Kamil Perry
Fake cheese, or processed cheese, is a polarising food product. Some people enjoy its taste and texture, while others believe it is unhealthy and unethical. Processed cheese is made by blending different types of cheese and adding other ingredients such as vegetable oil, food colouring, emulsifiers, and sugar. It is designed to melt easily and has a longer shelf life than natural cheese. However, it often contains fewer nutrients and more additives and preservatives, which can be harmful to health. Fake cheese is also associated with food fraud, with companies mislabelling products or passing off inferior substitutes as more expensive varieties. Despite the concerns, processed cheese serves distinct culinary purposes and can be a convenient and affordable option for consumers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional value | Fake cheese contains many processed and refined ingredients, including sugar, sodium, and preservatives. It has fewer health benefits than real cheese. |
| Taste | Some people enjoy the taste of fake cheese, especially in comfort foods and grilled cheese sandwiches. |
| Melting properties | Fake cheese is designed to melt well and is often used in dishes like grilled cheese and nachos. |
| Health concerns | Fake cheese may contain unhealthy additives and contaminants, such as phthalates, lead, and cadmium, which can lead to health issues. |
| Cost | Fake cheese is usually cheaper than real cheese. |
| Identification | Fake cheese may be labelled misleadingly. To identify authentic Parmigiano Reggiano, look for the PDO stamp and "Made in Italy." |
| Varieties | Examples of fake cheese include Cheez Whiz, Easy Cheese, Velveeta, and some versions of Parmesan, Feta, and Mozzarella. |
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What You'll Learn
Fake cheese can be good for weight loss
Fake cheese, or processed cheese, is often seen as unhealthy due to its long list of ingredients, including preservatives, emulsifying agents, colouring, stabilizers, and additional salt. However, it can be a good option for those looking to lose weight. Light versions of processed cheese can have a lower fat content than regular cheese, making them a better option for weight loss.
Processed cheese is typically made by blending different types of cheese and then heating them to melting temperatures, resulting in a product that is easily meltable and has a longer shelf life. While it may not have the same complex flavours and textures as natural cheese, it serves a unique culinary purpose and can be ideal for certain dishes.
The key advantage of fake cheese for weight loss is its reduced fat content. Cheese is naturally high in fat, and the light versions of processed cheese can help reduce calorie intake without sacrificing taste. This can be beneficial for those looking to cut down on fat and calories while still enjoying the flavour and texture of cheese.
Additionally, fake cheese can be a good option for those who are lactose intolerant or have dairy allergies. Vegan "cheese" products, for example, are dairy-free and can provide a similar taste and texture to regular cheese without the negative side effects of dairy consumption.
However, it is important to note that not all fake cheeses are created equal. Some may have higher levels of sodium, sugar, and other additives that can be unhealthy in large quantities. It is always important to read the nutritional labels and compare different products to make an informed decision about which fake cheese is best for your weight loss goals and overall health.
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Fake cheese is cheaper to produce
Fake cheese is often made with only around 50% cheese, with the remaining ingredients being non-cheese additives and preservatives. These additives include calcium phosphate, sodium citrate, sodium phosphate, and sorbic acid, as well as emulsifying agents, colouring, stabilizers, and additional salt. The inclusion of these additives and preservatives means that fake cheese has a better shelf life than real cheese, which often requires a lengthy production process and lengthy aging. For example, Parmesan (Parmiggiano-Reggiano) is aged for up to 3 years, and Camembert needs a specific strain of mold and controlled conditions to achieve its signature texture and flavor.
The production of fake cheese is more industrialized. First, real shredded cheeses are mixed and subjected to melting temperatures to liquify the fats. Then, the additional ingredients are added to the mixture. This process is much faster than the production of real cheese, which starts with combining milk and rennet, causing the milk to separate into curds and whey.
The cheaper production of fake cheese is reflected in its price, making it more affordable for consumers. However, it is important to note that the inclusion of various additives and preservatives in fake cheese may have negative health implications.
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Fake cheese is designed to melt
Fake cheese, or processed cheese, is designed to melt. It is real cheese, but with added salt that relaxes proteins and allows it to melt without separating. This makes it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches, nacho dip, and other melted cheese dishes. It is also cheaper and has a longer shelf life than unprocessed cheese.
Processed cheese is made by blending different types of cheese together and then liquifying the fats by heating them to between 158 and 203 degrees Fahrenheit. Additional ingredients are then added to the mixture, including emulsifying agents, colouring, stabilizers, preservatives, and salt. This industrialized manufacturing process is very different from the lengthy process of making natural cheese, which starts by combining milk and rennet to separate the milk into curds and whey.
Processed cheese is also often lower in fat than natural cheese, making it a better option for those looking to lose weight. However, it is highly processed and contains many additives and preservatives, such as calcium phosphate, sodium citrate, sodium phosphate, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, and nisin. These additives can be unhealthy, and a study by the University of California found that cheese sprays, a type of processed cheese, often contain phthalates, which can cause hormonal problems and cancer, as well as lead and cadmium, which can lead to neurological damage.
Despite the health concerns, some people enjoy the taste of fake cheese and find it nostalgic, especially in the United States where it is a common ingredient in comfort foods like grilled cheese sandwiches and nacho dip. However, others consider it a "crime against pizza" and believe that it cannot compare to the complex flavours and textures of natural cheese.
To avoid buying fake cheese, consumers can look for labels indicating authenticity, such as the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) stamp for Parmigiano Reggiano cheese or the digital label with a microchip used by the Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Consortium to verify authenticity.
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Fake cheese may contain harmful ingredients
Fake cheese is also highly processed, with some products containing as little as 50% cheese. These products are made of milk, with the addition of vegetable oil, food colouring, emulsifiers, and sugar. They also often contain preservatives such as potassium sorbate and nisin to prolong their shelf life.
Some popular fake cheese products and their ingredients include:
- Cheez Whiz, which contains 410 milligrams of sodium and three grams of sugar per serving.
- Easy Cheese, which contains 90 calories, 430 milligrams of sodium, and two grams of sugar per serving.
- Trenton Farms Nacho Cheese Sauce, which contains 510 milligrams of sodium per serving.
It is worth noting that not all fake cheese products are necessarily harmful, and they can serve distinct culinary purposes. For example, light versions of processed cheese can be a better option than real cheese for those looking to lose weight, as they often contain less fat.
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Fake cheese is not always clearly labelled
Fake feta is another example of misleading labelling. Feta has PDO status within the EU since 2002, but this did not stop Danish cheesemakers from labelling their cheeses as feta. The case was only resolved in 2022 when the European Court of Justice ruled in Greece's favour. If you want to buy authentic feta, look for the "Made in Greece" label and the PDO stamp.
In the United States, "pasteurized process cheese" must contain at least 47% milk fat, while "pasteurized process cheese food" only needs to contain 23%. There are also "cheese analogues" that look and taste like cheese but contain none of its ingredients. These include "vegetable cheese" for vegetarians and vegans, and "pizza cheese", which is much cheaper to produce.
Some companies have been caught selling fake cheese without facing legal consequences. For example, one company in Canada was fined for selling mozzarella and cheddar labelled as kosher when it was not. Another company offers to sell fake brie, manchego, gouda, and parmesan without getting into trouble with the authorities.
To avoid buying fake cheese, it is important to know the regulations in the country of origin and to look for specific labels and seals of approval, such as the PDO stamp.
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Frequently asked questions
Fake cheese, or processed cheese, is a blend of several types of cheese, but it only contains around 50% cheese. The remaining ingredients include preservatives, emulsifying agents, colouring, stabilizers, and additional salt.
Fake cheese is not good for you. It contains additives such as sodium phosphate, calcium phosphate, lactate acid, and sorbic acid. Cheese sprays have also been found to contain phthalates, which can cause hormonal problems and cancer, as well as traces of lead and cadmium, which can lead to neurological damage.
If you're looking to lose weight, light versions of processed cheese can be a better option than real cheese as they often contain less fat.
Examples of fake cheese include Cheez Whiz, Easy Cheese, and Velveeta.
Fake cheese is cheaper and has a longer shelf life than real cheese. It is also designed for ideal melting, so it is commonly used for grilled cheese or as a topping.
