Processed Cheese — Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips
Written by Listonic Team
Last update on September 6, 2024
Processed cheese nutrients
Nutrition facts
Amount per 100 g
Calories
🔥 331 kcal
| Nutrients per: 100 g | Value | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Carbs | 6 g | 2.18% |
| Fiber | 0 g | - |
| Sugars | 1 g | 2% |
| Glycemic Index | 0 | - |
| Protein | 20 g | 40% |
| Sodium | 1494 mg | 64.96% |
| Total Fat | 25 | 32.05% |
*The % of Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
20 g
🧀 Good Protein Content
Processed cheese facts & tips
Health benefits
- Source of protein, essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall body function.
- Contains calcium, which supports strong bones and teeth.
- Convenient and versatile, making it easy to add to various dishes and snacks.
Health risks
- High sodium content which can contribute to hypertension and increased cardiovascular risks when consumed frequently.
- High fat content particularly in saturated fats, which can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
- Low nutrient density as processed cheese often contains fillers and additives, offering fewer vitamins and minerals compared to natural cheeses.
- Potential for artificial additives such as preservatives, flavorings, or colorings in processed cheese, which may cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals.
How to choose processed cheese
Processed cheese should have a smooth, uniform texture and be easy to slice or melt. The color should be consistent throughout, without any oil separation.
Avoid processed cheese that appears dry or crumbly, as it may not melt well. Cheese with an artificial flavor or that has a greasy texture should also be avoided, as it indicates poor quality.
How to store processed cheese
Processed cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, preferably in its original packaging or an airtight container. Refrigeration helps maintain its texture and flavor for up to a month. Ensure the packaging is tightly sealed to prevent drying out.
Exposure to air can cause processed cheese to harden and lose its quality. Avoid leaving it uncovered or using dirty utensils, which can introduce bacteria. Always check the expiration date and consume within the recommended timeframe to ensure safety.
✅ Extra Tip
How long does it last?
Processed cheese can last for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator once opened. Unopened, it can last for 2-3 months when stored in a cool, dark place.
What to do with leftovers?
Leftover processed cheese can be used in a variety of quick and easy dishes. Melt it over sandwiches, burgers, or nachos for a creamy, cheesy finish, or stir it into macaroni and cheese for added richness. Processed cheese is also great when used as a topping for baked potatoes, vegetables, or casseroles.
Use processed cheese in a grilled cheese sandwich or mix it into a cheese dip for dipping chips, pretzels, or vegetables. If you have a lot of processed cheese, consider making a batch of cheese sauce by melting it with milk and butter, perfect for drizzling over pasta, rice, or meats. Processed cheese can also be used as a filling for stuffed vegetables like peppers or mushrooms, or added to scrambled eggs or omelets for extra creaminess. For a quick snack, melt processed cheese and serve with crackers or breadsticks, or mix it into a warm dip with salsa or chili.
👨⚕️️ Medical disclaimer
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Listonic Team
Fact-checked
Our editorial team checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of publishing it.
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