Bushra Griffith
Block cheese and processed cheese have different melting properties. Block cheese has no added ingredients, while pre-shredded processed cheese contains additives like potato starch, corn starch, powdered cellulose, and natamycin to prevent clumping and sticking. These additives affect the melting capabilities of processed cheese, resulting in a different texture compared to block cheese. Block cheese melts better and forms a smoother sauce, especially in dishes like mac and cheese. Processed cheese may not melt as well or evenly, but it is designed with specific properties for various applications, such as spreadability or resistance to melting. The type of cheese also influences melting characteristics, with some cheeses, like mozzarella, having higher moisture content and melting more easily.
Does block cheese melt the same as processed cheese?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Block cheese has a smoother texture compared to processed cheese |
| Melting | Block cheese melts better than processed cheese |
| Additives | Processed cheese contains additives like emulsifiers/stabilizers, potato starch, corn starch, powdered cellulose, and Natamycin |
| Health | Block cheese is considered healthier as it contains no additives or preservatives |
| Taste | Both types of cheese will taste delicious, but block cheese may provide a better melting texture in certain recipes |
| Convenience | Processed cheese is more convenient as it comes pre-shredded and ready-to-use |
| Cost | Block cheese is generally more cost-effective than processed cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Block cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese
When making a dish that requires melted cheese, such as mac and cheese or a roux, it is recommended to opt for block cheese over pre-shredded cheese. By shredding your own cheese, you can achieve a smoother and creamier texture in your final dish. This is because freshly grated cheese lacks the additives found in pre-shredded cheese, resulting in a less clumpy and more uniform melt.
The melting capabilities of pre-shredded cheese may vary depending on the specific type of cheese and the additives used. For example, shredded mozzarella or a four-cheese blend can be convenient options for pizza, as the cheese doesn't need to melt together perfectly. However, for recipes that require a smooth and creamy cheese sauce, such as mac and cheese, block cheese is the superior choice.
In addition to melting capabilities, block cheese offers other advantages over pre-shredded cheese. Firstly, block cheese allows for better control over the price and quality of the product. Secondly, while block cheese requires an initial investment in shredding equipment and labour, it can ultimately be more cost-effective, as an 8 oz block of cheese yields more grated shreds than an 8 oz bag of pre-grated cheese. Lastly, block cheese is considered a whole food without additives or preservatives, making it a healthier option according to food and nutritional experts.
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Pre-shredded cheese contains additives
Pre-shredded cheese is a convenient option for many people, saving time with meal preparation and the hassle of cleaning a cheese grater. However, it is important to be aware that pre-shredded cheese contains additives that affect its texture and melting properties.
The additives in pre-shredded cheese serve several purposes, including reducing the likelihood of mould, yeast, and fungal growth, as well as preventing the cheese from sticking together in one big clump. The main additives used for this purpose are cellulose and potato starch. Cellulose, derived from wood pulp, and potato starch are both anti-caking agents that absorb moisture and keep the shredded cheese strands separate. While these additives are generally considered safe for consumption, some people may be sensitive to them, and they can affect the texture and melting behaviour of the cheese.
The presence of these additives means that pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly or evenly as cheese grated from a block. This can be particularly noticeable in dishes like mac and cheese, where a smooth and creamy sauce is desired. In such cases, it is recommended to use block cheese and grate it yourself to achieve the desired texture and melting properties.
On the other hand, there are certain dishes where the use of pre-shredded cheese may not make a significant difference. For example, shredded cheese is commonly used on pizza, and the slight variation in texture or melting behaviour may not be as noticeable. Ultimately, the decision to use pre-shredded cheese or block cheese depends on the specific recipe and your personal preference.
It is worth noting that the quality and brand of pre-shredded cheese can also impact its performance. Some brands may use higher levels of additives, which can further affect the melting properties. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the ingredient list and compare different brands to find one that suits your needs.
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Processed cheese is cheese-based but not technically cheese
Processed cheese is a product that contains cheese, but it is not technically cheese. It is typically made by puréeing cheese, adding emulsifiers or stabilizers, and reforming it into a new product. This process gives the cheese particular properties, such as being spreadable or meltable.
Processed cheese is designed to melt without the fat separating from the protein, resulting in a smooth, lump-free texture. This is achieved by adding a calcium-sequestering agent, often called an emulsifying salt, to prevent calcium from holding the casein network together. As a result, the casein molecules can better mix into the fat when melted, forming microscopic droplets instead of large lumps.
In terms of regulations, the term “cheese product” is unregulated and used for products that do not meet the standards for cheese. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines and regulates processed cheese under the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, Section 133 ("Cheeses and Cheese-Related Products").
Processed cheese has several advantages over natural cheese, including a longer shelf life, resistance to separating when cooked, and a uniform look and behaviour. It is also cheaper to produce and distribute, making it widely accessible and popular.
However, it is important to note that processed cheese is not 100% cheese. It typically contains around 50% cheese, with the remaining ingredients being non-cheese additives such as salt, food dyes, preservatives, extra dairy, emulsifiers, or other artificial ingredients. These additives can significantly alter the flavour and texture of the cheese, making it creamier and more consistent in flavour.
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Processed cheese is designed to have particular properties
Processed cheese is designed to have specific characteristics, such as spreadability, even melting, or resistance to melting, to suit various applications. For instance, Kraft Singles or Cheese Whiz are examples of processed cheese that is crafted to melt evenly. On the other hand, smoked processed cheese, like Hickory Farms' smoked cheddar, is formulated to resist melting, resulting in drier and firmer cheese slices that are ideal for sandwiches or crackers. The moisture content of cheese plays a crucial role in its melting properties, with higher moisture content facilitating better melting.
Processed cheese is often created by puréeing cheese, adding emulsifiers or stabilizers, and then reforming it. These added emulsifiers, such as those found in Velveeta and American cheese, prevent separation during melting, provided they are heated evenly without burning. This results in a consistent texture that is easily meltable and resolidified without altering its structure. The addition of emulsifiers is particularly evident in pre-shredded cheese, where they act as anti-clumping agents to prevent the cheese shreds from sticking together.
In contrast, block cheese is a whole food without any additives or preservatives, allowing for better melting capabilities. The absence of additives in block cheese means that heat can more effectively break down the protein molecules, resulting in a smoother and creamier texture. This makes block cheese particularly well-suited for dishes like mac and cheese, where a smooth and creamy sauce is desired. However, it requires additional equipment and labour for shredding, making pre-shredded cheese a more convenient option for consumers.
While processed cheese is designed for convenience and specific functionalities, block cheese offers a more natural product with superior melting qualities. The decision between the two ultimately depends on the specific requirements of the dish and the desired level of convenience.
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Smoked cheese doesn't melt well
While block cheese and processed cheese are both used for melting, there are differences in how they melt. For instance, shredded cheese, which is typically processed, does not melt together in the same way that block cheese does. This is due to the additives in shredded cheese that stop it from sticking together.
Now, when it comes to smoked cheese, it is observed that it doesn't melt well. This includes smoked varieties of typically meltable cheeses like cheddar, gouda, and mozzarella. The smoking process seems to affect the cheese's ability to melt, possibly due to changes in its moisture content or protein structure. Smoked cheese tends to be drier, and moisture levels play a crucial role in the melting properties of cheese.
To improve the meltability of smoked cheese, one can increase its moisture content by shredding it finely, soaking it, and then applying gentle heat with additional moisture. However, even with these steps, smoked cheese may not melt as smoothly as its non-smoked counterparts.
Additionally, when smoking cheese, it is important to control the temperature to prevent melting or burning. This can be achieved by using a small amount of charcoal, particularly briquette charcoal, in the smoker or grill.
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Frequently asked questions
Block cheese melts better than processed cheese. Block cheese has no added ingredients, whereas processed cheese contains emulsifiers and stabilizers that affect its melting properties.
Block cheese has no added ingredients, whereas processed cheese contains emulsifiers and stabilizers that can prevent it from melting as well. Block cheese also has no additives or preservatives, which can inhibit the melting process.
Some examples of processed cheese include Kraft singles, Cheese Whiz, and Velveeta.
Block cheese melts better and provides a smoother texture. It is also a healthier option as it does not contain any additives or preservatives.
