Andy Montoya
Easy Cheese is a trademarked processed cheese spread product distributed by Mondelēz International. It is often referred to as spray cheese, squirt cheese, or cheese in a can. It is packaged in a metal can filled with air and covered with a plastic cap that, when pressed, reveals a straight, flexible nozzle from which the cheese is extruded. The cheese itself is a type of oil-in-water emulsion, with emulsifying agents creating a uniform cheese spread. While Easy Cheese is a convenient, tasty snack, it can be costly, and some may find the experience of cheese in a can to be unnatural. If you are interested in a more natural cheese-making process, you can make your own cheese at home with simple recipes that require few ingredients and little equipment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Mondelēz International |
| Type of Product | Processed cheese spread |
| Other Names | Spray cheese, squirt cheese, cheese in a can, cheese cans, cheese fizz, squeeze cheese |
| Flavors | Cheddar, American, Pimento, French Onion, Cheddar Blue Cheese, Shrimp Cocktail, Nacho, Pizza, Sharp Cheddar, Cheddar 'n Bacon, Roasted Garlic Cheddar, Cream Cheese |
| Discontinued Flavors | Pimiento, French Onion, Cheddar Blue Cheese, Shrimp Cocktail, Roasted Garlic Cheddar, Nacho, Cream Cheese, and Pizza |
| Packaging | Metal can filled with air, covered with a plastic cap and a straight, flexible nozzle |
| Storage | Does not require refrigeration |
| Ingredients | Milk, whey, and real cheese culture |
| Nutrition | Good source of calcium |
| Uses | Can be used as a topping on crackers, pretzels, bagels, broccoli, potatoes, tortilla chips, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Easy Cheese flavours: Cheddar, American, and discontinued varieties
Easy Cheese is a processed cheese spread product distributed by Mondelēz International. It is commonly referred to as "spray cheese", "squirt cheese", or "cheese in a can". It is packaged in a metal can filled with air and covered with a plastic cap, which has a flexible nozzle for extruding the cheese. The cheese itself is an oil-in-water emulsion with a uniform spread that does not separate during storage.
Easy Cheese is currently available in two flavours: Cheddar and American. However, over the years, several varieties have been discontinued. These discontinued varieties include:
- Pimento
- French Onion
- Cheddar Blue Cheese
- Shrimp Cocktail
- Nacho
- Pizza
- Sharp Cheddar
- Cheddar 'n Bacon
- Roasted Garlic Cheddar
- Cream Cheese
The original Easy Cheese was first manufactured and sold by Nabisco under the name "Snack Mate" from 1965 until 1984. It was then sold under the name "Easy Cheese" by Mondelēz International, although the date of this transition is unclear.
The process of making Easy Cheese involves the use of emulsifying agents to create a uniform cheese spread. The cheese proteins are denatured during processing and are reestablished using melting salts, specifically sodium citrate and sodium phosphate. These emulsifiers help to sequester calcium in cheddar cheese, hydrating and solubilizing the casein, which swells with water.
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Easy Cheese packaging: Metal can, plastic cap, and nozzle
Easy Cheese is a trademarked processed cheese spread product distributed by Mondelēz International. It is commonly referred to as "spray cheese", "squirt cheese", or "cheese in a can". The product is packaged in a metal can filled with air, which is covered by a plastic cap. Removing the plastic cap reveals a straight, flexible nozzle from which the cheese is extruded. The can is not an aerosol spray, but rather contains a piston and a barrier plastic cap that pushes the cheese through the nozzle in a solid column when pressed. The cheese does not mix with the propellant, which expands in volume when the nozzle is pressed, ensuring that the cheese is extruded in a solid column without mixing with the propellant. This is why the can has a small rubber plug on its base.
The metal can is an essential part of the Easy Cheese packaging, providing a sturdy container for the cheese and helping to maintain its freshness. It also serves as a distinctive feature of the product, as the metal can is not commonly used for cheese packaging. The plastic cap plays a crucial role in sealing the can and preventing leakage, while also providing a surface to display the product's label and branding. Additionally, the cap protects the nozzle from damage and contamination.
The nozzle is an integral part of the packaging, as it allows for controlled dispensing of the cheese. Its straight and flexible design ensures that the cheese can be easily directed onto food items. The nozzle's small opening helps to control the flow rate, preventing excessive cheese from being dispensed at once. This feature contributes to the overall convenience and novelty of the product, making it easy to use and creating a unique, fun experience for consumers.
The packaging of Easy Cheese in a metal can with a plastic cap and nozzle has both functional and marketing advantages. From a functional perspective, the packaging ensures the product's freshness, ease of use, and controlled dispensing. The metal can and plastic cap create a protective barrier, maintaining the quality and longevity of the cheese. Additionally, the nozzle's design allows for precise and mess-free application. In terms of marketing, the unique packaging sets Easy Cheese apart from other cheese products on the market. The distinctive metal can and the novel dispensing method create a memorable experience for consumers, contributing to the product's popularity and brand recognition.
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Easy Cheese distribution: Mondelēz International
Easy Cheese is a trademarked product distributed by Mondelēz International. It is a processed cheese spread product, commonly known as "spray cheese", "squirt cheese", or "cheese in a can". The cheese is packaged in a metal can filled with air and covered with a plastic cap, which has a straight, flexible nozzle for extruding the cheese. Mondelēz International acquired the distribution rights for Easy Cheese when it purchased Nabisco, the original manufacturer of the product.
Nabisco first sold Easy Cheese under the name "Snack Mate" from 1965 to 1984. Advertisements from this era showcase the bright orange product, often adorned in flowy peaks, on top of various appetizers. One such advertisement from 1966 proclaimed it to be "instant cheese for instant parties." Over the years, Easy Cheese has been available in a variety of flavours, including Pimento, French Onion, Cheddar Blue Cheese, Shrimp Cocktail, Nacho, Pizza, Sharp Cheddar, Cheddar 'n Bacon, Cheddar, and American.
Easy Cheese has a lengthy list of ingredients, including milk, water, whey protein concentrate, canola oil, milk protein concentrate, sodium citrate, sodium phosphate, calcium phosphate, lactic acid, sorbic acid, sodium alginate, apocarotenal, annatto, cheese culture, and enzymes. It is an oil-in-water emulsion, with oil droplets typically having a diameter of no more than one micrometer. The moisture content of Easy Cheese ranges from 44 to 60%, while its milk fat content must be greater than 20%.
The manufacturing process of Easy Cheese involves the use of natural cheese with a composition that ranges from 60 to 75% intact casein. Sodium citrate and sodium phosphate are the primary emulsifiers used in the product to sequester calcium in cheddar cheese. This process hydrates and solubilizes the casein, causing it to swell with water. The role of emulsifying agents is to create a uniform cheese spread by altering the structure of casein micelles.
Mondelēz International, the distributor of Easy Cheese, is a company focused on creating snacks in a sustainable manner. They aim to reduce energy, water, and waste while using familiar and trusted ingredients.
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Easy Cheese history: First manufactured by Nabisco and sold as Snack Mate
Easy Cheese is the trademark for a processed cheese spread product distributed by Mondelēz International. It is commonly referred to as "spray cheese", "squirt cheese", or "cheese in a can". The product is packaged in a metal can filled with air and covered with a plastic cap that has a nozzle for extruding the cheese.
Easy Cheese was first manufactured by Nabisco and sold as Snack Mate from 1965 until 1984. Nabisco's advertising was directed exclusively at women, with ads in magazines like Look and Seventeen showing a “mother’s hand applying the cheese spread to Nabisco crackers.” Other ads, both in magazines and on television, focused on party planning, with taglines like "instant cheese for instant parties".
Snack Mate was a marvel of processed cheese, evolving from products like Kraft Singles (1950) and Cheez Whiz (1953). By the time it launched in 1965, it had been in the works for five years, as one of several products championed by Nabisco CEO Lee S. The product was a novelty—a cheese that slowly sprays out of a can, with the push of a nozzle at the top.
Over time, the perception of the product has changed, with some considering it the ultimate "dude food", something to squirt directly into one's mouth.
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Easy Cheese uses: Toppings, designs, and snacks
Easy Cheese is a processed cheese spread product distributed by Mondelēz International. It is commonly referred to as "spray cheese", "squirt cheese", or "cheese in a can". Easy Cheese is packaged in a metal can filled with air and covered with a plastic cap that reveals a nozzle where the cheese is extruded. The product is pasteurized and requires no refrigeration, making it a convenient, on-the-go snack.
Easy Cheese comes in two flavors: Cheddar and American. Discontinued varieties include Pimento, French Onion, Cheddar Blue Cheese, Shrimp Cocktail, Nacho, Pizza, Sharp Cheddar, and Cheddar 'n Bacon.
Easy Cheese can be used in a variety of ways. Use it as a topping on tortilla chips for instant nachos, or create fun designs on crackers or pretzels to make snacking more enjoyable. You can also use Easy Cheese as a spread on sandwiches or as a dip for vegetables or chips. The product is easy to dispense, making it a quick and convenient snack option.
Additionally, Easy Cheese can be used in recipes that call for a cheese sauce or melted cheese. For example, you can use it as a topping for baked potatoes or as a base for a cheese dip. You can also get creative and use Easy Cheese to make fun shapes or letters, which can be a great way to engage kids in the kitchen.
Overall, Easy Cheese is a versatile product that can be used in a variety of snacks and recipes. Its convenience and long shelf life make it a great option for quick and easy meals or as a snack on the go.
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Frequently asked questions
Easy Cheese is a processed cheese spread product distributed by Mondelēz International. It is also referred to as "spray cheese", "squirt cheese", "cheese in a can", or "cheese fizz".
Easy Cheese is made from milk, whey, and real cheese culture.
Easy Cheese is a convenient, go-anywhere snack that can be used as a topping for crackers, toast, bagels, broccoli, or potatoes. You can also use it to create designs on crackers or top tortilla chips for instant nachos.
No, Easy Cheese does not require refrigeration, making it a convenient snack for on-the-go.
Easy Cheese is available for purchase on Amazon. It is also likely available at your local grocery store.
