Patrick Oconnell
McDonald's uses American cheese in its cheeseburgers, which some people refer to as plastic cheese. According to McDonald's, the cheese slice in its burgers contains approximately 60% real cheese (51% Cheddar and 9% other types of cheese). However, some people speculate that cheaper versions of the cheese may contain less real cheese and more oil. One former employee of a company that produced cheese for McDonald's stated that no plastic was involved in the cheese-making process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is McDonald's cheese made of plastic? | No, although it is often referred to as "plastic cheese", there is no plastic involved in its production. |
| Percentage of real cheese | McDonald's cheese slices contain approximately 60% real cheese (51% Cheddar and 9% other cheeses). |
| Taste | Many people enjoy the taste of McDonald's cheese, despite it not being "real cheese". |
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What You'll Learn
McDonald's cheese is made of 60% real cheese
McDonald's cheese is not made of plastic. In fact, the cheese slice used in McDonald's burgers contains approximately 60% real cheese. This includes 51% cheddar and 9% other cheeses. The remaining 40% of the cheese slice is unclear, but it is likely a mix of preservatives, additives, and other ingredients to enhance taste and texture.
While some people refer to McDonald's cheese as "plastic cheese," this is likely due to its processed nature and the fact that it is made and packaged specifically for McDonald's. It is designed to have a consistent taste, texture, and melt across all their restaurants. The cheese is produced in bulk, and while it may not be considered "real cheese" by some, it is still made from dairy products and undergoes a similar cheesemaking process.
A former employee of a company that produced cheese for McDonald's stated that no plastic is involved in the cheese production. They mentioned that while they couldn't provide exact ratios or ingredients, they could assure that no plastic is used. This aligns with McDonald's own statement that their cheese slices contain approximately 60% real cheese.
The perception of "plastic cheese" may also stem from the fact that cheaper versions of processed cheese use less cheese and add more oil. In some cases, extremely cheap slices may be made almost entirely of vegetable oils and other non-dairy ingredients. However, McDonald's cheese does contain a significant portion of real cheese, as stated in their ingredient declaration.
In summary, while McDonald's cheese may not be considered artisanal or made from traditional cheesemaking methods, it is important to clarify that it is not made of plastic. It contains a substantial amount of real cheese, specifically 60%, and is produced specifically for the company to meet their desired standards and consistency.
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The remaining 40% is made of vegetable oils and other ingredients
A quick Google search reveals that McDonald's cheese is not made of plastic. In fact, according to McDonald's website, their cheese is made of a combination of milk, water, milk fat, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes. This likely comes as a relief to many customers, as the idea of consuming plastic is certainly unappetizing. But, what about the remaining 40% of the ingredients in McDonald's cheese?
The remaining 40% of McDonald's cheese is primarily made up of vegetable oils and other ingredients. Now, this is an interesting part. Vegetable oils are used in cheese to improve its meltability and stretchiness. This is important for McDonald's, as they want their cheese to melt evenly and attractively on their burgers. The oils also help to reduce costs and increase the shelf life of the cheese. While some may argue that the use of vegetable oils is a cost-cutting measure, it is important to note that they are commonly used in the food industry and are safe for consumption.
So, what are these "other ingredients"? Well, they include emulsifiers and preservatives. Emulsifiers are used to help blend the ingredients together and create a smooth, consistent texture. This is important for ensuring that every bite of McDonald's cheese has the same creamy taste. Preservatives, on the other hand, are used to extend the shelf life of the cheese and prevent the growth of bacteria. This is crucial for a global fast-food chain like McDonald's, as they need their ingredients to remain stable and safe during transportation and storage.
While some people may be concerned about the use of these additional ingredients, it's important to remember that they are used in small quantities and are safe for consumption. In fact, many of these ingredients are commonly found in other processed foods. Additionally, McDonald's has strict standards for their ingredients and suppliers, ensuring that their products meet certain quality and safety requirements. So, while the idea of "plastic cheese" may be a persistent rumor, it's clear that McDonald's cheese is made of real, safe ingredients.
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It is a pasteurised processed cheese product
Although McDonald's cheese has been described as "plastic cheese", it is, in fact, a pasteurized processed cheese product. This means that while it is not "real cheese", it is also not made of plastic. A former employee of a company that produced this cheese for McDonald's confirmed that no plastic is involved in the cheese-making process.
Processed cheese is made by blending different varieties of cheeses and adding emulsifying salts to create a uniform product. This process was invented in Switzerland in the early 1900s to extend the shelf life of cheese and create a more affordable option.
The exact ingredients of McDonald's cheese are not publicly known, but it is likely a blend of different types of cheese, emulsifying salts, and other additives. It is made and packaged specifically for McDonald's, and it is used on most of their sandwiches, including cheeseburgers and breakfast sandwiches.
While some people enjoy the taste of McDonald's cheese, others have criticized it for not being "real cheese". However, the term "pasteurized processed cheese product" is a regulatory classification for certain types of processed cheese and does not necessarily indicate that the product is made of plastic or other artificial substances.
In summary, while McDonald's cheese may not be traditional or artisanal, it is still a cheese product that has been pasteurized and processed for consistency, taste, and longevity. It is designed to meet the needs of a large fast-food chain and its customers. Whether one enjoys the taste of McDonald's cheese or not is a matter of personal preference, but it is important to clarify that it is not made of plastic.
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It is not actual cheese, but it is delicious
McDonald's cheese is not actual cheese, but it sure is delicious! Although McDonald's uses "pasteurized processed cheese product" and not real cheese, it has an irresistible taste that has become synonymous with the brand. In fact, some people even believe that McDonald's cheese is made of plastic due to its unique texture and meltability. However, according to a comment from a former employee of a company that produced this cheese, no plastic is involved in its making.
McDonald's cheese slice, specifically, contains approximately 60% real cheese, with 51% being cheddar and 9% other cheeses. The remaining 40% is likely a mix of oils and other ingredients that help create that signature texture and taste. While some may argue that the use of processed cheese is a cost-cutting measure, it is important to note that McDonald's cheese is made and packaged specifically for the company, ensuring a consistent product across all its restaurants.
The processed cheese in McDonald's cheeseburgers has become iconic, with many customers loving its taste and texture. It melts beautifully, adding a creamy and salty dimension to the burgers. While it may not be a gourmet cheese, it perfectly complements the other ingredients, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the burgers. The saltiness of the cheese also helps balance the other flavors, creating a harmonious taste sensation.
Although McDonald's cheese may not be a traditional, natural cheese product, it has earned its place in the hearts of many customers. Its unique characteristics and flavor contribute to the overall appeal of McDonald's burgers, making them one of the most recognizable and beloved fast-food items globally. So, while it may not be "actual cheese," it undoubtedly plays a crucial role in the McDonald's experience and continues to delight customers with every bite.
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McDonald's cheese is not made of plastic
There are many different types of American cheese on the market, and McDonald's cheese is made and packaged specifically for them. It is likely a "pasteurized processed cheese product" and not actual cheese. However, a former employee of a company that produced this cheese for McDonald's and other fast-food chains has stated that no plastic is involved in the making of the cheese.
The reason why some people may refer to it as "plastic cheese" could be due to the fact that cheaper versions of processed cheese use less real cheese and start adding oil. To be considered cheese, it has to be at least Q cheese. Some of the cheapest slices are made almost entirely of vegetable oils and synthetic cheese-like molecules, which may give them a plastic-like texture or taste.
While McDonald's cheese may not be considered "real cheese" by some, it is important to note that it does contain a significant proportion of real cheese and is not made of plastic.
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Frequently asked questions
No, a former employee of a company that produced the cheese has confirmed that no plastic is involved in the making of McDonald's cheese. However, some people refer to it as "plastic cheese" because it is not "real cheese".
McDonald's uses American cheese, made and packaged specifically for them.
The cheese slice used in McDonald's burgers contains approximately 60% real cheese (51% Cheddar and 9% other cheeses).
Yes, cheaper versions of McDonald's cheese slices contain less cheese and start adding oil.
One source mentions that temporary pleasure from consuming McDonald's cheese will "kill you before you have kids".
