Patrick Oconnell
Macaroni and cheese is a dish that is beloved by many, especially children. It is also a food that is often associated with processed food. While some may opt to make their own macaroni and cheese from scratch, using whole grain pasta noodles and a sauce made from real cheese, butter, and milk, others may opt for the convenience of boxed macaroni and cheese, such as Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. Boxed macaroni and cheese products often contain a packet of cheese sauce that has been partially defatted and dehydrated, requiring the addition of milk and butter during preparation. These products also often contain various additives, preservatives, and colourings, leading to their classification as processed food.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Popularity | Macaroni and cheese is a popular food item, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. |
| Processing | Macaroni and cheese is considered a processed food item, with some brands being more processed than others. |
| Ingredients | The level of processing varies based on the ingredients used, such as the type of pasta, cheese, and additional additives. |
| Health | Processed macaroni and cheese is associated with negative health impacts, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes. |
| Alternatives | Homemade macaroni and cheese made with whole grain pasta and real cheese is a less processed alternative. |
| Consumer Perception | Some consumers view processed macaroni and cheese negatively, while others accept and enjoy it despite its processing. |
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What You'll Learn
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is considered processed food
Macaroni and cheese is a processed food, and Kraft's version of the dish is no exception. In fact, it has been described as the "poster child for processed food". Kraft Macaroni and Cheese first hit the market in 1937, and it has been a popular choice for consumers ever since.
The product contains over 20 ingredients, including enriched macaroni, cheese sauce mix, and various additives and preservatives. The macaroni is enriched with nutrients like niacin, iron, and vitamins B1 and B2, as these are lost during the processing of the pasta. The cheese sauce mix contains several milk ingredients, including whey, milk protein concentrate, milk, and milk fat. It also includes additives such as salt, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium phosphate, and calcium phosphate, which improve the melting properties and nutritional value of the cheese.
The product also contains food dyes Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, which are added as colourings. Yellow 5, also known as Tartrazine, has been linked to hyperactivity, asthma, skin rashes, and migraines, and is banned in several countries. Consumers are advised to check the ingredients and nutrition labels of such products, as some processed foods may contain higher amounts of added sugar and sodium.
While Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is convenient and tasty, it is considered a processed food due to the number of additives and the level of nutritional alteration involved in its production.
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Macaroni and Cheese is a poster child for processed food
Macaroni and cheese, or "mac and cheese", is a dish that has become synonymous with processed food. While it is not the only processed food on the market, it has become emblematic of this food category. The dish has a long history, and its popularity has been aided by its convenience and affordability.
The story of boxed macaroni and cheese began with the quest to prolong the shelf life of cheese. In 1913, Swiss food chemists Walter Gerber and Fritz Stettler discovered that treating Emmenthaler cheese with sodium citrate improved its shelf life and melting properties. However, it was Chicago cheese salesman James L. Kraft who obtained the first patent for processed cheese in 1916. Kraft's innovation in powdered cheese products led to the creation of boxed macaroni and cheese, which was introduced in 1937. The product was marketed as a quick and easy meal, with the slogan "make a meal for four in nine minutes". During World War II, it gained even more popularity as a cheap and meatless dish.
The boxed version of macaroni and cheese has been a convenient and affordable meal option for many, especially during challenging economic times. Its popularity was evident during the coronavirus pandemic, when sales of Kraft macaroni and cheese rose by 27% in April compared to the previous year. The product's low cost and simplicity have contributed to its enduring appeal.
However, the highly processed nature of boxed macaroni and cheese has also been a cause for concern. The cheese sauce mix in these products contains various ingredients, including milk derivatives, salt, sodium compounds, colourings like Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, citric acid, lactic acid, enzymes, and more. While some of these additives serve as preservatives and emulsifiers, others contribute to the dish's high levels of sodium and fat. The processed nature of the dish has led to its reputation as a less nutritious option, often dismissed as a meal for children.
Despite the concerns about processing, it's important to recognise that not all processed foods are equal. Processed food exists on a spectrum, ranging from minimally to heavily processed. While some processed foods should be consumed less frequently, others can be part of a healthy diet. In the case of macaroni and cheese, there are more and less processed options available in the market. For instance, Stouffer's Macaroni and Cheese Frozen Meal with Broccoli is considered one of the least processed options, while still providing nutritional value in the form of protein, dietary fibre, and fat.
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The history of processed cheese
Processed cheese was invented in 1911 by Swiss cheesemakers Walter Gerber and Fritz Stettler. They sought to create a cheese with a longer shelf life, inspired by fondue and cheese sauces. They added sodium citrate to melted Emmentaler cheese, and found that the emulsified cheese sauce could be re-cooled into a solid, smooth block. This process created a homogenous, free-flowing product that could be packed into almost any shape and consistency, and flavoured and mixed with a variety of foodstuffs.
In 1916, Canadian-American James L. Kraft applied for the first U.S. patent for a method of making processed cheese. Kraft's patent aimed to convert cheese of the "Cheddar genus" into a product that could be kept indefinitely without spoiling. Kraft Foods Inc. then developed the first commercially available, shelf-stable, sliced processed cheese, which was introduced in 1950.
In the 1930s, ready-made emulsifying salts consisting of a combination of polyphosphates and other emulsifying salts first appeared on the German market. These emulsifying salts were a decisive contribution to the high quality of processed cheese products, and paved the way for the widespread use and development of processed cheese.
In 1956, Clearfield Cheese Co. introduced the first commercially available individually wrapped cheese slices in the US. These forms of processed cheese have become ubiquitous in US households, most notably for cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches.
Today, processed cheese is often sold in blocks, spray cans, or packs of individual slices, sometimes with plastic wrappers or wax paper separating them.
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The process of making boxed macaroni and cheese
Making boxed macaroni and cheese is a simple process, but there are a few steps to follow to ensure a creamy and smooth sauce. The first step is to cook the macaroni according to the packet instructions, ensuring it remains al dente as it will be baked again once combined with the sauce. It is important to add salt to the water when cooking the pasta.
While the pasta is cooking, you can start making the sauce. To make the sauce, you will need butter, milk, cheese powder, and sometimes flour. Start by melting the butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the cheese powder and stir until it forms wet clumps. Then, slowly pour in the milk and stir the mixture until it is smooth and bubbling. Be careful not to let the milk burn.
At this point, you can decide whether to add the shredded cheese. Some people prefer to add about a cup of shredded cheese to make the sauce extra cheesy and gooey. If you do add shredded cheese, make sure to grate it yourself, as pre-shredded cheese has additives that affect its melting ability.
Once the sauce is ready, combine it with the cooked macaroni. If the sauce is too thick, you can add small amounts of the pasta water to thin it out. Finally, transfer the macaroni and cheese to a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese if desired. Bake in the oven until golden and crunchy.
There are a few variations to this process that some people prefer. Some like to add the milk, then the powder, combine, and then add the butter. Others like to melt the butter first, then add the powder, followed by the milk. Ultimately, the order of adding the ingredients may not make a significant difference, but it is important to ensure that the sauce is thoroughly combined and the cheese is fully melted.
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Alternatives to boxed macaroni and cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a processed food, with boxed mac and cheese being considered one of the most processed versions of this meal. While it is convenient and tasty, there are several alternatives to boxed mac and cheese that you can try.
Firstly, you can make macaroni and cheese from scratch. This will involve cooking your own pasta and making a cheese sauce. You can make the sauce with butter, milk, and cheese, and add in a bit of vinegar or citric acid to enhance the sharpness of the cheese. You can also add in spices like garlic powder or paprika, or top it with breadcrumbs and extra cheese and bake it in the oven. If you want to make it healthier, you can use almond milk instead of regular milk and add in some vegetables, like cauliflower.
If you are looking for a quicker alternative to boxed mac and cheese, there are some healthier, less processed options available in stores. When choosing a boxed option, look for one with lower sodium per serving and a decent amount of protein and fiber. You can also add your own spin to boxed mac and cheese by using half the packet of cheese and mixing in some shredded cheese of your choice. For instance, you could make pizza mac by using white cheddar boxed mac, adding pizza sauce, pepperoni, and shredded mozzarella, and broiling it in a pan.
While boxed mac and cheese is a processed food, it is important to note that not all processed foods are necessarily bad for you. Minimally processed foods, such as bagged spinach or cut vegetables, are often simply prepared in advance for convenience. Additionally, some processed foods can help you eat more nutrient-dense foods, such as milk and juices fortified with calcium and vitamin D. However, if you are looking to minimize your intake of processed food, it is best to do more food preparation and cooking at home, basing meals on whole foods like vegetables, beans, and whole grains.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, macaroni and cheese is a processed food. The cheese sauce in boxed macaroni and cheese is partially defatted and dehydrated, and when you make it, you add back fat and liquid by mixing in milk and butter.
Processed foods include those that have been cooked, canned, frozen, packaged, or nutritionally altered by fortifying, preserving, or preparing them in different ways.
Processed foods are convenient and tasty. They also tend to have a longer shelf life.
Processed foods have a bad reputation for being linked to obesity, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes. However, not all processed foods are bad for you. Minimally processed foods, such as bagged spinach, cut vegetables, and roasted nuts, can be beneficial to our health, especially when fortified with nutrients during processing.
