American Cheese Month – May 1, 2027

American Cheese Month
Categories:
Tags:
AmericanCookingFood
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every May
Holiday emoji:
🧀

American Cheese Month celebrates the humble, melt-perfect staple throughout May. From classic grilled cheese sandwiches to juicy cheeseburgers, this versatile ingredient holds a special place in American kitchens. Explore its unique qualities, experiment with new recipes, and share your favorite cheesy creations all month long!

Want to sponsor American Cheese Month? Learn how

Expected American Cheese Month Deals

Throughout American Cheese Month, expect grocery stores and fast-food chains to feature special promotions on American cheese products. Last year saw deals from brands like Kraft Singles, Borden Cheese, and Land O’Lakes with discounts on deli slices and individually wrapped options. Restaurants such as McDonald’s and Burger King often highlight menu items featuring American cheese, like their classic cheeseburgers, with combo deals or limited-time offers. Specialty delis and sandwich shops may also offer discounts on sandwiches made with American cheese. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May approaches.

Platform Guide for American Cheese Month

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #AmericanCheeseMonth. Share photos of your most delicious, melty American cheese dishes, from grilled cheese to cheeseburgers.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #AmericanCheeseMonth. Film quick recipe videos showcasing the versatility and perfect melt of American cheese in various meals.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #AmericanCheeseMonth. Post polls asking followers about their favorite American cheese pairings or nostalgic childhood memories.

Social Media Tips for American Cheese Month

Individuals

Host a 'melt-off' at home, comparing different brands of American cheese in classic dishes like grilled cheese or mac and cheese. Share your results with friends and family.

Creators

Develop a series of short-form videos demonstrating creative uses for American cheese beyond sandwiches, such as in sauces, casseroles, or even gourmet appetizers. Highlight its unique melting properties.

Brands

Run a user-generated content contest asking customers to submit their most innovative American cheese recipes. Offer prizes like gift cards or product bundles for the most creative and delicious entries.

Top Brands for American Cheese Month

  1. Kraft Singles

    Introduced in 1949 by Kraft Foods, Kraft Singles are perhaps the most iconic brand of individually wrapped American cheese slices. The company, founded by James L. Kraft in 1903, revolutionized cheese consumption with its convenient and consistently melting product.

  2. Borden Cheese

    Borden Cheese, a brand with a rich history dating back to Gail Borden Jr.'s condensed milk patent in 1856, offers a range of dairy products including American cheese slices. Their American cheese is known for its creamy texture and reliable melt, making it a staple in many households.

  3. Land O'Lakes

    Founded in 1921 as a dairy cooperative in Minnesota, Land O'Lakes is a leading producer of butter, spreads, and cheese products. Their American cheese is widely available and favored for its smooth consistency and mild flavor, ideal for melting.

  4. Sargento

    Sargento Foods Inc., a family-owned company established in 1953 by Leonard Gentine, is known for its natural cheese products. While they specialize in shredded and sliced natural cheeses, Sargento also produces a popular line of American cheese slices, emphasizing quality and taste.

  5. Boar's Head

    Boar's Head Brand, founded in 1905 in New York City, is renowned for its premium delicatessen products. Their American cheese, available at deli counters, is celebrated for its rich, creamy texture and superior melting quality, often chosen for high-end sandwiches.

  6. Velveeta

    Invented in 1918 by Emil Frey of the Monroe Cheese Company, Velveeta was acquired by Kraft Foods in 1927. This processed cheese product is famous for its exceptionally smooth melt and is a key ingredient in many comfort food recipes, from dips to macaroni and cheese.

  7. Tillamook

    The Tillamook County Creamery Association, established in 1909 in Oregon, is a farmer-owned cooperative known for its high-quality dairy products. While famous for its cheddar, Tillamook also produces a delicious American cheese, offering a premium take on the classic.

American Cheese Month Hero

James L. Kraft

James L. Kraft (1874–1953) was a Canadian-American entrepreneur who founded Kraft Foods. In 1916, he patented a method for pasteurizing processed cheese, which significantly extended its shelf life and made it possible to ship cheese long distances without spoilage. His innovation paved the way for the widespread availability and popularity of American cheese, making it a household staple across the United States.

American Cheese Month timeline

1965
Sleeved cheese

American sliced cheese in individual sleeves came into existence. Kraft purchased the rights to this process from an Indiana inventor.

1916
Kraft's Patent

Robert L. Kraft patented the method for processing cheese. He heated cheddar at 175 degrees for 15 minutes while whisking it continuously.

1911
Long Shelf Life Cheese Invented

In Switzerland, something similar to American cheese was invented using Emmental cheese and sodium citrate. Now there was a cheese with longer shelf life!

1851
Yellow Cheese Takes the Market by Storm

The first American cheese factory was established by Jesse Williams and this cheese was a great hit!

1700
Proud of Our Cheese

Americans were making this type of cheese in the 1700s and exporting it too. In England, it was called Yankee cheese.

American Cheese Month FAQs

When is American Cheese Month?

In 2027, American Cheese Month will once again take place for the full 31 days of May. It’s a perfect opportunity to explore new recipes and enjoy classic cheesy dishes.

How much American cheese is consumed annually?

The popularity of American cheese continues to hold strong in 2027, with consumption figures consistently high. It’s a staple in approximately 70% of American households, making it a significant part of the national diet.

Is American cheese 'real' cheese?

Often labeled as ‘pasteurized prepared cheese product,’ American cheese starts with real cheese but undergoes additional processing. This distinction means it might not always be classified as ‘cheese’ by strict FDA standards, but it’s certainly a dairy-based food product.

What makes American cheese melt so well?

Unlike many natural cheeses, American cheese is specifically engineered for its melting properties. The addition of sodium citrate or phosphate helps the cheese proteins hold onto moisture and fat, creating that perfectly gooey texture ideal for grilled cheese and burgers.

American Cheese Month Activities

  1. Say "cheese" with your favorite cheese

    Take a picture of how you and your family enjoy American cheese and share it with friends on social media.

  2. Throw a wine and cheese party

    Put a new low-cost twist on an old favorite.

  3. Make your own cheese

    It's not that difficult. All you need is the right recipe and a little bit of patience.

5 Not-So-Cheesy American Cheese Facts

  1. The legalities of cheese

    By law, American cheese is supposed to be made with at least two types of cheese. And it's color, yellow or white, depends on the types of cheese and milk products that are used to make it. Go figure!

  2. Want embalmed cheese with that?

    Yikes! Many cheese critics wanted American cheese to be called embalmed cheese because sodium phosphate, an emulsifying agent, used in it was also used to preserve corpses. Today sodium phosphate is a commonly used emulsifying agent.

  3. Originally it was sold in tins

    Originally American cheese was sold in the form of blocks packed in tins by Kraft.

  4. Don't call it "cheese," please

    According to federal laws, it can never be sold as 'cheese' — but as 'processed cheese' — as it isn't made in the traditional way.

  5. How much cheese is in cheese?

    Kraft American cheese slices have 51% cheese but that's not standard. How much cheese does your cheese have? Always read the ingredient list!

Why We Love American Cheese Month

  1. It's a slice of heaven

    Kids love it. You can put American cheese on top of anything and kids will devour it.

  2. It's a comfort food

    For many of us, it's the stuff of childhood memories. Like the delicious mac and cheese your mom made. Or the taste of that simple bologna and American cheese sandwich!

  3. It's America's gift to the world

    American cheese is popular all over the world for its versatility and is used in a variety of foods.

American Cheese Month dates

Year Date Day
2027 May 1 Saturday
2028 May 1 Monday
2029 May 1 Tuesday
2030 May 1 Wednesday
2031 May 1 Thursday