1 slice (medium) of American Cheese (21 g) has 64 calories. That works out to 307 calories per 100 g. It contains 1.9 g of carbs, 3.4 g of protein, 4.9 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its 151.2 mg of Calcium covers 15% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 30 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

What is American Cheese?

American cheese is a mild, smooth cheese product commonly sold in thin, square slices. Its soft texture and even melt make it a familiar choice for burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches and other quick meals. The flavour is gently savoury rather than sharp, so it pairs easily with meat, eggs and vegetables.

In the US, it is often melted over a burger or tucked into a toasted sandwich; elsewhere, it works just as well in everyday sandwiches and hot snacks. A slice provides some protein along with fat, so pair it with whole-grain bread and fresh vegetables for a more balanced meal.

American Cheese Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

307

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

9.2g

· 3% DV

Protein

16.1g

· 32% DV

Fat

23.5g

· 30% DV

Fiber

· 0% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 12% · Protein 21% · Fat 67%

American Cheese Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B12

1.1µg · 46% DV

Vitamin A

260µg · 29% DV

0.36mg · 28% DV

0.4mg · 8% DV

Minerals

Calcium

720mg · 72% DV

Phosphorus

420mg · 60% DV

Sodium

1300mg · 57% DV

Zinc

3mg · 27% DV

How Nutritious Is American Cheese?

Nutrient density

Medium

40/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Low

33/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

American Cheese Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Low

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

Low

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off American Cheese

To burn the 307 calories in 100 g:

🚶

76min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

31min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

42min

Cycling

🏊

36min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is American Cheese Processed?

NOVA 3

Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does American Cheese Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten free

Dairy yes

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is American Cheese Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

✓ Suitable

Gluten-Free

— Not suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

American Cheese Fat Profile

SATURATED

14.2g

MONOUNSATURATED

6.1g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.5g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 6:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (6:1).

Compare American Cheese

🧀vs🥒

American Cheese vs Tzatziki247 kcal more per 100 g

→🧀vs🧀

American Cheese vs Cheddar Cheese95 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🧀vs🧀

American Cheese vs Tulum Cheese63 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🧀vs🥛

American Cheese vs Milk243 kcal more per 100 g

→

Foods Similar to American Cheese

🥒

Tzatziki

60 kcal

🧀

Cheddar Cheese

402 kcal

🧀

Tulum Cheese

370 kcal

🥛

Milk

64 kcal

🥛

Yogurt

61 kcal

🥛

Cream

340 kcal

🧀

White Cheese

270 kcal

🧀

Cecil Cheese

320 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About American Cheese

What is American cheese made of?

American cheese is made from cheese blended with emulsifying ingredients, which give it a smooth texture and consistent melting. The exact recipe varies by product, so its ingredient list is the best way to see what a particular brand uses.

Is American cheese the same as cheddar?

No. Cheddar is a distinct cheese with its own flavor and texture, while American cheese is processed cheese made for a smooth, mild result. American cheese usually melts more evenly, whereas cheddar’s flavor and melting behavior vary with its style and age.

Why does American cheese melt without separating?

American cheese contains emulsifying salts that help keep its fat and moisture together as it heats. For a burger, place a slice on the hot patty near the end of cooking and cover the pan briefly for an even melt.

When should you put American cheese on a burger?

Add American cheese near the end of cooking, while the patty is still hot. A brief cover over the pan helps melt the slice, and assembling the burger soon afterward keeps the cheese soft rather than letting it cool and firm up.

Can you use American cheese in grilled cheese?

Yes, American cheese works especially well in grilled cheese because it melts into a smooth layer. Cook the sandwich over moderate heat so the bread browns while the cheese has time to melt all the way through.

Can American cheese be frozen?

Yes, American cheese can be frozen, though its texture may become less smooth or more crumbly after thawing. Separate the slices, wrap them airtight, and use thawed slices in cooked dishes or hot sandwiches where the texture change is less noticeable.

How should you store American cheese after opening?

Keep opened American cheese refrigerated and tightly wrapped, or transfer it to an airtight container. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods, and follow the storage directions and use-by guidance on the package.

Can American cheese be used in macaroni and cheese?

Yes, American cheese can help make macaroni and cheese creamy because it melts smoothly. Add it over low heat and stir it into the sauce gradually; intense heat can make a cheese sauce less smooth.

What can you use instead of American cheese on a burger?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or provolone can replace American cheese on a burger. Choose cheddar for a sharper flavor or Monterey Jack for a mild, soft melt; slice the cheese thinly so it warms through on the hot patty.

Can you eat American cheese cold, straight from the package?

Yes, American cheese is ready to eat and does not need to be melted or cooked. You can put it in a cold sandwich or serve it with crackers; refrigerate any slices left after opening.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026