I tend to buy Cheddar or Muenster mainly because they taste better and they aren’t as processed but also because they contain way less salt.
A 1 oz serving of Land O Lakes American cheese:
Total Fat 9 g-14% Saturated Fat 5g-25% Trans Fat 0 g Cholesterol 25 mg-8% Sodium 400 mg-17%
400 mg for 1 oz!! Seems quite high.
But then look at Boar’s Head American cheese (same 1 oz serving size):
Calories 100, Sodium 480 mg, Total Fat 9g, Saturated 6g, Sugars 1g, Trans 0g, Protein 5g, Cholesterol 25 mg
Most Cheddars and Muensters are around 180mg of sodium for same serving size. I buy Trader Joe’s and Cabot brands most often.
When you think of all the salty snacks and other processed foods kids eat (goldfish, pretzels, potato chips, chicken nuggets, etc) it adds up! Children get way too much salt these days. It can lead to problems later that aren’t discernable now.
That said, every once in a while I buy American cheese. I buy the Land O Lakes or Bordens (presliced).