Bushra Griffith
Kraft Singles, the individually-sliced cheese slices, are a popular food item, especially for children. However, they have been criticised for being unhealthy. Kraft Singles are considered a processed food product with high amounts of preservatives, fat, sodium, sugar, and colourants. While they do contain calcium, the negatives are thought to outweigh the positives. The product has also been criticised for its misleading packaging and labelling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are cheese singles real cheese? | No, they are a "cheese product" or "pasteurized processed cheese food". |
| How much real cheese do they contain? | Less than 51% |
| Are they healthy for children? | They are considered a health food by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and have the "Kids Eat Right" label. However, critics argue that this endorsement is influenced by financial ties between AND and Kraft. |
| What are some unhealthy ingredients in cheese singles? | High amounts of preservatives, fat, sodium, sugar, colorants, and vegetable oils. |
| Are there healthier alternatives? | Yes, there are certified organic cheese singles with shorter ingredient lists that are lower in calories and fat. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese singles are highly processed
Cheese singles, such as Kraft Singles, are highly processed. Kraft Singles were invented to never expire, and they don't curl, stick together, or harden. Kraft Singles are made from a combination of old cheeses, emulsifiers, and other ingredients to create a perfect meltiness. The long list of ingredients in Kraft Singles includes preservatives and additives like sodium citrate, calcium phosphate, vegetable oils, and milk protein concentrate. These additives and preservatives can have negative health impacts when overconsumed, such as causing high blood pressure, hypertension, and heart disease.
The high level of processing in cheese singles means that they are not considered "real cheese." According to the FDA, for a product to be classified as "cheese," it must be made with at least 51% real cheese. Kraft Singles contain less than 51% curds or cheese, and are therefore labeled as a "cheese product" or "cheese food."
Despite the high level of processing and the presence of additives and preservatives, Kraft Singles have been labeled as a health food by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) as part of their "Kids Eat Right" campaign. This label has been criticized by some, who argue that the negatives of Kraft Singles outweigh the positives, and that the partnership may be financially motivated.
While cheese singles are highly processed, they are still a popular choice for consumers due to their convenience, consistency, and meltability. However, there are alternative cheese options available with shorter ingredient lists that are less processed, such as organic cheese slices made from organic cheddar cheese, salt, and microbial enzymes.
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They contain additives and preservatives
While cheese singles are convenient and tasty, they are highly processed and contain additives and preservatives. These additives and preservatives can have negative health impacts, and it is important to be aware of their potential risks.
Kraft Singles, for example, have been criticised for their high preservative content. While the company has made efforts to remove artificial preservatives, they have replaced them with other preservatives, such as natamycin, which may still have unknown effects on the body. Additionally, cheese singles often contain additives like sodium citrate, calcium phosphate, and vegetable oils, which have been linked to an increased risk of clogged arteries, obesity, and other health issues.
The high sodium content in cheese singles is also a cause for concern. Excessive sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure, hypertension, and heart disease. Furthermore, cheese singles are often loaded with unhealthy fats, which can contribute to cardiovascular problems and other health issues.
It is worth noting that the FDA does not consider cheese singles as "cheese" due to their low percentage of real cheese content. These products are often labelled as ""cheese food" or "cheese product", indicating that they are highly processed and may not provide the same nutritional benefits as natural cheese.
When it comes to choosing cheese, it is always best to opt for natural, minimally processed varieties. While cheese singles may be convenient and appealing, especially for children, it is important to be mindful of their additive and preservative content and make informed choices to maintain a healthy diet.
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Cheese singles are high in sodium
While cheese singles are convenient and tasty, they are highly processed and contain high levels of sodium. Sodium, or salt, is added to cheese singles to enhance flavour and act as a preservative. However, excessive sodium intake can lead to negative health consequences.
Cheese singles, such as Kraft Singles, have been criticised by health experts for their high sodium content. A single slice of Kraft cheese can contain up to 320-350 mg of sodium, which is significantly higher than the recommended daily intake. Excessive sodium consumption can lead to increased blood pressure, hypertension, and even heart disease.
The high sodium content in cheese singles is often a result of the manufacturing process and the use of preservatives. Sodium-based preservatives, such as sodium citrate and sodium phosphate, are commonly used in cheese singles to extend their shelf life and maintain their texture and flavour. While these preservatives ensure the product's longevity, they contribute to the overall high sodium levels.
It is important to note that sodium occurs naturally in cheese due to the presence of milk and cheese cultures. However, in cheese singles, the sodium levels are often amplified by the addition of preservatives and processing techniques. This makes cheese singles a less healthy option compared to natural cheese varieties.
When considering cheese singles as a snack or ingredient, it is essential to be mindful of the sodium content. While they may be convenient and appealing, the high sodium levels can contribute to negative health effects over time. It is recommended to opt for natural cheese varieties with shorter ingredient lists or choose certified organic cheese singles with lower sodium content.
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They don't meet the FDA's definition of cheese
Cheese singles, such as Kraft Singles, are not considered "cheese" by the FDA. To meet the FDA's definition of "cheese", a product must be made with at least 51% real cheese or pressed curds of milk. Kraft Singles are made with less than 51% real cheese, and therefore do not meet this standard. Instead, they are considered a "cheese product" or "cheese food".
The ingredients in Kraft Singles include preservatives and additives like sodium citrate, calcium phosphate, and lactic acid, as well as milk protein concentrate and modified food starch. These ingredients contribute to the odd consistency and behaviour of the product, which does not act like natural cheese.
The high amount of preservatives, fat, sodium, sugar, and colourants in Kraft Singles have drawn criticism from health critics. The product has a high sodium count of 350 mg per serving and a long ingredient list, which may indicate that it is highly processed.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) has approved Kraft Singles as a health food with its "Kids Eat Right" label. However, this approval has been controversial. Critics argue that the label is misleading, as Kraft Singles are not a healthy option for children. While the product does contain calcium, it is also loaded with unhealthy additives and preservatives that can have negative health effects.
In summary, cheese singles like Kraft Singles do not meet the FDA's definition of "cheese" due to their low percentage of real cheese. They are highly processed and contain numerous additives and preservatives that may have negative health impacts. While they have been approved as a health food by the AND, this approval is disputed and should be approached with caution.
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Cheese singles are high in fat
While cheese singles are convenient and tasty, they are highly processed and contain high levels of fat. The fat content of cheese singles is a cause for concern, as consuming too much fat can have negative health consequences.
Cheese singles, such as Kraft Singles, are often marketed as a healthy and convenient option for consumers, particularly for children's lunches and snacks. However, it is important to recognise that these products are highly processed and may contain high levels of fat that can impact health.
The fat content in cheese singles can vary, but it is generally considered high when compared to other types of cheese. For example, American cheese, a popular variety of cheese single, contains 10 grams of fat per 1-ounce serving. This is significantly higher than the 6 grams of fat found in the same serving size of mozzarella cheese.
The high fat content in cheese singles can have several negative impacts on health. Firstly, it can contribute to weight gain and obesity. Fat is a dense source of calories, and consuming excess calories can lead to weight gain over time. Additionally, the type of fat found in cheese singles may be of concern. Some cheese singles contain vegetable oils, which can be high in unhealthy fats. Consuming large amounts of these fats can increase the risk of clogged arteries, obesity, and other cardiovascular issues.
It is worth noting that not all fats are inherently bad, and some types of fat can be beneficial when consumed in moderation. However, the fat profile of cheese singles may not align with a balanced diet. When considering the inclusion of cheese singles in one's diet, it is essential to be mindful of the overall fat intake and to prioritise consuming healthy fats from whole food sources, such as nuts, seeds, and avocados.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese singles are considered a processed food product and contain preservatives, fat, sodium, sugar, and colorants. They are also high in sodium and have a long list of ingredients, which may be a concern for those trying to eat clean and avoid processed foods. However, they are a good source of calcium and vitamin D, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has approved them as part of their "Kids Eat Right" campaign.
The ingredients in cheese singles vary by brand. Kraft Singles, for example, include cheddar cheese, whey, water, protein concentrate, milk, sodium citrate, calcium phosphate, milkfat, gelatin, salt, sodium phosphate, lactic acid (as a preservative), annatto and paprika extract (for color), enzymes, Vitamin A palmitate, cheese culture, and Vitamin D3.
Cheese singles are not considered "real cheese" by the FDA because they contain less than 51% real cheese. Instead, they are labeled as a "cheese product" or "cheese food."
Cheese singles are a convenient and shelf-stable source of calcium and vitamin D. They are also low in calories, with only 60 calories per slice for some brands.
Yes, there are healthier alternatives to cheese singles. Look for options with shorter ingredient lists that include mainly milk, cheese, and salt. Some organic slices have only three ingredients: organic cheddar cheese, salt, and microbial enzymes.
