Quick answer
Cheddar is dramatically less processed (Level 2 vs Level 4). American cheese is not actually cheese; it's an industrial product that uses cheese as a starting ingredient.
Processing levels can vary significantly between brands and specific products within each category. Always check the ingredient list of the specific product you are considering. Use our product search to look up exact processing scores. These comparisons evaluate processing level and ingredient composition only. They do not account for taste, price, convenience, cultural significance, or individual dietary needs.
How do they compare by the numbers?
Sample products from each
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Frequently asked questions
Is American cheese real cheese?
American cheese is a pasteurized process cheese product. It starts with cheese but is melted with emulsifying salts and often includes added colors and preservatives, which is why it scores as ultra-processed in our analysis.
How much less processed is cheddar?
Traditional cheddar is made from milk, cultures, enzymes, and salt, and scores substantially lower than American cheese in our analysis. Block cheddar generally scores lower than pre-shredded versions, which add anti-caking agents.