Frederic Melton
McDonald's Australia has been working with local farmers and producers for over 50 years, with over 90% of its ingredients sourced from within the country. However, the cheese used in McDonald's products has been a topic of discussion, with some speculating that the fast-food chain uses Kraft or Costco American cheese in its burgers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Supplier | Bega manufactures the cheese and sells it to Fonterra |
| Cheese Type | American Cheese, similar to Kraft Singles |
| Cheese Recipe | A combination of vintage cheese and day-old quark |
| Cheese Colour | Orange, a natural colour also used in other cheeses |
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What You'll Learn
McDonald's Australia sources cheese from Fonterra
McDonald's Australia sources its cheese from Fonterra, a New Zealand-based company. According to a forum post, Bega manufactures the McDonald's cheese in Australia and sells it to Fonterra, which then supplies it to McDonald's.
McDonald's Australia has worked with local farmers and producers for over 50 years, sourcing over 90% of its ingredients, including dairy, from Australia. However, it appears that McDonald's Australia's cheese is an exception to this rule, as it is not produced in Australia.
The cheese used by McDonald's Australia is reportedly made from a combination of vintage cheese and day-old quark, which contributes to its distinctive orange colour. While it is not available for purchase in supermarkets, some substitutes that are similar in taste and appearance include Dairy-lee (formerly Kraft) NON-wrapped cheddar slices and Dairylea burger slices, which are described as tasting like Kraft singles.
Some forum users have also mentioned that McDonald's Australia's cheese is of a lower quality compared to other cheeses, with one user stating that "mature or Swiss cheese trumps that cheese any day of the week." Despite this, others have expressed interest in replicating the taste and appearance of McDonald's cheese in their own burger recipes.
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The closest substitute is Dairy-Lee cheddar slices
McDonald's Australia sources its cheese from Fonterra, a New Zealand-based company that manufactures and supplies cheese to the fast-food chain. While the exact type of cheese used by McDonald's remains proprietary information, it is known to be a processed American cheese with a distinct orange colour.
The closest substitute for the cheese used by McDonald's in Australia, according to online forums and reviews, is Dairy-Lee cheddar slices (formerly known as Kraft NON wrapped cheddar slices). Dairy-Lee cheddar slices are available in a 12-pack and are noted for their similar appearance to McDonald's cheese, although they are less orange in colour.
Dairy-Lee, or Kraft, cheddar slices are recommended by individuals seeking to replicate the McDonald's cheese taste at home. These slices are said to have a similar texture and taste, with some noting that they are unable to tell the difference in a blind test. The processed cheese used by McDonald's in Australia is reportedly made from a combination of vintage cheese and day-old quark, contributing to its unique flavour and texture.
While the Dairy-Lee cheddar slices may not be an exact match, they are considered the closest option available to the general public. It is worth noting that McDonald's cheese is produced according to a special recipe, and an identical product is not available for purchase in supermarkets. However, for those seeking to recreate the McDonald's experience at home, Dairy-Lee cheddar slices are recommended as the best alternative.
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Bega manufactures McDonald's cheese in Australia
McDonald's Australia has worked with local farmers and producers for over 50 years, with more than 90% of its ingredients sourced from within the country. The fast-food chain uses a special recipe for its cheese, which is manufactured by Bega and sold to Fonterra, from which McDonald's sources it.
The cheese slices are packed in such a way that each piece overlaps the next, making them easy to peel. While the exact recipe is proprietary, it is known that McDonald's uses American cheese, which is typically made from cheeses such as Cheddar or Colby seasoned with annatto.
Some have suggested that Dairy-lee (formerly Kraft) NON-wrapped cheddar slices from Coles or Woolworths are similar, while others have recommended Costco's "PASTEURIZED PROCESS AMERICAN CHEESE". However, none of these options are exactly the same as the cheese used by McDonald's, which is specifically formulated for the chain and not available for purchase in supermarkets.
McDonald's Australia has prioritised food quality and sourcing, aiming to provide safe food as its top priority. The company has implemented hundreds of stringent food safety procedures at every stage of the food preparation process, based on the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) approach.
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McDonald's cheese is made from vintage cheese and quark
McDonald's Australia sources its cheese from Bega, an Australian cheese manufacturer. Bega produces the cheese according to a special McDonald's recipe and then sells it to Fonterra, which supplies it to McDonald's. While the exact recipe is not publicly known, it has been revealed that McDonald's cheese in Australia is made from a combination of vintage cheese and quark, a type of cottage cheese. This combination results in the distinctive orange colour and flavour that has come to be associated with McDonald's cheese.
The use of vintage cheese in McDonald's products adds a layer of complexity and depth of flavour to their menu items. Vintage cheese is known for its sharp, robust, and often nutty taste, which can enhance the overall taste experience of McDonald's burgers and sandwiches. The maturity of the vintage cheese also contributes to a more pronounced and intense flavour profile, creating a memorable sensory impression for customers.
Quark, on the other hand, is a fresh dairy product similar to cottage cheese. It has a mild, slightly tangy flavour and a creamy texture. By incorporating quark into their cheese blend, McDonald's is able to achieve a smoother, creamier mouthfeel and a more subtle tanginess that complements the stronger flavours of the vintage cheese. This combination of vintage cheese and quark allows for a unique flavour profile that is instantly recognisable as McDonald's cheese.
The orange colour of McDonald's cheese is a natural byproduct of the vintage cheese and quark mixture. While the exact proportions are not known, the orange hue is likely due to the presence of annatto, a natural colouring agent commonly used in cheese production. This colouring not only contributes to the visual appeal of the cheese but also helps create a consistent and distinct look for McDonald's products, further enhancing their brand recognition.
While some may have their own opinions about the quality of McDonald's cheese, it is undeniable that the combination of vintage cheese and quark creates a unique and signature flavour that has become synonymous with the McDonald's brand. The use of these specific ingredients showcases the thought and experimentation that has gone into crafting their cheese blend, contributing to the overall sensory experience that keeps customers coming back for more.
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McDonald's cheese is distinctively American
McDonald's Australia uses cheese that is distinctly American in its burgers and sandwiches. While the company has never publicly confirmed this, there is much speculation and evidence to support this claim.
Firstly, it is important to note that McDonald's sources its cheese from different suppliers in different countries. In Australia, it is known that McDonald's sources its cheese from Fonterra, a company that manufactures and supplies cheese to the restaurant chain. However, Fonterra does not have the capability to produce the cheese in Australia, so the cheese is actually manufactured by Bega, an Australian company, which then sells it to Fonterra for distribution to McDonald's.
Secondly, according to former employees of Kraft, which used to be a supplier of cheese to McDonald's Australia, the cheese used by the fast-food chain is not typical Australian cheddar but is, in fact, American cheese. This is further supported by the fact that Dairy-lee (formerly Kraft) NON-wrapped cheddar slices, available in Australian supermarkets, are often suggested as the closest substitute for the McDonald's cheese in terms of taste and appearance. These cheddar slices are also notably more orange in color than standard Australian cheddar, which aligns with the typical coloring of American cheese.
Additionally, it has been suggested that the processed cheese used by McDonald's Australia is made from a combination of vintage cheese and day-old quark or cottage cheese, which contributes to its distinctively American flavor and texture.
While the exact recipe for McDonald's cheese in Australia may be a closely guarded secret, the evidence strongly suggests that it is, indeed, a type of American cheese. This unique cheese is specifically produced for McDonald's, which is why it cannot be found on supermarket shelves. The use of American cheese adds a familiar and beloved flavor to the burgers and sandwiches, contributing to the iconic taste that McDonald's is known for worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
McDonald's Australia uses Kraft cheese, which is a type of American cheese.
American cheese is typically yellow to orange in colour and made with cheeses such as Cheddar or Colby cheese seasoned with annatto.
The closest substitutes to McDonald's cheese in Australian supermarkets are Dairy-lee (formerly Kraft) NON wrapped cheddar slices, Dairy Lea slices, and Coles' "Smokey Burger Slices".
Bega manufactures the McDonald's cheese in Australia and sells it to Fonterra.
The recipe for McDonald's cheese is a special recipe that is not available in supermarkets.
