Tag: Pasteurized process cheese

According to the FDA, most deli American cheese falls under the category of "pasteurized process American cheese," a designation that indicates it contains specific emulsifying agents. This means that nearly all deli American cheese does, in fact, contain sodium citrate, a key ingredient responsible for its smooth, meltable texture.

According to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, deli sliced American cheese is legally defined as a “pasteurized process American cheese”. This means that, yes, deli sliced American cheese is processed, but understanding the nuances of how it's made reveals important differences from other cheese products.