Culture & Lifestyle • Food

American cheese

American cheese is a type of processed cheese made from one or more cheeses such as cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses, often with emulsifying salts that help it melt smoothly.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

American cheese is a type of processed cheese made from one or more cheeses such as cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses, often with emulsifying salts that help it melt smoothly. It is typically mild, creamy, and sold in slices, blocks, or deli cuts. In U.S. food labeling, it is generally classified as a pasteurized process cheese.

Definition

American cheese refers to a processed cheese product made from one or more base cheeses, commonly cheddar or Colby, combined with emulsifying agents. The term is especially associated with sliced cheese used in sandwiches and burgers.

Characteristics

It is typically mild in flavour, creamy in texture, and medium-firm in consistency. Its low melting point makes it popular in hot dishes, and it is usually sold in yellow or white varieties.

Production and labeling

Manufacturing methods involve melting cheese with liquids and emulsifiers, then forming the mixture into slices or blocks. In the United States, it is commonly labelled as pasteurized process cheese under federal standards.

Use in food

American cheese is widely used where a uniform melt is desired, especially in grilled sandwiches, burgers, and similar fast-food preparations. Its meltability is a defining culinary feature.

Key facts

American cheese is a processed cheese made by blending cheeses with emulsifying ingredients.
It is known for its smooth melt and low melting point.
Yellow American cheese is commonly coloured with annatto.
It is usually sold as slices, blocks, or deli-counter slices.
U.S. food regulations generally treat it as a pasteurized process cheese rather than a natural cheese.

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Canadian context

American cheese is commonly sold and used in Canada as an imported or domestically produced processed cheese product, especially in sandwiches and burgers. Canadian readers may also encounter the term in grocery stores and restaurant menus, where it refers to a mild, meltable cheese slice rather than a single traditional cheese variety.

Frequently asked questions

What is American cheese?

American cheese is a processed cheese made from blended cheeses and emulsifying ingredients, known for its mild taste and smooth melt.

Is American cheese real cheese?

In U.S. labeling, it is generally classified as pasteurized process cheese, meaning it is a cheese-based processed product rather than a natural cheese.

What cheeses are used to make it?

Common base cheeses include cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses.

Why does American cheese melt so well?

It contains emulsifying salts that help keep fat and protein evenly mixed, producing a smooth melt.

What colour is American cheese?

It is commonly yellow or white; yellow varieties are often coloured with annatto.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_cheese
Supports: Processed cheese made from cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses; uses sodium citrate; mild flavour, creamy texture, yellow or white colour, low melting point.
Food Network — https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/what-is-american-cheese
Supports: American cheese as a mild processed cheese; made from cheddar, Colby, and/or Swiss; sold as slices or blocks; FDA classification as pasteurized process cheese.