American Cheese

Cheese, pasteurized process, American, fortified with vitamin D

Source: USDA Nutrient Database. Protein daily value based on ISSN Position Stand for an individual weighing ~150 lbs.

American cheese FAQ

Table of Contents

• Is American cheese halal?
• Is American cheese gluten free?
• Is American cheese low FODMAP?
• Is American cheese high in fat?
• Is American cheese high in cholesterol?
• Is American cheese high in sodium?
• Is American cheese high in potassium?
• Does American cheese contain lactose?
• Is American cheese high in histamine?
• Is American cheese kosher?

Is American cheese halal?

American cheese is not universally halal. This is because the term “American cheese” refers to a wide variety of cheese products, and the halal status of a cheese depends on the specific ingredients used and the method of preparation. Some brands use animal-derived rennet in their cheeses, which would not be halal if the animal was not slaughtered according to Islamic law. Other brands use microbial or vegetable rennet, which would be halal. You would need to check with the manufacturer or select a cheese that is specifically labeled as halal.

Is American cheese gluten free?

Most American cheese is gluten-free as it’s typically made of milk, milk fats, milk proteins, whey, and emulsifiers, none of which contain gluten. However, some types may have additives or flavorings that contain gluten, so it’s always a safe bet to double check the label or with the manufacturer if you are particularly sensitive to gluten.

Is American cheese low FODMAP?

According to the Monash University, which developed the FODMAP diet, American cheese is low FODMAP because it is processed and contains minimal amounts of lactose. However, individuals should follow portion recommendations, as too much of any food can still trigger FODMAP-related symptoms.

Is American cheese high in fat?

Yes, American cheese is high in fat. One slice (about 21 grams) of American cheese can contain roughly 5.6 grams of fat, which is about 9 percent of the recommended daily value (60 grams for a 2,000 calorie diet). Keep in mind, the types of fat present in American cheese are typically saturated fats, which should be limited as part of a balanced diet due to their potential to increase LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.

Is American cheese high in cholesterol?

A single slice of American cheese, which weighs about 28 grams, contains around 15 mg of cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 300 mg of cholesterol per day for most adults, so a single slice of American cheese makes up about 5% of this daily recommendation.

Is American cheese high in sodium?

Yes, American cheese is high in sodium. A single slice (28g) contains approximately 330-460 mg of sodium depending on the brand. This accounts for approximately 14-20% of the recommended maximum daily sodium intake of 2,300 mg for healthy adults, making it a high sodium food.

Is American cheese high in potassium?

A typical slice of American cheese contains about 42-79 mg of potassium. Considering the daily recommended intake is 4700 mg for adults, American cheese is not considered a high potassium food.

Does American cheese contain lactose?

American cheese, like most cheeses, does contain some level of lactose, as it’s a dairy product. However, the fermentation process during cheese-making can lower the lactose content substantially. Most matured cheeses have less than 0.5 grams of lactose per serving, and American cheese, which is a processed cheese, generally contains less lactose than fresh cheeses but the exact amount varies between brands. Therefore, depending on one’s degree of lactose intolerance, some people may be able to consume American cheese without discomfort, while others may not.

Is American cheese high in histamine?

American cheese is typically not considered a high histamine food. Histamine content can vary widely depending on specific factors such as how the cheese is processed and stored, but on average, a serving of American cheese does not contain enough histamines to trigger a histamine intolerance reaction in most individuals. However, if a person has histamine intolerance or another related health condition, they should consult with their doctor or a dietitian to receive personalized advice about consuming cheese and other potentially problematic foods to ensure their diet aligns with their specific health needs.

Is American cheese kosher?

Whether American cheese is kosher or not depends on the specific brand and how it is made. To be considered kosher, the food must be prepared in accordance with Jewish dietary laws, which includes specific practices around the handling and processing of dairy products. Some brands of American cheese, such as Kraft, do offer kosher-certified versions of their products, but not all American cheeses will meet kosher standards. When shopping for kosher foods, it’s important to look for products that have been specifically marked as kosher by a reliable certifying authority.