I used to agree with you. Then I read this: https://www.seriouseats.com/2016/07/whats-really-in-american-cheese.html https://www.seriouseats.com/2016/07/whats-r

I used to agree with you. Then I read this: https://www.seriouseats.com/2016/07/whats-really-in-american-cheese.html https://www.seriouseats.com/2016/07/whats-really-in-american... The answer to your second question is: Texture. The way process (not "processed") cheese melts is definitely different than similar cheeses. There's a gooeyness and meltability that's unique for applications like a grilled cheese or burger, and good process cheese is just cheese that's been melted with a few salts. It turns out there are many different American cheeses: Pasteurized Process Cheese - Various cheeses melted together with an emulsifying agent. Pasteurized Process Cheese Food - Mostly cheese, but with a higher % of 'the other stuff'. Pasteurized Process American Slices - Not actually cheese. A vegetable oil horrorshow.