The Surprising Longevity Of Easy Cheese

Easy Cheese, also known as spray cheese, aerosol cheese, or squirty cheese, is a food product that comes in an aluminium aerosol can. It was first manufactured by Nabisco in 1965 and sold under the name Snack Mate. The product is popular for its convenience and ability to offer precise portions of cheese with each pump. While some sources claim that the cheese will last indefinitely, others advise against consuming it past its expiration date. So, how long does easy cheese last?

Easy Cheese is not considered 'real' food

Easy Cheese is not considered real food by some people. Firstly, it is not marketed or perceived as a "real food" due to its highly processed nature and unusual packaging. It is often described as "bizarre", "unnatural", and "odd", with an unappetising appearance. The fact that it comes in a spray can or tin, resembling an aerosol product, further distances it from what is traditionally considered food.

Secondly, the ingredients of Easy Cheese and similar products contribute to the perception that it is not real food. The main ingredients of some canned cheese products are whey and canola oil, which result in a distinct, not-so-cheesy flavour. While some natural ingredients are used, such as brown seaweed extract, there are also various artificial additives, preservatives, and colourings. These include sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, annatto, carotenoids, cellulose gum, calcium chloride, and citric acid. Although these additives are deemed safe for consumption, the inclusion of so many artificial ingredients further reinforces the idea that Easy Cheese is not a natural or "real" food.

Thirdly, the history of Easy Cheese and similar products being marketed as convenient snacks or instant party foods, rather than nutritious meals, contributes to the perception that they are not real food. For example, Nabisco's Snack Mate was launched in the 1980s to boost the sales of their crackers, positioning the product as a quick and easy snack rather than a nutritious meal. This focus on convenience and instant gratification, rather than nutritional value, influences how Easy Cheese is perceived by consumers.

Lastly, the indefinite shelf life of some canned cheese products, such as Cougar Gold, which can last for over 25 years in an unopened can, further distances the product from the traditional concept of "real food". Regular cheese has a finite shelf life, and even Cougar Gold, once opened, degrades fairly quickly. This indefinite shelf life of Easy Cheese contributes to the perception that it is not a natural or perishable food product and reinforces the idea that it is highly processed and artificial.

It's not an aerosol

Although spray cheese is often referred to as "aerosol cheese", it is not a true aerosol. Spray cheese cans may look like a singular entity, but they actually have two sections: the bottom is filled with nitrogen gas, and the top is filled with cheese or a cheese-adjacent substance.

When you press down on the nozzle, the nitrogen pressure pushes the cheese out of the can. A plastic barrier prevents the propellant at the bottom of the can from touching the cheese. This is what allows spray cheese to come out in those pretty little floret patterns, rather than covering your face in fluorescent cheese-flavoured mist.

The first aerosol cheese sprays were developed in the early 2000s, but the idea of using propellants like nitrogen or carbon dioxide to dispense food items was first conceived in the 1950s. The first food products to be sold in this way were whipped cream, sauces, and eventually, cheese.

There are now many varieties of cheese spray available, including flavours such as cheddar, pepper jack, and nacho cheese, as well as dairy-free options like vegan or mozzarella.

It's made with whey and canola oil

The longevity of Easy Cheese is a topic that has been widely discussed and debated. While some people claim that it never goes bad due to its sealed, sterile packaging, others argue that it can spoil, especially if it has been opened and left unused for a prolonged period.

It's important to note that Easy Cheese is made with whey and canola oil, which gives it a distinct, not-so-cheesy flavour. These ingredients also contribute to its longevity. Whey is a protein-rich byproduct of cheese-making that has a long shelf life, while canola oil, a type of vegetable oil, adds fat and helps preserve the product.

The high-fat content from the canola oil in Easy Cheese can, however, cause it to go rancid over time if it is not stored properly. Improper storage, such as leaving the cheese open or unrefrigerated, can accelerate spoilage.

While the exact expiration date of Easy Cheese may vary, it is generally recommended to pay attention to the packaging for dates or labels indicating "use by" or "best before" dates. If the product has been opened, it is advisable to consume it within a reasonable timeframe and monitor it for any changes in colour, texture, or smell, which could indicate spoilage.

In summary, while Easy Cheese may last for an extended period due to its packaging and ingredients like whey and canola oil, it is not indefinite. Proper storage and adherence to recommended consumption dates are crucial to ensure food safety and the best product experience.

It's been around since the 1950s

Easy Cheese has been around in some form since the 1950s. It was first introduced as Kraft Singles in 1950, followed by Cheez Whiz in 1953. These were the predecessors to Easy Cheese, which was introduced in 1965 under the name Snack Mate.

Snack Mate was the brainchild of Nabisco CEO Lee S. Bickmore, who took over the company in 1961. Nabisco was looking to boost its cracker sales, and Bickmore believed that a spray cheese product could help achieve this. He told Media Decisions in 1967: "We always start with the consumer and work back. In this enlightened marketing era, we try to figure out what the gals want even though they might not know themselves. Then we develop the product."

Nabisco's advertising for Snack Mate was directed exclusively at women, with ads in magazines like Look and Seventeen showing a "mother's hand applying the cheese spray to Nabisco crackers." The product was also marketed as a convenient option for party planning.

Snack Mate was an instant hit, and in addition to its initial flavours—American, cheddar, and pimiento—Nabisco soon added pizza, shrimp cocktail, cheddar-bleu, and fried onion. In 1984, Snack Mate was rebranded as Easy Cheese, a name that emphasised the product's convenience.

While Easy Cheese was originally marketed towards women as a refined and elegant snack, its reputation shifted over time. It became more of a novelty item, associated with "dude food" and often squirted directly into one's mouth rather than elegantly displayed on crackers or appetizers.

Despite this shift in perception, Easy Cheese has endured as a unique and long-lasting product, with its distinctive packaging and cheese-extruding nozzle becoming iconic.

It's popular for convenience

Easy Cheese, also known as spray cheese, aerosol cheese, or squirty cheese, is popular for its convenience. It was first developed in the 1950s to dispense food items like whipped cream and sauces, and cheese was soon added to the list. The cheese comes in an aluminium aerosol can, similar to other aerosol products, and is sprayed onto food through a traditional valve system. This allows for precise portions with each pump.

The product is popular for its convenience, offering an easy way to add flavour without compromising taste or texture. It is a time-saving option for busy cooks, and its wide variety of flavours, including cheddar, nacho cheese, and dairy-free options like vegan or mozzarella, makes it accessible to a range of consumers. The bag-on-valve (BOV) cheese sprays are a healthier option, as they use air pressure instead of chemical propellants, and they have a longer shelf life.

The history of Easy Cheese is quite intriguing. It was first manufactured and sold by Nabisco under the name "Snack Mate" from 1965 to 1984. Nabisco marketed it as an instant cheese for instant parties, and it was a huge success, boosting their cracker sales. The convenience of having cheese and crackers in one package was a hit with customers.

The popularity of Easy Cheese is not limited to the United States. In Jamaica, canned cheese is a beloved Easter tradition, served as part of a traditional dish called "Easter Bun," a spiced fruit cake served with melted cheese and butter. The combination of sweet and savoury flavours makes it a crowd favourite during holiday celebrations.

Easy Cheese has also made its way into popular culture. In an interview, Selena Gomez shared her signature recipe for a late-night snack: mini spray cheese pizza bites. Additionally, Cheez Whiz gained fame after its cameo on the HBO show "Mare of Easttown," where it was used by Kate Winslet's character, adding to the show's rural Pennsylvania setting.

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