How Many Calories Are In 1 Slice American Cheese? | Fast Facts

Calories In A Single Slice Of American Cheese — By Size

Calories come down to two things: the cheese’s style and the gram weight of the slice. Processed American cheese sits in the 310–370 calories per 100 g range in standard databases. That means a thin 14 g deli slice lands near the low 50s, a common 20 g singles slice lands in the high 60s to mid-70s, and a thick 28 g cut pushes close to 100.

Slice weights vary. Commodity specs for school foodservice list half-ounce sheets (about 14 g) and larger cuts used in sandwiches, so your fridge might hold thinner or thicker pieces than a typical singles wrapper. This is why two sandwiches can look the same yet differ by double-digit calories.

Quick Reference Table: Slice Size To Calories

Use this chart to estimate from the two common database values: a “cheese food/singles” style near 310 kcal/100 g and a “processed cheese” style near 366–370 kcal/100 g.

Slice Weight	Calories @ 310 kcal/100 g	Calories @ 366–370 kcal/100 g
14 g (thin)	~43	~51–52
18 g	~56	~66–67
20 g (singles)	~62	~73–74
25 g	~78	~91–93
28 g (thick)	~87	~102–104

What Drives The Numbers

Two database lines tend to show up for this cheese: “cheese food/singles” around 310 kcal per 100 g, and “processed American” around 366–370 kcal per 100 g. Both draw from the same family but differ in fat and moisture. Singles products usually post a little less fat per gram, so the calorie line dips. Processed blocks trend richer per gram, so the line rises.

Slice thickness is the other lever. School and deli sheets can be 14 g each, while a hearty cut in a burger spot can be 28 g or more. That swing alone can double calories even before you change brands.

How This Ties To Your Day

If you track intake, it helps to line up one sandwich with your daily calorie needs. That way the cheese fits the plan instead of surprising you later.

Trusted Data For American Cheese

When you want a concrete number, go to the databases that package makers and diet pros reference. “Processed American, fortified with vitamin D” in USDA FoodData Central lists about 366 kcal per 100 g with sodium often above 1,600 mg per 100 g. The “cheese food/singles” entry on nutrition tools built on USDA shows ~310 kcal per 100 g. Both reflect real products, so either can be right for your brand and slice size.

Labels use the FDA’s Daily Value system to set those %DV columns, including the sodium line capped at 2,300 mg per day on a standard label. You’ll see that number used across the Nutrition Facts panel and in federal materials about sodium intake; here’s the FDA’s page for the full list of DVs: Daily Values.

American Cheese Slice: Protein, Fat, And Sodium

Besides calories, the slice carries protein, fat, and salt. A 20 g singles slice usually lands near 3–4 g protein, 4–6 g fat, and 250–330 mg sodium. A thicker 28 g deli cut climbs across the board. Reduced-fat styles shave a few grams of fat and a handful of calories, with protein holding steady or bumping a hair.

Per-Slice Nutrition Snapshot

These ranges help you ballpark a typical sandwich portion. Use your label when possible.

Slice Type	Per Slice (typical)	Notes
Singles ~20 g	~65–75 kcal; 3–4 g protein; 4–5 g fat; 250–300 mg sodium	Based on ~310 kcal/100 g database line
Processed ~28 g	~90–100 kcal; 4–6 g protein; 6–8 g fat; 320–450 mg sodium	Based on ~366–370 kcal/100 g database line
Reduced-Fat ~20 g	~55–65 kcal; 4–5 g protein; 3–4 g fat; 230–280 mg sodium	Brand formulas vary

How To Count Your Slice With Confidence

Step 1: Check The Label

Look at serving size, calories per serving, and grams per serving. Many singles list one slice at 19–21 g. Some packs list two slices as a serving. Match your real portion to the grams on the label to avoid under-counting.

Step 2: Weigh One Slice Once

If you use deli sheets or block cheese, weigh one slice on a small scale. Write that number down and reuse it next time. Even a 4–5 g swing changes the math.

Step 3: Use A Range When You’re Estimating

No scale? Use the chart near the top and pick the closest weight. Err slightly high for takeout burgers and grilled sandwiches, since many shops use thicker cuts.

Where The Calories Come From

Most of the energy in this cheese comes from milkfat. Protein supplies a smaller share, and carbs stay low. This makes the cheese filling for its size, but it also adds saturated fat and salt to a meal. That’s where balance comes in: a lean protein, a pile of crunchy veg, and a smart bun choice can round out a sandwich so the totals stay on track.

Sodium Watch

The Daily Value for sodium is 2,300 mg per day on standard labels. A single slice can bring 250–450 mg, and a burger with two slices can land close to one-third of that line. If you’re tracking sodium, match brands and portions to your goals or swap in a lighter cheese on days when you need room for soup, sauces, or cured meats.

Ways To Trim Calories Without Losing The Melt

Pick The Right Slice

Go thin when you want the flavor without a big bump in calories. A 14–18 g sheet melts fast and keeps the sandwich balanced.

Use Heat To Your Advantage

Melting spreads flavor. Toast the bread or finish the pan a minute longer so a single slice feels more present.

Lean On Add-Ins

Layer tomatoes, pickles, onions, or crunchy greens. The bite and moisture make one slice feel generous.

How American Cheese Compares To Other Sandwich Cheeses

Per slice, this cheese often runs fewer calories than thick-cut cheddar or pepper jack of the same weight, since singles tend to be a hair lighter per sheet. By the ounce, rich aged blocks usually edge higher in calories due to lower moisture. That said, sodium is where American stands out, so keep an eye on that line if you build stacked sandwiches.

Portion Ideas For Common Meals

Grilled Cheese

Two thin deli slices or one standard singles slice achieves a classic melt. Pair with a broth-based soup or a big salad if you want the full comfort vibe without a heavy load.

Cheeseburger

One standard slice does the job on a 4–5 oz patty. Add a second slice only when the rest of the plate is light.

Breakfast Sandwich

Egg plus one thin slice gives you protein, flavor, and fast prep. Swap a whole-grain muffin or toast to add fiber and keep you full longer.

Label Lines You’ll See

Serving Size

Look for grams. That’s the most reliable way to match your portion. A “per slice” claim can mean 14 g in one pack and 21 g in another.

Calories

The number reflects the declared serving size. If you double the slices, double the calories. If your slice is thicker than the label’s serving size, scale up by grams.

Protein And Fat

Expect 3–6 g protein and 3–8 g fat per slice depending on thickness and style. Reduced-fat versions cut energy per slice but still melt well in a hot pan.

Sodium

Many slices land around 250–450 mg each. If you’re building a meal with pickles, bacon, deli meats, or canned soup, plan the total so your day stays near the label’s Daily Value line.

When Database Numbers Differ From Your Label

Databases give strong ballpark values. Your package wins for your exact brand. If your label lists 60 calories per slice at 19 g, that’s a little under the 310 kcal/100 g line. If your label lists 90 calories at 24–25 g, that lines up with the 366–370 kcal/100 g line. Both fit within normal variance for this style of cheese.

FAQ-Style Clarifications Without The Fluff

Is White American Lower In Calories?

Not by default. Color comes from annatto, not calories. Some white versions are reduced-fat; those list fewer calories per 100 g.

Is A Kraft-Style Singles Slice Always 20 g?

Many popular packs list 19–21 g, but brands vary. Check your wrapper.

Do Deli Slices Count The Same?

Only if they match the grams. Ask for a thin cut if you want a slice near the 50-calorie mark.

Bottom Line For Meal Planning

Match the slice to your portion plan. Count by grams, use the table near the top for a quick range, and scan sodium if sandwiches are a daily habit. Want more snack ideas that stay mindful on salt? Try our best low sodium snacks.

Sources And How We Built The Ranges

Calorie ranges come from two standard entries used by diet pros and manufacturers. One covers “cheese food/singles” near 310 kcal per 100 g; another covers “processed American” near 366–370 kcal per 100 g with sodium often above 1,600 mg per 100 g. We translated those per-100 g values to common slice sizes (14–28 g) to produce the per-slice estimates above. For label context on %DV lines like sodium, see the FDA’s reference page for Daily Values.