Bushra Griffith
American cheese and cheddar cheese are both high-calorie foods, but which has more calories? Cheddar cheese is denser in nutrients and has more calories per serving than American cheese. A 100g serving of American cheese contains 371 calories, while the same serving of cheddar provides 404 calories. Cheddar is also richer in protein and fats, with 5g more protein per 100g serving than American cheese. American cheese, on the other hand, contains higher levels of certain vitamins like vitamin B12, vitamin B3, and vitamin E, as well as more calcium, but it also has a significantly higher sodium content.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | Cheddar cheese has a higher calorie count than American cheese. A 100g serving of American cheese contains 371 calories, while the same serving size of cheddar provides 404 calories. |
| Fat | Cheddar cheese is higher in fat and saturated fat. |
| Carbohydrates | American cheese has more carbohydrates. |
| Protein | Cheddar cheese has more protein. |
| Vitamins and Minerals | American cheese has more vitamin D, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, and choline. Cheddar cheese is richer in zinc and selenium. |
| Sodium | American cheese has higher sodium content. |
| Glycemic Index | Cheddar cheese has a glycemic index of 0, while American cheese does not have a calculated glycemic index. Both are considered low glycemic index foods. |
| Acidity | Cheddar cheese is slightly more acidic than American cheese. |
| Density | Cheddar cheese is denser in nutrients and has less moisture content. |
| Taste | Cheddar cheese has a stronger flavor than American cheese, which has a milder, salty flavor. |
| Color | Cheddar cheese ranges from white and pale yellow to dark orange. American cheese is typically medium-yellow in color. |
| Texture | Cheddar cheese becomes more crumbly as it ages. American cheese has a smooth and creamy texture. |
| Melting Point | Both cheeses have the same melting point of 150°F (66°C). |
| Processing | American cheese is a processed cheese made from a blend of cheeses, including cheddar, washed curd cheese, Colby cheese, and granular cheese. Cheddar cheese is traditionally made from cow's milk. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar has more calories, but American cheese is higher in carbs
Cheddar cheese and American cheese are both high-calorie foods, but cheddar contains more calories. A 100g serving of American cheese contains 371 calories, while the same serving of cheddar provides 404 calories. Cheddar is also richer in protein and fats.
However, American cheese has the upper hand when it comes to certain nutrients. It contains over four times more iron, as well as higher levels of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, and choline. It is also fortified with vitamin D, providing 8% DV compared to cheddar's 1% DV. American cheese is also a good source of vitamin A, phosphorus, calcium, and zinc.
American cheese is a processed cheese, typically made by blending cheddar cheese, washed curd cheese, Colby cheese, and granular cheese. This blend should comprise at least 50% of the final product's weight. Other ingredients may include acidifying agents, water, salt, artificial coloring, emulsifying agents, and spices or artificial flavors.
Cheddar cheese, on the other hand, is traditionally made from cow's milk. The process involves preparing and standardizing milk, adding a starter culture with rennet, coagulating the milk, cutting the coagulum into small cubes, heating and agitating the cubes, removing the whey, fusing the curd into slabs, stirring, salting, and finally pressing. Cheddar is then aged for two months to two years before consumption.
While both cheeses are low in carbohydrates, American cheese has marginally more carbs. The glycemic index of cheddar cheese is 0, indicating a low glycemic index. American cheese does not have a calculated glycemic index, but it has slightly more carbohydrates.
In summary, while cheddar cheese has more calories, American cheese is higher in certain nutrients and carbohydrates. However, both cheeses are high in fat and calories, so they should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Cheddar is denser in nutrients and protein
Cheddar cheese is denser in nutrients and protein when compared to American cheese. Cheddar is made from cow's milk, and the process involves preparing and standardising milk, adding a starter culture with rennet, coagulating milk, cutting the coagulum into cubes, and heating and agitating the mixture. After this, the whey is removed, and the curd is fused into slabs, salted, and pressed. Cheddar is then aged for two months to two years. This long process results in a denser cheese with a lower water content of 37%, compared to the 40% water content in American cheese.
Cheddar is a hard and dry cheese with a sharp and creamy taste. Its lower moisture content contributes to its denser texture and higher concentration of nutrients and protein. Cheddar provides about 6 grams of protein per slice, while American cheese offers only 3 grams. This additional protein in cheddar is beneficial for muscle repair and growth, making it a more nutritious option for those seeking a higher protein intake.
In terms of calories, a 100g serving of American cheese contains 371 calories, while the same serving size of cheddar provides 404 calories. Cheddar's higher calorie content is attributed to its denser composition and higher protein and fat content. For every 100g serving, cheddar provides 5 grams more protein than American cheese.
Cheddar is also a good source of calcium, which promotes bone health and helps prevent osteoporosis. It contains lower levels of sodium, reducing the risk of cardiovascular issues associated with high sodium intake. Additionally, cheddar has a broader selection of varieties and aging options, resulting in different flavour intensities and complexities.
While American cheese tends to have a higher fat content and is more processed, it does offer certain nutritional advantages. It contains higher levels of vitamins B12, B3, and E. American cheese also has a milder, creamier flavour and is known for its excellent melting properties, making it a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches and burgers.
In summary, cheddar cheese is denser in nutrients and protein than American cheese due to its lower water content and more extensive production process. Cheddar offers more protein per serving and is a better source of calcium, contributing to bone health. However, both cheeses are high in calories and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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American cheese has more calcium, vitamin D, and sodium
Cheddar and American cheese are both high-calorie foods, but cheddar contains slightly more calories. Cheddar is also richer in protein and fats. However, American cheese has certain nutritional advantages over cheddar.
Firstly, American cheese has more calcium. Calcium is a mineral that makes up most of the structure of our bones. It is important for bone strength and may help prevent osteoporosis, a condition characterized by fragile bones and an increased risk of fractures. American cheese has a slightly higher calcium content, with 15% DV compared to 11% DV in cheddar.
Secondly, American cheese has significantly more vitamin D. Vitamin D helps strengthen bones by improving the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. American cheese contains 8% DV of vitamin D, while cheddar only has 1% DV. Without adequate vitamin D and calcium, bones may not grow properly in children and may become weak and break easily in adults.
Thirdly, American cheese has more sodium. While this is true, it is important to note that sodium should be consumed in moderation. The recommended daily sodium intake is limited to 2,300mg. American cheese contains 317mg of sodium, while cheddar has 137mg. Due to its lower sodium content, cheddar may be a better choice for individuals with high blood pressure.
In summary, while American cheese has slightly more calcium, vitamin D, and sodium, it is important to consider the overall nutritional profile and health goals when choosing between these two types of cheese. Cheddar, for example, has more zinc and selenium, and its lower sodium content may be beneficial for those watching their blood pressure.
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Cheddar is richer in zinc and selenium, and fats
Cheddar cheese and American cheese are both high-calorie foods, but cheddar contains relatively more calories. A 100g serving of American cheese contains 371 calories, while the same serving size of cheddar provides 404 calories. Cheddar is also denser in nutrients, with 37% water content compared to 40% in American cheese.
Cheddar cheese is richer in zinc and selenium, which are important micronutrients. Cheddar also contains less sodium, with 2.5 times less than American cheese. This makes cheddar a better option for those watching their sodium intake.
Cheddar cheese is also richer in fats and proteins. It has 5g more protein per 100g serving compared to American cheese. Cheddar is a natural, hard cheese, whereas American cheese is a processed cheese product, made from a blend of milk, milk fats, solids, and other fats. Cheddar is traditionally made from cow's milk, and the long process of making it includes preparing and standardising milk, adding a starter culture with rennet, coagulating milk, cutting the coagulum into cubes, heating and agitating, and finally pressing the curd into slabs. Cheddar is then aged for two months to two years.
The higher fat content in cheddar cheese has been a concern for health experts, but new research suggests that the impact of saturated fats from whole foods like cheese may not be as detrimental to heart health as previously believed.
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Cheddar is more acidic
American cheese and cheddar cheese are both high-calorie foods, but cheddar contains slightly more calories. A 100g serving of American cheese contains 371 calories, while the same serving of cheddar provides 404 calories. Cheddar is also richer in protein and fats.
Cheddar cheese is also more acidic than American cheese. Traditional cheddar has a pH of around 4.9, while American cheese has a pH of 15.6. The pH of cheese is important as it influences the texture and flavour. A lower pH leads to a firmer, more crumbly texture. As cheddar ages, it loses moisture and becomes more crumbly. The pH of cheese continues to evolve during the ripening process, influencing flavour and texture development.
The cheesemaking process reduces the moisture content. Milk typically has a moisture content of about 87%, whereas cheddar has a moisture content of about 38%. The process of cheesemaking involves controlling the loss of moisture and the rate and extent of acid development. This is important because acid and moisture impact the flavour, microbiological content, and structure/texture/body of the cheese.
American cheese is a processed cheese made from cheddar cheese, washed curd cheese, Colby cheese, granular cheese, or any mixture of these. It was first produced in 1911 in Switzerland by heating shredded Swiss cheese with sodium citrate, an emulsifying agent. It has a mild, creamy flavour, a medium yellow colour, and a smooth texture that easily melts.
Cheddar cheese, on the other hand, is traditionally made from cow's milk. The process involves preparing and standardising milk, adding starter culture with rennet, coagulating milk, cutting the coagulum into small cubes, and heating and agitating the cubes. The whey is then removed, and the curd is fused into slabs, continuously stirred, salted, and pressed. Cheddar is then aged for two months to two years before consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar cheese has more calories. A 100g serving of American cheese contains 371 calories, while the same serving of cheddar cheese contains 404 calories.
Cheddar cheese is denser in nutrients and has more protein and fat. Cheddar is also less processed and has more natural ingredients, whereas American cheese has more sodium and carbohydrates.
Both cheeses are high in calories and should be consumed in moderation. Cheddar is generally considered the healthier option due to its superior nutritional profile, but it has slightly more saturated fat. American cheese has higher levels of certain vitamins like vitamin B12, vitamin B3, and vitamin E.
American cheese is a processed cheese made from a blend of cheeses, milk, milk fats, and solids, with other fats and whey protein concentrates. It has a mild, creamy flavour and melts easily. Cheddar cheese, on the other hand, is made naturally and has a longer aging process. It has a stronger flavour and is often crumbly, with colours ranging from white to dark orange.
