Patrick Oconnell
Kraft Singles are often referred to as plastic cheese due to their texture and the fact that they are made from a blend of different cheeses mixed with water. While Kraft cheese does not literally contain plastic, it does contain emulsifiers that bind the cheese's components together. The use of the term plastic to describe Kraft cheese is therefore more of a colloquialism rather than a literal description of the product's ingredients. However, it is worth noting that cheese packaged in plastic may be exposed to harmful chemicals from the plastic packaging, which can migrate into the cheese, especially at high temperatures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is Kraft cheese made of plastic? | No, Kraft cheese is not made of plastic. However, it is a processed cheese, which can be defined as any material that can be molded into a desired shape. |
| Why does Kraft cheese have plastic in it? | Kraft cheese does not have plastic in it. However, it does contain emulsifiers that bind the cheese's components and do not separate with a sudden increase in temperature. |
| Is American cheese made of plastic? | No, American cheese is not made of plastic. However, it is a processed cheese, which some people refer to as "plastic cheese" due to its texture and the fact that it can be molded. |
| Is plastic-wrapped cheese safe? | Cheese wrapped in plastic may be exposed to harmful chemicals from the plastic, especially if it is a small portion with a high surface-to-volume ratio. These chemicals can migrate from the plastic to the cheese, especially at higher temperatures. |
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What You'll Learn
Kraft cheese is not made of plastic, but it is highly processed
It is a common misconception that Kraft cheese is made of plastic, perhaps due to its highly processed nature and its ability to melt uniformly. In fact, the term "plastic" in this context simply refers to any material that can be moulded into a desired shape, and processed cheese does fit this definition.
While Kraft cheese is not made of plastic, it is worth noting that it is a highly processed food product. The long list of ingredients on a package of Kraft cheese may seem intimidating to some consumers, but it is important to understand that just because something sounds like a chemical does not mean it is necessarily harmful. In fact, nutritionally, processed cheese is comparable to the cheese used to make it, typically cheddar. However, it tends to be higher in sodium.
Additionally, it is important to distinguish between Kraft cheese and plastic-wrapped cheese. Cheese packaged in plastic may be exposed to harmful chemicals due to "chemical migration." Plastic is stable but not inert, allowing chemicals to leach into the food it comes into contact with, especially dairy products with high-fat content. Studies have shown that chemicals like benzophenone, a plastic additive linked to cancer and hormone disruption, can migrate into cheese at various temperatures. Therefore, while Kraft cheese itself is not made of plastic, it is important to be mindful of the potential risks associated with cheese packaged in plastic.
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Kraft cheese contains emulsifiers that bind its components
There is a common misconception that Kraft cheese is made of plastic. This is likely due to the fact that it is highly processed and has a long shelf life. While it is true that Kraft cheese contains additives and emulsifiers, it is not made of plastic. The term "plastic" in this context is used to describe any material that can be molded into a desired shape, and processed cheese does fit this definition.
The use of emulsifiers in Kraft cheese is not unique, and many other processed cheese products use similar ingredients. These emulsifiers are generally recognized as safe for human consumption and are commonly used in the food industry. However, some people may prefer to consume natural cheese products that do not contain these additives.
While Kraft cheese does not contain plastic, it is important to note that cheese packaged in plastic may be exposed to harmful chemicals. These chemicals can migrate from the plastic packaging into the cheese, especially at higher temperatures. This process, known as "chemical migration," can result in the ingestion of hazardous substances. Therefore, it is recommended to limit the consumption of cheese that is heavily processed or packaged in plastic to reduce potential health risks.
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Kraft cheese has a long shelf life and is easy to ship
Kraft cheese is not made of plastic, but it is a processed cheese. In 1916, James Kraft, a Canadian-American entrepreneur and cheese salesman, perfected a technique to blend different varieties of cheeses with water to produce a uniform product. Kraft cheese has a long shelf life and is easy to ship, which has made it immensely popular. This popularity is also due to its meltability and goo factor, which makes it ideal for cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches.
The long shelf life of Kraft cheese can be attributed to the use of emulsifiers like sodium monohydrogen phosphate, which bind the cheese's components tightly and do not separate with temperature changes. While this makes it a convenient product for consumers, there are concerns about the health risks associated with the chemicals used in processed cheese. Some people consider Kraft cheese to be ""plastic cheese"" due to its highly processed nature and the presence of emulsifiers. However, it is important to note that Kraft cheese does not contain plastic.
The term "plastic cheese" is often used to describe processed cheese that has a smooth, consistent texture and a long shelf life. While Kraft cheese does fall under this category, it is important to understand the difference between plastic being added to cheese and the natural cheesemaking process that creates a plastic-like texture. The latter is what defines Kraft cheese.
The confusion around the term "plastic cheese" may also arise from the fact that some cheeses are packaged in plastic, which can expose consumers to harmful chemicals. These chemicals can migrate from the plastic packaging into the cheese, especially at higher temperatures. However, this is a separate issue from the cheese-making process and does not imply that Kraft or any other type of cheese is made of plastic.
In conclusion, Kraft cheese has a long shelf life and is easy to ship due to its unique blend of different cheeses and the use of emulsifiers. While it has a plastic-like texture, it is not made of plastic, and the term "plastic cheese" is simply a colloquial description of its processed nature.
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Kraft cheese is labelled as a Prepared Cheese Product
While Kraft cheese is often colloquially referred to as "plastic cheese", this does not mean that it is made of plastic. The moniker is more likely due to its texture and highly processed nature. Kraft cheese is labelled as a "Prepared Cheese Product" because it is a processed cheese made from a mixture of various cheeses and other ingredients.
The process of making processed cheese was invented in Switzerland as a way to reduce cheese waste by melting together scraps from different cheese batches to form a new, uniform product. In 1916, Canadian-American entrepreneur and cheese salesman James Kraft perfected and patented this technique in the US, marking the beginning of the popular American cheese we know today. Kraft cheese's long shelf life and easy shipping contributed to its immense popularity.
Kraft cheese's "Prepared Cheese Product" label is not unique to the brand, as other companies also use similar labelling practices. This label is indicative of a highly processed product, and a glance at the ingredients list confirms this. While the list may seem long and daunting, it is important to remember that the presence of chemicals does not necessarily indicate harmful or unhealthy substances.
That being said, it is worth noting that cheese, especially when packaged in plastic, can be exposed to harmful chemicals. Plastic is not inert, and chemicals can migrate from the packaging to the cheese, especially at higher temperatures. This process of "chemical migration" can occur with any food packaged in plastic, and the small serving size of Kraft cheese slices may result in a higher ratio of packaging to product, increasing the potential for chemical leaching.
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Plastic-wrapped cheese may expose consumers to harmful chemicals
The concern with plastic-wrapped cheese is not the cheese itself, but the potential for chemical migration from the plastic packaging into the cheese. Plastic is stable but not inert, which means that chemicals contained in the plastic may leach into the food, especially dairy products like cheese. This is of particular concern with cheese because of its high fat content, which readily absorbs migrating chemicals.
Two plastics commonly used to wrap cheeses include low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), both of which contain carcinogens and endocrine disruptors that have been observed to migrate into cheese at various temperatures. Benzophenone, for example, has been found to migrate into soft, semi-hard, and hard cheeses, and is linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and organ system toxicity.
The high levels of plasticizers found in cheese are especially concerning given that cheese is a food that is consumed in large quantities, especially by children. Individually wrapped cheese slices, which have a high surface-to-volume ratio, are more likely to have an increased burden of chemical leaching. Therefore, it is important for consumers to be aware of the potential risks associated with plastic-wrapped cheese and to make informed decisions about their food choices.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Kraft cheese is not made of plastic. However, it is a processed cheese, which means that it is made by mixing a variety of cheeses and blending them with water and emulsifiers to produce a uniform product.
Processed cheese was invented in Switzerland as a way to reduce cheese waste. The process was perfected by Canadian-American entrepreneur and cheese salesman James Kraft in 1916. It involves melting together scraps from various batches of cheese to form a new product.
Kraft cheese is often considered "plastic" due to its smooth, uniform consistency and its ability to melt. Some people also associate the term "plastic" with the long list of ingredients on the packaging, which may include additives and preservatives.
While Kraft cheese itself does not contain plastic, it is often packaged in plastic, which may expose it to harmful chemicals. These chemicals can migrate from the plastic into the cheese, especially at higher temperatures. However, the risk associated with consuming Kraft cheese is generally considered to be low.
To avoid ingesting harmful chemicals, it is recommended to choose cheese wrapped in natural alternatives to plastic, such as wax or parchment paper. Opting for fresh cheese from a deli counter or specialty shop can also help reduce exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals found in plastic packaging.
