Is It Beneficial to Your Health? Although American cheese isn’t exactly a foodie’s dream, it might be your best option for melting cheese. However, as you savor its creamy goodness, you might wonder if it is beneficial or harmful to your health. Is American cheese even a real cheese?
Your American cheese probably says “pasteurized process cheese food” or “pasteurized prepared cheese product” on the label. Cheese is the main ingredient, but because it contains other products, the Food and Drug Administration requires these labels. American cheese is not 100% cheese, just as some meat products, such as hot dogs or meatloaf, may not be 100% meat.
How does American cheese get its name? Although it may contain other cheeses for flavor, American cheese is mainly a combination of these four ingredients:
Cheddar cheese
Colby cheese
Washed curd cheese
Granular cheese
Washed curd cheese and granular cheese cheeses are types that have been processed in a certain way rather than specific types of cheese. They and the other two cheeses must account for at least 51% of the product’s weight. Additionally, FDA regulations demand specific amounts of fat and moisture. American cheese also has an emulsifying agent in it to prevent the oil from separating from the other ingredients. American cheese may also contain:
An ingredient to inhibit mold growth
An ingredient to reduce stickiness
Flavorings and other spices Colors that are made up Milkfat
Water
Salt
Is American cheese good for you? The nutritional value of American cheese can vary slightly, depending upon whether you choose the “cheese product” or the “cheese food.” Additionally, the nutritional content of various brands may differ slightly. One slice of pasteurized processed cheese food, usually 3/4 of an ounce, contains:
About 69 calories Protein: approximately 3.5 grams, or 7% of the DV Carbohydrate: About 1.8 grams, or 1% of the DV
Sugar: 1.2 grams, or 2% of the daily value Fat: About 5.4 grams, or 7% of the DV (mostly saturated fat)
Because cheese is an animal product, its protein contains all the essential amino acids. However, animal products are also often high in saturated fat and cholesterol.
Does American cheese contain vitamins and minerals?
American cheese is a good source of some vitamins and minerals. One slice of pasteurized process cheese food contains:
143 milligrams, or 11% of DV, calcium 53 milligrams, or 1% of DV, potassium Phosphorus: 92 milligrams, or 7% of DV
Sodium: 269 milligrams, or 12% of the daily value Some American cheese is fortified with vitamin D, providing about 3% of the DV. Calcium, potassium, and phosphorus are all important minerals, but the high sodium content may be cause for concern.
Is American cheese processed a lot? Foods that are highly processed or ultra-processed usually:
Are processed in several steps that involve many added ingredients
Include artificial coloring and flavors
Contain preservatives
Are mostly ready to eat
Contain little fiber and may be low in other nutrients
Although American cheese has some nutritional value, it also meets the other criteria and is classified as a processed food. Some highly processed foods are healthy, but consumers should watch for those with added sugar, unhealthy fats, and excess sodium.