Cheese Ingredients: American Cheese

American cheese is a type of processed cheese product. It is typically made from a blend of natural cheeses, milk, and other dairy ingredients, along with emulsifying salts and food colorings. This combination is heated and blended to create a smooth, uniform product.

Manufacturers add American cheese to products for its smooth texture, mild flavor, and excellent meltability. It is commonly found in breakfast sandwiches, cheeseburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, and other convenience foods. Its consistent melting properties make it ideal for dishes where a creamy, uniform cheese sauce or topping is desired.

American cheese is regulated by the FDA as a food product, not an additive, and must meet specific standards of identity. As a dairy product, it contains protein, calcium, and fat, including saturated fat. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting saturated fat to less than 10% of daily calories, and the FDA Daily Value for sodium is 2,300 mg. JECFA and EFSA do not evaluate whole food products like American cheese.