Ingredient

American Cheeses

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Source

Animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

Manufacturers use American cheeses for their excellent melting properties and mild flavor, making them …

What it is

American cheeses are a category of processed cheese products, not a single type. They are typically made from a blend of natural cheeses, such as cheddar or Colby, combined with emulsifying agents, milk solids, and sometimes salt and coloring. This mixture is heated and processed to create a smooth, uniform, and meltable cheese product.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use American cheeses for their excellent melting properties and mild flavor, making them ideal for processed foods. They are commonly found in items like cheese sauces, processed cheese slices for sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and as a topping for snacks.

Health notes

American cheeses are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as intended. They are a source of calcium and protein. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated various cheese components. Like all foods, moderation is recommended as part of a balanced diet.

Allergen info

American cheeses are derived from milk, which is one of the 9 FDA major allergens. They do not contain gluten.

Products containing American Cheeses

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Safeway, Inc. Mac & Cheese, Elbow Macaroni, Sharp Cheddar Cheese With Five Cheese Sauce Other Deli High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 160kcal 6Protein 9.3Fat 14Carbs Winona Foods, Inc. Jalapeno Cheddar Cheese Flavored Pasteurized Cheese Snack, Jalapeno Cheddar Cheese Cheese High in sodium — 23% DV per serving 300kcal 6.7Protein 26.7Fat 13.3Carbs Hy-Vee, Inc. Bacon, Egg And Cheese Biscuits Sandwiches, Bacon, Egg And Cheese Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches, Biscuits & Meals High in sodium — 27% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 35% DV per serving 282kcal 10.7Protein 14.6Fat 27.2Carbs Safeway, Inc. Mac & Cheese Other Deli High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 153kcal 5.3Protein 9.3Fat 14Carbs The Real Good Food Company LLC Real Pizza Pizza High in sodium — 37% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 65% DV per serving 218kcal 18.8Protein 12.0Fat 3.0Carbs Raley's 5 Cheese Macaroni & Cheese Pasta Dinners High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 159kcal 6.0Protein 9.3Fat 13.9Carbs Raley's Lobster Mac And Cheese Other Deli High in sodium — 20% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 159kcal 7.3Protein 9.3Fat 12.6Carbs Safeway, Inc. Lobster Mac & Cheese Other Deli High in sodium — 23% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 207kcal 7.3Protein 14Fat 14Carbs

Winona Foods, Inc. Cheddar Cheese Sharp Snack, Cheddar Cheese Cheese High in sodium — 22% DV per serving 300kcal 6.7Protein 30Fat 13.3Carbs Speedway LLC Fried Bean Cheese Burrito, Fried Bean Cheese Prepared Wraps and Burittos High in sodium — 27% DV per serving 356kcal 8.2Protein 23.0Fat 32.6Carbs Safeway, Inc. Mac & Cheese With Seasoned Beef Other Deli High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 164kcal 7.1Protein 10Fat 12.9Carbs Don Miguel Mexican Foods, Inc. Egg, Bacon & Cheese Breakfast Starts Flautas Whole Eggs, Bacon And 3 Cheeses In A Crispy Flour Tortilla, Egg, Bacon & Cheese Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches, Biscuits & Meals High in sodium — 34% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 58% DV per serving 282kcal 15.5Protein 11.3Fat 29.6Carbs

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.