Calories in american cheese
Processed slices. 340 kcal (1,423 kJ) per 100 g. Choose a portion below and every figure on the page updates.
American cheese is a processed cheese made by melting cheese with emulsifiers so it slices neatly and melts smoothly. It provides 340 kcal (1423 kJ) per 100 g, with fat supplying about 70% of the energy and protein around 17 g. It is very high in calcium and sodium. Unlike natural cheeses, it contains a few grams of carbohydrate from added dairy ingredients.
Where the energy comes from
Share of total energy contributed by each macronutrient, using the standard 4/4/9 kcal per gram factors:
Full nutrition breakdown
Values shown for 21 g.
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 71 kcal | – |
| Energy | 299 kJ | – |
| Protein | 3.5 g | 7% |
| Total fat | 5.7 g | 7% |
| Saturated | 3.28 g | 16% |
| Monounsaturated | 1.28 g | – |
| Polyunsaturated | 0.23 g | – |
| Cholesterol | 18 mg | 6% |
| Total carbohydrate | 1.5 g | <1% |
| Sugars | 0.99 g | – |
| Fibre | 0 g | 0% |
| Water | 8.9 g | – |
| Vitamins | ||
| Vitamin A | 55 µg | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin D | 1.4 µg | 7% |
| Vitamin E | 0.172 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin K | 0.7 µg | <1% |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.006 mg | <1% |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.071 mg | 5% |
| Niacin (B3) | 0.028 mg | <1% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.019 mg | 1% |
| Folate | 2.7 µg | <1% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.3 µg | 13% |
| Choline | 5.8 mg | 1% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 223 mg | 17% |
| Iron | 0.155 mg | <1% |
| Magnesium | 6.3 mg | 2% |
| Phosphorus | 134.8 mg | 11% |
| Potassium | 43.5 mg | <1% |
| Sodium | 300.3 mg | 13% |
| Zinc | 0.5 mg | 5% |
| Copper | 0.006 mg | <1% |
| Selenium | 3.8 µg | 7% |
Daily Values are the FDA reference intakes for adults and children aged 4 and over, based on a 2,000 kcal diet. They are a labelling standard, not a personal target.
Common portions
| Portion | Grams | kcal | kJ | Protein g | Carbs g | Fat g |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 slice | 21 | 71 | 299 | 3.5 | 1.5 | 5.7 |
| 1 oz | 28.4 | 96 | 403 | 4.8 | 2 | 7.7 |
Things worth knowing
- One slice (21 g) has about 71 kcal / 299 kJ, around 220 mg of calcium (17% of the Daily Value) and 300 mg of sodium.
- Cheddar is higher in energy, at 403 kcal per 100 g, and more protein-dense, with about 23 g of protein per 100 g against 17 g.
- Reduced-fat American cheese is 240 kcal per 100 g in USDA data, a meaningful saving on a burger with two slices.
- Individually wrapped "cheese singles" labelled as cheese product or cheese food may differ from these figures, so check the pack if you use a specific brand.
Converting these figures
One 1 slice of american cheese is 71 kcal, which is 299 kJ. To convert any other figure, divide kilojoules by 4.184 for calories, or use the converter on the home page.
It takes 70 g of american cheese to reach 1,000 kJ (239 kcal). See how that compares with other foods on the 1000 kJ to calories page.
Similar foods
Compare all 23 dairy and egg foods in one table →
Source: USDA FoodData Central, FNDDS 14410110. Values are averages; individual samples vary with variety, growing conditions, and preparation.