Calories in American Cheese: Full Nutrition Breakdown

American cheese is a pasteurized process cheese made by blending natural cheeses like cheddar and Colby with emulsifiers, giving it its signature smooth texture and superior melting properties. It is a staple in burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, and deli platters, providing moderate protein and calcium. Here is a complete breakdown of American cheese nutrition by serving size.

Calories by serving size:

American cheese is notably high in calcium due to the emulsification process, and it also provides vitamin A, phosphorus, and zinc. Its higher sodium content (about 468 mg per ounce) is worth noting for those monitoring their salt intake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is American cheese real cheese?

American cheese is technically classified as a pasteurized process cheese product, meaning it is made from real cheese (typically cheddar, Colby, or a blend) combined with emulsifiers, milk, and other ingredients. While it is not a "natural" cheese in the traditional sense, deli-style American cheese contains more real cheese than individually wrapped singles, which are often labeled as "cheese product."

How does American cheese compare to cheddar in calories?

American cheese and cheddar are similar in calories, with American at about 104 calories per ounce and cheddar at approximately 113 calories per ounce. Cheddar generally has slightly more protein and fat per serving, while American cheese tends to be higher in sodium and calcium due to the addition of emulsifying salts.

What is the difference between deli American cheese and singles?

Deli-style American cheese slices are thicker (about 28 grams) and contain a higher percentage of real cheese, with around 104 calories per slice. Individually wrapped singles are thinner (about 21 grams), have about 63 calories per slice, and often contain more additives, which is why they are frequently labeled as "cheese product" rather than "cheese."

How much sodium is in American cheese?

American cheese contains approximately 468 mg of sodium per one-ounce slice, which is about 20% of the recommended daily limit. This makes it one of the higher-sodium cheeses, so individuals on low-sodium diets should consider lower-sodium alternatives like Swiss cheese (about 54 mg per ounce) or fresh mozzarella.

Why does American cheese melt so well?

American cheese melts exceptionally well because of the sodium citrate and other emulsifying salts added during processing, which prevent the proteins and fats from separating when heated. This creates the smooth, creamy, consistent melt that makes it ideal for burgers, grilled cheese, and cheese sauces, whereas natural cheeses can become oily or stringy.