Frederic Melton
It is common knowledge that food advertisements use a variety of tricks to make their products more appealing. One such trick is the use of fake or processed cheese in place of real cheese. While genuine cheese is derived from milk, milk fat, and enzymes, processed cheese is made from other dairy ingredients and by-products, including emulsifiers, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, and food coloring. This distinction is important because these additional ingredients are not allowed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in products sold as real cheese. Despite this, companies can still legally advertise their processed cheese products as simply cheese by following certain loopholes and regulations. This has led to a thriving market for fake cheese, with some companies even specializing in creating fake cheese for shop displays and movie props. The use of fake cheese in advertisements is a well-known secret, with many people expressing frustration over the discrepancy between the stringy, gooey cheese in ads and the less impressive reality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use of real cheese in food advertisements | Real cheese may not be used in food advertisements. For example, Domino's Pizza uses a mixture of mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone for the topping, but the cheese in their commercials is mixed with glue to make it look super stringy. |
| Real cheese | Derived from milk, milk fat, and enzymes such as rennet to cause coagulation. It has high contents of fat, protein, calcium, and phosphorus. It can be hard, such as parmesan, or soft, such as brie. |
| Processed cheese | Made from cheese and other dairy ingredients and by-products, including emulsifiers, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, and food coloring. It has a longer shelf life, melts uniformly, and can be produced at a lower cost and larger scale. Examples include American cheese and cheese slices by Kraft and Velveeta. |
| Fake cheese | Passed off as real cheese to deceive consumers. Examples include parmesan, feta, and mozzarella. |
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What You'll Learn
Misleading advertising: Real cheese vs. processed cheese
Consumers are often misled by advertisements that use images of appetizing, perfectly melted cheese stretched between a pizza slice and its neighbour, or draped elegantly over a burger. However, the cheese used in these advertisements is not always real cheese. In fact, it is often a blend of other substances, including glue, corn syrup, and paint, that gives the desired look for the camera.
Real cheese is derived from milk, milk fat, and enzymes such as rennet, which causes coagulation. It typically goes through a long process of curdling, curd processing, and ripening. On the other hand, processed cheese is made by melting and emulsifying cheese, changing the texture and preventing fat separation, and then reconstituting it as a solid. Additional ingredients such as oils, colours, and flavourings are often added to processed cheese, which has a longer shelf life and can be produced at a lower cost.
While the use of the word "cheese" in advertising and marketing is regulated by the FDA in the United States, companies can still find ways to trick consumers. For example, they may use small, inconspicuous labels such as "pasteurized process cheese" or "cheese product" to comply with the law while still implying that the product is real cheese. This is a form of false advertising that can mislead consumers into paying a higher price for a product that may not deliver the same taste, texture, or health benefits as real cheese.
There have been several notable cases of companies being fined for mislabelling cheese. For example, in 2017, the Creation Foods Company of Ontario was fined for labelling cheese as kosher when it was not. In another case, Castle Cheese Inc. was fined $1 million for passing off a mixture of cheaper cheeses as Parmesan and Romano cheese. These cases highlight the need for consumers to be vigilant and read labels carefully to ensure they are getting what they pay for.
To avoid being misled, consumers should be aware of the different types of cheese and their ingredients. Real cheese will have a higher price tag and offer better flavour and texture, while processed cheese will be more affordable and have a longer shelf life. Additionally, consumers should look for specific labels such as "Made in Greece" and the PDO label to ensure they are purchasing authentic varieties like Greek feta or Italian buffalo mozzarella.
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The use of fake cheese in food advertisements
Processed cheese, also known as "cheese products" or "pasteurized process cheese," is made from a combination of cheese, dairy ingredients, emulsifiers, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, and food colouring. While these ingredients are not allowed in products sold as real cheese, they give processed cheese a unique set of characteristics that can be advantageous in certain situations. For example, processed cheese can withstand higher temperatures without melting and can be produced at a lower cost on a larger scale.
In food advertisements, the goal is often to make the cheese look as appetizing as possible. In pizza commercials, for instance, it is common to use glue or other artificial substances to create long, stringy cheese pulls that are visually appealing but would be difficult to achieve with real cheese. While real cheese may be used in the final product, the cheese depicted in advertisements is often a fake substitute designed specifically for its visual appeal.
The use of fake cheese in advertisements is not always clearly disclosed, and it can be challenging for consumers to distinguish between real and processed cheese products. To make an informed choice, it is essential to read labels carefully and look for terms like "pasteurized process cheese" or "cheese product", which indicate the presence of processed cheese. Additionally, consumers should be aware of the potential health implications of consuming processed cheese, as it may contain additives and lack the digestive benefits of real cheese's microorganisms.
While the use of fake cheese in food advertisements is prevalent, it is important to recognize that real cheese and processed cheese each have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Real cheese offers superior flavour, texture, and health benefits, while processed cheese provides affordability, convenience, and adaptability to various culinary applications. Ultimately, the choice between real and processed cheese depends on the specific needs and preferences of consumers, with both options playing a significant role in the food industry.
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The health implications of consuming real cheese
Cheese consumption has been linked to several health benefits. Firstly, it may enhance dental health by raising the pH level of dental plaque and potentially protecting against cavities. Secondly, moderate cheese consumption appears to reduce the risk of hypertension or high blood pressure by improving lipid metabolism and reducing triglyceride levels. Thirdly, a 2011 Harvard study found that dairy products like cheese may be mildly protective against cardiovascular disease and are not associated with mortality.
However, it's important to note that cheese can also be high in saturated fats and sodium, which may have negative health implications. A high intake of saturated fat can increase the risk of diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular problems. Similarly, a diet high in sodium can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Therefore, it is generally recommended to consume cheese in moderation as part of a healthy dietary plan.
The health impact of cheese consumption is complex, and individual factors such as age, size, and activity level also play a role in determining the appropriate amount and type of cheese for a person's diet. While cheese can be a part of a healthy diet, it is always advisable to consider personalized recommendations based on comprehensive blood analysis to make informed choices for optimal health and nutrition.
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The cost of real cheese vs. processed cheese
The cost of cheese varies depending on whether it is a natural or processed product. While natural cheese is derived from milk, milk fat, and enzymes such as rennet, processed cheese is made from cheese and other dairy ingredients and by-products, including emulsifiers, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, and food coloring.
Natural cheese goes through a long process of curdling, curd processing, and ripening, with some variants requiring additional steps. This process leaves natural cheese with microorganisms that are good for digestion. Processed cheese, on the other hand, is melted and emulsified, changing the texture and preventing fat separation. Additional ingredients such as oils, colors, and flavorings are often added.
The production of processed cheese is faster, easier, and more cost-effective. It can be produced on a large scale with uniform consistency, and it does not require aging, significantly reducing overall production costs. In 2021, the cost of processed cheese ranged from $1.97 to $5.98 per pound, while natural cheese was significantly more expensive, with mozzarella priced between $3.36 and $6.68 per pound, cheddar ranging from $3.36 to $9.07 per pound, and Swiss and Gruyere cheese between $3.44 and $9.31 per pound.
The higher cost of natural cheese can be attributed to its time-intensive production process and the expertise of its cheesemakers. Natural cheese also offers a wider variety of flavors due to differences in ingredients, moisture content, and aging duration. However, processed cheese is more affordable and has a longer shelf life, making it a popular choice for consumers.
It is worth noting that the labels on cheese products can help identify whether it is natural or processed cheese. Processed cheese will have labels such as "pasteurized process cheese," "cheese food," or "cheese product," and will contain emulsifiers. Natural cheese, on the other hand, will have simpler ingredient lists, typically consisting of milk, salt, and enzymes.
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The process of making real cheese
Cheese is made from milk, milk fat, and enzymes such as rennet, which cause coagulation. The process for making different types of cheese varies according to location, content, and ingredients, but they all follow a similar process.
Firstly, milk is prepared by adding cultures to make it more acidic. Then, a coagulant is added to curdle the milk, creating curds. The curds are then cut with knives to separate them from the whey. The curds are stirred, cooked, and washed to acidify and dry them. The cheesemaker then drains the whey, leaving only a mat of cheese curd. The curd mat is cut into sections and repeatedly flipped before milling.
Some cheesemakers then salt their cheese, while others brine it in a salt solution. The cheese is then shaped, often using moulds. Finally, the cheese is aged for days or years. The aging process is important, as even cheeses with identical ingredients will differ based on their aging process.
The source of milk and the combination of ingredients are what make different cheeses unique. For example, the type of milk used can vary, with cow's milk being the most common due to its wide availability and optimal fat and protein content. Swiss, cheddar, and Gouda cheeses are made using cow's milk. Other types of milk used to make cheese include donkey milk, which is used to make Pule cheese, considered the most expensive cheese in the world.
Cheese can be made on small, farm-based operations or by industrial producers, who sometimes use oils and fillers to produce cheese-flavoured substances labelled as "cheese food" or "cheese product".
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Frequently asked questions
Not always. In the United States, a product must contain at least 51% real cheese to be legally sold as cheese. Food advertisements may use something that gives the look they want for a cheaper cost, such as paint, glue, corn syrup, or vegetable oil.
Processed cheese is made from cheese and other dairy ingredients and by-products. It includes emulsifiers, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, and food colouring. It has a longer shelf life, melts uniformly, and can be produced at a lower cost at a larger scale.
Some examples of fake cheese include parmesan, feta, gouda, and manchego.
Fake cheese is used in food advertisements because it is more affordable and can withstand heat. It also lasts longer and can offer modified fat content that real cheese cannot provide.
To know if you're buying real cheese, read the label carefully. Real cheese will be labelled as such and will have a higher price. Processed cheese will be labelled as a "cheese product" or "cheese food" and will often include the word pasteurized.
