One slice of American-style processed cheese delivers roughly 60–80 calories, 3–5 g protein, and 200–300 mg sodium.
Low Cal
Typical
Thick Cut
Wrapped Single
- Serving: 19 g
- ~50–60 kcal
- ~200–270 mg sodium
Standard
Reduced-Fat Single
- Serving: 19 g
- ~40–50 kcal
- Sodium varies by brand
Lighter
Deli Slice (1 oz)
- Serving: 28 g
- ~90–110 kcal
- ~350–450 mg sodium
Heavier
Here’s a clear look at what one melty slice adds—calories, macros, minerals—and simple ways to match the slice to your goals.
American-Style Cheese Slice Nutrition — What’s In It?
A standard wrapped slice weighs about 19 grams and lands around 50–60 calories with 3–4 grams of protein and roughly 200–250 milligrams of sodium. A deli slice cut to an ounce (28 grams) pushes closer to 90–110 calories, 5–7 grams of protein, and 350–450 milligrams of sodium. The spread comes from fat level, moisture, and slice thickness, which also change melt and stretch.
Quick Comparison By Slice Type
Use this table as a fast checkpoint. Values reflect common ranges from brand labels and nutrient databases. Your exact label always wins.
| Slice Type | Calories | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Wrapped Single (19 g) | 50–60 | 200–270 |
| Reduced-Fat Single (19 g) | 40–50 | 220–300 |
| Deli Slice (28 g) | 90–110 | 350–450 |
%DV on the panel shows whether a serving is low or high in a nutrient. The FDA Daily Values use 2,300 mg as the daily cap for sodium on labels; 5% DV is low and 20% DV is high.
Serving Size And Macros
Fat supplies most of the energy here. Expect 3–5 grams of protein per slice, rising with thicker cuts. Light versions trim fat; deli cuts raise all numbers by weight.
Sodium And Saturated Fat
Sodium is the number to watch. One standard single often sits near 200–270 milligrams. If you’re managing blood pressure, aim for a daily total near 1,500–2,300 milligrams as advised by the American Heart Association. Saturated fat typically runs 2–4 grams per slice; light options lower that count while keeping melt decent.
Calcium, Vitamin D, And More
Even small slices deliver calcium. A wrapped single usually lists about 10–15% DV, with deli cuts showing more because of weight. Fortified versions may include vitamin D. Trace amounts of vitamin A and phosphorus appear too. If you’re tracking minerals, check %DV against your daily target and adjust portions.
How Slice Weight Changes The Numbers
Two slices from different packs can look identical but weigh differently. That’s why calories and sodium don’t match across brands. Use the gram weight on the panel to normalize portions. When recipes call for “one slice,” decide whether that means a 19-gram single or an ounce-thick deli cut. Weigh a slice on a kitchen scale once, then save that number for math later.
Label Tips That Save Guesswork
- Scan gram weight first, then read calories and sodium per serving.
- Compare %DV for saturated fat and sodium across brands of the same weight.
- For a lighter sandwich, stack veggies and pick one slice; for extra melt, choose one thicker deli piece instead of two thin ones.
Light, Regular, And Deli Cuts: Picking The Right Slice
Each style brings trade-offs. Light singles cut calories and saturated fat but may bump sodium. Regular singles melt consistently. Deli cuts bring bigger flavor and protein, along with more sodium from size.
When You’re Tracking Calories
Stay near the 50–60 calorie range by choosing standard singles and keeping to one slice. For burgers or melts, ask the deli for a thinner ounce if they usually cut thicker. Another trick: use an open-face sandwich and let heat do the work—more surface area for the same amount of cheese.
If You’re Watching Salt
Stacking two singles can add 400–500 milligrams of sodium before condiments. Swap in tomato, onion, or pickles for height and flavor. When shopping, compare sodium among light versions; some formulas climb past 300 milligrams per slice. Aim for brands that keep per-slice sodium closer to 200–230 milligrams when possible.
For Best Melt And Texture
Processed styles are built to melt evenly. Deli cuts, being denser, ooze slowly and cling better on hot sandwiches. Singles liquefy fast over steamed eggs or vegetables. If a sauce splits, whisk in a small square of a single to bring it back together.
Portions And Practical Math
Portion size drives totals more than brand names. Use this table to ballpark calories and protein by common amounts. Numbers assume standard singles near 19 grams unless noted.
| Portion | Calories | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|
| Half Single (≈10 g) | 25–30 | 1.5–2 |
| One Single (≈19 g) | 50–60 | 3–4 |
| Two Singles (≈38 g) | 100–120 | 6–8 |
| Deli Thin (28 g) | 90–110 | 5–7 |
When a label lists %DV, it points to a reference diet so shoppers can compare products. You’ll see this on nutrients like calcium and potassium. The FDA page on Daily Values explains how those percentages map to targets.
How To Read The Panel For This Cheese Type
Scan Order That Works
- Serving size in grams.
- Calories per serving.
- Saturated fat grams and %DV.
- Sodium milligrams and %DV.
- Protein grams, then calcium %DV.
Smart Shopping And Swaps
Want fewer calories without losing the melt? Pick reduced-fat singles and keep to one slice. Need bolder flavor? Try a deli cut and build the rest of the sandwich with lower-sodium fixings. For a kid’s lunch, one single on whole-grain bread plus crisp veggies keeps portions steady and adds fiber.
Storage And Food Safety
Keep slices sealed and chilled. Use deli cuts within a few days once opened.
Method Notes And Sources
Numbers here reflect typical brand labels for 19-gram wrapped singles and 28-gram deli cuts, plus nutrient database entries for processed slices. Always defer to the panel in your hand. The links above show label rules and sample data from a major brand and a nutrient database.