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This article refers specifically to one type of cheese. For other cheeses of the United States, see List Of American Cheeses . American cheese is a common , Whey , Milkfat , Milk Protein concentrate, whey protein concentrate, Salt ) which meets the legal definition of cheese. The common use of the marketing label "American Cheese" for "processed cheese" combined with the prevalence of processed cheese in the U.S. compared to the rest of the world has led to the term ''American cheese'' being used in the United States synonymously in place of processed cheese. Moreover, the term "American cheese" has a legal definition as a type of pasteurized process cheese under the U.S. Code Of Federal Regulations . The legal definition is discussed in the article on Processed Cheese . American Cheese has long been a mainstay in popular American Cuisine , most notably on Cheeseburgers , in Grilled Cheese Sandwiches , and in Ham And Cheese Sandwiches . VARIETIES Cheddarly origins Despite the common usage, ''American Cheese'' also has another definition. It can also refer to a mild, pale white to yellow Cheddar . This is the source of origin of the name, as the gradual "watering down" of mild cheddar by processing it gave rise to modern American cheese. The term ''store cheese'' Refer to definition of Store Cheese at Word Web Online is sometimes informally used to describe ''American Cheese'' and similar American cheddars. Processed American Cheese Even though the term "American cheese" has a legal definition in the United States as a type of pasteurized Process Cheese , it is important to note that products with the label "American Cheese" are by no means identical. Depending on the additives and the amounts of milk fat and water added to the cheese during emulsification, the taste and texture of American Cheese varies, with some varieties (e.g. "American Cheese" and "American Process Cheese") being very similar to non-processed cheese and other varieties (e.g. "American Cheese Food" and "American Cheese Product") being more like Velveeta or Cheez Whiz . The interested consumer should pay close attention to the wording used on the label of each product and to the ingredient list. (Refer to the definitions in the Sale And Labeling section of the article on Processed Cheese .) The taste and texture of American Cheese varies considerably, and mostly depends on the percentage of cheese versus additives used during the emulsification process. Varieties with lower percentages of additives tend to taste more like natural unprocessed cheese. In addition, depending on the food manufacturer, the color of the cheese (orange, yellow, or white) may signify different ingredients or process. Some manufacturers reserve the white and yellow colors for their more natural For example, Land O' Lakes sells several varieties of what they call "slicing cheese" in orange, yellow, and white varieties. The orange variety is labeled "Pasteurized Process American Cheese"; the yellow variety is labeled "Yellow American"; the white variety is labeled "White American". (i.e. fewer additives) American Cheese varieties. In other cases For example Kraft sells individually wrapped "American Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product" under the trade name "Kraft Singles" in both Orange and White colorings., the ingredients for white and orange colors are the same, except for the coloring. However, this does not necessarily mean that even these white and orange cheeses have the exact same flavor and texture because the spice Annatto , which has a subtle but noticable taste, is often used for coloring American Cheese. The processed variety of American Cheese is sold in three basic packaging varieties: individually wrapped cheese slices, small pre-sliced blocks of 16 to 36 slices, and large blocks meant for deli counters. The individually wrapped cheese slices are typically the least like natural cheese. These "slices" are actually individually poured onto each plastic wrapper and then set to Emulsify . Small (e.g., 16 to 36 slice) blocks of presliced, but not individually-wrapped, American Cheese are also marketed, often with the branding "deluxe" or "old fashioned". This variety of American Cheese is similar in ingredients and texture to that of modern block American Cheese. Before the advent of the individually wrapped variety, this was the typical variety that Americans purchased. Hence, some people refer to this as "traditional", "old fashioned", or "classic" American Cheese. American Cheese in block form sold at Deli counters is typically a more natural cheese than its individually wrapped cousin. Nonetheless, most block American Cheese is still a processed cheese. SEE ALSO Softer versions of American/Process cheese FOOTNOTES EXTERNAL LINKS
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