American cheese is a staple in most people’s diets. It’s found on burgers, grilled cheeses, and even macaroni & cheese. But is American cheese keto-friendly? The answer may surprise you! So whether you’re new to keto or just need some clarification, read on for everything you need to know about eating American cheese while following the Keto diet plan!
American cheese is keto because it is high in fat and moderately low in carbohydrates. The ketogenic diet encourages high fat, low carb foods so it can use fat for energy rather than carbohydrates. If you are looking for alternatives to American cheese, consider Sargento Cheddar Cheese, Sargento Colby Jack Cheese, or Great Value Provolone Cheese.
Want to know more? Continue on to learn more about why American cheese can be included in the keto diet, its ingredients, nutritional value, and alternatives!
Contents
What’s in American cheese?
American cheese is an American-style cheese without holes or pores, and with a higher fat content than other cheeses. American cheese is prepared from a combination of milk, milk fats and solids, additional lipids, and whey protein concentrate. The color, flavor, and texture of American cheese differ depending on the type of cheese used and the additions used.
In the past, American cheese was originally produced from a combination of cheeses, most often Colby and Cheddar. Because blended cheeses are no longer utilized, they can no longer be legally referred to as “cheese” and must be labeled as “processed cheese,” “cheese product,” and so on. Instead of the term cheese, it is also referred to as “American slices” or “American singles.” American cheese is a sort of pasteurized processed cheese, according to the United States Code of Federal Regulations.
Is American Cheese Bad for You?
Drawbacks
A typical serving (1 oz./28 g) of American cheese contains 4 grams of protein, 2 grams of carbohydrates and 220 calories. It is also very high in sodium, coming in from anywhere around 240 mg to 430 mg per serving.
Also, it often contains salt and many preservatives and additives that should not be included in your diet, so make sure to check the label if that is a concern.
Benefits
American cheese is low in carbs but high in fat, therefore it is suitable for the keto diet.
Nutritional Content of American Cheese
American cheese is a high-fat, keto-friendly cheese that typically has a mild flavor, but can also be purchased in flavors such as jalapeno and (flavor). We’ll go over a few of these varieties as well as the nutritional contents and benefits of American cheese as well as some alternatives to try!
Kraft Singles American Cheese Slices
The list of ingredients in Kraft Singles American Cheese Slices are:
- Cheddar Cheese (Cultured Milk, Salt, Enzymes)
- Skim Milk
- Milkfat
- Milk Protein Concentrate
- Whey
- Calcium Phosphate
- Sodium Phosphate
- Contains Less Than 2% of Modified Food Starch, Salt, Lactic Acid, Milk, Annatto and Paprika Extract (Color), Natamycin (a Natural Mold Inhibitor), Enzymes, Cheese Culture, Vitamin D3
Nutrition Facts (per 1 slice/21 g):
- Calories: 60
- Total Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Cholesterol: 14 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Carbs: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugars: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
Land O Lakes® Yellow Deli American Cheese Product
The list of ingredients in Land O Lakes® Yellow Deli American Cheese Product are:
- Cultured Pasteurized Milk and Skim Milk
- Buttermilk
- Milkfat
- Salt
- Contains Less Than 2% of: Sodium and Potassium Phosphates, Tricalcium Phosphate, Lactic Acid, Milk Protein Concentrate, apo-Carotenal and beta-Carotene (colors), Enzymes
Nutrition Facts (per 1 oz/28 g):
- Calories: 100
- Total Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Carbs: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugars: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
Horizon Organic Organic American Sliced Cheese
The list of ingredients in Horizon Organic Organic American Sliced Cheese are:
- Cultured Pasteurized Organic Milk
- Organic Nonfat Milk
- Sodium Phosphate
- Salt
- Calcium Phosphate
- Sodium Citrate
- Organic Annatto (color)
- Microbial Enzymes (non-animal, Rennetless)
- Lactic Acid
Nutrition Facts (per 1 slice/19 g):
- Calories: 60
- Total Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Carbs: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugars: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
Land O’ Lakes New Yorker White American Cheese
The list of ingredients in Land O’ Lakes New Yorker White American Cheese are:
- Cultured Pasteurized Milk and Skim Milk
- Buttermilk
- Milkfat
- Contains Less than 2% of: Salt, Sodium and Potassium Phosphate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Milk Protein Concentrate, Lactic Acid, Enzymes
Nutrition Facts (per 1 oz/28 g):
- Calories: 100
- Total Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Carbs: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugars: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
Land O Lakes New Yorker Hot Pepper Cheese
The list of ingredients in Land O Lakes New Yorker Hot Pepper Cheese are:
- Cultured Pasteurized Milk And Skim Milk
- Buttermilk
- Milkfat
- Jalapeno Peppers
- Salt
- Contains Less Than 2% Of: Sodium And Potassium Phosphates, Bell Peppers, Vinegar, Oleoresin Capsicum, Lactic Acid, Acetic Acid, Milk Protein Concentrate, Enzymes
Nutrition Facts (per 1 oz/28 g):
- Calories: 100
- Total Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Carbs: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugars: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
Land O Lakes Extra Melt American Cheese with Jalapenos
The list of ingredients in Land O Lakes New Yorker Hot Pepper Cheese are:
- Cultured Pasteurized Milk And Skim Milk
- Buttermilk
- Milkfat
- Jalapeno Peppers
- Salt
- Contains Less Than 2% Of: Sodium And Potassium Phosphates, Vinegar, Lactic Acid, Acetic Acid, Milk Protein Concentrate, Enzymes
Nutrition Facts (per 1 oz/28 g):
- Calories: 100
- Total Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Carbs: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugars: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
Alternatives to American Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar is a good alternative for American cheese because it is a hard cheese similar to American cheese with 0 grams of carbs per serving. It’s another yellow cheese that can be used in some of your favorite recipes to without much of a taste difference. Cheddar cheese is also a high-fat, low carbohydrate dairy product, making it suitable for the keto diet.
Sargento Natural Medium Cheddar Sliced Cheese
The list of ingredients in Sargento Natural Medium Cheddar Sliced Cheese is:
- Pasteurized Milk
- Cheese Culture
- Salt
- Enzymes
- Annatto (Vegetable Color)
Nutrition Facts (per 1 slice/21 g):
- Calories: 80
- Total Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Carbs: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugars: 0 g
- Protein: 5 g
Colby Jack Cheese
Colby jack is an excellent substitute for American cheese if you want something with more flavor and texture. This keto-friendly cheese has the same amount of protein as regular American cheese and less sodium, as well. Use this cheese in the same way you would with American, such as on sandwiches, wraps, or other cheesy dishes.
Sargento Natural Colby-Jack Sliced Cheese
The list of ingredients in Sargento Natural Colby-Jack Sliced Cheese is:
- Pasteurized Milk
- Cheese Culture
- Salt
- Enzymes
- Annatto (Vegetable Color)
Nutrition Facts (per 1 slice/19 g):
- Calories: 80
- Total Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 g
- Sodium: 135 mg
- Carbs: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugars: 0 g
- Protein: 5 g
Provolone Cheese
Provolone cheese is a good substitute for American cheese, especially for the keto diet. This no-carb cheese has fewer carbs and more protein than its American counterpart. It is often smoked so it adds a new and smoky flavor when it is used as an alternative to American cheese in dishes such as lasagna, pizza, macaroni and cheese, grilled sandwiches, quesadillas, and enchiladas.
Great Value Gluten-Free Deli Style Sliced Smoked Provolone Cheese
The list of ingredients in Great Value Gluten-Free Deli Style Sliced Smoked Provolone Cheese are:
- Pasteurized Milk
- Cheese Culture
- Salt
- Enzymes
- Natural Smoke Flavor
Nutrition Facts (per 1 slice/19 g):
- Calories: 80
- Total Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 g
- Sodium: 135 mg
- Carbs: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugars: 0 g
- Protein: 5 g
Conclusion
American cheese is a keto-friendly food. It’s low in carbs and high in fat, making it an excellent meat substitute for those following the popular diet plan. If you get tired of eating your usual American cheese on keto, try swapping out with Colby jack, cheddar, or provolone to change up the flavor!
Related Questions
Is American cheese vegan?
No, American cheese is not a vegan food because it is made with milk products from animals. However, there are some tasty vegan alternatives on the market, so it can be easily replaced with keto-friendly and vegan alternatives.
Is American cheese sugar-free?
American cheese does not contain any added sugars; therefore it is sugar-free. It does have some lactose or natural sugar found in dairy products, but no sugar is added.
Is American cheese gluten-free?
Yes, American cheese is gluten-free because it is not made with wheat products or gluten in any form. However, check the label for cross-contamination if this is a concern.