Bushra Griffith
Utz Cheese Balls are marketed as a tangy, party snack. They are gluten-free, free of hydrogenated oils and trans fats, and contain 150 calories per serving. However, they contain monosodium glutamate and ingredients derived from animals that may have been treated with antibiotics and growth promoters. The cheese balls have also been criticized for their unnatural neon colour, which tends to leave an orange residue on the hands. So, are Utz Cheese Balls healthy?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 32 balls |
| Calories | 150 |
| Calories from Fat | 81 |
| Fat | 9g |
| Carbs | 16g |
| Gluten-Free | Yes, but no longer certified |
| Contains Trans Fats | Yes |
| Contains Refined Oils | Yes |
| Contains Monosodium Glutamate | Yes |
| Contains Antibiotics/Growth Promoters | Possibly |
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What You'll Learn
Utz Cheese Balls contain artificial trans fats
Utz Cheese Balls are a popular snack, but are they healthy? While they are gluten-free and free of hydrogenated oils and trans fats, they do contain artificial trans fats, which are considered unhealthy.
Artificial trans fats are generated in refined oils when they are processed at high temperatures from crude oil to create a bland, odourless, colourless oil. This processing can leave a residue, as evidenced by the famous orange hue that those who eat Utz Cheese Balls find on their hands and other surfaces. While this may be a fun colour, it is not natural and indicates the presence of artificial ingredients.
Utz Cheese Balls are made with corn oil, which contains small amounts of artificial trans fats. These contribute to the total intake of trans fat in the diet and can have negative health effects. The World Health Organization recommends limiting trans fat intake to less than 1 to 2 grams per day. While the amount of trans fats in Utz Cheese Balls may seem small, it can add up and contribute significantly to one's daily intake.
In addition to the trans fats, Utz Cheese Balls have also been criticised for their use of "added flavours" and ingredients derived from animals that may have been treated with antibiotics and growth promoters. The specific chemicals used to create the added flavours are not disclosed, which is a concern for those with unusual food allergies or restricted diets. While the cheese balls may be a tasty treat, they are highly processed and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Overall, while Utz Cheese Balls may be a fun and tangy snack, they do contain artificial trans fats and other questionable ingredients. As with all junk food, they should be enjoyed sparingly and not considered a staple of one's diet.
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They are gluten-free, but there is a risk of cross-contamination
While Utz cheese balls are free of hydrogenated oils and trans fats, they are not entirely healthy. They are, however, gluten-free. The autolyzed yeast extract used in the product is corn-based, so no gluten is added. However, the facility in which the product is manufactured does contain gluten, and there is a chance for cross-contamination.
Utz can no longer certify the product as gluten-free, as they do not have an exact measure of gluten levels. In the past, the gluten in a container was less than 20 PPM, but now it must be precisely measured. While the company follows all GMP regulations, those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance may want to exercise caution.
The product also contains monosodium glutamate, which may be concerning to some consumers. In addition, the cheese balls include ingredients derived from animals that may have been treated with antibiotics and artificial growth promoters. The "flavors" in the product are also secret mixtures of chemicals, which is a concern for those with unusual food allergies or restricted diets.
The Utz cheese balls have been criticized for their nutritional content and processing concerns. They contain corn oil, which can contribute small amounts of unhealthy artificial trans fats. A serving size of 32 balls contains 150 calories, 81 calories from fat, 9g of fat, and 16g of carbs. While the cheese balls may be a tasty treat, they should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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The product contains 150 calories per serving
Utz Cheese Balls are a popular snack, often served at parties. A serving size of 32 balls contains 150 calories, with 81 of those calories derived from fat. The snack also contains 9g of fat and 16g of carbohydrates. While they are often marketed as a tangy, mouthwatering treat, it's important to consider the nutritional value and ingredients of these cheese balls.
The product's score, as assessed by EWG's Food Scores, takes into account nutrition, ingredient concerns, and the degree of processing. Utz Cheese Balls contain ingredients that may contribute small amounts of unhealthy artificial trans fats, such as corn oil. While the product is free of hydrogenated oils and trans fats, it's important to note that the World Health Organization recommends limiting trans fat intake to less than 1 to 2 grams per day.
In addition, the cheese balls contain monosodium glutamate (MSG), which may be a concern for some consumers. MSG is a flavour enhancer that can be found in many processed foods, and some individuals may experience sensitivity or adverse reactions to it. Furthermore, the product includes ingredients derived from animals that may have been treated with antibiotics and/or growth promoters, such as cheese, milk, cream, and butter.
While Utz Cheese Balls may be a tasty snack, it's important to consume them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The product's relatively high-calorie count and the presence of artificial trans fats and MSG are considerations for those aiming for a healthy diet. However, as an occasional treat or when served in small portions, they can be enjoyed as a tangy and palatable snack option.
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The cheese used may be from animals treated with antibiotics
While Utz cheese balls are gluten-free, they contain ingredients derived from animals that may have been treated with antibiotics and artificial growth promoters. This includes cheddar cheese, milk, cream, butter, and cheese culture.
The potential presence of antibiotics in the cheese used to make Utz cheese balls is a concern for several reasons. Firstly, the use of antibiotics in animal agriculture can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which poses a significant threat to public health. When antibiotics are overused or misused, bacteria can develop resistance, making infections caused by these bacteria more difficult to treat. This contributes to the growing global health crisis of antibiotic resistance, where common infections are becoming increasingly challenging to manage due to a lack of effective antibiotics.
Additionally, the consumption of cheese made from animals treated with antibiotics can have potential health risks. While the antibiotics themselves may not be directly harmful, they can contribute to an imbalance in the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome refers to the diverse population of microorganisms that inhabit the digestive tract and play a crucial role in maintaining overall health. Antibiotics can disrupt this delicate balance by killing off not only harmful bacteria but also beneficial bacteria that are essential for digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function. This disruption can lead to digestive issues, decreased nutrient absorption, and a weakened immune system, potentially increasing the risk of infections and other health problems.
Furthermore, the use of antibiotics in animal agriculture is often associated with intensive farming practices that prioritize efficiency and profit over animal welfare. Animals raised in these conditions may be subjected to crowded and stressful environments, which can compromise their overall health and well-being. This can result in a higher risk of disease, leading to a greater reliance on antibiotics to prevent and treat infections. This cycle contributes to the overuse of antibiotics and further fuels the issue of antibiotic resistance.
It is worth noting that the presence of antibiotics in the cheese used for Utz cheese balls may not be a direct health hazard for consumers, especially if consumed in moderation. However, it raises important ethical and sustainability concerns regarding the treatment of animals in the food industry and the potential impact on public health. Consumers who prioritize sustainable and ethical food choices may opt for products that adhere to higher animal welfare standards and responsible antibiotic stewardship.
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The fluorescent orange colour is likely unnatural
The fluorescent orange colour of Utz Cheese Balls is unlikely to be natural. While the exact method of achieving this colour is unknown, it is probably the result of artificial additives or processing. This is supported by the fact that the cheese balls leave an orange residue on hands, clothing, and other surfaces, indicating that the colour is not just surface-level but rather infused into the product.
Utz Cheese Balls have been described as having a "brilliant neon colour" and "fluorescent orange morsels." This unnatural colour is likely the result of artificial additives or processing, which is a common practice in the food industry to enhance the visual appeal of products. While the specific additives or processes used to create this colour are not disclosed by the manufacturer, it is safe to assume that they are not naturally occurring.
One of the concerns regarding the fluorescent orange colour is the potential presence of artificial colours or dyes. These additives are often used to enhance the appearance of food products and can be derived from synthetic sources. While some artificial colours are generally recognized as safe by regulatory agencies, there are still concerns about their potential health impacts, especially for certain individuals with allergies or sensitivities.
Additionally, the fluorescent orange colour may be indicative of artificial processing methods used during the production of Utz Cheese Balls. High-temperature processing or exposure to certain chemicals during manufacturing can alter the colour and composition of the product, resulting in an unnaturally bright hue. This processing can also affect the nutritional profile of the cheese balls, potentially reducing the availability of certain nutrients and affecting their overall healthfulness.
Furthermore, the fluorescent orange colour may be a result of the ingredients used in the cheese balls. While the full list of ingredients is not publicly available, we do know that the product contains cheese, milk, cream, butter, and cheese culture. It is possible that the combination of these ingredients, along with added flavours and preservatives, contributes to the unnatural colour. Some of these ingredients may undergo additional processing or treatment, such as the use of antibiotics or growth promoters in dairy cattle, which could impact the final colour of the product.
In conclusion, the fluorescent orange colour of Utz Cheese Balls is likely unnatural and the result of artificial additives, processing methods, or a combination of ingredients. While the exact means of achieving this colour remains a mystery, it raises concerns about the potential health implications and underscores the importance of transparent ingredient labelling and disclosure of processing methods by food manufacturers.
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