If you are a regular consumer of white American cheese or thinking of making it part of your daily diet then read this article before making any decision. Though it is a good source of calcium and protein, it also contains high saturated fat and sodium content.
When we discuss cheese, there are countless varieties of cheese including Mozzarella, Camembert, Cheddar, Gouda, etc. Between these large varieties, American white cheese has a separate fanbase and that is due to its meltability. We will know everything in this post including if it is healthier for you.
What is White American Cheese?
White American cheese, often called American cheese or American singles, is a pasteurized processed American cheese food according to the FDA. It is best known for its mild taste, creamy texture, and superior meltability.
American cheese is also valued for its taste and texture as well as its simplicity and extended preservation period.
In general, American cheese contains annatto which gives a pale-yellow color to cheese but white cheese doesn’t contain annatto and this is the major reason for this white color.
There is an interesting fact about white American cheese – As per the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), white cheese is not exactly cheese! Yes, you read it right.
For an item to be a “cheese”, it must contain more than half the amount of cheese or pressed curd and white (American) cheese fails in this category. Also, pre-existing shredded cheese is restricted by the FDA for cheese criteria.
However, it doesn’t mean that it is not healthy as it depends on its nutritional values as discussed below.
How is White American Cheese Made?
To make American white cheese, a mixture of sliced cheeses is first used, usually Colby or cheddar, that gives the cheese its flavor and structure foundation.
Then, to improve the prepared product’s smoothness and meltability, concentrations of milk and whey protein, respectively, are injected.
In the next step, emulsifiers are added. They are essential for producing a creamy appearance since they prevent the separation of the cheese and moisture constituents.
Lastly, extreme heat is applied to the mixture to soften the cheese and pasteurize away any potentially dangerous microorganisms.
The characteristic melty texture of American cheese, which is ideal for cheesy grilled cheese sandwiches, is likewise a result of this heating process. This is how your white American cheese gets ready.
What is the Nutritional Value of White American Cheese
American cheese is known for its unique taste and texture but is it healthy for you? What’s its nutritional value? From a health perspective, it contains protein and calcium but also contains sodium, which is of course, not healthy.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the following are the nutritional values of American white cheese of 1 ounce (28-gram) –
| Ingredient | Nutritional Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 102 |
| Carbs | 1.3gm |
| Fat | 9gm |
| Protein | 5gm |
| Sodium | 21% of daily value |
| Calcium | 23% of daily value |
| Phosphorus | 14% of daily value |
| Vitamin D | 11% of daily value |
| Vitamin A | 10% of daily value |
| Zinc | 6% of daily value |
As you can see above, calories are not significant in American cheese if we compare it to other varieties of cheese; Swiss cheese (111 calories) and cheddar cheese (114 calories).
White American Cheese Recipe – Made at Your Home
American cheese is incredibly soft and known for its meltability, so why don’t you want to try it at home while enjoying it with your friends or family? Here are the ingredients and recipe for this amazing white cheese –
Ingredients for 1 pound yield
- 1.5 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
- 12 ounces shredded Cheddar, Colby cheese (or of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon salt or even less
- 1 tablespoon whole dry milk powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ cup (or 122 ml) + 2 tablespoon of whole milk
Instructions for making
- Take a disposable pan and line it with plastic wrap completely.
- Take a small cup of water and sprinkle the gelatin over it. Wait for a few minutes (2-4) and check if it softens.
- Till the gelatin softens, in a food processor, blend the cheese shreds, dried milk powder, salt, and cream of tartar until thoroughly blended, about three times.
- Simmer the milk in a pan to bring it to a boil
- While the food processor is operating, put in the milk and mix until it becomes extremely creamy.
- Pour this ready cheese into a loaf pan quickly and pack it with plastic to prevent any air pockets.
- Don’t forget to press equally after wrapping it.
- Store American cheese wrapped for at least 3 hours in the refrigerator.
- After that, you can use this freshly made white American cheese for various dishes.
Is American white cheese healthy?
White American cheese is a good source of healthy combinations like calcium, vitamins, and high-quality proteins. They all help to body growth with healthy metabolism. Also, the amount of calories is not substantially high as compared to other types of cheese.
So, American cheese can be considered a healthy food as it also has some notable amounts of vitamin A and Vitamin D.
However, the consumption of this cheese should be done carefully as it contains a significant amount of sodium and fat. Excessive sodium consumption may lead to high blood pressure, kidney disease, kidney stones, heart failure, etc.
Furthermore, the heavy consumption of fat increases bad cholesterol in your blood which again leads to heart-related disease, high BP, and obesity. In a nutshell, you can consume American cheese but don’t overdo that and take care of your health.
Conclusion
For any type of dish like grilled cheese sandwiches, cheeseburgers, or cheese pizza, white American cheese is the most demanding option due to its unique texture and taste. However, don’t neglect the downsides of American cheese and consume accordingly. Also, enjoy our guide on how to make American white cheese at home with minimal effort.
