Andy Montoya
American cheese is a processed cheese food, often sold as slices or singles. The standard serving size of American cheese is considered to be one slice, weighing around 20.6 grams. This serving size provides nutritional value, including protein, dietary fats, calcium, and vitamins.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Official name | Pasteurized processed cheese food |
| Serving size | 1 slice (20.6 grams) |
| Calories | 70-75 |
| Carbohydrates | 1.1 grams |
| Fats | 6.3 grams (68% of calories) |
| Saturated fats | 3.73 grams |
| Unsaturated fats | 2.57 grams |
| Sugar | 0.55 grams |
| Protein | 3.7 grams |
| Calcium | 178 milligrams (17% RDA) |
| Phosphorus | 16% RDA |
| Vitamin D | 10% RDA |
| Sodium | Varies by brand |
| Ingredients | Milk, cream, water, sodium citrate, cheese culture, citric acid, enzymes, salt, sorbic acid, soy lecithin |
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What You'll Learn
Nutritional value: calcium, protein, vitamins
American cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamins. A single slice of American cheese, weighing around 20.6 grams, contains 178 milligrams of calcium, which meets 17% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA). Calcium is essential for maintaining bone strength and preventing osteoporosis, a condition that increases the risk of fractures due to fragile bones. American cheese also provides vitamin D, which promotes calcium absorption and maintains calcium levels for bone maintenance and muscle health.
In addition to its calcium content, American cheese is a source of high-quality protein. Each slice provides approximately 3.7 to 4 grams of protein, contributing to the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). The protein in American cheese comes from dairy proteins casein and whey, which provide all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle building, energy production, and neurotransmitter function.
American cheese also contains vitamins A and D. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that requires dietary fat for absorption. The dietary fat in American cheese helps shuttle vitamin A and other fat-soluble vitamins into the bloodstream. Vitamin D, in addition to enhancing calcium absorption, plays a critical role in immune system response by acting as an anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory agent. Adequate vitamin D levels may help reduce the severity of illness during viral infections.
While American cheese offers nutritional benefits, it is also high in saturated fat, sodium, and calories. It should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The nutritional composition of American cheese includes protein contributing to 20% of its caloric content, carbohydrates making up 10%, and fat accounting for 70% of the total calories.
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Calories: 70-75 per slice
A typical slice of American cheese weighs 20.6 grams and contains 70-75 calories. This calorie count represents the energy available from the food, which is mostly derived from its fat and protein content.
The fat content of American cheese is relatively high, with dietary fats making up 68% of the calories found in a single slice. This equates to 6.3 grams of total fat, of which 3.73 grams are from saturated fats, and the rest are unsaturated fats.
The protein content of American cheese is also significant, providing 3.7 grams of protein per slice. This amount supplies all nine essential amino acids, which are necessary for important body functions such as building muscle and producing energy.
American cheese also contains a small amount of carbohydrates, with 1-2 grams of carbohydrates per slice. Half of this carbohydrate content comes from lactose, the natural sugar found in milk.
In addition to its nutritional value, American cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, and paninis. It is often sold as individual slices or in packages of multiple slices, making it convenient for consumers.
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Carbohydrates: 1-1.1 grams per slice
American cheese is considered a low- or no-carb food, with a single slice containing between 1 and 1.1 grams of carbohydrates. This equates to a serving size of 20.6 grams. To put this into context, a 12-ounce package of Kraft Singles American Cheese contains 16 slices.
The carbohydrates in American cheese come from the sugar lactose, which is naturally found in milk. Lactose accounts for approximately half of the carbohydrate content in American cheese.
American cheese is a processed cheese product, officially named "pasteurized processed cheese food" by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is made by blending cheese, spices, and sometimes colour, to create a versatile cheese food.
American cheese is a good source of calcium, with one slice providing 178 milligrams, or 17% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA). It is also a source of phosphorus and vitamin D, contributing 16% and 10% of the RDA, respectively. These nutrients are important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
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Fats: 68% of calories per slice
A single slice of American cheese, weighing 20.6 grams, contains 68% of calories from dietary fats. This equates to 6.3 grams of total fat, of which 3.73 grams are from saturated fats, and the remainder from unsaturated fats. The fat content of American cheese is relatively high, with 77% of the calories in one slice coming from fat, according to another source.
American cheese is officially classified as "pasteurized processed cheese food" by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is created by blending cheese, spices, and occasionally colour additives to create a cheese product. This cheese is often sold as \"singles\" or slices and is commonly used in cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, and other sandwiches.
The fat content in American cheese contributes to its creamy texture and meltability, making it a popular choice for various dishes. However, it's important to note that the specific fat composition can vary depending on the brand and method of preparation. For example, the nutrition details of Kraft Singles American Cheese may differ from other brands due to variations in ingredients, cooking instructions, and the freshness of the ingredients used.
While American cheese provides a good source of dietary fat, it is important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Excessive consumption of saturated fats, in particular, has been linked to adverse health effects, including elevated cholesterol levels and an increased risk of heart disease. Therefore, it is recommended to refer to the nutrition facts and ingredient lists on product labels to make informed choices.
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Allergies: milk allergies are common
A typical serving size of American cheese is one slice, weighing 20.6 grams. It is considered a low-carb food, with only 1 gram of carbohydrates per serving. It is also a good source of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and protein. However, it is important to note that American cheese is high in sodium and fat, depending on the brand.
Milk allergy is an atypical immune system response to milk and products containing milk. It is one of the most common food allergies, especially in infants, young children, and adults who did not outgrow their allergy. Cow's milk is the usual cause, but milk from other mammals, such as sheep, goats, and buffalo, can also trigger a reaction.
The proteins casein and whey, found in milk, are the primary causes of milk allergies. These proteins can be difficult to avoid as they are also present in some processed foods, canned tuna, sausages, non-dairy products, and baked goods. Lactose, the sugar found in milk, can also cause symptoms in some people, known as lactose intolerance. However, it is important to distinguish this from a milk allergy, as the management and treatment differ.
Symptoms of a milk allergy can range from mild to severe and include skin reactions such as hives, eczema, redness, or itching, gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain, and respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and wheezing. In severe cases, milk allergy can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction.
The primary treatment for milk allergy is avoidance. People with milk allergies must carefully read food labels, ask questions about ingredients, and be cautious when eating food prepared by others. While most children outgrow milk allergies, those who don't may need to continue avoiding milk products into adulthood.
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Frequently asked questions
The serving size of American cheese is one slice, which is usually around 20.6 grams.
There are approximately 70-75 calories in one slice of American cheese.
American cheese is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and protein. It also contains dietary fats and carbohydrates.
There are approximately 3.7 grams of protein in a slice of American cheese.
American cheese can be high in sodium and fat, depending on the brand. It may not be suitable for those with milk allergies, as it is made from cow's milk.
