1 slice (medium) of Processed Cheese (20 g) has 54 calories. That works out to 270 calories per 100 g. It contains 1.4 g of carbs, 3.2 g of protein, 4 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its 0.3 µg of B12 covers 13% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 30 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

What is Processed Cheese?

Processed cheese is a smooth, mild cheese product commonly sold in slices that melt readily on hot sandwiches. It is a convenient choice for toast and grilled cheese, rather than a traditional regional cheese with one fixed recipe; the texture and flavour can vary by brand.

The slices turn creamy and soft when heated, with a gently salty taste. They’re often layered into toasties or burgers, and can be eaten cold in a sandwich too. Processed cheese provides protein and fat, while its saltiness can be noticeable. For a lighter sandwich, use one slice and add tomato, leafy greens or other fresh vegetables for contrast.

Processed Cheese Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

270

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

· 3% DV

Protein

16g

· 32% DV

Fat

20g

· 26% DV

Fiber

· 0% DV

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

Calories come from: Carbs 10% · Protein 24% · Fat 66%

Processed Cheese Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B12

1.5µg · 63% DV

0.35mg · 27% DV

Vitamin A

180µg · 20% DV

0.5mg · 10% DV

Minerals

Calcium

600mg · 60% DV

Phosphorus

400mg · 57% DV

Sodium

1100mg · 48% DV

Zinc

3mg · 27% DV

How Nutritious Is Processed 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

Medium

37/ 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.

Processed 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 Processed Cheese

To burn the 270 calories in 100 g:

🚶

67min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

28min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

37min

Cycling

🏊

31min

Swimming

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

Is Processed 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 Processed 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 Processed 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

Processed Cheese Fat Profile

SATURATED

12g

MONOUNSATURATED

POLYUNSATURATED

0.5g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 4:1

Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.

Compare Processed Cheese

🧀vs🥒

Processed Cheese vs Tzatziki210 kcal more per 100 g

→🧀vs🧀

Processed Cheese vs Cheddar Cheese132 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🧀vs🧀

Processed Cheese vs Tulum Cheese100 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🧀vs🥛

Processed Cheese vs Milk206 kcal more per 100 g

→

Foods Similar to Processed 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 Processed Cheese

What is Processed Cheese made from?

Processed Cheese is made by heating and blending cheese with ingredients such as emulsifying salts; recipes vary by product. The process creates a smooth, consistent texture that melts evenly, unlike many naturally aged cheeses.

Is Processed Cheese the same as American cheese?

No, the terms are not always interchangeable. American cheese is a particular style of Processed Cheese, while Processed Cheese is a broader category that includes products with different recipes, shapes, and flavors.

Why does Processed Cheese melt so smoothly?

Processed Cheese melts smoothly because emulsifying salts help keep its fat and proteins evenly blended as it heats. That makes it useful for grilled sandwiches and sauces where a uniform, creamy texture is wanted.

Can you freeze Processed Cheese slices?

Yes, you can freeze Processed Cheese slices, though thawing may make them crumbly or less smooth. Separate slices with parchment, seal them well, and use the thawed cheese in a heated dish such as a grilled sandwich.

How should you store Processed Cheese after opening?

Store opened Processed Cheese in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped or sealed in its original packaging. Return it to the fridge promptly after serving, and use clean hands or utensils to keep the slices from picking up moisture or odors.

Is Processed Cheese bad for you?

Processed Cheese is not inherently harmful, but it can be salty, so frequent large servings may not suit everyone. Using a slice as part of a varied meal is different from relying on it as the main source of protein or dairy.

Can Processed Cheese be used in mac and cheese?

Yes, Processed Cheese can make mac and cheese especially creamy because it melts evenly. Stir it into the warm sauce gradually and avoid boiling the sauce, which can make the texture less smooth.

Can you eat Processed Cheese cold?

Yes, Processed Cheese is ready to eat and can be served cold in sandwiches or with crackers. Keep it refrigerated between servings rather than leaving the slices out for an extended period.

Why does Processed Cheese turn oily when heated?

Processed Cheese can turn oily if it is heated too quickly or for too long, causing its fat to separate from the rest of the mixture. Use moderate heat and take it off the heat once it has melted.

Can Processed Cheese replace cheddar in a grilled cheese sandwich?

Yes, Processed Cheese works well in a grilled cheese sandwich and usually melts more evenly than cheddar. Its flavor is milder, so you can pair it with a sharper cheese if you want a stronger-tasting filling.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026