To perfect the old-school grilled cheese sandwich, we sampled seven brands of American cheese slices to find the tastiest, meltiest and creamiest of the bunch.
We Tried 7 American Cheese Singles and This One Made the Best Grilled Cheese
Published on Jun. 27, 2025
7. Horizon Organic
Is American cheese even “real” cheese? It often gets a bad rap due to its highly processed nature. That’s why we had high hopes that an organic offering would bring a little naturalness to our old-school grilled cheese. Unfortunately, priced at $5.99 for 12 slices, Horizon Organic American Singles were among the most expensive brands we tested and they scored the lowest in our taste test.
Bottom Line: These singles were less creamy than all the others, and had a bland flavor and a rubbery texture once melted in a grilled cheese sandwich.
6. Aldi
We love Aldi for its affordability. The chain has a proven track record of selling its own private-label versions of name-brand products. However, we felt that the Happy Farms American Cheese Singles didn’t hold up to expectations. Priced at $2.15 for 16 slices, this was the most affordable option that we tested, but the flavor was lacking.
Bottom Line: The artificial taste and mushy, gummy texture kept these singles low in the ranking. The cheese didn’t fully melt either, which was a bummer.
5. Sargento
Here’s the deal: Sargento’s Natural American Slices actually taste great. Priced at $5.49 for 12 slices, they have a wonderful cheddar flavor and, texturally, feel the most like “real” cheese. Why a low ranking, then? Our testers explained that, in order for a nostalgic grilled cheese to remind them of their childhood, they want a little bit of that salty, artificial cheese taste and consistency.
Bottom Line: It’s not our favorite for a nostalgic treat, but we would totally put this cheese on this fancy bacon grilled cheese sandwich every time.
4. Kraft
Kraft is the OG American slice. Our testers consistently put Kraft Singles squarely in the middle of the pack. Priced at $3.99 for 16 slices, Kraft’s offering remains an affordable, solid choice for an old-fashioned grilled cheese sandwich. They have a well-balanced flavor with the right amount of saltiness, and they melt smoothly for an Instagram-worthy cheese pull.
Bottom Line: These are middle-of-the-road slices. You can’t go wrong with the classic, but there are certainly better options on the market now.
3. Velveeta
Velveeta and Kraft have always been neck in neck in the processed cheese (and boxed mac and cheese) race. In our test, priced at $3.79 for 16 slices, Velveeta edged out Kraft by a nose. Our testers noted that, among all the slices tested, Velveeta produced the creamiest, most meltable cheese of the bunch.
Bottom Line: These singles had a touch more salt and a richer, milkier flavor than Kraft, which our panel enjoyed.
2. Walmart
Walmart took our testers by surprise. Priced at $2.48 for 24 slices, Great Value Singles American Cheese was one of the cheapest brands tested. However, this was not a you-get-what-you-pay-for moment. Everyone absolutely raved about this grilled cheese sandwich. The cheese was wonderfully rich and creamy with a well-balanced flavor.
Bottom Line: The cheese melted smoothly and just had a great overall texture. As one tester noted, “It’s the one that tastes most like childhood.”
1. Boar’s Head
While “you get what you pay for” didn’t apply to Walmart’s slices, it totally did in the case of Boar’s Head American Cheese. Priced at $5.99 for 16 slices, this was among the most expensive American cheese products we tested. However, the flavor and consistency were on a whole other level. This cheese has a rich taste with just the right amount of salt.
Bottom Line: The cheese had a slightly firmer consistency than all the others, which allowed it to pull a little more like real cheese while still retaining the iconic, gooey, creamy American cheese texture we all know and love.
Final Thoughts
American cheese singles may have a reputation for being “fake” cheese, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a time and a place for them. Sometimes we just want fake cheese, and when we do, we want the best darn fake cheese we can find. For a grilled cheese sandwich that takes you back to childhood, splurge on Boar’s Head or opt for more affordable slices from Walmart, Kraft or Velveeta.
