as dietary fats, variety, and satiety.
In addition to protein, American cheese also contains several important vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of calcium, with one slice providing around 178 milligrams, or 17% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA). Calcium is essential for bone health and may help prevent osteoporosis. American cheese is also fortified with vitamin D, which promotes the absorption of calcium and maintains normal bone maintenance. Vitamin D is also important for immune health and bone strength.
Furthermore, American cheese contains other minerals like phosphorus, which is also important for bone health, and zinc, which plays a crucial role in growth, digestion, and DNA synthesis. While American cheese may not be the healthiest food option due to its high calorie, fat, and sodium content, it does offer some nutritional benefits in terms of protein, vitamin, and mineral content. However, it is always important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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A single slice contains 60-70 calories
American cheese is a processed cheese product made by combining one or more types of cheese, such as Cheddar, washed curd cheese, Colby cheese, and granular cheese. It is often sold in slices, with each slice weighing around 1 ounce or 28 grams.
A single slice of American cheese typically contains between 60 and 70 calories. These slices also provide a good amount of high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals. For example, American cheese is a source of vitamins A and D, phosphorus, calcium, and zinc.
However, it's important to note that American cheese also has a high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sodium content. A single slice can contain as much as 230 mg of sodium, which is a significant contribution to the daily recommended intake.
When considering the nutritional value of American cheese, it's worth remembering that it is a processed product with a longer shelf life than natural cheeses. This processing means that American cheese has a higher carb content than other cheeses, with one slice containing around 1 gram of total carbs.
In conclusion, while a single slice of American cheese does provide a good amount of protein, vitamins, and minerals, it is also relatively high in calories, fat, and sodium. As with all foods, moderation is key, and American cheese can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet when consumed in appropriate portions.
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Frequently asked questions
There is 1 gram of carbs in a single slice of American cheese.
A single slice of American cheese contains 5 grams of fat, 4 grams of protein, and 70 calories.
American cheese is a processed cheese made by mixing one or more types of natural cheeses, including Cheddar, washed curd cheese, Colby cheese, and granular cheese.
American cheese is a good source of high-quality protein, vitamins A and D, phosphorus, calcium, and zinc. It also has an extended shelf life compared to natural cheeses and does not need refrigeration until it is opened.
American cheese is high in calories, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, which may have negative health impacts if consumed in large quantities.
