Patrick Oconnell
Store-bought nacho cheese is a convenient and tasty snack, but is it healthy? The answer may depend on your definition of healthy. While some options are vegan or have identifiable ingredients like peppers, onions, and tomatoes, others are highly processed and full of artificial ingredients. Personal preferences and dietary restrictions will also play a role in determining which store-bought nacho cheese is the healthiest option for you. In terms of taste, texture, and convenience, there are a variety of options available at grocery stores, gas stations, and even movie theaters, each with its own unique qualities and drawbacks. So, is there a healthy store-bought nacho cheese? The answer is subjective, but with taste tests and ingredient evaluations, you can find the option that best suits your definition of healthy and your taste buds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Thick, creamy, silky, dippable |
| Taste | Spicy, tangy, salty, cheesy, peppery, mild, rich, creamy, buttery |
| Ingredients | Cheese, milk, peppers, onions, tomatoes, cumin, jalapenos, pickled jalapenos, habanero sauce, pineapple, chicken, beef, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, sodium citrate |
| Type | Vegan, white queso, queso blanco, cheddar, jalapeno cheddar |
| Temperature | Room temperature, warmed |
| Format | Jar, can, foil packet, block |
| Occasion | Super Bowl, movie night, party, quick snack |
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What You'll Learn
Spiciness and texture
When it comes to spiciness, store-bought nacho cheese can vary from mild to quite spicy. For those who like it hot, options like El Mexicano, Rico's, and Fritos Jalapeño Cheddar Flavored Cheese Dip deliver a good kick of spice and heat. Walmart's store-bought queso, for example, includes big chunks of peppers, giving it a nice spicy kick. Some nacho cheese options, like Pancho's, offer a milder cheese with a spicy kick from jalapeño peppers. Others, like Pace's white cheese dip, offer a burst of acidity with some heat from spices, possibly cayenne.
On the other hand, options like Gordo's queso are known for their mild flavor. For those who don't like spicy food, there's Rico's cheddar sauce, which is flavorless. Tostitos Queso Blanco is another mild option that can be used as a dip or poured over nachos.
The texture of store-bought nacho cheese can range from thick and creamy to thin and runny. The ideal texture is often described as creamy, thick, and dippable. Pace's salsa con queso, for instance, has a thick consistency. Similarly, Cacique's original white queso is known for its super thick texture. In contrast, Gordo's queso is criticized for being extremely thin, making it better suited as a cheese sauce rather than a dip.
Some nacho cheese options offer a unique texture. For example, Siete's dip, which is vegan and doesn't contain cheese or milk, has a surprisingly thick texture with a slightly grainy consistency. Fritos Jalapeño Cheddar Flavored Cheese Dip has a factory-made texture, reminding tasters of movie theater nacho cheese.
Ultimately, the spiciness and texture of store-bought nacho cheese can vary greatly, and the best option depends on individual preferences. While some may prefer a thick and spicy dip, others might opt for a thinner and milder option.
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Vegan options
There are several options for store-bought vegan nacho cheese, as well as recipes for making your own.
Store-bought options
Some popular store-bought options for vegan nacho cheese include:
- Wayfare, which offers a Nacho Cheddar with Jalapenos
- Kite Hill, which offers a queso dip
- Good Foods, which offers a vegan queso dip
- Siete, which offers a cashew-based vegan cheese sauce
- Miyokos
- 365 Whole Foods
- Field and Farmer
Homemade options
If you would prefer to make your own vegan nacho cheese, there are many recipes available online. Most recipes include cashews as a base, blended with water, and nutritional yeast. Some recipes include additional vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, onions, and peppers, to create a "nacho cheese" color and add to the nutritional value of the sauce. Spices, jalapenos, and vegan milk can also be added to taste.
Reviews
Online reviews for store-bought vegan nacho cheese are mixed. Some people find the taste to be underwhelming or not similar enough to actual cheese, while others enjoy the taste and convenience of store-bought options. Many people prefer to make their own vegan nacho cheese, as it allows them to control the ingredients and adjust the taste to their preferences.
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Creamy and thick
If you're looking for a creamy and thick nacho cheese, there are several options available. One option is Rico's Nacho Cheese, which is said to taste like the movie theatre nacho cheese and bring back childhood memories. It has that perfect gooey consistency that makes it ideal for nachos. Walmart also offers a similar product, with a creamy and thick texture, and the nostalgic, bright orange colour.
For those who prefer their nacho cheese with a kick of spice, El Mexicano Nacho Cheese Sauce is a great choice. It's creamy, buttery, and spicy, making it perfect for nachos or even just dipping. Another option is Tostitos Queso Blanco, which scored high in taste tests for its durability. It remained melty and creamy, even as other similar products started to congeal.
If you're looking for a white queso, Gordo's queso is worth considering. However, it's important to note that it has a very mild flavour and a thin texture, making it better suited as a cheese sauce rather than a dip. For those who prefer their queso on the thicker side, Cacique's original white queso is a better option. It has a super thick texture and a jalapeño flavour that will leave a kick.
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Flavours and ingredients
The best store-bought nacho cheese is often described as creamy, thick, and spicy. It should remind you of the nacho cheese you ate as a child, but still taste good enough for adults. The best nacho cheese is also versatile, perfect for dipping, pouring over dishes, or even just eating with your fingers.
Many store-bought nacho cheeses are highly processed, but there are some healthier options available. For example, Austin-based Siete’s dip is vegan and made with identifiable ingredients like peppers, onions, and tomatoes. It has a thick texture and a tangy flavour.
Some other recommended brands of nacho cheese include El Mexicano, which is creamy, buttery, and spicy; and Rico’s, which is said to taste like movie theatre nacho cheese.
If you're looking for a spicy option, Fritos Jalapeño Cheddar Flavoured Cheese Dip is a good choice. It tastes like jalapeño pickling juice and has that distinct factory-made flavour. For a mild option, Gordo’s queso is thin and buttery, making it a good choice for those who want a cheese sauce rather than a dip.
For those who want a queso blanco, Tostitos Queso Blanco is a good option. It remains melty and creamy even as it sits out, while other quesos can congeal. Walmart's store-bought queso is also recommended for its large chunks of peppers and creamy, thick texture.
Other recommended brands of nacho cheese include Pancho’s, which is studded with jalapeño peppers; and La Preferida, which is said to taste like concession stand nacho cheese.
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Healthy options
While many store-bought nacho cheese options are available, it can be challenging to find a product that is both tasty and healthy. Here are some healthier options for store-bought nacho cheese:
Velveeta
Velveeta is a popular option for those seeking a creamy and rich nacho cheese experience. It comes in large blocks or convenient foil packets of cheese sauce. While it may not be the healthiest option, some users recommend adding a splash of heavy cream or milk to enhance the flavour and texture.
North Country
North Country offers a gourmet sharp cheddar cream cheese that is an excellent option for those who want a more natural and potentially healthier base for their nacho cheese sauce. It can be purchased in 8-ounce cans, providing a good balance between flavour and health.
Siete
Siete's dip is a vegan option, so it doesn't contain cheese or milk. However, it has a surprisingly thick texture and identifiable ingredients like peppers, onions, and tomatoes. The tanginess and texture make it a unique and healthier choice.
Pancho's
Pancho's cheese dip is available in the refrigerated section of many grocery stores. While it may be too thin for some when warmed up, it is flavourful and can be perfect for drizzling over nachos or enchiladas. The spice and mild cheese create a well-balanced dip.
GFS
GFS nacho cheese is a well-loved option, although it is typically sold in large 106-ounce cans. It is perfect for special occasions or for those who plan to use it generously.
La Preferida
La Preferida nacho cheese is available at various grocery stores and is known for its flavour. It comes in a standard can size, making it more manageable than some of the larger options on the market.
When it comes to store-bought nacho cheese, it's important to remember that while convenience is a priority, health and flavour can be compromised. Reading ingredient labels and choosing products with recognisable ingredients is always a good idea. Additionally, some people opt for making their own nacho cheese at home, using natural ingredients like cheddar or mozzarella cheese, milk, and spices, which can be a healthier alternative to store-bought options.
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Frequently asked questions
While there may not be many "healthy" nacho cheese options, there are some that are vegan and/or made with identifiable ingredients like peppers, onions, and tomatoes, such as:
- Siete's dip
- Tostitos queso
- Fritos Jalapeño Cheddar Flavored Cheese Dip
- El Mexicano Nacho Cheese Sauce
Some other popular store-bought nacho cheese options include:
- Pace’s salsa con queso
- Pancho’s cheese dip
- Rico’s Nacho Cheese
- Gordo’s queso
- Cacique’s Jalapeño queso
- La Preferida nacho cheese
- Gehl’s
- Velveeta
Some store-bought nacho cheese options that taste like movie theater nacho cheese include:
- Rico’s Nacho Cheese
- Fritos Jalapeño Cheddar Flavored Cheese Dip
- Tostitos Queso Blanco
- Costco white queso
- Velveeta
Some store-bought nacho cheese options that are spicy include:
- Tostitos queso
- Pace’s white cheese dip
- El Mexicano Nacho Cheese Sauce
- Walmart queso
- Fritos Jalapeño Cheddar Flavored Cheese Dip
- Pancho’s cheese dip
- Gordo’s queso
- Cacique’s Jalapeño queso
Some store-bought nacho cheese options that are creamy include:
- Tostitos queso
- El Mexicano Nacho Cheese Sauce
- Walmart queso
- Gordo’s queso
- Cacique’s Jalapeño queso
