Bushra Griffith
Kraft Singles are a popular processed cheese product, individually wrapped and perfect for sandwiches, burgers, and grilled cheese. Despite their flavour and appearance, Kraft Singles are not legally considered cheese due to their ingredients and manufacturing process. Introduced in 1950, Kraft Singles have become a staple in many households, providing a convenient and tasty cheese option for various dishes. While the product has faced some branding and regulatory challenges, it continues to be a go-to choice for those seeking a quick cheese fix.
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What You'll Learn
Kraft Singles are not legally considered cheese
Kraft Singles are a staple for many people, and they are commonly used in sandwiches, burgers, and grilled cheese. Despite their flavour and appearance, Kraft Singles are not legally considered cheese. In fact, calling them a "cheese food product" is more accurate.
Real cheese is made primarily from milk, rennet, and salt. Kraft Singles, on the other hand, have a long list of additional ingredients, including milk, whey, milk protein concentrate, milkfat, sodium phosphate, sorbic acid, and paprika extract, which gives them their signature yellow colour. When all of these ingredients are combined, Kraft Singles contain less than 51% real cheese, which is why they cannot be legally labelled as cheese.
The origin of Kraft Singles dates back to the 1940s or 1950s when J.L. Kraft created Kraft American cheese to utilise older cheeses that were nearing the end of their shelf life. Kraft's solution was to melt down the unusable cheese pieces and blend them with other ingredients. This resulted in the creation of single slices of American cheese, which were initially not individually wrapped. It wasn't until 1965 that Kraft introduced the individually wrapped slices that became synonymous with the brand.
The high percentage of milkfat in Kraft Singles, which comes from added dairy ingredients, exceeds the legal limit for the ""Pasteurized Process Cheese" label. In 2002, the FDA issued a warning, and Kraft changed the label to "Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product". Despite not being legally considered cheese, Kraft Singles remain a popular and convenient option for many consumers, especially for use in sandwiches and other dishes.
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Kraft Singles are convenient for sandwiches
Kraft Singles are a convenient option for sandwiches for several reasons. Firstly, they are individually wrapped, making it easy to grab a single slice for a sandwich without having to worry about the rest of the package drying out. This also makes them a great option for on-the-go snacks or lunches, as you can just throw a few slices in a bag or container without needing to worry about extra packaging.
Secondly, Kraft Singles have a long shelf life compared to traditional cheese, so you can always have some on hand for sandwich-making without worrying about them spoiling. They also provide a consistent texture and flavour, so you know exactly what to expect every time you use them. This can be especially useful when making sandwiches for picky eaters or those with specific taste preferences.
Additionally, Kraft Singles are designed to melt easily, which is ideal for sandwiches that you might want to grill or toast, such as grilled cheese or a toasted burger. Their melting properties also make them a versatile ingredient for other dishes beyond sandwiches, such as tacos or burgers.
While Kraft Singles may not be classified as "real cheese" due to their processing and ingredient list, they still provide a convenient and tasty option for those looking for a quick and easy way to add cheese to their sandwiches. With their long history on the market and their popularity among consumers, Kraft Singles have become a go-to choice for those seeking a reliable and affordable cheese product for their sandwich-making needs.
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Kraft Singles are a mixture of cheeses
Kraft Singles are a popular cheese product, commonly used in sandwiches, cheeseburgers, and grilled cheese. They are individually wrapped slices of processed cheese, introduced in 1950 as "Kraft De Luxe Processed Slices". While they are a convenient and tasty addition to many dishes, Kraft Singles are not technically considered "real cheese".
The key difference lies in the ingredients and the manufacturing process. Real cheese is traditionally made from milk, rennet, and salt. In contrast, Kraft Singles are created by melting and blending various cheeses with multiple other ingredients, including milk, whey, milk protein concentrate, milkfat, sodium phosphate, sorbic acid, and paprika extract. This blend results in a product that is less than 51% real cheese, which is the minimum required for a product to be legally labelled as "cheese".
The high percentage of added dairy ingredients, particularly milkfat, in Kraft Singles disqualifies them from being labelled as "Pasteurized Processed Cheese". In 2002, the FDA issued a warning to Kraft regarding their initial labelling of the product as "Pasteurized Processed Cheese Food". Following this, Kraft changed the label to "Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product", acknowledging that their product falls short of the legal definition of "cheese".
Despite this technicality, Kraft Singles remain a beloved and versatile food item, valued for their convenience, meltability, and distinct flavour. They have become a staple in many households, revolutionizing the way people enjoy cheese in their sandwiches and other dishes. So, while Kraft Singles may not be a true cheese in the traditional sense, they have earned their place in the hearts (and refrigerators) of many.
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Kraft Singles are labelled as 'Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product'
Kraft Singles are a staple for many people, especially for sandwiches, burgers, or grilled cheese. However, despite their flavour and appearance, Kraft Singles are not legally considered cheese. Real cheese is made from milk, rennet, and salt, whereas Kraft Singles contain other ingredients like milk, whey, milk protein concentrate, milkfat, sodium phosphate, sorbic acid, and paprika extract.
The reason Kraft Singles are labelled as a "Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product" is due to the percentage of milkfat in the product that comes from added dairy ingredients. The formulation change in 2002, which replaced non-fat milk with milk protein concentrate, resulted in the product no longer meeting the requirements for the "Pasteurized Process Cheese" label. The FDA warned Kraft that they could no longer legally use the old label, and the company complied by changing it to the current "Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product".
Kraft Singles were introduced in 1950 as "Kraft De Luxe Process Slices" and initially were not individually wrapped. It was not until 1965 that Kraft introduced the individually wrapped cheese slices that became synonymous with the brand. In 2023, Kraft updated its packaging with a new branding design and an easier-to-open wrapper.
While Kraft Singles are no longer called "Kraft Singles" in Australia, they are still popular in the United States, with around 40% of households continuing to buy them.
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Kraft Singles are individually wrapped slices
Kraft Singles are slices of processed cheese individually wrapped and manufactured by Kraft Heinz. They were introduced in 1950 as Kraft De Luxe Processed Slices, and since then, they have become a staple for many people. Kraft Singles are versatile and can be used in sandwiches, burgers, grilled cheese, and various other recipes. The product's convenience and ease of use have made it a popular choice, with around 40% of households in the United States still buying Kraft Singles.
While Kraft Singles are commonly associated with individually wrapped cheese slices, the company did not introduce this packaging format until 1965. The idea of individual wrapping was actually developed by American engineer Arnold Nawrocki and the Clearfield Cheese Company, who revolutionized the product's packaging and marketing. This innovation not only enhanced the product's appeal but also contributed to its success and recognition.
The individual wrapping of Kraft Singles serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it provides portion control, as each slice is designed to be a single serving. This convenience eliminates the need for consumers to cut or portion the cheese themselves, making it quick and easy to use. Secondly, the individual wrapping extends the product's shelf life by preserving freshness and maintaining hygiene. Each slice is sealed in its own protective packaging, ensuring that the cheese remains edible for a longer period.
Additionally, the individual wrapping facilitates storage and transportation. The compact, single-serve portions can be stacked or arranged neatly in packaging, optimizing space efficiency. This feature is advantageous for both retailers and consumers, as it allows for convenient display and storage on shelves and at home. Furthermore, the individual wrapping enables consumers to open and use only the required amount, helping to reduce waste and maintain product longevity.
Despite their popularity, it is important to note that Kraft Singles are not legally considered "cheese." Due to their ingredients and formulation, they fall under the category of "pasteurized prepared cheese product" or "cheese food product." This distinction is made because Kraft Singles contain a blend of ingredients, including milk, whey, milk protein concentrate, milkfat, and small quantities of additives, resulting in a final product that is less than 51% real cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Kraft Singles are a popular choice for sandwiches, grilled cheese, and cheeseburgers. The slices are individually wrapped, making them easy to use. However, it is important to note that Kraft Singles are not legally considered "cheese". They are more accurately described as a "'cheese food product' or "'pasteurized prepared cheese product', as they contain less than 51% real cheese.
Kraft Singles are made from a blend of cheeses that have been melted together with other ingredients. These ingredients may include milk, whey, milk protein concentrate, milkfat, sodium phosphate, sorbic acid, and paprika extract.
According to the FDA, a product must contain at least 51% real cheese to be labelled as "cheese". Kraft Singles have a high percentage of added dairy, with more than 5% milkfat, which disqualifies them from being labelled as "Pasteurized Process Cheese". Therefore, they are more accurately described as a "cheese food product".
