Andy Montoya
Easy Cheese, also known as canned, aerosol, or spray cheese, is a convenient and inexpensive snack food. It is made with a variety of ingredients, including whey, canola oil, milk protein concentrate, and preservatives. While it is a good source of calcium and protein, it also contains high levels of calories, saturated fat, and sodium, as well as additives like sodium citrate and sodium phosphate, which may have negative health effects if consumed in excess. Some consider it unnatural and unhealthy, while others enjoy it as a treat or a convenient snack.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutrition | Contains high amounts of calories, saturated fat, trans fat, sugar, sodium, protein, and calcium |
| Ingredients | Whey, canola oil, milk protein concentrate, milk, sodium citrate, sodium phosphate, calcium phosphate, salt, lactic acid, sodium alginate, milkfat, sorbic acid, annatto extract, apocarotenal, cheese culture, cheese |
| Processing | Moderately processed, contains preservatives and other chemicals not found in natural cheese |
| Health Concerns | May contain small amounts of unhealthy artificial trans fats, sodium citrate linked to dental erosion, sodium phosphate linked to potential health risks |
| Convenience | Long shelf life, easy to use, affordable |
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What You'll Learn
Easy Cheese contains preservatives and chemicals not found in natural cheese
Easy Cheese is a canned cheese product that comes in a pressurised can and can be sprayed onto crackers, baked potatoes, tortilla chips, and omelettes. While it is a convenient food option, Easy Cheese contains preservatives and chemicals not found in natural cheese.
The main ingredients of Easy Cheese are whey and canola oil, which are responsible for its distinct, not-very-cheesy flavour. It also contains milk protein concentrate, cheddar cheese, milk, sodium citrate, sodium phosphate, calcium phosphate, salt, lactic acid, sodium alginate, milkfat, sorbic acid, annatto extract, and apocarotal, among other ingredients.
Many of these ingredients are preservatives and chemicals used to enhance the shelf life of the product and create a certain texture. For example, sodium citrate is used as an emulsifying agent to prevent dairy products from going stale. However, it has been linked to the development of dental erosion due to its acidic nature, which dissolves the protective enamel of the tooth's surface. Similarly, sodium phosphate is used to thicken processed foods and enhance their shelf life, but consuming too much can carry potential health risks. According to the National Kidney Foundation, oral sodium phosphate can result in kidney failure or acute kidney injury due to the buildup of phosphate crystals in the kidneys.
In addition to these health concerns, Easy Cheese also contains twice the amount of salt as regular cheese, and may contain small amounts of unhealthy artificial trans fats from the canola oil. Therefore, while Easy Cheese may be a convenient and tasty treat, it is not a healthy option and should be consumed in moderation.
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It has twice the salt content of regular cheese
Easy Cheese, also known as canned, spray, or squirty cheese, is a convenient food that is quick and easy to add to a variety of dishes. However, it has been criticized for being unhealthy, with some even calling it "gross". One of the main concerns regarding the healthiness of Easy Cheese is its high salt content. In fact, it contains twice the amount of salt as regular cheese.
Salt, or sodium, is a nutrient that is essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function in the body. However, consuming too much salt can lead to negative health consequences. Excess salt intake has been linked to high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the recommended daily sodium intake is less than 2,300 milligrams.
Easy Cheese, with its high salt content, can contribute to exceeding this recommended daily limit. The high salt content in Easy Cheese may be due to the use of sodium as a preservative and flavour enhancer. Sodium citrate and sodium phosphate, for example, are common ingredients in processed cheese products like Easy Cheese. While these additives are generally considered safe by the FDA, they have been linked to negative health effects when consumed in excess.
In addition to the health concerns, the high salt content of Easy Cheese can also impact taste preferences. Some people may find the saltiness overpowering or unpleasant, especially when compared to regular cheese or other cheese products with lower salt levels.
Overall, while Easy Cheese may be a convenient and tasty treat for some, its high salt content is a significant factor to consider when evaluating its healthiness. Excessive salt intake can lead to negative health consequences, and consuming foods with twice the salt content of regular cheese can quickly cause one to exceed recommended daily sodium intake levels. As such, it is important to enjoy Easy Cheese in moderation and ensure a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutritious foods.
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It contains sodium citrate, which has been linked to dental erosion
Easy Cheese, or canned cheese, is a convenient food that is often consumed by children and teens. It is also consumed by adults, albeit less commonly, and is sometimes eaten when drunk or hungover. It is a popular snack in the US, where it is often sprayed onto crackers. It is also used as a topping for baked potatoes, tortilla chips, and omelets, among other things.
Easy Cheese is not considered healthy. While it does contain protein and calcium, it is also high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium. It contains twice the amount of salt found in regular cheese. It also contains preservatives and other chemicals that are not found in naturally processed cheeses, and some of these compounds may have serious health consequences if consumed in excess.
One of the ingredients in Easy Cheese that has raised concerns is sodium citrate. Sodium citrate is an additive that has been linked to dental erosion. It has a citric or acidic nature, which can dissolve the protective enamel of the tooth's surface, leading to a greater risk of dental problems and sensitivity. According to the Victoria State Government Department of Health, sodium citrate is one of the three most dangerous additives when it comes to the risk of tooth decay, along with citric acid and phosphoric acid.
Another ingredient of concern is sodium phosphate, which is used in processed foods to create a certain texture and enhance shelf life. While food-grade sodium phosphate is generally considered safe, consuming too much can carry potential health risks. According to the National Kidney Foundation, oral sodium phosphate can, in some cases, result in kidney failure or acute kidney injury due to the buildup of phosphate crystals in the kidneys.
Making your own sprayable cheese at home can be a healthier alternative to canned cheese, as you can avoid preservatives and other additives.
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It is highly processed and contains unnatural ingredients
Easy Cheese is highly processed and contains unnatural ingredients. It is a product of convenience, with a long shelf life, but it is not a healthy option. The main ingredients are whey and canola oil, which are inexpensive and contribute to the distinct, not-so-cheesy flavour. While cheese is present, it is not the star of the show.
The product contains preservatives and other chemicals that are not found in naturally processed cheeses. These compounds may have serious health consequences if consumed in excess. For example, sodium citrate is a common food additive that has been linked to dental erosion. It dissolves the protective enamel of the tooth's surface, leading to a greater risk of dental problems and sensitivity.
Other additives include sodium phosphate, which is used to create a certain texture and enhance shelf life. While generally considered safe, consuming too much sodium phosphate can carry potential health risks. According to the National Kidney Foundation, it can result in kidney failure or acute kidney injury as the phosphate crystals build up and cause a blockage.
The product also contains calcium phosphate, salt, lactic acid, sorbic acid, colour additives, and enzymes. These unnatural ingredients are not what you would expect to find in a cheese product, and their effects on health are not fully understood.
In summary, Easy Cheese is highly processed and contains a multitude of unnatural ingredients. While it may be a convenient and tasty option, it is not a healthy choice due to the presence of preservatives, additives, and other chemicals. The potential health consequences of consuming these compounds, especially in excess, are a cause for concern.
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It is not as bad for you as other convenience foods
Easy Cheese is a convenient food product that is often consumed by young people and is usually sprayed on crackers or other snacks. It is a processed cheese product that comes in a can and is also known as aerosol cheese, spray cheese, squirty cheese, and canned cheese. While it is not particularly healthy, it is not as bad for you as other convenience foods.
Firstly, it is important to note that cheese itself can be a good source of calcium and protein. However, it is high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium. Easy Cheese, as a processed cheese product, contains additional ingredients that may be considered unhealthy. These include whey, canola oil, milk protein concentrate, sodium citrate, sodium phosphate, calcium phosphate, and preservatives. While these ingredients may have negative health effects, it is important to consider them in the context of other convenience foods.
For example, Easy Cheese has been criticized for its high sodium content, with some sources claiming it contains twice as much salt as regular cheese. However, it is essential to recognize that other convenience foods, such as frozen pizza, Doritos, and carbonated drinks, also contain high levels of sodium and other unhealthy ingredients. When compared to these options, Easy Cheese may not be significantly worse for one's health.
Additionally, while Easy Cheese does contain preservatives and additives, these are also commonly found in other processed foods. Sodium citrate, for instance, is a common food additive that has been linked to dental erosion. However, it is not unique to Easy Cheese and is present in various other foods and beverages. Similarly, while sodium phosphate is an ingredient in Easy Cheese that has been linked to potential health risks, it is also used in many other processed foods to enhance texture and shelf life.
In conclusion, while Easy Cheese may not be considered a health food, it is important to recognize that it is not necessarily worse for your health than other convenience foods readily available in grocery stores. The overall health impact of any food product depends on various factors, including the frequency and amount consumed, as well as the overall diet and lifestyle of the individual. Therefore, while Easy Cheese should not be a staple of one's diet, it can be enjoyed in moderation without necessarily posing greater health risks than other convenience food options.
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Frequently asked questions
Easy Cheese is not considered healthy. While it does contain some calcium and protein, it also contains high levels of saturated fat, sodium and salt. It also contains preservatives and chemicals such as sodium citrate and sodium phosphate, which have been linked to dental erosion and kidney problems if consumed in excess.
The main ingredients in Easy Cheese are whey and canola oil. It also contains milk protein concentrate, milk, salt, cheese culture, enzymes, calcium phosphate, sodium citrate, lactic acid, sorbic acid, colour, and cheese.
Easy Cheese has a long shelf life due to the use of preservatives and chemicals such as sodium citrate and sodium phosphate. These ingredients help to prevent the product from going stale and extend its shelf life.
