How much fat is in Kraft cheese?

October 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, a single slice of American cheese can contain up to 9 grams of fat, with much of that being saturated. The amount of fat in Kraft cheese varies significantly depending on the specific product, from the famous Singles to the shredded varieties and macaroni and cheese mixes.

Quick Summary

The fat content of Kraft cheese depends on the product. Kraft Singles contain less fat per slice than many natural cheeses, while shredded cheeses have a higher fat concentration by weight. The total fat in Kraft's mac and cheese depends heavily on the preparation method, as consumers add butter and milk.

Key Points

Variety Dependent Fat: The fat content of Kraft cheese varies significantly depending on the product, from processed Singles to natural shredded cheese and mac and cheese mixes.
Processed vs. Natural Fat: Processed items like Kraft Singles have fat blended with emulsifiers, while natural shredded cheeses have higher fat concentration derived directly from milk.
Saturated Fat Source: Many Kraft products, especially processed ones, contain a significant amount of saturated fat, which should be consumed in moderation.
Mac and Cheese Preparation: The final fat and calorie count of Kraft mac and cheese is determined by how it is prepared, with added butter and milk significantly increasing the totals.
Consider Healthier Alternatives: For those concerned about fat and sodium, healthier dairy alternatives or Kraft's reduced-fat options are available and often recommended for regular consumption.

Understanding the Fat Content in Kraft Cheese

When evaluating the nutritional profile of Kraft products, it is crucial to recognize that the fat content differs significantly between product lines. Kraft's product range includes various processed and natural-style cheeses, and their formulation impacts the final fat percentage. For example, the fat in a single slice of American-style cheese product is formulated differently than the fat found in a quarter-cup serving of natural shredded cheddar cheese. This section breaks down the specific fat content of several popular Kraft cheese products.

Breaking Down the Fat in Kraft Singles

Kraft Singles are perhaps the most recognizable processed cheese product, known for their distinct texture and melt. The fat content per slice is relatively low compared to many natural cheeses, though it is a processed food and not a true cheese according to FDA standards.

Original American Singles: A single slice contains approximately 3.5 grams of total fat, with 2 grams being saturated fat.
Deli Deluxe Slices: A slice of this variety contains slightly more fat, with around 6 grams of total fat, including 3.5 grams of saturated fat.
Fat Type: The fat in these products is primarily milk fat, but it is combined with emulsifying salts and other ingredients to achieve the signature melt.

Analyzing the Fat in Kraft Shredded Cheeses

Kraft's shredded natural cheeses offer a different nutritional profile than their processed singles. Because they are closer to a natural cheese, their fat concentration by weight is typically higher.

Shredded Cheddar: A ¼ cup (28g) serving of Kraft Shredded Cheddar contains approximately 9 grams of total fat, with 6 grams being saturated fat.
Reduced Fat Shredded Mild Cheddar: This product offers a lower-fat option, with about 6 grams of total fat per ¼ cup serving.
Ingredient Insight: The fat in these products comes directly from milk and is not mixed with added oils, although anti-caking agents like modified cornstarch are included to prevent clumping.

The Role of Preparation in Kraft Mac and Cheese Fat

The fat in a box of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is determined by how it is prepared. The box contains very little fat on its own, but the added butter and milk significantly increase the final fat count.

Unprepared Boxed Mix: The cheese powder mix contains only a small amount of fat from milkfat.
Classic Preparation: A one-cup serving prepared with the suggested margarine and milk contains around 15 grams of total fat, with 4 grams being saturated.
Customization: Using less butter or nonfat milk can drastically reduce the total and saturated fat content in the final dish.

Comparison Table: Kraft Cheese Products Fat Content


Product	Serving Size	Total Fat (g)	Saturated Fat (g)	Key Characteristic
Original Singles	1 slice (18g)	3.5g	2g	Processed cheese food
Deli Deluxe Slices	1 slice	6g	3.5g	Pasteurized process cheese
Shredded Mild Cheddar	1/4 cup (28g)	9g	6g	Natural shredded cheese
Mac & Cheese (Classic Prep)	1 cup	15g	4g	Total depends on added ingredients
Reduced Fat Shredded Cheddar	1/4 cup (28g)	6g	3.5g	Reduced fat natural cheese

Distinguishing Between Processed and Natural Cheese Fat

To understand the full nutritional picture, it is important to distinguish between Kraft's processed and natural cheese products. Natural cheeses, like Kraft's shredded varieties, are made directly from milk, which is concentrated during the cheesemaking process. The fat content is a direct result of the milk used. Processed cheese, including Kraft Singles, involves blending natural cheeses with emulsifying salts and other ingredients. This process, as described by ScienceDirect, affects the texture and can alter the overall fat profile. While this can sometimes lower total fat per serving, it also introduces other additives and increases sodium.

Health Implications of Fat in Kraft Cheese

The fat found in many Kraft products, particularly the processed ones, includes a notable amount of saturated fat. While saturated fat from dairy has shown some potentially different effects compared to other sources, processed cheese often comes with additional health considerations. A single slice of American cheese, for example, provides a significant portion of the daily recommended saturated fat and sodium intake. While these products are not inherently 'bad,' they are best consumed in moderation, especially when healthier dairy alternatives are available. For individuals monitoring their fat and sodium intake, natural cheeses or low-fat varieties are often a better choice.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the amount of fat in Kraft cheese is not a single, fixed number but varies greatly across the product line. For processed products like Kraft Singles, the fat content per slice is moderated through processing, though still a notable source of saturated fat and sodium. In contrast, Kraft's natural shredded cheeses have a higher fat content by weight, aligning more closely with traditional cheese nutrition. The total fat in a prepared meal like Kraft mac and cheese is largely controlled by the ingredients added by the consumer. Understanding these distinctions allows for more informed dietary choices, enabling consumers to enjoy Kraft products while being mindful of their overall fat intake.

Learn more about the differences between processed and natural cheese ingredients here.

Frequently Asked Questions

A single slice of Original American Kraft Singles contains approximately 3.5 grams of total fat, with about 2 grams being saturated fat.

Not necessarily. While a single slice has a moderate fat amount, many natural cheeses, like Kraft's shredded varieties, have a higher fat concentration by weight. For example, a 1/4 cup serving of shredded cheddar contains about 9 grams of total fat.

The fat in processed cheese like Kraft Singles is milk fat, but it is blended with emulsifying salts and other dairy products during processing to achieve its smooth, melty texture.

No, the final fat content of Kraft mac and cheese depends on how it is prepared. The recipe on the box, which includes adding butter and milk, determines the total fat per serving.

Yes, by weight. A 1/4 cup serving of Kraft Shredded Cheddar has a higher fat concentration (9g) compared to a single slice of Kraft Singles (3.5g) because it is a natural cheese with concentrated milk fat.

Yes, Kraft offers reduced-fat versions of some products. For instance, their Reduced Fat Shredded Mild Cheddar contains less fat per serving than their full-fat counterparts.

Processed cheese products, including some Kraft items, contain saturated fat and high sodium. While saturated fat from dairy may have different effects than other sources, high intake, combined with sodium, is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and should be consumed in moderation.