Bushra Griffith
Sandwich singles are a convenient and tasty option for cheese lovers, but are they made with real cheese? The answer is a little complicated. While some brands like Kraft Singles are made with a significant amount of real cheese (around 60%), they also contain other artificial ingredients, preventing them from being classified as cheese according to FDA regulations, which require a product to be made with at least 51% real cheese to earn the label. These additional ingredients are often emulsifiers, preservatives, and food coloring, which give the cheese its signature melt and extended shelf life. However, there are alternatives available, and some brands offer sandwich singles made with 100% real cheese, providing consumers with a more natural option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are sandwich singles made with real cheese? | Yes and no. |
| Percentage of real cheese in sandwich singles | 51% to 100% |
| Examples of sandwich singles with 100% real cheese | Sargento's sliced Provolone, Horizon Organic Singles, Organic Valley |
| Examples of sandwich singles with less than 100% real cheese | Kraft Singles, Easi-singles, Deli Deluxe |
| Ingredients in Kraft Singles | Milk, whey, milk protein concentrate, milk fat, sodium phosphate, sorbic acid, paprika extract, whey protein concentrate, sodium hydroxylated, emulsifiers, preservatives |
| Calories in Kraft Singles | 60 |
| Calories in Sargento's sliced Provolone | 70 |
| Calories in Horizon Organic Singles | 80 |
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What You'll Learn
Kraft Singles: Real Cheese or Cheese Food Product?
Kraft Singles are a staple for many people. They are individually wrapped slices of "American cheese" that are easy to use for sandwiches or grilled cheese. Despite their flavour and appearance, Kraft Singles are not legally considered "real cheese".
So, what is real cheese? According to the FDA, for a product to earn the "cheese" label, it needs to be made with at least 51% real cheese. Real cheese is made from milk, rennet, and salt. Kraft Singles contain about 60% cheese, with the rest made up of other ingredients like whey, milk protein concentrate, milkfat, sodium phosphate, sorbic acid, and paprika extract.
The inclusion of these additional ingredients means that Kraft Singles cannot be legally labelled as "cheese". Instead, they are classified as a cheese food product or pasteurized processed cheese food. This type of processed cheese is made from a blend of natural cheese and other ingredients, such as emulsifiers and food colouring, and has a mild flavour and a soft, creamy texture.
While Kraft Singles may not be considered "real cheese", they are still a popular and convenient option for those looking for a quick and easy snack or ingredient. They have a long shelf life and are a good source of calcium and protein.
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What Are the Best Cheese Singles?
The term "cheese singles" typically refers to processed cheese slices, which are individually wrapped and designed for convenience. While some brands of sandwich singles are made with 100% real cheese, others are made with a combination of real cheese and artificial ingredients.
When choosing cheese singles, it is important to read the ingredient list carefully. Many products labelled as "cheese singles" are not actually classified as “cheese” but rather as “cheese food” or “cheese product”. According to the FDA, for a product to be labelled as "cheese", it must be made with at least 51% real cheese.
Some popular brands of cheese singles include Kraft Singles and Sargento's Sliced Provolone. Kraft Singles are made with about 60% cheese, while Sargento's Provolone slices are made with only milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes, and have a low sodium content. Another option is Horizon Organic, which offers certified organic slices with only three ingredients: organic cheddar cheese, salt, and microbial enzymes. This company also stands out for its eco-friendly practices, such as pledging to go carbon-positive by 2025.
When selecting cheese singles, it is recommended to look for products with low levels of fat and sodium, without compromising on ingredient quality. It is important to avoid products that use corn syrup solids and gelatin to mimic the texture and meltability of fattier cheeses. Additionally, those sensitive to added flavours may want to avoid products with natural smoke flavour.
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What Is American Cheese?
American cheese is a type of processed cheese made from a blend of natural cheese and other ingredients, such as emulsifiers and food colouring. It is a pasteurized cheese product, which means it has been freshly pasteurized. It has a mild flavour and a soft, creamy texture, and it is often used as a sandwich filling or as a topping for crackers and burgers. It is also a high-quality source of calcium and protein, and its extended shelf life makes it an excellent addition to any diet.
While some brands of American cheese, such as Kraft Singles, are made with a combination of real cheese and artificial ingredients, others are made with 100% real cheese. Kraft Singles, for example, are made with about 60% cheese, while other brands, such as Easi-singles, contain up to 98% real cheese. According to the FDA, for a product to earn the "cheese" label, it needs to be made with at least 51% real cheese.
The history of American cheese can be traced back to the 1940s when Kraft Foods first introduced Kraft Singles, which are individually wrapped slices of American cheese. The process of making American cheese was invented by Kraft, who melted down all the unusable pieces of cheese and blended them with other ingredients to create single slices. Despite their flavour and appearance, Kraft Singles are not technically considered cheese and are instead labelled as a "cheese food product".
American cheese has become a staple in many households due to its convenience and versatility. It is often used in grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and cold sandwiches. However, some people may prefer other brands of American cheese, such as Deli Deluxe, which offers thicker slices with a smoother consistency that doesn't become grainy when cooked. Other recommended brands include Trader Joe's, Land O' Lakes, and Boar's Head, which is known for its "'real cheese' texture" and mild, smooth flavour.
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How to Identify Real Cheese
In a world filled with processed foods, it can be challenging to identify real cheese. The term "cheese" is strictly regulated by the FDA, which mandates that a product must contain at least 51% real cheese to be labelled as such. Products that do not meet this threshold are often labelled as "cheese food" or "cheese product".
To identify real cheese, it is essential to read the ingredient label. Real cheese is made from milk, rennet, and salt, and may include cheese cultures and enzymes. On the other hand, processed cheese products often contain additional ingredients like emulsifiers, preservatives, whey protein concentrate, sodium hydroxylated, and food colouring. These extra ingredients help the product melt and extend its shelf life.
When shopping for cheese, it is important to consider your priorities. If you are seeking the most authentic cheese flavour and texture, opting for products with minimal ingredients and high real cheese content is advisable. For example, Sargento's sliced Provolone is made with only milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes, delivering an authentic cheese experience. Similarly, Horizon Organic Singles are certified organic and contain only three ingredients: organic cheddar cheese, salt, and microbial enzymes.
On the other hand, if convenience and meltability are your priorities, processed cheese products like Kraft Singles might suit your needs. While they are not considered real cheese due to their blend of cheese and artificial ingredients, they offer ease of use and a melting texture ideal for sandwiches and grilled cheese. Additionally, they often provide a longer shelf life than real cheese.
Lastly, if you desire the best of both worlds, there are options that offer a compromise. For instance, Deli Deluxe by Kraft offers thicker slices with a smoother texture that doesn't turn grainy when cooked. This product provides an upgrade in quality while retaining the convenience of Kraft Singles.
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Alternatives to Kraft Singles
Kraft Singles are made with about 60% cheese, with the rest being artificial ingredients such as emulsifiers, preservatives, sodium hydroxylated, and whey protein concentrate. While Kraft Singles are popular and melty, they are not the healthiest option due to their high levels of sodium and fat.
If you're looking for alternatives to Kraft Singles, here are some options to consider:
- Gouda or Havarti: These cheeses can be a great substitute for Kraft Singles in sandwiches and burgers.
- Shredded cheese blend or cream cheese: A shredded cheese blend or cream cheese can add a similar creaminess to your sandwiches.
- Gruyere: If you're looking for a cheese with a stronger flavour, try melting some gruyere on your sandwiches.
- Mild Cheddar: Cheddar is a classic option that can be easily found in most delis and grocery stores. Look for slices from brands like Sargento or Boars Head.
- Mozzarella: Freshly sliced mozzarella, similar to the kind used in caprese salads, can be a tasty addition to your sandwiches.
- Muenster: If you're craving the texture and taste of American cheese slices, Muenster is a great option.
- Provolone: Provolone is another type of cheese that melts well and has a similar texture to Kraft Singles.
- Colby Jack or Pepper Jack: These cheeses can add a bit of spice to your sandwiches while still providing that melty texture.
- Sargento's Sliced Provolone: This option has only 70 calories per slice and 5 grams of fat, making it a relatively lighter option compared to Kraft Singles.
- Applegate: Applegate's cheese slices are made with basic ingredients like milk, cheese culture, salt, and non-animal enzymes. They have more calories and fat than some other slices, but they stand out for their lower sodium count and zero grams of carbs and sugar.
- Horizon Organic: These certified organic slices have only 60 calories per slice and are made with just three ingredients: organic cheddar cheese, salt, and microbial enzymes. The company also stands out for its eco-friendly practices, including a pledge to go carbon positive by 2025.
- Kroger's Simple Truth Organic: These American cheese singles are low in calories (also 60 calories) but have a higher sodium content of 240 mg. They are a good option if you're looking for gooey, melty American cheese.
When choosing cheese singles, it's important to read the ingredient list. Look for products that are labelled as "cheese" rather than "cheese food" or "cheese product". Opt for slices with shorter ingredient lists that include milk, cheese, and salt, and avoid those with hydrogenated vegetable oil, food colouring, and corn syrup solids.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the brand. Some brands, like Kraft Singles, are made with 60% to 98% real cheese, while others are made with a combination of real cheese and artificial ingredients.
Sandwich singles that aren't made with real cheese are often made with other ingredients like emulsifiers, preservatives, and food colouring. These help the product melt and last longer.
Yes, some brands of sandwich singles are made with 100% real cheese. For example, Sargento's sliced Provolone is made with only milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes.
