Bushra Griffith
American cheese is a processed cheese made from a blend of two or more real cheeses, such as cheddar and Colby, and other ingredients like whey, milk proteins, vitamins, colouring, and emulsifying agents. The resulting product has a creamy texture, salty flavour, and a low melting point, making it a popular choice for sandwiches and burgers. While it is not considered a real cheese by legal definitions, it has become a staple in American refrigerators and is enjoyed by many.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Cheddar, Colby, whey, milk proteins, emulsifying salts, sodium citrate, calcium phosphate, milkfat, gelatin, salt, sodium phosphate, lactic acid, annatto, paprika extract, enzymes, Vitamin A palmitate, cheese culture, Vitamin D3 |
| Texture | Creamy, gooey, melty, smooth, medium-firm |
| Flavor | Salty, mild |
| Color | Yellow, white |
| Nutritional benefits | High-quality protein, vitamin D, vitamin A, calcium, phosphorous, zinc |
| Nutritional concerns | High calories, cholesterol, sodium, saturated fat |
| FDA classification | Pasteurized processed American cheese food |
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What You'll Learn
American cheese is made from a blend of two or more real cheeses
American cheese is a processed cheese product, which is made from a blend of two or more real cheeses. It is typically made from cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses, along with emulsifying agents, salt, colouring, acidifying agents, and dairy fat sources. The addition of sodium citrate is particularly important as it prevents the cheese fats from separating during pasteurisation.
The manufacturing process of American cheese differs from that of traditional cheeses. Federal laws mandate that it must be labelled as "pasteurised process American cheese" if made from more than one cheese. To be considered a true "cheese", a product must be more than half cheese, which is defined as pressed curds of milk. As American cheese contains less than 51% curds, it does not meet the FDA's standard for cheese.
American cheese was invented in the 1910s by James L. Kraft, the founder of Kraft Foods Inc., who obtained a patent for the manufacturing process in 1916. During World Wars I and II, Kraft was the first brand to sell individually sliced cheese slices to the American public. By 1930, over 40% of the cheese consumed in the US was from Kraft, and today, the company produces about 7.2 billion slices of American cheese annually.
American cheese is a popular choice for sandwiches and burgers due to its versatility, smooth texture, and meltability. It is also a good source of calcium and protein, although it is high in saturated fat and sodium, which may contribute to an increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
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It is labelled as pasteurized process American cheese
American cheese is a type of processed cheese made from blending two or more "real" cheeses, such as cheddar and Colby, with other ingredients like whey, milk proteins, vitamins, colouring, and emulsifying agents. This blend gives it a smooth and creamy texture, a salty flavour, and a low melting point. Due to its manufacturing process, federal laws mandate that it be labelled as "pasteurized process American cheese".
The term "pasteurized process American cheese" is a legal designation for cheese made from more than one type of cheese. This type of cheese must be entirely cheese, except for the addition of certain ingredients such as emulsifying agents, salt, colouring, acidifying agents, and optional dairy fat sources, which cannot exceed 5% of the total weight. The emulsifying agents, such as sodium citrate, are crucial as they prevent the cheese fats from separating during melting, giving American cheese its signature meltability.
The process of making pasteurized process American cheese involves shredding and melting the base cheeses together at a temperature of at least 150 °F (66 °C) for pasteurization. This melted mixture is then combined with the other ingredients, forming a homogenous blend. This blend is then poured into molds to solidify into sliceable bricks, which are then sliced and individually wrapped for sale.
The "pasteurized process American cheese" label is distinct from the "`pasteurized process American cheese food`" label, which is used for products that are at least 51% cheese but also contain other specific dairy ingredients such as cream, milk, skim milk, buttermilk, cheese whey, or albumin from cheese whey. This distinction is important as it ensures consumers are aware of the percentage of real cheese in the product.
While American cheese may not be considered a "real" cheese by some, it has become a staple in American refrigerators and is widely used in dishes like cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches due to its versatility, meltability, and ability to complement other ingredients without overwhelming their flavours.
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It is not legally considered real cheese
American cheese is a type of processed cheese made from blending two or more "real" cheeses, typically cheddar and colby, with other ingredients. This blend of real cheese with texture- and flavor-altering ingredients results in a product that is not legally considered "real" cheese.
According to the FDA, for a food product to be classified as "cheese", it must be made from more than half cheese, which is technically pressed curds of milk. American cheese, on the other hand, is made from a blend of multiple cheeses and various additives, resulting in a final product that contains less than 51% curds. This falls short of the FDA's standard for a product to be labelled as "cheese".
The FDA has strict guidelines for what can be labelled as "cheese", and American cheese must be labelled as "pasteurized process American cheese" or "pasteurized process American cheese food". The former label is used when the product is made entirely of cheese, except for the addition of small amounts of emulsifying agents, salt, coloring, and acidifying agents. The latter label, "pasteurized process American cheese food", is used when the product contains at least 51% cheese but includes other specific dairy ingredients such as cream, milk, skim milk, or buttermilk.
The process of making American cheese involves shredding and melting together multiple types of "real" cheeses, such as cheddar and colby, and then blending this mixture with additional dairy products like milk and whey, as well as milk and whey proteins. Food coloring, flavorings, and salt are also added, along with emulsifiers like potassium phosphate, sodium, or citrate, which help bind the mixture and prevent separation when heated. This blend is then poured into molds to solidify, creating the sliceable bricks of American cheese that are commonly purchased by consumers.
While American cheese may not be legally considered "real" cheese, it has become a staple in American refrigerators and is widely used in dishes like cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches due to its smooth, meltable texture and versatile nature.
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It is high in saturated fat and sodium
American cheese is a processed cheese product made from a blend of two or more "real" cheeses, typically cheddar and colby, along with other ingredients. While it provides some essential nutrients, it is also high in saturated fat and sodium, which can have negative health impacts if consumed in excess.
Saturated fat and sodium are both important to limit in the diet to maintain overall health. Saturated fat is a type of fat that is usually solid at room temperature and mainly comes from animal sources, such as meat and dairy products. While saturated fat is essential in moderation, a diet high in saturated fat can lead to increased levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol, in the blood. This, in turn, can increase the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues.
Similarly, sodium is a mineral that is essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function in the body. However, excessive sodium intake can lead to water retention and increased blood pressure, which can be detrimental to heart health. According to data, the average sodium intake in the United States already exceeds recommended levels by 48%high in sodium, can contribute to this overconsumption and further increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
The high saturated fat and sodium content in American cheese is due to the combination of cheeses and additional ingredients used in its production. The cheese is made by blending and melting together shredded "real" cheeses, such as cheddar and colby, with other dairy products like milk and whey, as well as milk and whey proteins. Salt, food coloring, flavorings, and emulsifiers like sodium citrate are also added to enhance the texture, flavor, and meltability of the cheese.
While American cheese does provide some nutritional benefits, such as high-quality protein, calcium, and vitamins A and D, the potential negative impacts of its high saturated fat and sodium content cannot be overlooked. It is important to consume American cheese in moderation and to prioritize other dairy products and healthier cheeses to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet.
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It is a versatile ingredient for sandwiches and burgers
American cheese is a versatile ingredient for sandwiches and burgers. Its smooth and meltable texture makes it a reliable cooking ingredient for many dishes. It is used in the classic American cheeseburger, adding flavour and acting as an adhesive layer to maintain the form of the burger. It is also a common choice for sandwiches, pairing well with a variety of meats and other ingredients.
American cheese is a type of processed cheese made from a blend of two or more "real" cheeses, such as cheddar and colby, along with other ingredients like whey, milk proteins, vitamins, colouring, and emulsifying agents. The added ingredients give American cheese its distinctive characteristics, such as its meltability and gooey texture. This makes it ideal for creating the perfect cheese pull in grilled cheese sandwiches.
The process of making American cheese involves grating and melting the cheeses together, then blending them with additional dairy products, such as milk and whey, as well as milk and whey proteins. Food colouring, flavourings, and salt are also added, along with emulsifiers like sodium citrate, which help bind the mixture and prevent separation when heated. The final product is then poured into molds to solidify into sliceable bricks, which can be individually wrapped or sold in blocks.
While American cheese is not considered a "real" cheese from a legal perspective, it has become a staple in American refrigerators and is widely used in various dishes. Its versatility, meltability, and ability to complement other ingredients make it a popular choice for sandwiches and burgers.
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Frequently asked questions
American cheese slices are made from a blend of two or more "real" cheeses, such as cheddar and colby, and other ingredients like whey, milk proteins, vitamins, coloring, and emulsifying agents.
The emulsifying agents added to American cheese, such as sodium citrate, potassium phosphate, or sodium, prevent the cheese from separating when heated, allowing it to melt smoothly without breaking or turning greasy.
Technically, American cheese slices are not considered "real" cheese by the FDA, as they are made from a blend of different cheeses. To be classified as "cheese," a product must be made from more than 51% cheese.
American cheese slices are high in saturated fat and sodium, which may increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease when consumed in excess. They also contain artificial or natural flavorings and preservatives. However, they provide high-quality protein and are a good source of calcium.
