Is American cheese high in potassium? Understanding Its Place in a Nutrition Diet

October 14, 2025 •

3 min read

A single slice of American cheese typically contains a relatively low amount of potassium, with some analyses showing as little as 19 to around 68 milligrams per slice. Therefore, American cheese is not considered a high-potassium food and the direct answer to 'Is American cheese high in potassium?' is no, although it is important to consider its other nutritional components.

Quick Summary

American cheese is not a high-potassium food, but it is typically high in sodium and saturated fat. Its nutrient profile, including low potassium but high sodium, necessitates moderation, especially for those with specific health conditions like kidney disease.

Key Points

Low Potassium Content: American cheese is not a high-potassium food, with a typical slice containing only a small amount of the daily recommended intake.
High in Sodium: Its most significant nutritional drawback is its high sodium content, which is a major health consideration, especially for blood pressure management.
Processed Cheese: American cheese is a "pasteurized processed cheese food" and contains additives that differentiate its nutritional profile from natural cheeses.
Compare with Alternatives: Natural cheeses like soft goat cheese, feta, and Swiss contain even less potassium and often have lower sodium levels, making them better choices for specific diets.
Consider Overall Diet: The impact of American cheese depends on overall dietary context; its high saturated fat and sodium content mean moderation is key, while its low potassium is not a concern for most.
Kidney Health Caution: Individuals with kidney disease must monitor sodium, phosphorus, and potassium. While low in potassium, American cheese's high sodium and phosphorus can be problematic.

The Nutritional Profile of American Cheese

While processed, American cheese does offer some nutrients, but with notable downsides. A standard 1-ounce slice contains calories, protein, and fat, with significant levels of saturated fat. A key characteristic is its high sodium content, which can range from over 300 to nearly 500 mg per slice, accounting for a large portion of the daily recommended intake. This high sodium level is a critical factor for individuals managing blood pressure or kidney health. On a more positive note, it is often fortified and is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and protein, all of which are essential for strong bones and other bodily functions.

Is American Cheese a "Real" Cheese?

It's worth noting that American cheese is technically classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as "pasteurized processed cheese food". This means it is made from a mixture of natural cheeses along with other dairy products, emulsifying salts, and colorings. The emulsifying salts, such as sodium or potassium phosphate, help create the smooth, meltable texture. This processing is why American cheese differs nutritionally from its natural counterparts, particularly in its higher sodium content.

Potassium in American vs. Natural Cheese

Potassium content in cheese varies widely, and processed cheeses like American cheese are not typically a significant source. While dairy products, in general, can contribute to potassium intake, the levels in most cheeses are low. The processing of American cheese and the potential use of potassium-based emulsifying salts can add some potassium, but it does not make it a high-potassium food. For context, a medium-sized banana has significantly more potassium than a slice of American cheese.

Comparing Cheeses: Potassium, Sodium, and Phosphorus

For those monitoring their intake of certain minerals, a side-by-side comparison is helpful. Below is a table illustrating the mineral content of an average 1-ounce serving of various cheeses based on general nutritional data.


Cheese Type	Serving Size	Potassium (mg)	Sodium (mg)	Phosphorus (mg)
American (Processed)	1 slice (21 g)	68	381	112
Goat Cheese (Soft)	1 oz (30 g)	8	138	77
Feta	1 oz (30 g)	19	275	101
Swiss	1 oz (30 g)	23	21	170
Cheddar	1 oz (30 g)	23	194	143
Parmesan (Grated)	2 Tbsp	10	172	74

Who Should Monitor Potassium Intake from Cheese?

For most healthy individuals, the potassium level in American cheese is not a concern. The average daily recommended intake for potassium is around 4,700 mg for adults, so the small amount in a slice of cheese is negligible. However, specific health conditions require careful attention to potassium intake. Individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or those on dialysis need to monitor several minerals, including potassium, phosphorus, and sodium. For these patients, cheese can be a complex food. While American cheese is low in potassium, its high sodium and phosphorus levels (especially when processed with inorganic phosphorus additives) can pose risks. Consulting a registered dietitian is crucial for creating a suitable nutrition diet plan.

Healthier Alternatives and Dietary Context

If you need to limit potassium, several cheeses contain even lower amounts than American cheese, such as soft goat cheese and feta. When focusing on heart health, options like Swiss cheese are notable for their very low sodium content. For those watching phosphorus, alternatives like cream cheese or soft goat cheese are good choices. It is also important to consider the overall context of your diet. American cheese is significantly higher in saturated fat and sodium than most natural cheeses. Therefore, moderation is key. A balanced nutrition diet should include a variety of foods to ensure adequate nutrient intake without overconsuming any single nutrient. For a deeper dive into overall nutrition guidelines, authoritative sources like the Dietary Guidelines for Americans offer extensive resources. Learn more at the USDA's official guidelines.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to "Is American cheese high in potassium?" is no. Its potassium content is minimal, especially when compared to foods like bananas or potatoes. However, a responsible nutrition diet requires a holistic view. American cheese is notably high in sodium and saturated fat, which are more significant health considerations for many people. For individuals with conditions like kidney disease, the high sodium and phosphorus content in American cheese must be monitored carefully. For most, enjoying American cheese in moderation is acceptable, but exploring lower-sodium or lower-fat natural cheeses can be a healthier alternative for regular consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

American cheese is not inherently 'bad' but should be consumed in moderation due to its high levels of sodium and saturated fat. While it provides some beneficial nutrients like calcium and protein, healthier options exist depending on your dietary goals.

The potassium content of American cheese is relatively low. Depending on the brand and serving size, a single slice can contain anywhere from 19 to 79 milligrams of potassium. This is a very small portion of the 4,700 mg daily recommendation for most adults.

Yes, many cheeses have lower potassium levels than American cheese. Some of the lowest potassium options include soft goat cheese, feta, and shredded parmesan.

Generally, processed cheese is not high in potassium. While it may contain potassium-based salts from emulsifiers, the amount is not considered significant enough to classify it as a high-potassium food.

For a kidney diet, which requires managing potassium, sodium, and phosphorus, some of the best cheese options include goat cheese, Swiss, and cream cheese due to their relatively lower levels of these minerals. Consultation with a dietitian is recommended.

Foods truly high in potassium include bananas, potatoes, spinach, dried apricots, and legumes like lentils and kidney beans. Most cheeses, including American cheese, do not fall into this category.

Yes, American cheese is significantly higher in sodium than many other cheeses. A single 1-ounce slice can contain a substantial portion of your daily sodium intake, making it a critical consideration for managing blood pressure.