Is Kraft American Cheese Keto-Friendly? A Detailed Guide

Is Kraft American Cheese Keto-Friendly?

Keto diets have become incredibly popular over the last few years. These low-carb, high-fat diets put your body into a state of ketosis, which helps you burn fat more efficiently. However, deciding whether a food actually fits into a keto eating pattern can be tricky.

When it comes to cheese, many keto dieters assume they can eat unlimited amounts. But that's not necessarily true. While cheese can be a great addition to a keto diet, some types are better choices than others.

One questionable cheese is Kraft American cheese. With its creamy texture and mild flavor, you may wonder whether it can fit into a keto lifestyle. This article reviews everything you need to know about Kraft American cheese and the keto diet.

What is Keto?

The ketogenic or "keto" diet emphasizes high fat intake, adequate protein, and very limited carb consumption. The goal is to reach a metabolic state called ketosis.

In ketosis, your body becomes incredibly efficient at burning fat for fuel. It also turns fat into compounds called ketones, which can provide energy to portions of the brain.

Reaching and staying in ketosis requires restricting net carbs to 2050 grams per day. This dramatic carb reduction switches your bodys main fuel source from glucose to ketones and fat.

Keto Diet Benefits

The keto diet provides a number of impressive benefits:

• Weight loss: Many studies show keto is more effective for weight loss than low-fat diets.
• Reduced appetite: Eating keto curbs hunger and promotes fullness due to appetite-regulating hormones.
• Heart benefits: It improves several heart disease risk factors like blood triglycerides, HDL (good) cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
• Brain health: Keto diets protect brain function and reduce risk factors for Alzheimers disease like oxidative stress and impaired glucose metabolism.
• Blood sugar control: Ketosis has a powerful effect on blood sugar levels, especially helpful for those with type 2 diabetes.

Why Cheese on Keto?

Hard cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, Parmesan, and gouda are very low in carbs yet pack a lot of nutrition.

One ounce (28 grams) of hard cheese typically provides around:

• Calories: 110
• Protein: 7 grams
• Fat: 9 grams
• Carbs: Less than 1 gram

Cheese also provides lots of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin B12. Plus, its high fat content helps keto dieters meet their daily needs for dietary fats.

For these reasons, hard cheeses are staples in a well-formulated keto diet.

Kraft American Cheese Nutrition

Kraft American cheese is made from a blend of milk, whey, milkfat, milk protein concentrate, salt, calcium phosphate, sodium citrate, whey protein concentrate, sodium phosphate, sorbic acid, apocarotenal, annatto, enzymes, cheese culture, vitamin D3, enzyme modified cheese, and natamycin.

One slice (21 grams) of Kraft American cheese singles contains:

• Calories: 60
• Fat: 5 grams
• Carbs: 1 gram
• Protein: 5 grams
• Sodium: 270 mg
• Calcium: 150 mg

With 5 grams of protein and 50 calories per slice, Kraft American cheese can fit macronutrient needs on a keto diet. Plus, its low in carbs.

However, there are a few reasons why it may not be the best choice.

It's Highly Processed

Kraft American cheese is considered a processed cheese product. This means it's made by blending natural cheeses with other ingredients to improve texture, shelf life, and meltability.

However, eating ultra-processed foods is linked to higher risks of heart disease, cancer, and early death.

Minimally processed, full-fat cheese like cheddar or mozzarella are healthier keto choices.

Contains Potentially Problematic Additives

Kraft American cheese singles contain several potentially harmful additives like:

• Sodium citrate: regulates acidity and improves melting capability
• Sodium phosphate: controls pH levels and acts as a stabilizer
• Sorbic acid: preservative
• Apocarotenal: coloring agent
• Annatto: coloring agent

While small amounts of additives are likely safe for most people, eliminating them whenever possible is recommended.

High in Sodium

There are 270 mg of sodium in one slice of Kraft American cheese. Thats over 10% of the American Heart Associations recommended daily upper limit for sodium.

Consuming high-sodium foods may lead to issues like high blood pressure and fluid retention. This is why minimizing salty snacks on keto is best.

Better Cheeses for Keto

Quality matters when choosing which cheeses to eat on keto. Here are some better options:

1. Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese provides a good amount of fat along with protein, calcium, and vitamin K, vitamin A, and riboflavin.

One ounce (28 grams) of cheddar cheese contains around:

• 115 calories
• 7 grams protein
• 9 grams fat
• Less than 1 gram of carbs

2. Mozzarella Cheese

Using fresh mozzarella cheese can make any keto meal feel like a treat. One ounce (28 grams) provides:

• 85 calories
• 6 grams protein
• 6 grams fat
• Less than 1 gram of carbs

3. Blue Cheese

Blue cheese makes salads and dips extra satisfying. An ounce (28 grams) of blue cheese offers about:

• 100 calories
• 6 grams protein
• 8 grams fat
• Less than 1 gram of carbs

4. Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan can transform steamed vegetables into a delicious side. One ounce (25 grams) of Parmesan provides:

• 111 calories
• 10 grams protein
• 7 grams fat
• Less than 1 gram of carbs

Overall, high quality cheeses without extra ingredients make excellent options for keto diets.

Is Kraft American Cheese Keto-Friendly?

Kraft American cheese can technically fit into keto diets. Its 5 grams of carbs and fat per slice fall within typical keto ranges.

However, other cheeses make better choices due to higher quality and fewer additives.

Cheddar, mozzarella, blue, Parmesan, and other minimally processed cheeses provide plenty of nutrition without unwanted ingredients.

Plus, these whole-food cheese options satisfy keto requirements for high fat, moderate protein, and very low carb intake.

So while an occasional slice of Kraft American wont kick you out of ketosis

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.