American Delivery or Pickup

American cheese, invented by Canadian James L. Kraft in 1916, is seen everywhere around the world. A staple for lunch boxes and late-night snacks, there are many varieties of this all-time classic.

Its signature, gooey texture is unlike any other cheese (or cheese product, as it is not technically cheese), and it makes it a key ingredient for classic American dishes. American cheese is a semi-hard cheese that is often packaged in pre-sliced, individually wrapped slices for your convenience. While there are a number of cheeses made in America, American cheese refers to processed American cheese.

American cheese was originally cheddar, and it was shipped to England in 1851. This factory-made cheese was a game-changer, and Jesse Williams introduced it. In 1851, he and his father paved the way by introducing factory methods to produce cheese.

Modern, processed American cheese debuted in 1916. It is reprocessed cheddar cheese with added preservatives. It contains Sodium Phosphate, which helps it to last longer. This method was invented in Switzerland in order to make the most out of unused cheese scraps, and Kraft saw an opportunity.

The patent filed by Kraft reads, "The chief object of the invention is to convert cheese of the Cheddar genus into such condition that it may be kept indefinitely without spoiling, under conditions which would ordinarily cause it to spoil, and to accomplish this result without substantially impairing the taste of the cheese," and it has been popular because of its ability to last a long time. The pasteurization process used to make American cheese kills off the bacteria, which helps it to last longer. 

It quickly grew in popularity, and it was a staple for soldiers at war. At the time, it was a mixture of Colby cheese and cheddar cheese. American cheese comprised up to 40% of all cheese consumed by the 1930s.

American cheese was first made in a vat, and it could be pressed into any number of shapes. The modern method of individual slices emerged after a few decades. Norman Kraft, James' brother, developed this method. He accomplished this by pouring out the melted cheese, rolling it flat with a rolling pin, and cutting it out with three-inch square slices.

There are typically three types of American cheeses. The white kind is not colored, and the orange kind is colored with annatto extract, a berry found in Central America.

Pre-sliced, individually packaged

Pre-measured packages, with each slice wrapped in plastic to help it stay edible for up to six months after the sell date, Kraft's American singles became available in 1965 and have been popular ever since.

Pre-sliced small blocks

This type is available in packages and provides a fast and economical way to add cheese to any meal.

Sliced from the deli block

The original type of American cheese. You can still buy it cut for you at the deli counter.

American cheese was invented in the 20th century by James L. Kraft. He saw an opportunity to provide grocers and customers with a cheese that did not spoil as quickly as other types of cheeses. American cheese is often sold with expiration dates that are from five to six months after the packing date. You can also tell when to use the cheese by looking at it. If the cheese looks dried out, it is not good to eat.