Bushra Griffith
Totino's Party Pizza is a popular frozen pizza choice for many, but some have questioned whether its cheese is real. The pizza is marketed as having cheese, and the packaging shows what appears to be white cheese. However, some consumers have noticed that the cheese doesn't melt and have discovered that it is imitation mozzarella. This has led to a class-action lawsuit alleging deceptive marketing, but it was dismissed by a judge who stated that the definition of pizza doesn't mandate the inclusion of real cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Imitation Mozzarella Cheese |
| Ingredients | Water, Vegetable Oil (Palm, Soybean, High Oleic Soybean and/or Canola Oil), Modified Food Starch, Potato Starch, Gelatin, Rennet Casein, Modified Whey |
| Lawsuits | A class-action lawsuit was filed against Totino's for deceptive marketing of its cheese pizza rolls, alleging that they contain imitation cheese. The lawsuit was dismissed by an Illinois federal judge, stating that the definition of pizza does not include a reference to "real cheese". |
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What You'll Learn
Totino's uses imitation mozzarella cheese
Totino's, a popular frozen pizza brand, has been the subject of controversy due to its use of imitation mozzarella cheese. While the pizza is marketed as a "cheesy" snack or meal option, a closer look at the ingredients reveals that the cheese listed is not, in fact, traditional mozzarella.
The use of imitation cheese in Totino's products has sparked mixed reactions among consumers, with some expressing disappointment and choosing to pass on the "fake cheese." Others have taken more extreme measures, such as filing a class-action lawsuit against General Mills Sales, Inc., the maker of Totino's pizza rolls. The lawsuit alleged that the product was deceptively marketed as it contains imitation cheese, misleading consumers who expected to find real cheese in their pizza rolls. However, the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed by an Illinois federal judge, who stated that the definition of pizza does not include a reference to "real cheese."
Despite the legal dismissal, the controversy persists. Some consumers feel that the use of imitation cheese in Totino's pizza negatively affects the melting properties of the cheese, resulting in a less-than-satisfactory dining experience. This issue of meltability is a common complaint among those who have purchased Totino's pizza, with many realizing that the cheese doesn't melt after trying to cook the pizza.
The ingredients listed for Totino's Cheese Party Pizza include "Imitation Mozzarella Cheese" made from water, vegetable oil (including palm, soybean, high oleic soybean, and/or canola oil), modified food starch, potato starch, gelatin, rennet casein, and modified whey. This combination of ingredients creates a product that resembles mozzarella cheese in appearance and flavor but lacks the melting properties and texture associated with real cheese.
While Totino's has faced backlash for its use of imitation cheese, it's important to note that the brand has a long history in the pizza business. Founded by Jim and Rose Totino, the brand began in a Minneapolis pizza parlor in 1951 and eventually expanded into the frozen pizza market, becoming a go-to option for those seeking a quick and easy meal or snack.
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A lawsuit was filed against Totino's for false advertising of their cheese
A class-action lawsuit was filed against Totino's, owned by General Mills, for false advertising of their cheese. The lawsuit was filed by Lakita Smith, a pizza roll consumer, in the Northern District of Illinois- Eastern Division court. Smith alleged that Totino's cheese pizza rolls are deceptively marketed as they contain imitation cheese. The lawsuit states that the pizza rolls are represented with words like "Cheese" and "Pizza In A Golden Crust" and pictures of the rolls with what appears to be white cheese. However, the cheese used is almost entirely imitation cheese, made from vegetable oils, corn starch, and casein, instead of milk solids. Smith argues that when customers are marketed "cheese" and "pizza," they expect real cheese.
The lawsuit seeks to represent a class of Illinois residents who bought the product, as well as a multi-state class from Arkansas, Iowa, Utah, Idaho, Alaska, and Montana. Smith is suing for violations of state consumer fraud acts, breach of warranty, fraud, and negligent misrepresentation. She is seeking certification of the class action, damages, fees, costs, and a jury trial.
In response to the lawsuit, U.S. District Judge Manish S. Shah granted Totino's owner General Mills' motion to dismiss the plaintiff's lawsuit. Judge Shah disagreed with Smith's claims, stating that none of the definitions of pizza referenced in the complaint say that pizza must contain a specific amount of real cheese. Additionally, Judge Shah noted that federal regulations do not contain a standard of identity for pizza. Smith was given until March 24, 2023, to file an amended complaint.
It is worth noting that Totino's Party Pizza, a separate product from the pizza rolls, does contain imitation mozzarella cheese, as listed in the ingredients on their website. However, as of the latest search on August 6, 2024, there do not appear to be any lawsuits specifically targeting the Totino's Party Pizza product for its use of imitation cheese.
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The lawsuit was dismissed as pizza is not legally required to contain real cheese
A class-action lawsuit was filed against General Mills Sales, Inc., the maker of Totino's pizza rolls, by a pizza roll consumer, alleging that the product was deceptively marketed as it contains imitation cheese. The plaintiff, Lakita Smith, argued that the "cheese" representations were misleading as the product used imitation cheese instead of traditional cheese.
However, the lawsuit was dismissed by U.S. District Judge Manish S. Shah, who stated that none of the definitions of pizza referenced in the complaint mentioned that pizza must contain a specific amount of real cheese. Judge Shah's decision highlighted that the definition of pizza does not include a reference to "real cheese", and as such, the lawsuit had no valid basis.
This ruling is significant as it sets a precedent for similar cases of alleged deceptive marketing in the food industry. It emphasizes that the legal definition of a food product takes precedence over consumer expectations or interpretations. In this case, Totino's pizza rolls are not legally required to contain real cheese, regardless of how the product is marketed or perceived by consumers.
The Totino's brand has faced criticism for its use of imitation cheese, with some consumers expressing disappointment and surprise upon discovering that the "cheese" in the pizza rolls is not traditional cheese. This has led to discussions about the nature of imitation cheese and whether it aligns with consumers' expectations of a product marketed as "pizza."
While the lawsuit has been dismissed, the conversation around imitation cheese in pizza rolls continues. Consumers are encouraged to read ingredient labels carefully and make informed choices based on their preferences and expectations. This case highlights the importance of transparency in food labelling and advertising, ensuring that consumers are aware of the products they are purchasing and consuming.
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Totino's pizza is made with bread dough
Totino's Pizza is a popular frozen pizza brand that is a favourite for gatherings and parties. The pizza is well-loved for its convenience, taste, and affordability. While Totino's Pizza is known for its cheese content, with varieties like the Triple Cheese Party Pizza, there have been questions and controversies regarding the authenticity of the cheese used.
The cheese used in Totino's Pizza has been described as "imitation mozzarella" or "fake cheese" by some consumers. This perception arises from the observation that the cheese does not melt easily and the pizza's overall texture and taste. The cheese used in Totino's Pizza is not traditional cheese but rather imitation cheese, as indicated by its ingredients list, which includes water, vegetable oil, modified food starch, and other additives. This composition of ingredients contributes to the cheese's behaviour and texture, resulting in the observed lack of melting.
Despite the use of imitation cheese, Totino's Pizza continues to be a popular choice for consumers. The pizza is positioned as a convenient and affordable option for quick meals or snacks. The cheese, although not traditional, contributes to the overall taste and experience that many consumers enjoy. The popularity of Totino's Pizza highlights that consumers prioritize convenience, taste, and affordability over the use of imitation cheese.
Now, let's focus on the aspect of dough in Totino's Pizza. Pizza dough is typically made from bread dough, and Totino's Pizza is no exception. The dough used in Totino's Pizza is a type of bread dough with a reduced salt content compared to regular bread. This distinction in salt content is worth noting, as it contributes to the unique flavour and characteristics of the pizza dough.
The choice to use bread dough for the pizza base provides a familiar and beloved foundation for the pizza. Bread dough, when prepared and baked appropriately, offers a chewy and slightly crispy texture that is desirable in pizza crusts. Totino's Pizza leverages this preferred texture by using bread dough as its base, creating a palatable and crowd-pleasing product.
In summary, Totino's Pizza is indeed made with bread dough, specifically a variation with reduced salt content. This choice of dough contributes to the overall taste and texture of the pizza, making it a popular and convenient option for consumers seeking a quick, tasty, and affordable meal or snack.
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Totino's pizza is a frozen pizza
The Cheese Party Pizza is a square pizza that is easy to prepare and can be baked in a toaster oven or a standard oven in less than 20 minutes. It is a popular choice for those who love cheese and want a quick and convenient pizza. Totino's also offers the Triple Cheese Party Pizza, which is perfect for those who want even more cheese on their pizza. This pizza also has a quick baking time of under 20 minutes and can be cooked in a toaster oven or standard oven.
While Totino's pizzas are a popular choice for those looking for a convenient and affordable meal or snack, there have been some concerns about the quality of the cheese used. Some people have noted that the cheese on Totino's pizzas does not melt properly and have discovered that it is imitation mozzarella cheese. This has led to some negative reviews and even a class-action lawsuit alleging that Totino's deceptively markets its products by using imitation cheese instead of real cheese.
However, despite the concerns about the cheese, Totino's pizzas continue to be a popular choice for those looking for a quick and easy meal or snack. The pizzas are designed to be convenient and affordable, and the brand has a loyal following among those who enjoy their unique taste and convenience. Totino's frozen pizzas are a classic example of how a frozen pizza can bring all the deliciousness of pizza without breaking the bank.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Totino's uses imitation mozzarella cheese on its pizzas.
The cheese doesn't melt because it is imitation cheese.
Yes, there has been a class-action lawsuit filed against Totino's for deceptively marketing its frozen cheese pizza rolls as they contain imitation cheese. However, the lawsuit was dismissed by an Illinois federal judge, who stated that the definition of pizza does not include a reference to "real cheese".
Totino's uses imitation cheese to keep costs low and sell their products at a lower price point.
No, the dough on Totino's pizza is made with real bread dough, just with less salt.
