How Many Calories in an American Cheese?

American cheese is a popular cheese product in the United States, commonly used in fast food burgers, sandwiches, and grilled cheese. It is made from a blend of milk, whey protein, and emulsifiers, and is known for its smooth and creamy texture, as well as its mild, salty flavor. But how many calories does this cheese contain, and what are its nutritional benefits and drawbacks?

One slice of American cheese typically contains around 100 calories. This is a moderate calorie count compared to other cheese types, with some cheeses containing as few as 30 calories per slice and others containing as many as 200 calories per slice. American cheese is also relatively low in fat, with each slice containing around 7 grams of fat. This is a moderate amount, with some cheeses containing as little as 3 grams of fat per slice and others containing as much as 20 grams of fat per slice.

When it comes to carbohydrates, American cheese is relatively low in this nutrient, with each slice containing around 1 gram of carbohydrates. This is a low amount compared to other cheese types, which can contain anywhere from 5 to 20 grams of carbohydrates per slice. American cheese is also low in protein, with each slice containing around 5 grams of protein. This is a moderate amount, with some cheeses containing as little as 2 grams of protein per slice and others containing as much as 20 grams of protein per slice.

On average, a one-ounce serving of American cheese contains approximately 114 calories. This serving size provides approximately 7 grams of fat, 7 grams of protein, and 1 gram of carbohydrates. Additionally, it also contains approximately 201 milligrams of sodium.

It is important to note that the calorie content of American cheese can vary depending on the specific type of cheese product. For example, some American cheese products may contain more fat or salt than others, which can impact their calorie content. In general, the lower-fat versions of American cheese will contain fewer calories than the higher-fat versions.

In terms of vitamins and minerals, American cheese is a good source of calcium and vitamin D, both of which are important for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Each slice of American cheese contains around 200 milligrams of calcium and 2.5 micrograms of vitamin D. This is a moderate amount, with some cheeses containing as little as 50 milligrams of calcium and as much as 500 milligrams of calcium per slice.

However, American cheese is also high in sodium, with each slice containing around 400 milligrams of sodium. This is a high amount compared to other cheese types, which can contain anywhere from 100 to 300 milligrams of sodium per slice. High levels of sodium can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke, so it is important to be mindful of your sodium intake when consuming American cheese.

It is also worth mentioning that the calorie content of American cheese can also vary depending on how it is used in a dish. For example, if American cheese is melted on top of a sandwich or burger, the additional fat and calories from cooking oils or other ingredients can increase the overall calorie content of the dish.