Quick answer
Both are Level 4. Velveeta has more processed ingredients. Neither compares to real cheese (Level 2). For melting cheese, try real cheddar or Swiss instead.
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 Kraft Singles real cheese?
Kraft Singles are labeled "pasteurized prepared cheese product," not "cheese." Under FDA regulations, they cannot be called cheese because they contain added ingredients like whey protein concentrate, milk protein concentrate, sodium citrate, and sorbic acid. They do start with real cheddar, but the final product is an industrial blend that scores as Level 4 in our analysis.
Is Velveeta cheese actually cheese?
No. The FDA classifies Velveeta as a "pasteurized prepared cheese product," a step below even "pasteurized process cheese" like American cheese slices. Velveeta contains milk protein concentrate, whey protein concentrate, sodium phosphate, and other emulsifiers. It melts well precisely because of these industrial additives, not because of its cheese content.