Calories in American Cheese - Nutrition Facts for 1 Slice

Calories in a Slice of American Cheese

American cheese is a popular processed cheese product known for its mild flavor and creamy texture. It's a common addition to burgers, sandwiches, wraps, melts and more. But what exactly is the calorie content of a single slice of American cheese?

What is American Cheese?

American cheese is a type of pasteurized prepared cheese product made from a blend of milk, milkfat, whey, milk protein concentrate, whey protein concentrate and emulsifying salts. It is extruded into slices and loaves for convenience.

It has a softer texture and lighter color than unprocessed cheeses. The ingredients and emulsification make it very meltable. This is why it's a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, cheeseburgers and other hot melty cheese dishes.

Several large companies like Kraft and Land O'Lakes produce recognizable brands of American cheese slices and blocks.

Nutrition Profile of American Cheese

The exact nutrition facts can vary slightly between brands, but in general, a 1 ounce slice (28g) of American cheese contains:

• Around 90 calories
• 6-8 grams of fat
• 5 grams of protein
• Less than 1 gram of carbohydrates
• 15-20% of Calcium RDI
• 10-15% of Vitamin A RDI

So American cheese is a good source of protein and highly bioavailable calcium, while being low carb and moderately high in fat. The saturated fat content is approximately 25-30% of the total fat content.

Calories in a Single Slice

Looking at popular brand name American cheese slices, here is the typical calorie content per slice:

• Kraft Singles - 90 calories
• Land O'Lakes - 90 calories
• Sargento - 80 calories
• Kraft Deli Deluxe - 80 calories
• Great Value - 80 calories

As you can see, a single slice contains 80-90 calories on average. The minor differences are due to slightly varying fat and moisture contents between brands.

Calorie Factors

There are a few factors that influence the calorie content in American cheese slices:

• Thickness - Thicker slices contain more cheese and therefore more calories, protein and fat. Slices can range from 1-2 ounces each.
• Fat content - Full fat American cheese has more calories than reduced fat versions with less total fat.
• Brand - National brands have slightly higher calories than generic and store brands.
• Ingredients - Products with more actual cheese tend to be higher calorie than those with more emulsifiers.

Calorie Density

American cheese is reasonably nutrient dense for the number of calories. It packs protein, important vitamins and minerals, and some healthy fats into each slice.

By comparison, an equal calorie serving of many other popular snack foods like chips, cookies or crackers would contain far fewer beneficial nutrients.

So enjoying American cheese in moderation can be part of a balanced diet. Just be mindful of portion size, as the calories can add up quickly if you eat multiple slices.

Calories in Common Portions and Servings

To make it easier to track your calorie intake, here are some common serving sizes of American cheese and their approximate calorie amounts:

• 1 slice = 80-90 calories
• 2 slices = 160-180 calories
• 1 oz = 90 calories
• 2 oz = 180 calories
• 1/4 cup shredded = 113 calories
• 1/2 cup shredded = 227 calories
• 1 regular slice on a cheeseburger = Around 300 calories

In recipes like casseroles, macaroni and cheese or cheese sauce, weigh or measure the cheese to get a more accurate calorie count.

Low-Calorie Cooking Tips

To lighten up American cheese-based dishes, you can:

• Use thinner slices on sandwiches
• Choose reduced-fat versions when possible
• Combine with shredded veggies like spinach or zucchini
• Use just 1 slice instead of 2 on burgers
• Opt for part-skim mozzarella on pizza
• Blend with low-fat milk or Greek yogurt for sauces

Keto Diet

On a very low-carb ketogenic diet, American cheese can be an option in moderation. Just watch your portions.

A slice or two fits into a keto meal plan. But avoid eating it by the handful or in large amounts, as too much can kick you out of ketosis.

Paleo Diet

American cheese would not be paleo-approved, as it is a highly processed food. It also contains dairy, which some paleo followers avoid.

If following a paleo diet, you would need to avoid American cheese and instead get your healthy fats and protein from Whole30 compliant foods like avocado, nuts, seeds, eggs and unprocessed meats.

Weight Control

For weight loss or maintenance, American cheese can be eaten in moderation as part of a reduced calorie diet. Just account for the calories whenever you consume it.

Be careful with portion size, as a few slices can quickly add up to over 200 calories. Weighing or measuring servings helps keep calories in check.

Sodium Content

Sodium is a nutrient to watch out for with processed cheeses. A slice of American cheese provides around 180-250 milligrams of sodium, or up to 10% of the daily recommended limit.

Those restricting sodium may want to opt for reduced sodium cheese slices or limit portion sizes. Drinking plenty of water can help minimize fluid retention from the sodium.

The Bottom Line

A single slice of American cheese delivers 80-90 calories, making it easy to account for in your daily diet. Just keep an eye on serving sizes, as the calories can accumulate quickly if you eat multiple slices.

Enjoy American cheese in moderation as part of an overall balanced approach to nutrition and you can definitely savor those melty, creamy slices of cheese guilt-free!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.