Randy Chandler
American cheese and cheddar cheese are two popular varieties of cheese that are often used interchangeably in sandwiches, burgers, and various recipes. Despite their similar appearance, they differ in terms of taste, texture, nutritional profile, production methods, and health implications. Cheddar cheese is a hard, natural cheese with a sharper taste and crumbly texture, while American cheese is a smooth, creamy, and processed cheese with a milder flavour. Cheddar is made from cow's milk, while American cheese is made by blending unfermented dairy products, whey, and several other emulsifiers and preservatives.
Differences between American and Cheddar Cheese
| Characteristics | American Cheese | Cheddar Cheese |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Soft and creamy | Hard and crumbly |
| Melting | Melts evenly | Does not melt as well |
| Taste | Bland | Sharp |
| Aging | Does not age | Ages between two and twelve months |
| Ingredients | Blend of cheeses, emulsifiers, and preservatives | 100% cow's milk |
| Sodium Content | High | Low |
| Zinc Content | Low | High |
| Iron Content | High | Low |
| Calories | High | High |
| Lactose Sensitivity | May cause issues | Better option for those with lactose sensitivity |
| Price | Less expensive | More expensive |
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What You'll Learn
- American cheese is a processed cheese product, while Cheddar is a natural cheese
- Cheddar is harder, sharper, and crumbly, whereas American cheese is softer, milder, and creamier
- American cheese is made from unfermented dairy, emulsifiers, and preservatives, while Cheddar is made from cow's milk
- Cheddar is aged for 2-12 months, giving it a more robust flavour, whereas American cheese is not aged
- Cheddar is higher in fat and saturated fat, while American cheese is higher in sodium and calcium
American cheese is a processed cheese product, while Cheddar is a natural cheese
American cheese is a processed cheese product, made from a blend of cheeses and other ingredients to enhance its flavour and texture. It is produced by melting chunks of cheese, such as cheddar, Colby, Swiss, Jack, or Grana, with a liquid and an emulsifying agent. The liquid mixture is then moulded into bricks or slices and packaged. American cheese has a soft, creamy texture and is very meltable, making it ideal for fast food, sandwiches, and simple, hearty dishes like cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. It is also a good source of calcium and iron, and other nutrients, but it is more processed and may be difficult to digest for those with lactose sensitivity.
On the other hand, Cheddar is a natural, hard English cheese made from pressed and salted curds from 100% cow's milk (raw or pasteurized) that has been coagulated with rennet. Cheddar undergoes an aging process that can range from a few months to several years, enhancing its flavour and texture. The longer the aging process, the sharper the taste and the crumbly texture. Cheddar has a more robust flavour than American cheese, and it is often easier to digest. It is also a good source of calcium and iron, but it contains significantly less sodium and is lower in other nutrients like potassium and phosphorus. Cheddar is very versatile and can be used in a wide variety of recipes, from snacking to cooking and pairing with other ingredients. It pairs excellently with apples or pears, nuts, whole-grain crackers, and even dark chocolate, making it a favourite for cheese boards and gourmet recipes.
In terms of appearance, American cheese can be yellow or white, with yellow American cheese containing colouring additives, typically annatto, which is extracted from the seeds of the Achiote tree. Cheddar can also range in colour from white to pale yellow to dark orange, with the darker colour coming from annatto, a fruit-based colouring.
When it comes to choosing between American cheese and cheddar, it ultimately depends on personal preferences, dietary needs, and the intended culinary application. American cheese is a good option for those who want a creamy, meltable cheese, while cheddar is a better choice for those who prefer a sharper, more crumbly texture and a richer flavour. Those watching their sodium intake or seeking a lower-fat option may prefer cheddar, while those looking to boost their calcium intake might opt for American cheese.
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Cheddar is harder, sharper, and crumbly, whereas American cheese is softer, milder, and creamier
Cheddar cheese is a hard, natural cheese with a sharper taste and crumbly texture. It is made from pressed and salted curds from 100% cow's milk (raw or pasteurized) that has been coagulated with rennet. The curds are then drained from the whey (the liquid portion of the milk). Cheddar undergoes an aging process that can range from a few months to several years, enhancing its flavour and texture. This natural aging process makes cheddar a better option for those with lactose sensitivity. The longer the aging process, the sharper the cheddar, with extra sharp cheddar being ideal for a cheese platter or on a cold sandwich. Cheddar is versatile and can be used in various culinary applications, from snacking to cooking and pairing with other ingredients. It pairs excellently with a broader range of foods, such as apples, pears, nuts, whole-grain crackers, and even dark chocolate.
On the other hand, American cheese is a processed cheese with a softer, milder, and creamier texture. It is made by melting down chunks of cheeses such as cheddar, Colby, Swiss, Jack, or Grana with a liquid and an emulsifying agent. The liquid mixture is then moulded into bricks or slices and packaged. American cheese is not a natural cheese but a "pasteurized process cheese", according to the FDA. It contains additional ingredients like emulsifiers and preservatives, and because it is processed, it has a lower quality and less flavour. American cheese is ideal for certain culinary applications due to its smooth, creamy texture and even melting, making it a popular choice for fast food and sandwiches. It works well with simple, hearty dishes like cheeseburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, and cheese melts.
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American cheese is made from unfermented dairy, emulsifiers, and preservatives, while Cheddar is made from cow's milk
American cheese and cheddar cheese are two very distinct varieties of cheese. American cheese is a processed cheese made from a blend of cheeses, typically including cheddar, Colby, Swiss, Jack, or Grana. It also contains additional ingredients like emulsifiers and preservatives, which give it a soft, creamy texture and make it highly meltable. The emulsifiers in American cheese ensure that it remains creamy as it melts, and it is often sold in slices or blocks. According to the FDA, American cheese is not considered "real cheese" and is instead referred to as a "pasteurized process cheese." This means it only needs to contain a minimum of 51% real cheese and can be combined with other ingredients like milk, skim milk, buttermilk, cream, and whey proteins.
On the other hand, cheddar is a natural, hard English cheese made from pressed and salted curds of 100% cow's milk (raw or pasteurized). Cheddar undergoes an aging process that can range from a few months to several years, enhancing its flavor and resulting in a crumbly texture. Unlike American cheese, cheddar does not contain emulsifiers, so it tends to separate when melted. Cheddar has a sharper taste than American cheese, and it pairs well with a broader range of foods, including apples, pears, nuts, whole-grain crackers, and even dark chocolate.
In terms of nutritional content, both American cheese and cheddar are excellent sources of calcium and phosphorus. However, American cheese contains over four times more iron and also has higher levels of potassium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, and choline. Conversely, cheddar is richer in zinc and selenium. Cheddar has significantly less sodium content than American cheese, making it a better choice for those watching their sodium intake. Additionally, cheddar is often easier to digest and may be a preferable option for those with lactose sensitivity due to its natural aging process.
When it comes to culinary uses, American cheese is commonly used in fast food and sandwiches, such as cheeseburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, and cheese melts. Its smooth, creamy texture and meltability make it ideal for these applications. Cheddar, on the other hand, is more versatile and can be used in a wide variety of recipes, from snacking to cooking, and it pairs well with other ingredients. It is the most popular cheese in the UK and the second most popular in the US, while American cheese is in the top five.
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Cheddar is aged for 2-12 months, giving it a more robust flavour, whereas American cheese is not aged
Cheddar cheese is aged between two and twelve months, which gives it a more robust flavour. Cheddar is a natural, hard cheese made from pressed and salted curds from 100% cow's milk. Its texture is crumbly, and it has a sharper taste. The ageing process of cheddar can range from a few months to several years, enhancing its flavour and texture. Cheddar is a versatile cheese used in a huge variety of recipes, from snacking to cooking and pairing with other ingredients. It is the most popular cheese in the UK and the second most popular in the US.
On the other hand, American cheese is not aged in the same way. It is a processed cheese made from a blend of cheeses, typically including cheddar, Colby, and Swiss, along with other flavour- and texture-enhancing ingredients. It was first made by British colonists in America and then exported back to England by the 1970s. American cheese has a soft, creamy texture and melts evenly, making it ideal for fast food, sandwiches, and simple, hearty dishes like cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. It is also easier to digest than cheddar, which is more processed.
The main differences between these two cheeses lie in their processing, texture, flavour, and nutritional content. American cheese is known for its mild, creamy flavour and superior melting ability due to the addition of emulsifiers. It is also less expensive than cheddar because it is artificially processed rather than aged naturally. Cheddar, on the other hand, is harder and less meltable, with a more robust flavour and crumbly texture. It undergoes an ageing process that enhances its flavour and texture, resulting in a sharper taste.
In terms of nutrition, both cheeses are excellent sources of calcium and phosphorus. American cheese contains over four times more iron and has higher levels of potassium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, and choline. Cheddar, meanwhile, is richer in zinc and selenium and has significantly less sodium content, making it a better choice for those watching their sodium intake. Cheddar is also generally considered to have a better nutritional profile than American cheese due to its natural ingredients and range of beneficial nutrients.
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Cheddar is higher in fat and saturated fat, while American cheese is higher in sodium and calcium
Cheddar and American cheese are two of the most popular cheeses in the United States, with the average American consuming almost 42 pounds of cheese annually. While both are good sources of calcium and iron, they differ in their nutritional content.
Cheddar is a hard, natural cheese with a sharper taste and crumbly texture. It is made from pressed and salted curds from 100% cow's milk (raw or pasteurized) that has been coagulated with rennet. Cheddar undergoes an aging process that can range from a few months to several years, enhancing its flavour and texture. This natural aging process makes cheddar a better option for those with lactose sensitivity. Cheddar is also easier to digest and has a better nutritional profile compared to American cheese, making it a good choice for those on a low-fat diet.
On the other hand, American cheese is a processed cheese with a mild, creamy flavour and superior melting ability. It is made by melting down chunks of cheeses such as cheddar, Colby, Swiss, or Jack with a liquid and an emulsifying agent. The liquid mixture is then moulded into bricks or slices and packaged. American cheese has a smooth and creamy texture, making it ideal for dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches and cheese melts. However, it is more processed and has a higher fat content than cheddar.
In terms of specific nutrients, cheddar is higher in fat and saturated fat, while American cheese is higher in sodium and calcium. Cheddar also contains significantly less sodium, with 2.5 times less sodium than American cheese, making it a better option for those watching their sodium intake. Additionally, American cheese contains over four times more iron and also has higher levels of potassium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, and choline.
When choosing between the two cheeses, it ultimately depends on your nutritional priorities and taste preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
American cheese is a processed cheese made by melting down chunks of cheeses such as cheddar, Colby, Swiss, Jack, or Grana with a liquid and an emulsifying agent. It may also contain preservatives. Cheddar, on the other hand, is a natural cheese made from pressed and salted curds from 100% cow's milk.
American cheese has a mild, soft, smooth, and creamy texture and a bland taste. It melts evenly due to the presence of emulsifiers. Cheddar has a sharper, more robust flavor and a hard, crumbly texture. It does not melt as well as American cheese and separates when melted due to the absence of emulsifiers.
Both American and Cheddar cheese are good sources of calcium and phosphorus. American cheese contains over four times more iron and also has higher levels of potassium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, and choline. Cheddar, on the other hand, is richer in zinc and selenium. Cheddar contains significantly less sodium than American cheese, making it a better choice for those watching their sodium intake.
American cheese is commonly used in fast food and sandwiches, such as cheeseburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, and cheese melts. It is also a popular choice for dishes that require melted cheese, like macaroni and cheese. Cheddar cheese is more versatile and can be used in a broader range of culinary applications, from snacking to cooking and pairing with other ingredients. It pairs well with apples or pears, nuts, whole-grain crackers, and even dark chocolate.
