Best American Cheese Slices Made With Real Cheese, Ranked
American cheese often gets a bad reputation, but several options available today are made with real cheese and can fit into a balanced diet. According to Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, and co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies, American cheese isn’t inherently unhealthy—it’s a processed cheese product created from real cheese blended with emulsifiers for a smooth, meltable texture. But with so many brands on the market, how do you choose a slice that aligns with your nutritional goals? Here’s a look at seven American cheese slices made with real cheese, offering a range of options for flavor and sourcing.
Understanding American Cheese
Before diving into specific brands, it’s helpful to understand what legally qualifies as “cheese.” Collingwood explains that to be labeled as such, a product must meet FDA standards for traditional cheese-making. American cheese falls into a regulated category called “pasteurized process cheese,” which modifies natural cheese for texture and performance. This typically involves blending one or more real cheeses—often cheddar or Colby—with milk or whey, emulsifying salts, and sometimes additional ingredients for meltability. Many American cheeses are considered a “cheese product” because of these alterations.
7 Best American Cheese Slices Made With Real Cheese
Sargento Natural American Cheese
Sargento’s ‘Natural’ American cheese is positioned closer to traditional cheese, potentially containing fewer stabilizers. Nutritionally, it provides protein and calcium, but, like most American slices, also contributes sodium and saturated fat. Eat This, Not That! notes this option is a quality choice for those seeking a more natural cheese experience.
Organic Valley American Cheese
For shoppers prioritizing organic options, Organic Valley American Cheese offers dairy-rich slices. Collingwood points out that the key difference lies in the organic certification rather than a significant nutritional shift. Which means you’re getting the same basic nutritional profile—protein, calcium, fat, and sodium—but with the added assurance of organic farming practices. You can find Organic Valley products at Target and other grocery stores.
Horizon Organic American Cheese
Similar to Organic Valley, Horizon Organic American Cheese provides organic dairy. The nutritional content is comparable to other American cheeses, offering calcium and protein alongside saturated fat and sodium. Choosing organic options often comes down to personal preference and a desire to support sustainable agriculture.
Kraft Deli Deluxe American Cheese
Kraft Deli Deluxe American Cheese aims for a premium, rich meltability. It often contains a higher proportion of real cheese in its blend, resulting in a texture closer to natural cheese. However, it still contributes saturated fat and sodium, so moderation is key. Kraft is a widely available brand, making it a convenient choice for many consumers.
Boar’s Head American Cheese
Boar’s Head American Cheese is a deli-style cheese with a slightly firmer texture. Collingwood notes it offers similar protein content to other brands, but, as with most deli cheeses, sodium content can be relatively high. Boar’s Head is known for its quality and commitment to using real ingredients.
Land O Lakes Sharp American Cheese
Land O Lakes Sharp American Cheese offers a bolder flavor profile. The sharper taste may indicate a higher proportion of traditional cheese in the blend. Nutritionally, it’s comparable to other American slices, providing calcium but also saturated fat and sodium. This option is a good choice for those who prefer a more pronounced cheese flavor.
Tasty American Cheese Singles
Tasty American Cheese Singles emphasize artisan Wisconsin craftsmanship. While nutritionally similar to other American cheeses—providing calcium and protein alongside saturated fat and sodium—they focus on flavor and sourcing. This brand appeals to consumers seeking a more premium, locally-sourced cheese experience.
The Role of Protein and Fullness
Collingwood emphasizes that higher-protein cheeses can support fullness and muscle maintenance, both important for overall fat loss. While no single food causes belly fat loss, incorporating protein-rich foods like cheese into a balanced diet can contribute to a feeling of satiety, potentially reducing overall calorie intake. It’s important to remember that portion control is crucial, even with healthier cheese options.
Navigating Sodium and Saturated Fat
While these American cheese slices are made with real cheese, it’s important to be mindful of their sodium and saturated fat content. The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fat intake to no more than 6% of your daily calories to reduce the risk of heart disease. They also advise limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day. Checking the nutrition labels and consuming cheese in moderation can help you enjoy its benefits without exceeding these recommendations. More information on heart health can be found at the American Heart Association.
What to Consider When Choosing American Cheese
the best American cheese slice for you depends on your individual preferences and dietary needs. Consider factors like organic certification, sodium content, saturated fat levels, and flavor profile. Reading nutrition labels carefully and choosing options that align with your overall health goals is essential. Remember that cheese can be a part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced eating plan.
Leah Groth