Kraft Singles American Cheese Twin Pack

Kraft Singles
1 Poor

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Organic Valley Grassmilk Raw Cheddar Organic Valley · 8 oz 93 View on Amazon · $9.99 See all Cheese, ranked

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 5
Harmful ingredients 2
Owned by Kraft Heinz
Category Cheese
Summary

Kraft Singles are a 'pasteurized prepared cheese product' — a formulation that does not legally qualify as cheese. Built on emulsifier and additive processing rather than cheesemaking, it sits at the floor of the scale alongside other ultra-processed products that cannot carry the name of the food they imitate.

Key ingredients 15

Sodium phosphate
Bad

Sodium phosphate is used as an emulsifier and preservative in processed foods. It helps maintain texture and extend shelf life. However, excessive consumption can lead to imbalances in phosphate levels, affecting kidney function.

Risks

High intake may contribute to kidney issues and imbalances in phosphate levels.

Benefits

Improves texture and shelf life of processed foods.

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Modified food starch
Bad

Chemically modified starch additive.

Benefits

Improves texture and stability in processed foods.

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Skim milk
Neutral

Skim milk is a low-fat dairy option that provides protein and calcium. It is processed to remove fat, which reduces calorie content. While it offers essential nutrients, it lacks the beneficial fats found in whole milk.

Benefits

Offers protein and calcium with reduced fat content, suitable for low-fat diets.

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Whey
Neutral

Liquid whey as a minor dairy ingredient — benign.

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort in lactose-intolerant individuals.

Benefits

Supports muscle growth and recovery with its high-quality protein content.

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Calcium phosphate
Neutral

Calcium phosphate is used as a mineral supplement to enhance calcium content in foods. It is a common additive in processed foods to improve nutritional value. While it provides calcium, it is not as bioavailable as calcium from whole food sources.

Risks

Excessive intake may lead to imbalances in mineral absorption.

Benefits

Increases calcium content, supporting bone health.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor and preserve food. It is a common seasoning and preservative in many processed foods. While necessary for bodily functions, excessive intake can lead to hypertension.

Risks

High sodium intake is associated with increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative.

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Lactic acid
Neutral

Lactic acid is used as a preservative and acidity regulator in foods. It is naturally occurring in fermented foods and contributes to flavor. While it is generally safe, excessive consumption may cause digestive discomfort.

Risks

Excessive intake may cause digestive discomfort.

Benefits

Acts as a preservative and enhances flavor in foods.

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Annatto and paprika extract
Neutral

Annatto and paprika extract are natural colorants used to give cheese its characteristic color. They are derived from natural sources and are generally considered safe. While they enhance visual appeal, they do not provide significant nutritional benefits.

Benefits

Enhances visual appeal with natural colorants.

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Natamycin
Neutral

Natamycin is a natural mold inhibitor used to prevent spoilage in cheese. It is derived from natural sources and is effective in extending shelf life. While it is safe for consumption, it does not contribute to nutritional value.

Benefits

Prevents mold growth and extends shelf life of cheese.

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Enzymes
Neutral

Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.

Benefits

Enhances digestibility and flavor in cheese production.

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Cheddar cheese
Good

Cheddar cheese is a source of protein and calcium, essential for bone health. It is made from cultured milk, salt, and enzymes, which are traditional cheese-making ingredients. The presence of natural enzymes aids in digestion and nutrient absorption.

Risks

Contains lactose, which may cause digestive issues for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Benefits

Provides essential nutrients like calcium and protein, supporting bone and muscle health.

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Milkfat
Good

Milkfat is a natural source of fat-soluble vitamins and provides a rich flavor. It is derived from milk and contributes to the creamy texture of cheese. The presence of healthy fats supports nutrient absorption and energy supply.

Risks

High in saturated fats, which should be consumed in moderation to maintain heart health.

Benefits

Contains fat-soluble vitamins and enhances the flavor and texture of cheese.

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Milk protein concentrate
Good

Milk protein concentrate is a concentrated source of protein derived from milk. It provides essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair and growth. The concentration process retains most of the protein content while reducing lactose.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions in individuals with milk protein allergies.

Benefits

Rich in high-quality protein, supporting muscle health and repair.

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Cheese culture
Good

Cheese culture is used to initiate the fermentation process in cheese-making. It consists of beneficial bacteria that improve flavor and texture. The presence of probiotics supports gut health and enhances nutrient absorption.

Benefits

Supports gut health with probiotics and enhances cheese flavor.

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Vitamin D3
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Benefits

Supports calcium absorption and bone health.

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Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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Amazon pricing & content

Amazon price for Organic Valley Grassmilk Raw Cheddar as of . Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

Kraft Singles American Cheese Twin Pack

Common questions

Is Kraft Singles American Cheese Twin Pack healthy?

Kraft Singles American Cheese Twin Pack scores 1/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the lower scores in Scout's catalog. Kraft Singles are a 'pasteurized prepared cheese product' — a formulation that does not legally qualify as cheese.

How processed is Kraft Singles American Cheese Twin Pack?

Kraft Singles American Cheese Twin Pack is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

How does Kraft Singles American Cheese Twin Pack compare to other cheeses?

Kraft Singles American Cheese Twin Pack ranks #59 of 59 cheeses in Scout's independent rankings. The current top score in the category is Organic Valley Grassmilk Raw Cheddar at 93/100.

Which ingredients drive Kraft Singles American Cheese Twin Pack's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Cheddar cheese, Milkfat, Milk protein concentrate count in its favor; Sodium phosphate, Modified food starch are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

Healthy alternatives

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