Andy Montoya
Pizza Hut is a popular pizza chain that primarily uses mozzarella cheese on its pizzas. The type of mozzarella cheese varies, with some sources claiming that Pizza Hut uses part-skim mozzarella cheese, while others suggest they use whole milk mozzarella cheese. There is also speculation that Pizza Hut uses a blend of cheeses, including a mix of mozzarella with harder cheeses like cheddar or gouda. Some claim that the cheese used by Pizza Hut is not real mozzarella due to the presence of modified food starch, but it is designed to retain its chewiness and texture even after heating. The specific cheese blend may also vary across different countries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Mozzarella |
| Type of mozzarella | Part-skim |
| Producer of cheese | Leprino Foods |
| Cheese ingredients | Pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes, modified food starch, whey protein concentrate, nonfat milk, sodium propionate |
| Cheese consistency | Retains its chewiness after heating |
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What You'll Learn
Pizza Hut uses part-skim mozzarella cheese
Pizza Hut sources its part-skim mozzarella cheese from Leprino Foods, the largest mozzarella cheese producer in the world. This cheese is used on the majority of Pizza Hut's pizzas, with some specialty pizzas also containing Parmesan romano cheese.
The use of part-skim mozzarella is a common practice among pizza chains and restaurants as it has a longer shelf life and melts better than whole milk mozzarella. It is also more readily available in grocery stores, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for pizza businesses.
While Pizza Hut's cheese is made with real mozzarella, it is not the same as the fresh mozzarella that one would buy in a store. The Leprino Foods cheese used by Pizza Hut contains additional ingredients such as modified food starch, whey protein concentrate, and sodium propionate, which contribute to the unique texture and taste associated with Pizza Hut's pizzas.
Some customers have expressed curiosity about the specific brand of mozzarella used by Pizza Hut, noting that the taste differs from the cheese typically purchased in stores. This is likely due to the custom nature of the cheese, which is produced specifically for commercial use and may not be available for consumer purchase.
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This is produced by Leprino Foods
Pizza Hut uses part-skim mozzarella cheese on most of its pizzas, with some specialty pizzas containing Parmesan romano cheese. The chain's mozzarella cheese is supplied predominantly by Leprino Foods, the world's largest mozzarella cheese producer. Leprino Foods is based in Colorado, and its mozzarella cheese is used by most Pizza Hut chains.
Leprino Foods' mozzarella cheese is made from pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes, modified food starch, whey protein concentrate, nonfat milk, and sodium propionate. Notably, the cheese does not contain cholesterol, but it does have a significant amount of sodium, with approximately 210 milligrams per serving.
While Leprino Foods does not disclose the ingredients of its lite mozzarella cheese, a 2006 report by The Milkwood magazine suggested that the cheese may contain polydimethylsiloxane, a silicone industrial chemical not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in food. This raises questions about the safety and suitability of the cheese for human consumption.
The use of Leprino Foods' mozzarella cheese by Pizza Hut highlights the company's reliance on a mass-produced, low-cost "pizza cheese" that differs from the traditional whole milk mozzarella used in high-end pizzerias. This "pizza cheese" is designed to retain its chewiness after heating, ensuring a consistent texture across Pizza Hut's pizza offerings.
In conclusion, the statement "This is produced by Leprino Foods" refers to the part-skim mozzarella cheese used by Pizza Hut. Leprino Foods is the primary supplier of this particular type of cheese, which has a unique composition and melting properties that contribute to the characteristic taste and texture of Pizza Hut's pizzas. The use of Leprino Foods' mozzarella cheese is a defining factor in the overall pizza-eating experience associated with the Pizza Hut brand.
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It is not real mozzarella
While Pizza Hut uses mozzarella cheese on its pizzas, it is not "real" mozzarella. Most Pizza Hut chains use the brand Leprino Foods for their mozzarella cheese. Leprino Foods is based in Colorado and is the largest mozzarella cheese producer in the world. Pizza Hut states that its pizzas contain part-skim mozzarella cheese, also known as pizza cheese.
Part-skim mozzarella cheese has less fat and calories than whole-milk mozzarella cheese. It is also usually the type of mozzarella found in grocery stores. However, whole milk mozzarella can be difficult to find and is typically not available at local grocery stores. This may be because it has a short shelf life, and because pre-shredded whole milk mozzarella is not ideal for pizza due to anti-caking agents that prevent the cheese from melting well.
Leprino Foods does not disclose the ingredients of its lite mozzarella cheese, but Pizza Hut reports that the cheese consists of pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes, modified food starch, whey protein concentrate, nonfat milk, and sodium propionate. Notably, a report by the magazine "The Milkwood" in 2006 suggested that Leprino Foods' mozzarella cheese uses polydimethylsiloxane, a silicone industrial chemical that is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in food.
While Pizza Hut's cheese may not be "real" mozzarella, it is important to note that the term "real mozzarella" is somewhat ambiguous, and there is no right or wrong when it comes to choosing a type of cheese for pizza.
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It contains modified food starch
Pizza Hut uses part-skim mozzarella cheese on most of its pizzas, with some specialty pizzas containing Parmesan romano cheese. Most Pizza Hut chains use the brand Leprino Foods for their mozzarella cheese. Leprino Foods is based in Colorado and is the largest mozzarella cheese producer in the world. Pizza Hut states that its pizzas contain part-skim mozzarella cheese, also known as pizza cheese.
Leprino Foods does not disclose the ingredients of its lite mozzarella cheese. However, Pizza Hut reports that the cheese consists of pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes, modified food starch, whey protein concentrate, nonfat milk, and sodium propionate. Modified food starch is derived from feedstock, which can be potatoes, corn, wheat, tapioca, or rice. It is used as a thickening agent in the cheese to improve its texture and stability.
The presence of modified food starch in Pizza Hut's cheese has sparked some debate. While some people may have concerns about the use of modified food starch, it is important to note that it is generally recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has strict guidelines for the use of modified food starch in food products, ensuring that it undergoes thorough safety assessments before being approved for consumption.
Additionally, Pizza Hut is not the only pizza chain that uses modified food starch in its cheese. Other pizza companies, such as Domino's, are also known to use a blend of mozzarella cheese mixed with modified starch, flavors, and preservatives. This blend is designed to create a consistent product with a desirable texture and extended shelf life.
While some may argue that the use of modified food starch compromises the authenticity of the cheese, it is essential to recognize that it serves a functional purpose in the pizza-making process. Modified food starch helps the cheese retain its chewiness and stretchiness, contributing to the overall texture and taste that consumers expect from a Pizza Hut pizza.
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Some specialty pizzas contain Parmesan romano cheese
Pizza Hut uses a variety of cheeses on its pizzas, and the type of cheese used depends on the specific pizza. While most Pizza Hut pizzas contain mozzarella cheese, some of their specialty pizzas contain Parmesan Romano cheese.
Mozarella cheese is the most commonly used cheese variety at Pizza Hut. The company states that it uses part-skim mozzarella cheese on most of its pizzas. This type of mozzarella has less fat and fewer calories than whole-milk mozzarella and is a good source of protein. However, it is important to note that Pizza Hut's mozzarella cheese may differ from the traditional variety. Most Pizza Hut chains use mozzarella cheese from the brand Leprino Foods, which is the largest mozzarella cheese producer in the world. Leprino Foods' mozzarella is made with pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes, modified food starch, whey protein concentrate, nonfat milk, and sodium propionate. Notably, their cheese contains modified food starch, which contributes to the stretchiness and stodginess that some consumers associate with Pizza Hut's cheese.
On the other hand, Pizza Hut's specialty pizzas sometimes feature Parmesan Romano cheese. Parmesan Romano cheese is a hard cheese that can add a distinct flavour and texture to the pizzas. This type of cheese is known for its sharp, salty, and nutty flavour, and it can enhance the overall taste profile of the pizza.
The use of Parmesan Romano cheese in some specialty pizzas offers a different cheese experience to customers who enjoy the stronger flavour and texture that this type of cheese provides. It is a popular choice for those who prefer their pizza with a more robust and salty cheese flavour.
In conclusion, while Pizza Hut primarily uses part-skim mozzarella cheese on its pizzas, they also incorporate Parmesan Romano cheese in some of their specialty options. This allows customers to experience a diverse range of cheese flavours and textures, catering to different preferences and tastes.
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Frequently asked questions
Pizza Hut uses mozzarella cheese on its pizzas, specifically part-skim mozzarella cheese, also known as pizza cheese. This is not considered to be "real" mozzarella as it is loaded with modified food starch.
Part-skim mozzarella cheese is made from low-fat milk, which has less fat and fewer calories than whole-milk mozzarella cheese.
Part-skim mozzarella is the most commonly available variety of mozzarella cheese. It is also cheaper than whole-milk mozzarella, which can be difficult to source.
Most Pizza Hut chains use mozzarella cheese produced by Leprino Foods, the largest mozzarella cheese producer in the world.
