Bushra Griffith
Cheddar cheese is a beloved staple in many households, but is it a processed food? The answer is not so straightforward. Cheddar cheese is made from natural cheese, which is processed by melting and emulsifying it with preservatives, artificial ingredients, and double the amount of salt used in natural cheese. This mixture is then poured and reformed into various forms of cheese products. While the term processed cheese may evoke images of highly-processed, unhealthy foods, it is important to note that not all processed foods are necessarily bad for health. In fact, most foods we eat are processed in some way, and some methods of processing have been used for centuries to improve shelf life, appearance, and taste. However, ultra-processed foods, which undergo more extensive modification and contain additives like sugar, fats, or preservatives, have been linked to increased health risks. So, while cheddar cheese may be considered a processed food, it is not necessarily unhealthy when consumed in moderation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Processed cheese is made from natural cheese, emulsifiers, sodium citrate, calcium phosphate, preservatives, enzymes, cheese culture, vitamin D3, milk fat, extra salt, saturated vegetable oils, whey, and artificial food colourings. |
| Ingredients | Natural cheese, emulsifiers, sodium citrate, calcium phosphate, preservatives, enzymes, cheese culture, vitamin D3, milk fat, extra salt, saturated vegetable oils, whey, and artificial food colourings. |
| Health Impact | Regular consumption of processed cheese can lead to hypertension and obesity. It can also contribute to high blood pressure due to the presence of high amounts of salt preservatives. |
| Shelf Life | Processed cheese has a longer shelf life than natural cheese due to the presence of preservatives. |
| Taste | Processed cheese varies in degree and sharpness of flavour compared to natural cheese. |
| Texture | Processed cheese has a different texture than natural cheese due to the addition of extra ingredients. |
| Melting Properties | Processed cheese melts differently than natural cheese, resulting in a creamier texture without becoming oily or separating. |
| Examples | Cheddar cheese, Brie cheese, Camembert, Brick cheese, Muenster cheese, Stilton cheese, Blue cheese, Mozzarella cheese, Swiss cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Gorgonzola cheese. |
| Consumption | Processed cheese is generally consumed in fast foods and is recommended to be eaten in moderation. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar is a processed cheese
While the term "processed" may have negative connotations, it is important to note that not all processed foods are unhealthy. The term "processed food" simply refers to any food or drink that has been altered in some way during its preparation, and most foods we eat are processed to some degree. For example, even necessary steps such as washing, chopping, freezing, canning, baking, drying, pickling, smoking, pasteurizing, fermenting, and packaging are all considered methods of processing.
However, the term "ultra-processed" refers to foods that have undergone more extensive modification. These foods are often characterized as ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat products manufactured from multiple ingredients and typically contain additives such as flavor, sugar, fats, or chemical preservatives. Examples of ultra-processed foods include confectionery, fried snacks, processed meats, cakes, biscuits, and some functional foods such as yogurts and spreads. Diets high in ultra-processed foods have been linked to an increased risk of health conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
Cheddar cheese, as a processed cheese, falls somewhere in the spectrum of processing. While it is not as heavily processed as ultra-processed foods, it is still altered from its natural form. The level of processing in cheddar cheese contributes to its unique characteristics, such as its melting properties and extended shelf life.
In summary, Cheddar is a processed cheese, and the processing techniques used play a significant role in its sensory attributes and shelf stability. However, it is important to understand the distinction between processed and ultra-processed foods to make informed dietary choices.
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Processed foods are altered during preparation
Cheese is considered a processed food because it is altered from its natural form, milk, and this is done through a process called curing. Curing is a process of naturally ageing cheese under controlled temperatures to help develop its flavour and texture. However, some cheeses are more processed than others. Natural cheese is the purest form of processed milk, and it does not contain any chemicals or preservatives. On the other hand, processed cheese is made from natural cheese but with added ingredients such as emulsifiers, preservatives, artificial ingredients, and extra salt. These ingredients are added to change the flavour and texture of the cheese, as well as to increase its shelf life. The longer shelf life of processed cheese is due to the higher amount of salt and preservatives, which can be unhealthy when consumed in large quantities.
Cheddar cheese can be made from natural or processed cheese. Natural cheddar cheese is made from milk that has been cured, while processed cheddar cheese is made from natural cheese that has been further altered with added ingredients. The natural cheese is melted and emulsified, then held together with preservatives, artificial ingredients, and double the amount of salt used in natural cheese. It is then poured and reformed into various other forms of cheese products.
While processed cheese has a bad reputation, it is important to note that not all processed foods are unhealthy. Some ultra-processed foods can be included in a healthy diet, such as wholemeal sliced bread, wholegrain or higher-fibre breakfast cereals, or baked beans. However, it is generally recommended to consume these foods in smaller amounts and less often due to their high content of saturated fat, salt, or sugar.
Overall, it is important to understand the difference between natural and processed cheese, as well as the impact of processing on the nutritional value and healthiness of the final product. While processed cheese may have its benefits, such as convenience and longer shelf life, it is important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Ultra-processed foods are extensively modified
Firstly, whole foods are fractioned into substances like sugars, oils, fats, proteins, starches, and fibre. These substances are often derived from a few high-yield plant sources, such as corn, wheat, soy, cane, or beet. Animal products are also used, typically from intensive livestock farming.
The next steps involve chemical modifications to these substances, such as hydrolysis or hydrogenation. This is followed by the assembly of both unmodified and modified food substances using industrial techniques like extrusion, moulding, and pre-frying. To enhance the taste and make the final product palatable, colours, flavours, emulsifiers, and other additives are added.
The final products are then packaged using sophisticated materials, usually synthetic. The aim of these processes is to create highly profitable, convenient, and hyper-palatable products. These products are designed to be long-lasting, with low-cost ingredients and long shelf lives. However, they tend to be low in fibre and high in calories, salt, added sugar, and fat, which can contribute to poor health outcomes when consumed in excess.
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Processed cheese is 50% real cheese
Processed cheese is a product made from cheese, emulsifiers (two insoluble liquids), sodium citrate, calcium phosphate, sorbic acid (preservative), enzymes, cheese culture, vitamin D3, milk fat, extra salt, saturated vegetable oils, whey and artificial food colourings. It is made by heating natural cheese of different types, age, and maturity in the presence of suitable emulsifying salts and with the help of mechanical agitation. The insoluble calcium para-casein gel of the natural cheese, under the influences of heating and the action of emulsifiers and agitation, is changed to a para-casein sol – a homogeneous, flowing mass. This sol is changed again to a gel by the influences of cooling and polymerization forces resulting in processed cheese.
Processed cheese is not 100% cheese. It typically contains around 50% to 60% cheese and 40% to 50% other ingredients. However, the percentage of cheese in processed cheese products varies. In the United States, the term "processed cheese" refers to products with the highest cheese content, made from cheese, up to 5% milk fat, and other allowed additives. The best-known processed cheese in the United States is marketed as American cheese, which is made from a blend of cheeses, most often Colby and cheddar.
Processed cheese was first developed in Switzerland in 1911 when Walter Gerber and Fritz Stettler, seeking a cheese with a longer shelf life and influenced by fondue and cheese sauces, added sodium citrate to melted Emmentaler cheese. They found that the emulsified cheese sauce could be re-cooled into a solid again. The first industrial manufacture of processed cheese was undertaken by Gerber in Switzerland in 1911. In 1916, Canadian-American businessman James L. Kraft introduced Velveeta, the first processed cheese product, to the American and Canadian markets.
Processed cheese is used as an ingredient in a variety of dishes because it melts without becoming oily or separating. It is also cheaper than natural cheese. However, it is not the healthiest option as it is high in calories, salt, and preservatives. Eating too much processed cheese can lead to hypertension and obesity. It is recommended to consume processed cheese in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Natural cheese is purer than processed cheese
Natural cheese is the purest form of processed milk. It does not contain any preservatives or chemicals to keep it fresh. On the other hand, processed cheese is made from natural cheese, emulsifiers, sodium citrate, calcium phosphate, preservatives, artificial ingredients, and double the amount of salt used in natural cheese. It may also contain saturated vegetable oils, whey, and artificial food colouring.
Processed cheese is not 100% cheese. It usually hovers around 50% cheese, sometimes more, sometimes less. The rest of the ingredients are non-cheese additives, such as salt, food dyes, preservatives, extra dairy, emulsifiers, or other artificial ingredients. These ingredients are added to melted, pasteurized cheese, which is then converted into various forms, such as sliced solids, jarred sauces, or spreads.
The addition of these ingredients changes the flavour and texture of the cheese, making it creamier, more consistent in flavour, and well-seasoned. It also increases the shelf life of the product, making it cheaper for the producer, seller, and consumer. However, the preservatives and high amounts of salt in processed cheese can lead to hypertension and obesity if consumed regularly.
Natural cheese, on the other hand, does not contain these added ingredients and, therefore, has a shorter shelf life. It is considered healthier as it does not contain the high levels of salt, preservatives, and artificial ingredients found in processed cheese, which have been linked to health issues such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease when consumed in excess.
While natural cheese is purer than processed cheese, it is important to note that both natural and processed cheese can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. The key is to have a balanced diet with a variety of nutritious foods from different food groups.
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Frequently asked questions
Processed food is any food or drink that has been altered in some way during its preparation. This may be as simple as freezing, canning, baking, or drying.
Yes, cheese is processed food. However, there is a difference between natural cheese and processed cheese. Natural cheese is the purest form of processed milk and does not contain any chemicals or preservatives. Processed cheese, on the other hand, is made from natural cheese but contains additional ingredients such as emulsifiers, preservatives, artificial ingredients, and extra salt.
Yes, cheddar cheese is a type of processed cheese. It is made from natural cheese that is melted, emulsified, and mixed with preservatives, artificial ingredients, and extra salt.
Processed cheese is often high in calories, salt, and preservatives, which can lead to hypertension and obesity if consumed regularly. It is also more highly processed than natural cheese, which may be undesirable for those trying to avoid highly processed foods.
Processed cheese has a longer shelf life than natural cheese due to the added preservatives. It is also cheaper than natural cheese and melts more easily, making it ideal for dishes such as cheeseburgers or grilled cheese sandwiches.
