What Does “Processed” Mean for Deli American Cheese?
The term “processed cheese” often carries a negative connotation, but in the case of deli American cheese, it simply describes a specific manufacturing method. The FDA sets strict guidelines for what can be labeled as “pasteurized process American cheese.” Unlike natural cheeses like cheddar or Swiss, which are made directly from milk, deli American is made from a blend of other cheeses and ingredients.
The Manufacturing Process
Creating deli sliced American cheese involves several key steps that differentiate it from natural cheese:
- Combining cheeses: Chunks of natural cheeses, typically cheddar or Colby, are ground up and blended together in large vats.
- Adding emulsifiers: Sodium citrate or sodium phosphate are added. These emulsifying salts are crucial because they prevent the milk proteins and fats from separating when the cheese is heated, resulting in its famously smooth, creamy melt.
- Melting and pasteurizing: The mixture is heated to pasteurization temperature while being constantly stirred to create a homogenous, liquid mass. This process sterilizes the product and contributes to its long shelf life.
- Molding and packaging: The liquid cheese is then formed into large blocks or loaves. These are what you see at the deli counter, ready to be sliced to your desired thickness.
Deli Sliced vs. Pre-Packaged Singles
It's important to recognize that not all processed American cheese is created equal. The deli-sliced variety and the individually wrapped slices found in the dairy aisle are classified differently by the FDA, with distinctions in their composition that affect flavor, texture, and melting properties.
Comparison of American Cheese Products
| Feature | Deli Sliced American Cheese (Pasteurized Process Cheese) | Individually Wrapped Singles (Pasteurized Process Cheese Food) |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Classification | Pasteurized Process American Cheese | Pasteurized Process Cheese Food |
| Minimum Cheese Content | Derived solely from cheese with minor additives. | At least 51% cheese. |
| Fat Content | Higher fat content, often at least 47% on a dry matter basis, contributing to richer flavor. | Lower fat content, often as low as 23%, resulting in a more rubbery texture. |
| Additives | Primarily emulsifying agents, with fewer additional dairy ingredients. | Allows for a wider range of added ingredients, including milk, buttermilk, or cheese whey. |
| Texture | Velvety and smooth, melting consistently without breaking or becoming oily. | Often described as having a distinctly congealed or rubbery texture. |
| Meltability | Melts very smoothly and consistently, ideal for burgers or grilled cheese. | Melts in a similar, but less velvety, way due to its composition. |
The Science of Meltability
The reason deli-sliced American cheese melts so flawlessly is due to the emulsifying salts. Natural cheese, when heated, can break down, with its proteins separating from the fats. The emulsifiers in processed cheese bind the protein and fat together, ensuring a smooth, stable, and even melt. This predictable behavior is why American cheese is a staple for cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches.
Nutritional and Ingredient Considerations
While deli American cheese is made using real cheese, it is important for consumers to read labels and be aware of the full list of ingredients. Common additions, besides emulsifiers, include salt, flavorings, and colorings like annatto or beta-carotene. Some brands may use milk protein concentrate, an ingredient that is not always desirable for some consumers.
- Sodium: Due to the added salts, processed American cheese can have a higher sodium content than many natural cheeses.
- Preservatives: Ingredients like sorbic acid or potassium sorbate may be used as preservatives to further extend shelf life.
- Fat content: The higher fat percentage of deli-style processed cheese contributes to its richness, but it also means it is a more calorically dense product than some lower-fat dairy options.
Conclusion: Processed, But Not Necessarily 'Fake'
In conclusion, deli sliced American cheese is, without a doubt, a processed product. This is not a judgment on its quality but rather a descriptive term for its manufacturing process. It starts with real cheese, which is then melted down and blended with emulsifying salts and other ingredients to create a final product with a longer shelf life and superior melting properties. This makes it different from both natural, aged cheeses and from its lower-fat, individually wrapped counterparts. The processing makes it ideal for specific culinary uses, and for many, it offers a distinct, nostalgic flavor that is irreplaceable. For consumers, the key is to understand what the term 'processed' means in this context and to choose the right cheese for their needs and preferences.
Final Takeaway
Deli sliced American cheese is a type of pasteurized process cheese, containing a higher percentage of actual cheese and fat than individually wrapped process cheese foods. The addition of emulsifiers is the key to its creamy, consistent melt, making it fundamentally different in creation and texture from natural cheese.
