Americans shocked after only just realizing American cheese isn't actually American

Now, you would imagine that something called American cheese would originate from the States – but it turns out the well-loved cheese was made elsewhere.

You're likely to find a pack of American cheese in almost all US residents' fridges as the dairy product is so easy to use and is pretty darn tasty.

Whether it's for a grilled cheese sandwich, to put on top of a burger, or simply to snack on, American cheese is a favorite among many.

Anyone else's mouth watering? (Getty Stock Image)

Though it may be named 'American cheese', it turns out the it doesn't originate from the US. In fact, it's not even from a nearby country.

It's actually believed to have originated in Europe - Switzerland, to be more precise.

Chef and TV personality Andrew Gruel previously tweeted: "American cheese is actually Swiss. It’s commonly connected to America due to it’s name but it was created in 1911 by two food chemists - Walter Gerber and Fritz Stettler. They were attempting to lengthen the shelf life of cheese."

"We owe these men a lot," he added, and he's not wrong.

As to how it ended up being popular in the States, apparently the first immigrants brought it with them, says The Wisconsin Cheeseman.

American cheese is actually Swiss. It’s commonly connected to America due to it’s name but it was created in 1911 by two food chemists - Walter Gerber and Fritz Stettler. They were attempting to lengthen the shelf life of cheese. We owe these men a lot. pic.twitter.com/PAQ8uqzjHY

— Chef Andrew Gruel (@ChefGruel) August 31, 2023

Elsewhere it's said that American cheese 'has Swiss DNA'.

Speaking about Gerber and Stettler, The Retroist writes: "The story of American cheese's evolution has some Swiss DNA.

"In 1911, Swiss cheese innovators Walter Gerber and Fritz Stettler experimented with Emmentaler, resulting in a cheese with an extended shelf life and a smoother texture."

In light of the news of American cheese not being American, people shared their surprise.

One person replied to Gruel's 2023 tweet: "I had no idea! Thanks for the info Chef."

Someone else quipped: "Get outta here… I suppose the Statue of Liberty was manufactured in France too? Gimme a break."

FYI, the Statue of Liberty was indeed made in France.

A third pondered at the news: "So American cheese is Swiss cheese with preservatives. Sounds very American to me."

American cheese is often put on burgers (Getty Stock Images)

Adding another spanner to the works, it's said that American cheese can't actually be classed as an 'cheese' because it's not 100 percent cheese — is the word cheese sounding weird now to you, too?

As per Cheese.com, American cheese is made of blend of milk, milk fats, and other ingredients such as whey protein concentrate, milk protein concentrate, and preservatives.

What is it known as if it's not a 'cheese' then, I hear you ask? Allegedly its official title is 'pasteurized process cheese food'.

You learn something new every day, folks.

• Step aside Walmart and Target, only one US store is stocking this limited edition Doritos flavour
• Culinary expert explains what the fourth side of the cheese grater is actually used for
• 20-year-old Walmart receipt shows just how expensive food has got in USA
• FDA recalls cream cheese with highest warning for 'serious adverse health consequences or death'