Frederic Melton
American cheese is a versatile product that can be used as a cheese or a sauce. It is a processed cheese or cheese food, meaning it is not legally considered cheese. The term plastic cheese is often used to describe American cheese, but this does not refer to the material that car bumpers are made of. Rather, the word plastic is used as an adjective to describe something that is easily shaped or moulded. This means that many different types of cheeses, not just American cheese, can be considered plastic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is American cheese made of plastic? | No, American cheese is not made of plastic. The word "plastic" in the FDA's definition is used as an adjective to describe something that is "easily shaped or molded". |
| Is American cheese real cheese? | No, American cheese is not legally considered a true "cheese". According to the FDA, for a food product to be classified as cheese, it must be more than half cheese (pressed curds of milk). |
| What is American cheese made of? | American cheese is made by blending real cheese with other texture- and flavor-altering ingredients such as whey, milk proteins, emulsifying salts, and preservatives. |
| Why is American cheese so meltable? | American cheese is made with emulsifiers that hold the cheese's components together and allow it to melt without breaking or turning greasy. |
| Is American cheese healthy? | American cheese is not the healthiest option, but this is true for all cheese. It tends to be higher in sodium than the cheese used to make it. |
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What You'll Learn
American cheese is processed cheese
While American cheese is indeed a processed cheese, it is not made of plastic. The misconception that American cheese is made of plastic may stem from the fact that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires it to be labelled as "pasteurized process cheese". Additionally, the FDA's definitions for various process cheese products stipulate that the cheeses and optional ingredients be mixed into a "homogeneous plastic mass". However, the use of the word "plastic" in this context simply refers to something that is "easily shaped or moulded", and does not imply the presence of synthetic plastic materials.
American cheese is typically made from a combination of cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses, along with sodium citrate, and other additives such as emulsifying agents, salt, colouring, and acidifying agents. This mixture is then heated and pasteurized, resulting in a product that is mild, creamy, and easily meltable.
The processing of American cheese allows it to have a smooth and homogeneous texture, making it a versatile and reliable cooking ingredient, especially for dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches, cheeseburgers, and macaroni and cheese. It is known for its ability to melt without breaking or turning greasy, thanks to the addition of emulsifiers and other ingredients.
While some may argue that American cheese is not "real" cheese due to its highly processed nature and the addition of various ingredients, it is important to note that all cheese undergoes some form of processing. Even the simplest cheeses, like halloumi, are made by treating milk with rennet, draining the curds, and pressing them together. The level of processing and the addition of certain ingredients are what differentiate American cheese from other varieties.
In conclusion, American cheese is indeed a processed cheese product, but it is not made of synthetic plastic materials. The term "plastic" in this context simply refers to the malleable nature of the cheese, which is a result of the processing and blending of various ingredients.
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It is made with emulsifying agents
American cheese is not made of plastic, despite the common misconception. The confusion likely stems from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) definitions of processed cheese products, which state that the cheeses and other added ingredients must be mixed into a "homogeneous plastic mass." However, in this context, the word "plastic" is used as an adjective to describe something that is "easily shaped or moulded," and not as a noun referring to the non-biodegradable material.
Now, let's focus on the statement, "It is made with emulsifying agents." American cheese is indeed made with emulsifying agents, which are crucial to its unique characteristics. Emulsifiers are substances that help combine two or more ingredients that would otherwise separate. In the case of American cheese, emulsifiers are used to bind the cheese's components, allowing them to stay together even with a sudden increase in temperature. This is why American cheese melts so well and becomes almost sauce-like without separating or becoming greasy.
The emulsifying agents commonly used in American cheese include sodium citrate and sodium phosphate. These emulsifiers are added during the cheese-making process, where a mixture of cheese chunks, liquids, and other ingredients is melted down to create the final product. The emulsifiers work by holding the various components of the cheese together, resulting in a smooth and consistent texture.
The addition of emulsifying agents is one of the reasons why American cheese stands out from other varieties. Its ability to melt uniformly without separating is a desirable trait for many consumers, especially when used in grilled cheese sandwiches or as a topping on burgers. The emulsifiers also contribute to the overall mouthfeel and sensory experience of the cheese, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy its ooey-gooey goodness.
In conclusion, while American cheese is not made of plastic in the literal sense, it is indeed made with emulsifying agents that play a crucial role in its distinctive characteristics. These emulsifiers enhance the cheese's meltability, texture, and overall sensory appeal, making it a beloved and versatile ingredient in various dishes.
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It is not legally cheese
While American cheese is a versatile product that can be used as a cheese or a sauce, it is not legally considered cheese. According to the FDA, for a food product to be classified as cheese, it must be more than 50% cheese, which is technically pressed curds of milk. Each Kraft American single contains less than 51% curds, which means it does not meet the FDA's standard.
The term plastic is often used to describe American cheese, but this is not referring to the non-biodegradable material. Instead, it is used as an adjective to describe something that is ""easily shaped or molded". By this definition, many other foods, such as fruit roll-ups, chocolate, fondant, and marzipan, can also be considered plastic.
American cheese is a processed cheese product, often made by blending real cheese with other texture- and flavor-altering ingredients. These ingredients can include whey, milk solids, milk proteins, emulsifying salts, and preservatives. While it may not be legally considered cheese, American cheese is a popular product known for its meltability and gooey texture.
The popularity of American cheese can be attributed to its simplicity and versatility. It is often used in grilled cheese sandwiches, cheeseburgers, and other melted cheese applications. During World War I and II, Kraft was the first brand to sell individually-sliced cheese slices, and by 1930, over 40% of U.S. cheese was from Kraft. Today, the company continues to be a leading producer of American cheese, with about 7.2 billion slices produced annually.
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It is made with whey, milk solids, and cheese
American cheese is a versatile food product, which can be used as a cheese or a sauce. It is a processed cheese or "cheese food", meaning it is not real cheese. It is made with whey, milk solids, and cheese. The process of making American cheese involves melting down a mixture of cheese chunks, such as cheddar, colby, and Swiss, with a liquid and an emulsifying agent. This mixture is then blended with other ingredients to alter its texture and flavor, such as additional whey, milk proteins, and emulsifying salts.
The term "plastic" has often been used to describe American cheese, but this is not in reference to the non-biodegradable material. Rather, the word "plastic" is used as an adjective to describe something that is "easily shaped or molded". In this sense, many other foods, such as fruit roll-ups, chocolate, fondant, and marzipan, can also be considered plastic. The use of the word "plastic" by the FDA in their definitions of processed cheese products has contributed to the misconception that American cheese is made of plastic.
American cheese has become a popular food item, especially in the United States, where it is a staple in many households. Its simple flavor and gooey, melty texture make it a favorite for grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and other comfort foods. The process of making American cheese was invented in Switzerland as a way to reduce cheese waste by melting together scraps from various batches of cheese.
While American cheese may not be considered a "true" cheese by some, it has its own unique characteristics and uses that have made it a beloved and convenient food product for many. Its high meltability and goo factor are often preferred over other cheeses in certain dishes. However, it is important to note that American cheese tends to be higher in sodium and may have more chemicals and extracts compared to other cheeses.
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It is versatile and can be used as a sauce
Despite the negative reputation of American cheese as being "full of chemicals" and "not real cheese", it is a versatile ingredient with a range of applications, particularly as a sauce.
American cheese sauce is a quick, easy, and inexpensive option for a variety of dishes. It can be made with just two ingredients: American cheese and milk. The cheese slices can be melted in a microwave or on a stovetop, and the sauce can be seasoned with spices, green chillies, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapenos.
The sauce is a great option for those who want a mess-free, versatile, and tasty addition to their meals. It can be used as a dip for vegetables, tortilla chips, or French fries, or as a topping for potatoes, pasta, or nachos. It can also be used as a base for soups, such as broccoli cheese soup.
The versatility of American cheese sauce is a testament to its adaptability and ease of use, making it a convenient and delicious option for those seeking a simple yet effective way to enhance their meals.
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Frequently asked questions
No, American cheese is not made of plastic. The confusion may have arisen from the FDA's definition of processed cheese products, which states that the ingredients must be mixed into a "homogeneous plastic mass." Here, the word "plastic" is used as an adjective to describe something that can be easily shaped or molded.
American cheese is made by blending real cheese with other ingredients to alter its texture and flavor. These ingredients include whey, milk proteins, emulsifying salts, and preservatives.
American cheese contains emulsifiers, which allow it to melt without breaking or turning greasy. Emulsifiers hold the components of the cheese together, even with a sudden increase in temperature. This gives American cheese its signature gooey, sauce-like consistency when melted.
While American cheese is not the healthiest option, it is also not necessarily bad for you. It is comparable in nutrition to the cheese used to make it, usually cheddar. However, it tends to be higher in sodium.
American cheese has become a staple in many households due to its simplicity, versatility, and melting properties. It is often used in grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and other comfort foods. Additionally, during World Wars I and II, Kraft popularized individually-sliced cheese, and by 1930, over 40% of U.S. cheese was from Kraft.
