Is American Cheese Spread Keto-Friendly?
As the popularity of the keto diet continues to boom, many of us are left wondering about our go-to comfort foods. Can they work within this high-fat, low-carb dietary plan? Today, we're delving into the realm of a classic American kitchen staple: Pasteurized Processed Cheese Spread, or as most of us know it, American cheese. This uber-creamy, slightly tangy, melty delight has been a staple of cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches alike. But does it have a place in the ketogenic diet?
Understanding the Keto Diet
Before we delve into the specifics of American cheese and its keto potential, it's essential to understand the basic tenets of the ketogenic diet. This diet centers mainly around high fat (comprising around 70-80% of daily caloric intake), moderate protein, and exceptionally low carbohydrate intake (usually below 50 grams of net carbs per day). The ultimate aim of this diet? To switch your body into a state of ketosis, where it torches fat as its chief energy source instead of carbohydrates.
Nutritional InformationPer (1 oz (28.35g)):
Per 100g:
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Pasteurized Processed Cheese Spread, American is very keto-friendly! It's a great choice if you're trying to maintain ketosis. |
Moving along in our discussion of keto-friendly foods, let's talk about a common item found in refrigerators across the country – Pasteurized Processed Cheese Spread, popularly known as American cheese. Known for its creamy texture and mild taste, it is often employed in sandwiches, burgers, and comfort food classics.
Like the green veggie asparagus, American cheese may offer some nutritional merit, but does it fit into a keto diet? Unlike asparagus that is packed with fibers, vitamins and minerals, American cheese's nutrient profile is not as diverse or dense in terms of micronutrients.
However, when it comes to its macronutrients, according to the USDA’s National Nutrient Database, a single slice of American cheese (approximately 19 grams), has only 31g of carbohydrates per serving.
Given this value, American Cheese falls into our 'This food is not keto-friendly' category. If you're striving to maintain ketosis, it's better to avoid this cheese or consume it sparingly to prevent being kicked out of a ketogenic state. Rest assured, there are numerous other kinds of cheese that are much lower in carbs and can be enjoyed more liberally on a keto diet.
