Is American Cheese Slices Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Kraft Singles
Kraft Singles's American Cheese Slices is reviewed here as a dairy. Zerotox gives it 60/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The ingredient review below focuses especially on Sodium Citrate.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes cheddar cheese, whey, and various milk derivatives, which are generally acceptable. However, sodium citrate and natamycin raise concerns about synthetic additives and preservatives, impacting the overall quality and safety assessment.
Main concern
Sodium citrate is a synthetic emulsifier that may raise concerns about processed ingredients.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Contains cheddar cheese, a natural dairy product that contributes to flavor and texture.
- Includes lactic acid, which is a natural acidifier that helps maintain product stability.
- Annatto and paprika extract are natural colorants that enhance visual appeal without synthetic dyes.
Concerns
- Sodium citrate is a synthetic emulsifier that may raise concerns about processed ingredients.
- Natamycin is a mold inhibitor that, while natural, indicates the presence of preservatives in the product.
- Whey protein concentrate and milk protein concentrate are processed dairy ingredients that may not appeal to all consumers.
Who should avoid this product?
This formula may not suit:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this dairy, not just listed as a raw label.
-
Is Cheddar Cheese safe in this dairy?
Good
Cheddar Cheese is used here as base. Cheddar cheese is a natural dairy product that provides flavor and texture to the slices. Its presence indicates a primary ingredient contributing to the overall quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: Cheddar Cheese (Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes)
-
Is Whey safe in this dairy?
Medium
Whey is used here as base. Whey is a byproduct of cheese production that adds protein but is a processed ingredient. Its inclusion raises some concerns about the overall processing level of the product.
Role in formula: base
Original: Whey
-
Is Milk safe in this dairy?
Good
Milk is used here as base. Milk is a natural ingredient that serves as a primary source of nutrients in the cheese slices. It supports the product's dairy profile.
Role in formula: base
Original: Milk
-
Is Milk Protein Concentrate safe in this dairy?
Medium
Milk Protein Concentrate is used here as base. Milk protein concentrate is a processed form of milk that increases protein content. While beneficial, it indicates a level of processing that may concern some consumers.
Role in formula: base
Original: Milk Protein Concentrate
Read the full ingredient profile for Milk Protein Concentrate
-
Is Milkfat safe in this dairy?
Good
Milkfat is used here as base. Milkfat contributes to the creaminess and mouthfeel of the cheese slices. It is a natural component of dairy products.
Role in formula: base
Original: Milkfat
-
Is Whey Protein Concentrate safe in this dairy?
Medium
Whey Protein Concentrate is used here as base. Whey protein concentrate is a processed ingredient that boosts protein content. Its presence indicates a level of processing that may not appeal to all consumers.
Role in formula: base
Original: Whey Protein Concentrate
Read the full ingredient profile for Whey Protein Concentrate
-
Is Sodium Citrate safe in this dairy?
Bad
Sodium Citrate is used here as emulsifier. Sodium citrate is a synthetic emulsifier used to improve texture and prevent separation. Its inclusion raises concerns about processed ingredients.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: Sodium Citrate
-
Is Calcium Phosphate safe in this dairy?
Medium
Calcium Phosphate is used here as stabilizer. Calcium phosphate is used as a stabilizer and nutrient source. While it serves a functional purpose, it is a processed ingredient that may concern some consumers.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: Calcium Phosphate
-
Is Salt safe in this dairy?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is a natural flavor enhancer that also acts as a preservative. Its presence is typical in cheese products.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Salt
-
Is Lactic Acid safe in this dairy?
Good
Lactic Acid is used here as acidulant. Lactic acid is a natural acidifier that helps maintain product stability and flavor. It is a common ingredient in dairy products.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: Lactic Acid
-
Is Annatto Extract safe in this dairy?
Good
Annatto Extract is used here as colorant. Annatto extract is a natural colorant derived from the achiote tree. It enhances the visual appeal of the product without synthetic dyes.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Annatto
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Is Paprika Extract safe in this dairy?
Good
Paprika Extract is used here as colorant. Paprika extract is a natural colorant that adds a reddish hue to the cheese slices. It is derived from the paprika plant and is considered safe.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Paprika Extract
-
Is Natamycin safe in this dairy?
Medium
Natamycin is used here as preservative. Natamycin is a natural mold inhibitor used to extend shelf life. While it is derived from natural sources, its presence indicates the use of preservatives.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: Natamycin
-
Is Enzymes safe in this dairy?
Good
Enzymes is used here as base. Enzymes are used in cheese production to aid in curd formation. They are natural components that contribute to the cheese's texture and flavor.
Role in formula: base
Original: Enzymes
-
Is Cheese Culture safe in this dairy?
Good
Cheese Culture is used here as base. Cheese culture consists of beneficial bacteria that aid in fermentation and flavor development. Its presence is essential for cheese production.
Role in formula: base
Original: Cheese Culture
-
Is Vitamin D3 safe in this dairy?
Medium
Vitamin D3 is used here as fortificant. Vitamin D3 is added to fortify the cheese slices. While beneficial for nutrient content, it is an added ingredient that may not be necessary for all consumers.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: Vitamin D3
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 2389615
More from this brand: Kraft Singles products in Zerotox
Similar products: dairy in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: milk
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.