Randy Chandler
The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that helps with weight loss by forcing the body into a state of ketosis. While cheese is a great food group to consume on the keto diet, some cheeses are more keto-friendly than others. One of the least keto-friendly cheeses is American cheese, which is highly processed and has a high carbohydrate content.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 2 grams per slice, according to some sources; 1.86 grams per slice (21-gram slice), according to others; 0.5 grams per slice, according to others |
| Fat | 4.84 grams per slice (21-gram slice), according to some sources; 5 grams per slice, according to others; 6 grams per oz, according to others |
| Protein | 3.38 grams per slice (21-gram slice), according to some sources; 3 grams per slice, according to others; 4.6 grams per oz, according to others |
| Calories | 65 per slice, according to some sources; 81 per oz, according to others |
| Processed | Often highly processed |
| Keto-friendly | Not recommended by keto dieters due to high carbohydrate content; considered keto-friendly by some due to low carb count |
| Alternatives | Cheddar, brie, blue cheese, mozzarella, cottage cheese, cream cheese, gouda, Swiss, parmesan, goat cheese |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
American cheese is highly processed
While American cheese can be consumed on a keto diet, it is highly processed. This means that it contains additives and fillers that can be detrimental to health. American cheese is also a less healthy option compared to other cheeses, as it has a higher carbohydrate content.
American cheese is a processed cheese product that is often made from a combination of real cheese, milk, and other dairy products, as well as added ingredients such as emulsifiers and preservatives. This combination of ingredients gives American cheese its distinctive texture, flavour, and melting properties. However, the processing and added ingredients can also affect the nutritional value of the cheese.
Processed cheese products like American cheese often contain higher levels of sodium, saturated fat, and calories than unprocessed cheeses. They may also contain added sugars, artificial flavours, and other additives that are not typically found in natural cheese. These added ingredients can not only impact the nutritional value of the cheese but can also have negative health effects, such as increasing the risk of inflammation, cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune disorders.
In addition to the potential health risks associated with processed cheese, American cheese is also less keto-friendly than other cheese options. While a single slice of American cheese may only contain around 2 grams of carbohydrates, this can quickly add up if multiple slices are consumed. There are many other types of cheese that have a much lower carb count, such as cheddar, blue cheese, and goat cheese, which can be better options for those following a keto diet.
Furthermore, the processing of American cheese can affect its nutritional value in other ways. The high temperatures and pressures used during processing can alter the protein structure and nutrient content of the cheese. This can reduce the overall nutritional quality of the cheese, making it a less nutritious option compared to unprocessed cheeses.
Overall, while American cheese can be consumed on a keto diet, it is highly processed and may have negative health effects. It is also a less keto-friendly option compared to other cheeses due to its higher carbohydrate content. For these reasons, it is generally recommended to choose unprocessed, full-fat, and lower-carb cheese options when following a keto diet.
Checking Ricotta Cheese: Signs of Freshness
You may want to see also
It has high carbohydrate content
The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that helps with weight loss by forcing the body into a state of ketosis. While cheese is allowed on the keto diet, some varieties are better than others. American cheese is often highly processed, and keto experts urge dieters to pay attention to food quality, not just macronutrient goals.
American cheese has a high carbohydrate content compared to other cheeses. A slice of American cheese (21 grams) contains 1.86 grams of carbs, 3.38 grams of protein, and 4.84 grams of fat. This means that if a keto dieter limits their carb intake to 20 grams per day, one slice of American cheese takes up 10% of their carb allowance.
White American cheese singles by Kraft have been reported to have 0.5 grams of carbs per slice, which is a relatively small amount. However, other sources state that a slice of American cheese has 2 grams of carbs, which is still a small amount but may not be worth it considering the highly processed nature of the product and the availability of better, less-processed options.
Some keto dieters avoid American cheese due to its high carbohydrate content. Instead, they opt for full-fat varieties of cheese that are less processed and have lower carb counts. For example, a 3/4-oz slice of sharp cheddar contains 86 calories, 7 grams of fat, 0.4 grams of carbs, and 5 grams of protein. Other keto-friendly cheeses include Brie, blue cheese, mozzarella, cottage cheese, cream cheese, gouda, Swiss, and Parmesan.
Cheese Expiration: When to Trust Your Taste Buds
You may want to see also
There are better, less-processed cheese options
While American cheese can be consumed on a keto diet, there are better, less-processed cheese options available. American cheese is highly processed and contains additives, which can lead to inflammation. It also has a relatively high carbohydrate content, with one slice of American cheese containing 1.86 grams of carbs, which accounts for 10% of your daily carb allotment if you're limiting yourself to 20 grams of carbs per day.
There are many other cheeses that are more keto-friendly and provide a bigger dose of flavour. For example, a serving of cheddar cheese has only 0.2 grams of carbs, compared to two grams of carbs in a slice of Kraft American cheese. Other good options include Brie, blue cheese, mozzarella, cottage cheese, cream cheese, gouda, Swiss, and Parmesan. These cheeses have a higher fat content and lower carb content, making them better suited for a keto diet.
Goat cheese is another excellent option for a keto diet. It contains zero carbohydrates and is a good source of fat and protein. Blue cheese is also a high-flavor variety that can add depth to your keto meals. While it is not completely free of carbohydrates, it still has less than 0.5 grams of carbohydrates per slice, making it a good option in moderation.
Full-fat varieties of cheese are generally preferred over low-fat options on a keto diet. While most low-fat cheeses contain zero carbohydrates, they may not contribute much to your overall goals. It's important to pay attention to the quality of your food and choose less-processed, more natural options whenever possible.
Feta Cheese: A Healthy Choice for Gestational Diabetes?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
White American cheese has 0.5g carbs
Although cheese is one of the joys of the ketogenic diet, some cheeses are more keto-friendly than others. While some sources suggest that American cheese should be avoided on the keto diet due to its high carbohydrate content and the fact that it is highly processed, others claim that White American cheese can be consumed on the keto diet as it has only 0.5g of carbs.
The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that helps with weight loss by forcing the body into a state of ketosis. The diet typically follows a daily macronutrient breakdown of 70% fat, 25% protein, and 5% carbohydrates. Cheese is often considered a keto-friendly food as it is high in fat, has moderate protein content, and most varieties are low in carbs.
However, some cheeses have higher carb content, making them less suitable for the keto diet. American cheese, for example, is often highly processed and has been said to contain 2 grams of carbs per slice. This means that one slice can account for 10% of an individual's total carb allotment for the day.
On the other hand, White American cheese has been reported to have only 0.5g of carbs, making it a potentially keto-friendly option. This means that a similar carb count can be achieved with a larger serving size of this variety of cheese compared to other cheeses.
It is important to note that the keto diet is not just about meeting macronutrient goals, but also about the quality of food consumed. Therefore, while White American cheese may fit within an individual's carb allotment for the keto diet, it is still a highly processed food and there are less-processed, healthier cheese options available.
Macaroni Without Cheese: A Tasty Alternative
You may want to see also
Alternatives: cheddar, blue cheese, mozzarella, etc
While American cheese is technically keto-friendly, there are many healthier alternatives that are less processed and have lower carb counts.
Cheddar cheese is a great alternative to American cheese for those on a keto diet. Cheddar has a more intense flavour, meaning you are likely to feel satisfied after eating a smaller amount. A 3/4-ounce slice of sharp cheddar contains 86 calories, 7 grams of fat, 0.4 grams of carbs, and 5 grams of protein.
Blue cheese is another keto-friendly option. It is made using cultures of a specific type of mold to develop a deep flavor and creamy texture. Per 1-ounce serving, blue cheese has 8 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, and 1 gram of carbs.
Mozzarella is also a keto-friendly cheese with a high fat content and minimal processing. Per 1-ounce serving, mozzarella has 8 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, and 1 gram of carbs.
Other keto-friendly alternatives to American cheese include brie, cottage cheese, cream cheese, gouda, Swiss, parmesan, and goat cheese.
Cheese and H. Pylori: A Healthy Solution?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
While American cheese can be consumed on a keto diet, it is highly processed and has a high carbohydrate content. Therefore, there are better cheese options to choose from that are more keto-friendly.
Keto-friendly cheese options include cheddar, brie, blue cheese, mozzarella, cottage cheese, cream cheese, gouda, Swiss, parmesan, and goat cheese.
Keto-friendly cheeses are those that are unprocessed, have a low carbohydrate content, and fit within the daily macronutrient breakdown of 70% fat, 25% protein, and 5% carbohydrates.
There is no specific limit to the amount of cheese that can be consumed on a keto diet, as long as it fits within the individual's daily macronutrient goals and does not exceed their carbohydrate allowance.
Yes, it is important to check the ingredients list and avoid cheeses with added starches, anti-fungals, and other additives that can increase the carbohydrate content and make them less keto-friendly.
