Frederic Melton
Lunchables are a popular snack food item, often enjoyed by children, that combines meat, cheese, and crackers in a convenient package. However, there has been some controversy and mixed opinions regarding the authenticity of the cheese used in Lunchables. While some claim that Lunchables used to contain real cheddar cheese, others argue that it is mostly made of vegetable oil with only a small amount of actual cheese. This has sparked discussions about the role of branding and marketing in influencing consumer expectations and perceptions of food products. The controversy has also led some people to create their own homemade versions of Lunchables, which they claim taste better and are more cost-effective.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Real cheese | No, it's mostly vegetable oil with some actual cheese |
| Type of cheese | Pasteurized prepared cheddar cheese product |
| Ingredients | Milk, water, milk protein concentrate, milkfat, whey protein concentrate, sodium citrate, salt, lactic acid, sorbic acid (as a preservative), cheese culture, enzymes, oleoresin paprika (color), annatto (color), sunflower lecithin for slice separation |
| Weight | 4.5 ounce |
| Number of servings | 16 per case |
| Customer reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars with 2400 reviews |
| Availability | Target, Amazon |
| Manufacturer | Kraft Oscar Mayer |
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What You'll Learn
Kraft Oscar Mayer Lunchables Turkey and Cheddar Cheese
However, it is worth noting that some consumers have expressed disappointment with the product's cheese component. While the cheese is marketed as "cheddar," it is not made entirely of cheddar cheese. The ingredients list on Amazon.com reveals that the cheese contains milk, water, milk protein concentrate, milkfat, whey protein concentrate, sodium citrate, salt, lactic acid, sorbic acid as a preservative, cheese culture, enzymes, and colours. This suggests that while the product may contain some cheddar cheese, it also includes other ingredients to modify its texture, preserve it, and enhance its colour.
In fact, some consumers have gone as far as to claim that Lunchables no longer uses "real" cheese at all. A 2013 Reddit post asserts that Lunchables used to offer real cheddar and Swiss cheese about 5 to 10 years before, but no longer does so. Instead, the cheese is now described as being "real in the way that platypus and venus flytraps are real," indicating that it may be highly processed and contain mostly vegetable oil with only a small amount of actual cheese.
Despite this criticism, the Kraft Oscar Mayer Lunchables Turkey and Cheddar Cheese product remains a popular choice for those seeking a convenient and tasty meal option. The product is marketed towards children, offering them the fun of building their own meal, and it is available in packs of 16, with each Lunchable weighing 4.5 ounces.
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History of using real cheddar
The history of using real cheddar in Lunchables is a bit murky and hard to trace. However, based on information gathered from various sources, we can piece together a rough timeline.
Lunchables, a product of Kraft Oscar Mayer, have been around for quite some time and have gone through several changes. According to sources, Lunchables used to contain real cheddar cheese about 5 to 10 years before 2013. This means that up until around 2008, real cheddar cheese was a part of the Lunchables experience.
During that time, consumers could enjoy the taste of actual cheddar cheese in their Lunchables, paired with options like turkey and crackers. However, as time went on, the formula for Lunchables seems to have changed, and the product evolved.
In more recent years, starting possibly around 2013 or even earlier, reports started surfacing that Lunchables no longer used real cheese. The product transitioned to a "pasteurized prepared cheddar cheese product," which included ingredients like vegetable oil and other additives, giving it a more processed nature.
This change sparked disappointment among some consumers who recalled enjoying real cheddar in their Lunchables during their childhood. The shift to a less authentic cheese product is a decision often made by food manufacturers to extend the product's shelf life and reduce costs.
Despite the change, Lunchables continue to be a popular choice for convenient meals, and the brand has expanded its offerings beyond the traditional crackers, meat, and cheese combinations. While the history of real cheddar in Lunchables may be a thing of the past, the product remains a staple in the world of quick and easy meals.
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Manufacturing errors
While Lunchables are marketed as containing cheddar cheese, some consumers have expressed doubts about the authenticity of the cheese. The product's ingredients list describes the cheese as a "pasteurized prepared cheddar cheese product", which includes not only milk, but also water, milk protein concentrate, milkfat, whey protein concentrate, sodium citrate, salt, lactic acid, sorbic acid as a preservative, cheese culture, and enzymes. This suggests that the cheese in Lunchables may be a processed version of cheddar cheese, rather than a purely natural product.
In response to the Reddit post, some users suggested that the issue could be due to shrinkflation, where companies quietly reduce the size or quantity of a product while keeping the price the same. This practice is often done to maintain profitability during periods of inflation or increasing production costs. While it is unclear if shrinkflation is the definitive cause in this case, it is a possibility that may explain the discrepancy in the amount of cheese in Lunchables.
To address manufacturing errors and ensure product quality, consumers can take several steps. Firstly, they can refer to the weight listed on the front of the package and compare it to the actual weight of the product they received. If there is a significant discrepancy, they can contact the company and provide feedback or request a replacement. Additionally, consumers can opt for homemade alternatives to Lunchables, allowing them to have more control over the ingredients and portions included in their meals.
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Homemade alternatives
To make a DIY Lunchable, all you need is a bento box or a similar container with compartments. You can use silicone cupcake moulds to separate foods and keep them fresh. The formula for a balanced lunch is simple: include two proteins, one carb, one or two fruits or vegetables, and a drink. You can also add a small dessert or treat.
For protein, meat and cheese are great options. You can use any type of meat, such as salami, turkey slices, or chicken. If you are vegetarian, you can use dairy-free cheese or any other plant-based protein source. Crackers are a good source of carbs, and you can experiment with different types, such as gluten-free crackers.
When it comes to fruits and vegetables, the options are endless. You can add grapes, apple slices, peach slices, blueberries, or clementines, or try vegetables like carrots, broccoli, cucumbers, or bell peppers. If you want to make pizza-style Lunchables, you can add marinara sauce, cheese, and mini pepperonis, with pita flatbreads for the crust.
By making your own Lunchables, you can ensure that your lunch is healthy, balanced, and tailored to your tastes. It's a fun and creative way to enjoy a homemade meal on the go.
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Ingredients
According to Amazon, the Kraft Oscar Mayer Lunchables Turkey and Cheddar Cheese product contains pasteurized prepared cheddar cheese. The full list of ingredients for the cheese component is as follows:
- Milk
- Water
- Milk protein concentrate
- Milkfat
- Whey protein concentrate
- Sodium citrate
- Salt
- Lactic acid
- Sorbic acid (as a preservative)
- Cheese culture
- Enzymes
- Oleoresin paprika (color)
- Annatto (color)
- Sunflower lecithin (for slice separation)
In addition to the cheese, the Lunchables product also includes turkey and crackers. The ingredients for these components are listed below:
Turkey:
- Roast white turkey
- Water
- Potassium lactate
- Modified cornstarch
- Dextrose
- Carrageenan
- Salt
- Sodium phosphates
- Potassium chloride
- Sodium diacetate
- Flavor
- Sodium ascorbate
- Smoke flavor
- Sodium nitrite
- Natural and artificial flavor
Crackers:
- Enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid)
- Palm oil
- Sugar
- Salt
- Baking soda
- Whey (from milk)
- Soy lecithin
- Natural flavor
It is worth noting that some people have expressed doubts about the authenticity of the cheese in Lunchables products, claiming that it is not "real" cheese. One source suggests that the cheese may contain mostly vegetable oil with some actual cheese. However, the ingredient list on Amazon indicates that the cheese is made with a variety of dairy-derived ingredients, including milk, milk protein concentrate, milkfat, and whey protein concentrate.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Lunchables cheese is pasteurized prepared cheddar cheese. However, it also contains other ingredients such as milk protein concentrate, milkfat, whey protein concentrate, and preservatives.
Lunchables also offers Swiss cheese in some of its products.
Yes, you can create your own homemade Lunchables with your choice of cheese. Pita bread, pepperoni, and homemade sauce are some popular options.
Lunchables contain processed cheese and meat, which may not be considered the healthiest option. However, they can be a convenient and occasional quick meal for kids.
You can buy Lunchables at various retailers, including Target and Amazon.
