Frederic Melton
Processed cheese is a controversial topic, with some considering it inferior to natural cheese, while others appreciate its affordability and convenience. So, what exactly is processed cheese, and is it good? Processed cheese is typically made by blending shredded natural cheeses of varying maturities with emulsifying agents and other ingredients, resulting in a homogeneous mixture. This process enhances the cheese's meltability, texture, and flavor, making it a popular choice for cooking and snacking. While it may contain added preservatives, salt, and artificial ingredients, processed cheese can still provide essential nutrients and minerals, and its production provides an outlet for inferior-quality natural cheese. Ultimately, the preference for processed cheese over natural cheese comes down to individual taste, budget, and priorities regarding convenience and health.
Is Cheese Processed Good?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Processed cheese is a product made from cheese mixed with an emulsifying agent and other ingredients. |
| Ingredients | Vegetable oils, unfermented dairy ingredients, salt, food colouring, sugar, preservatives, extra dairy, emulsifiers, or other artificial ingredients. |
| Proportion of Cheese | Typically contains around 50-60% cheese and 40-50% other ingredients. |
| Taste | Processed cheese melts in a way that real cheese doesn't, and has a different flavour and texture due to the added ingredients. |
| Health | Processed cheese is not considered the healthiest option due to its high proportion of additives. However, it is fine to consume in moderation as part of a balanced diet. |
| Price | The price of processed cheese is similar to or slightly less than natural alternatives. |
| Examples | American cheese, Provel pizza cheese, Kraft singles, cheese spreads, and squeezable cheese. |
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What You'll Learn
Processed cheese is not 100% cheese
All cheese is processed to some extent, but not all cheese is "processed cheese". Natural cheese is made from fresh milk and doesn't contain additives or go through additional manipulation beyond the regular preparation. The four key steps of making natural cheese are curdling or coagulating the milk, draining it, salting it, and then letting it age.
Processed cheese, on the other hand, is not 100% cheese. It typically contains around 50-60% cheese and 40-50% other ingredients. These extra ingredients can include salt, food dyes, preservatives, extra dairy, emulsifiers, vegetable oils, unfermented dairy ingredients, sugar, or other artificial ingredients. These ingredients are added to melted, pasteurized cheese, which is then converted into a sliced solid, a jarred sauce, a spread, or a spray.
The addition of these ingredients changes the flavour and texture of the cheese, making it creamier, more consistent in flavour, and more well-seasoned. Processed cheese also melts in a way that natural cheese doesn't, making it ideal for cheeseburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, and breakfast sandwiches.
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. Products with lower amounts of cheese are often labelled as "cheese food" or "cheese spread". The term "cheese product" is unregulated and used for products that do not meet any standards.
While processed cheese can be a convenient and tasty addition to meals, it is important to remember that it is not a substitute for natural cheese. As with all processed foods, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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It's made from cheese mixed with an emulsifying agent
Processed cheese is made by mixing real cheese with an emulsifying agent, such as calcium chelator or sodium citrate. This mixture is then combined with other ingredients, such as vegetable oils, unfermented dairy, salt, sugar, preservatives, food colouring, and artificial ingredients. The resulting product is a highly meltable, creamy, and flavourful cheese with a longer shelf life.
Processed cheese typically contains around 50-60% cheese and 40-50% of these other ingredients. In the United States, the term "processed cheese" is reserved for products with the highest cheese content, while terms like “cheese food" or "cheese spread" refer to products with lower amounts of cheese.
The process of making processed cheese involves melting the cheese and adding the emulsifying agent and other ingredients. This mixture is then converted into various forms, such as slices, sauces, spreads, or sprays. The most well-known processed cheese in the United States is marketed as “American cheese” by companies like Kraft Foods and Borden. It is made from a blend of cheeses, usually Colby and cheddar, and is mild, meltable, and has a medium consistency.
While processed cheese has its advantages in terms of taste, texture, and convenience, it is important to note that it is not as healthy as natural cheese. Natural cheese is made from fresh milk and does not contain any additives or undergo additional manipulation beyond the standard preparation process. It is important to consume processed cheese in moderation and ensure a balanced diet that includes fresh, unprocessed foods.
Processed cheese was first developed in Switzerland in 1911 by Walter Gerber and Fritz Stettler, who sought to create a cheese with a longer shelf life. They were inspired by fondue and cheese sauces and discovered that adding an emulsifying agent to melted cheese created a product that could be re-cooled into a solid form. This innovation paved the way for the commercial production and widespread use of processed cheese in various culinary applications.
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It's convenient and can be nutritious
Processed cheese is a convenient option for many. It is often sold in individually wrapped slices, making it easy to grab and go. This type of cheese is also a popular choice for cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches due to its ability to cook evenly and distribute smoothly. In addition, processed cheese has a longer shelf life than unprocessed cheese, making it a convenient option for those who want their cheese to last longer.
While processed cheese may be convenient, it is important to note that it is not as healthy as unprocessed cheese. Processed cheese typically contains around 50-60% cheese and 40-50% other ingredients, such as vegetable oils, unfermented dairy ingredients, salt, food colouring, sugar, preservatives, and emulsifiers. These additional ingredients can change the flavour and texture of the cheese, making it creamier, more consistent in flavour, and more well-seasoned. While these alterations may be desirable for some, they also add extra calories and fat to the cheese, which can be detrimental to health if consumed in large quantities.
However, processed cheese can still be a part of a nutritious diet when consumed in moderation. It is a good source of protein and calcium, and it can also provide other essential nutrients like vitamins A and B12, phosphorus, and zinc. In addition, some processed cheeses are fortified with additional vitamins and minerals, making them a more nutritious option.
When choosing processed cheese, it is important to read the ingredient list and nutrition facts label carefully. Look for options that are lower in saturated fat and sodium, and avoid those with artificial ingredients or preservatives. Choosing grass-fed or organic processed cheese can also be a healthier option, as these cheeses are likely to contain fewer additives and higher levels of beneficial nutrients.
Overall, while processed cheese may not be as healthy as unprocessed cheese, it can still be a convenient and nutritious option when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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It's not the healthiest option
Processed cheese is not the healthiest option. While cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, and can be a healthy part of your diet in moderation, processed cheese is often cut with non-cheese ingredients. These extra ingredients can include salt, food dyes, preservatives, extra dairy, emulsifiers, or other artificial ingredients. These additives could be responsible for negative health effects, and the actual processing of the food could also make a difference to how our bodies respond to it. For example, ground nuts are less healthy than whole nuts, as more of the fat is absorbed when the nut is ground down and the oils are released.
Processed cheese often contains high levels of saturated fat, salt, and sugar, and when we eat these foods, we leave less room in our diets for more nutritious foods. While it is not necessary to completely cut out processed cheese, it is important to think about balance in your diet. Make sure to include minimally processed foods, eat fruit and vegetables with your meals, and drink water instead of sugary drinks.
Some processing techniques can enhance the health benefits of various foods. For example, vitamin D is often added to milk, yoghurt, and orange juice. However, when it comes to cheese, it is best to stick to traditional cheeses. For example, buying a large block of cheddar and slicing it yourself is cheaper and healthier than buying pre-sliced options.
When it comes to dairy, it is always best to buy plain yoghurt and flavour it yourself, as factory-made food contains too much sugar, salt, and oil. It is also recommended to look for cheeses that are labelled as grass-fed or "pasture-raised", as these terms indicate that the cows were fed a proper diet, and their food products are therefore more nutritious for you.
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It's easy to identify
While all cheese is processed to some extent, there are ways to identify the level of processing. Firstly, consider the ingredients list. Ultra-processed cheeses tend to have multiple ingredients that are not typically found in a home kitchen. These may include preservatives, emulsifiers, sweeteners, artificial colours, and flavours. For example, orange cheese gets its colour from a harmless, natural colour additive, but some may prefer to buy white cheese. Secondly, consider the format of the cheese. Ultra-processed cheeses are often sold as slices, spreads, shredded cheese, or flavoured cheeses. They are designed to be convenient and often melt in a way that real cheese doesn't, making them ideal for cheeseburgers or breakfast sandwiches. Thirdly, consider the brand and type of cheese. In the United States, "American cheese" is a combination of cheddar, Colby, washed curd, or granular cheeses. It must be labelled as "process American cheese" if made of more than one cheese. Other types of cheese that fall outside FDA standards of identity include feta, farmer, asadero, and ricotta cheese.
To avoid highly processed cheese, opt for traditional cheeses in their simplest form. For example, buying a block of cheddar and slicing it yourself is healthier than buying pre-sliced cheese. Look for cheese with fewer ingredients, such as organic, grass-fed, or pasture-raised options. However, keep in mind that some processing techniques can enhance the health benefits of food. For instance, vitamin D is often added to dairy products, and organic processed cheese can contain quality ingredients. Overall, it's about balance in your diet. While ultra-processed cheese may be convenient and tasty, it's best consumed in moderation alongside minimally processed foods like fruits and vegetables.
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Frequently asked questions
Processed cheese is a product made from cheese mixed with non-cheese ingredients such as emulsifying agents, vegetable oils, unfermented dairy products, preservatives, salt, food colouring, sugar, or spices. It typically contains around 50-60% cheese and 40-50% other ingredients.
Processed cheese is not inherently bad for you, but it is also not the healthiest option. While it is convenient and can be tasty, it is highly manipulated and contains fewer beneficial nutrients than unprocessed cheese. Therefore, it is best consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Some examples of processed cheese include American cheese, Provel pizza cheese, and cheese spreads or slices found in snack packs.
