Andy Montoya
Squeeze cheese, also known as spray cheese, is a processed cheese spread product distributed by Mondelēz International under the trademark Easy Cheese. It is packaged in a metal can filled with air and covered with a plastic cap that reveals a straight, flexible nozzle where the cheese is extruded. While cheese is a good source of calcium, fat, and protein, as well as vitamins A and B12, zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin, it is also high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium. This article will explore the nutritional value of squeeze cheese, the potential health benefits and risks associated with consuming it, and whether it is a healthy option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional value | Cheese is a whole food and a good source of calcium, protein, vitamins A and B12, zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin. |
| Health benefits | Cheese may protect teeth from cavities and contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a healthy fat that may help prevent obesity and heart disease, and may reduce inflammation. Fermented dairy products have a positive effect on cardiovascular health. |
| Health risks | Cheese is high in calories, saturated fat, salt, and sodium. It may be contaminated with listeria, especially if made with unpasteurized or "raw" milk. It contains lactose, which can cause digestive problems for lactose intolerant people. |
| Processing | Squeeze cheese is highly processed and contains preservatives, chemicals, and unnatural ingredients that may have serious health consequences if consumed in excess. |
| Ingredients | The main ingredients in squeeze cheese include whey, canola oil, milk protein concentrate, and cheese. It also contains additives such as sodium phosphate, sodium citrate, calcium phosphate, sorbic acid, and annatto extract. |
| Alternatives | Natural cheeses, such as raw cheese, artisanal cheese, and pasteurized processed cheese, are healthier options. |
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What You'll Learn
Squeezable cheese is highly processed
Squeezable cheese, also known as spray cheese, is highly processed. It is an oil-in-water emulsion, with oil droplets of no more than one micrometer in diameter. The cheese is packaged in pressurised cans, similar to whipped cream, with the upper portion containing the cheese mixture and the lower portion containing nitrogen gas.
The cheese mixture contains a range of additives and emulsifying agents to create a uniform spread that does not separate during storage. The key ingredients in squeezable cheese include whey, canola oil, milk protein concentrate, and various additives such as sodium phosphate, sodium citrate, calcium phosphate, and sorbic acid.
Sodium phosphate and sodium citrate are emulsifying agents that help keep the oil in the cheese from separating. Calcium phosphate is added to allow companies to label the product as a good source of calcium. However, high phosphorus levels can inhibit the body's ability to use calcium effectively. Sorbic acid is a preservative that prevents mould, but it can cause skin rashes and other serious side effects for those allergic to it.
The processing of squeezable cheese allows it to have a much longer shelf life than natural cheese, but it comes at the cost of increased preservatives and additives. These additives have been linked to potential health risks, such as tooth decay, kidney disease, and renal failure. As such, while squeezable cheese may be convenient and tasty, it is best consumed in moderation due to its highly processed nature and the potential health concerns associated with its additives.
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It contains preservatives and chemicals
Squeeze cheese, also known as spray cheese, is a processed cheese spread that comes in a pressurised can, similar to whipped cream. The most popular brand is Easy Cheese, distributed by Mondelēz International and marketed by Kraft.
Squeeze cheese contains preservatives and chemicals that are not found in naturally processed cheeses. These include sodium citrate, sodium phosphate, calcium phosphate, and sorbic acid.
Sodium citrate is used as a preservative and emulsifying agent to keep the cheese spread uniform and prevent it from separating during storage. It also helps to protect against oxidation and maintain the colour and flavour of the cheese. However, sodium citrate is acidic and has been linked to dental erosion and tooth decay. It dissolves the protective enamel on the surface of teeth, leading to an increased risk of dental problems and sensitivity.
Sodium phosphate is another emulsifying agent used to thicken the cheese and enhance its shelf life. While food-grade sodium phosphate is generally considered safe, consuming too much can have potential health risks. The National Kidney Foundation has warned that oral sodium phosphate, when used as a bowel cleaning agent, can result in kidney disease and renal failure.
Calcium phosphate is added to squeeze cheese to allow companies to label their products as good sources of calcium. However, high phosphorus levels can inhibit the body's ability to absorb calcium.
Sorbic acid is a preservative that prevents mould and extends the shelf life of the cheese. However, it can cause skin rashes and more serious side effects in individuals allergic to it.
Overall, while squeeze cheese may have some nutritional value, it is important to be aware of the preservatives and chemicals it contains and consume it in moderation to avoid potential health risks.
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It has fewer nutrients than natural cheese
Squeeze cheese, also known as spray cheese, is not the healthiest option when it comes to cheese. While natural cheese is a whole food that can provide various nutrients, squeeze cheese falls short in terms of nutritional value.
Natural cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, and fat. It contains high amounts of vitamins A and B12, along with zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin. On the other hand, squeeze cheese, while containing some calcium and protein, falls short in providing the same breadth of nutrients as natural cheese. The main ingredients of squeeze cheese are whey, canola oil, and milk protein concentrate, with actual cheese being a minor component.
The process of converting cheese into a squeezable form requires the addition of emulsifying agents and other additives, which can dilute the nutritional content of the cheese. The cheese proteins are altered during processing and are re-established using melting salts and emulsifiers. This alteration affects the natural structure of the cheese, potentially reducing its nutritional value.
Furthermore, the type of calcium found in squeeze cheese, calcium phosphate, may not be as beneficial as the calcium in natural cheese. High phosphorus levels can inhibit the body's ability to absorb and utilize calcium effectively. While calcium is essential for bone health, the form of calcium phosphate in processed cheese may not provide the same benefits as calcium from natural food sources.
In summary, squeeze cheese has fewer nutrients than natural cheese due to the processing and additives involved in its production. Natural cheese, as a whole food, offers a wider range of essential nutrients that contribute to a healthy diet. While squeeze cheese may still contain some calcium and protein, the overall nutritional profile is diminished compared to its natural counterpart.
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It can be contaminated with listeria
Squeeze cheese, also known as spray cheese, is not the healthiest option at the grocery store. While it does contain some calcium and protein, it is also high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium.
One of the risks associated with eating cheese is contamination with listeria. Soft cheeses and blue-veined cheeses can sometimes become contaminated with listeria, especially if they are made with unpasteurized or “raw” milk. Eating listeria-contaminated foods can cause illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends avoiding soft cheeses unless the label clearly states that the product was made with pasteurized milk.
Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause a serious infection called listeriosis. It is commonly found in soil, water, and some animals, including cattle, sheep, and poultry. Listeria can contaminate a wide variety of foods, but it is especially dangerous when it contaminates foods that are typically eaten raw or uncooked, such as soft cheeses.
The bacteria can survive and grow in refrigerated temperatures, which is why soft cheeses are particularly susceptible to contamination. Listeria can also be transferred from contaminated food-contact surfaces, such as cutting boards and utensils, to other foods. Cross-contamination can easily occur if these surfaces are not properly cleaned and sanitized.
The symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. It can also cause more serious complications, such as meningitis, encephalitis, and septicemia. The infection is especially dangerous for pregnant women, as it can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or infection of the newborn.
To reduce the risk of listeria contamination, it is important to properly store and handle cheese and other dairy products. Soft cheeses should be refrigerated and consumed within a few days of opening. It is also important to avoid cross-contamination by washing hands, utensils, and surfaces that come into contact with cheese or other dairy products.
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It may negatively impact kidney health
Squeeze cheese, also known as spray cheese, is a processed cheese spread that comes in a pressurized can, similar to whipped cream. It is marketed as “Easy Cheese” by Kraft and Mondelēz International. While cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, squeeze cheese may negatively impact kidney health due to its high sodium phosphate content.
Sodium phosphate is a common ingredient in processed foods, used to create a specific texture and extend shelf life. It is also used as an emulsifying agent in processed cheeses like squeeze cheese. While food-grade sodium phosphate is generally considered safe by the FDA, excessive consumption can have adverse health effects. The National Kidney Foundation has warned that oral sodium phosphate, when used as a bowel cleaning agent, can lead to kidney disease and renal failure by causing phosphate crystals to build up in the kidneys and blocking their normal functioning.
Sodium citrate, another ingredient in squeeze cheese, also poses health risks. It is added to prevent the cheese from clumping and to extend its shelf life. However, sodium citrate is acidic and can cause tooth erosion by dissolving the protective enamel on the tooth's surface, leading to increased dental problems and sensitivity.
In addition to these concerns, squeeze cheese contains preservatives and other chemicals not typically found in naturally processed cheeses. These compounds, including sorbic acid, can have serious health consequences if consumed in excess. While squeeze cheese may be convenient and tasty, it is important to be aware of its potential negative impact on kidney health and overall well-being. As with all processed foods, it is best consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Squeeze cheese, also known as spray cheese, squirt cheese, cheese in a can, or cheese cans, is a processed cheese spread product distributed by Mondelēz International under the trademark Easy Cheese. It is packaged in a metal can filled with air and covered with a plastic cap that reveals a straight, flexible nozzle where the cheese is extruded.
Squeeze cheese contains preservatives and other chemicals that are not found in naturally processed cheeses. Some of the ingredients in squeeze cheese include whey, canola oil, milk protein concentrate, and cheese. It also contains additives such as sodium phosphate, sodium citrate, calcium phosphate, sorbic acid, and annatto extract.
While squeeze cheese contains some nutrients such as calcium and protein, it is also high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium. It contains preservatives and chemicals that may have serious health consequences if consumed in excess. For example, sodium citrate and sodium phosphate have been linked to an increased risk of tooth decay and dental erosion.
People with certain health conditions or dietary needs may want to avoid squeeze cheese. For example, those with high blood pressure may want to limit their intake due to the high sodium content. People who are lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy should also avoid squeeze cheese as it contains lactose, a sugar that can cause digestive problems for lactose-intolerant individuals.
