Kamil Perry
In-N-Out Burger is a popular fast-food chain known for its delicious burgers and special sauce. The cheese used by In-N-Out is a specially formulated American cheese that holds its shape at high temperatures. While some customers have speculated about the specific brand of cheese, it appears that In-N-Out uses a custom blend supplied by a private vendor. This cheese has become a signature component of the In-N-Out burger experience, with some customers praising its unique qualities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | American Cheese |
| Texture | Holds its shape at high temperatures |
| Ingredients | Blend of milk, dairy fats, solids, emulsifying agents, other fats, whey protein concentrates |
| Colour | Yellow/orange |
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What You'll Learn
In-N-Out uses a specially formulated American cheese
This type of cheese was invented by James L. Kraft in the 1910s and mass-marketed as "American cheese" in the following years, most notably as "Kraft Singles". However, because it is not 100% cheese, it cannot be labelled as such in America and is instead known as "pasteurized process cheese food".
Some similar cheese brands that customers have suggested include Land O Lakes American, Boars Head American Cheese, Great Value Deluxe American slices, and Great Lakes Deluxe American slices. These cheeses are available at Walmart and King Kullen supermarkets.
While some customers have expressed their preference for other types of cheese, such as sharp cheddar, the specially formulated American cheese used by In-N-Out is designed to withstand the high temperatures of the cooking process and maintain its shape and flavour.
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It holds its shape at high temperatures
In-N-Out uses a specially formulated American cheese that holds its shape at high temperatures. This is achieved through the use of a blend of milk, dairy fats and solids, emulsifying agents (typically sodium citrate), and other fats and whey protein concentrates. The high temperature stability of this cheese is likely due to the presence of emulsifying agents and dairy fats, which act as stabilizers and help to prevent the cheese from melting or becoming too runny.
The manufacturing process for this type of American cheese was invented by James L. Kraft in the 1910s and has been mass-marketed as "American cheese" in the following years, most notably as "Kraft singles." However, it's important to note that this type of processed American cheese is not considered "real cheese" in the United States due to it not being made entirely of cheese. Instead, it's labelled as "pasteurized process cheese food."
Despite this, the specially formulated American cheese used by In-N-Out serves an important purpose in their burgers, providing a consistent and stable cheese experience for their customers. The ability to hold its shape at high temperatures ensures that the cheese remains intact and does not become overly messy or runny during cooking and consumption. This is especially important in a fast-food context, where convenience and ease of consumption are key factors.
Additionally, the use of American cheese in burgers can be attributed to its mild flavour and melting properties. American cheese is designed to melt smoothly and evenly, providing a creamy texture and mouthfeel. This complements the other ingredients in a burger, such as the beef patty, toppings, and condiments, without overwhelming their flavours. The mild flavour of American cheese also makes it a versatile choice, as it can be paired with a variety of different ingredients without dominating the overall taste profile of the burger.
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It's made from a blend of milk, dairy fats, emulsifying agents, and other fats
In-N-Out Burger is a popular fast-food chain known for its delicious burgers and special sauce. While the exact ingredients used in their burgers remain a closely guarded secret, some enthusiasts have speculated about the type of cheese used in their signature sandwiches.
It is believed that In-N-Out uses a specially formulated American cheese, crafted to maintain its shape and texture at high temperatures. This cheese is likely a processed variety, made from a blend of milk, dairy fats, emulsifying agents, and other fats. While some may refer to it as "fake cheese," this type of processed American cheese is widely recognised by its distinct colour and meltability.
Processed American cheese, as we know it today, was invented by James L. Kraft in the 1910s. Kraft's innovation was then mass-marketed as "American cheese," with "Kraft Singles" becoming a household name. However, it's important to note that this type of cheese is not considered "real cheese" in the traditional sense, as it is not 100% cheese. In the United States, it is labelled as "pasteurized process cheese food."
The unique blend of milk, dairy fats, emulsifying agents, and other fats gives American cheese its characteristic texture, melt, and flavour. This blend also contributes to the cheese's ability to withstand higher temperatures without melting completely, making it ideal for burgers and similar dishes. While some may prefer other cheese varieties on their burgers, American cheese has become synonymous with classic fast-food offerings, including the iconic In-N-Out Burger.
While the exact blend of ingredients in In-N-Out's cheese may remain a mystery, it is clear that the cheese is an integral part of their burger's appeal, with some enthusiasts praising its taste and texture. The use of processed American cheese also aligns with the fast-food nature of the restaurant, offering convenience and consistency in their offerings.
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It's not considered real cheese in America
In-N-Out Burger, a popular fast-food chain in the United States, uses a specially formulated American cheese that holds its shape at high temperatures. While the exact brand of cheese used by In-N-Out is not publicly known, some people have speculated that it may be similar to brands such as Land O Lakes, Boars Head, Great Value, or Great Lakes.
Now, when it comes to the topic of whether American cheese is considered "real cheese" in America, there is some controversy and varying opinions. According to the Standards of Identity for Dairy Products in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), a product must be more than half cheese to be labeled as "cheese." Specifically, it states that to be labeled as "American cheese," a processed cheese must be manufactured from cheddar cheese, Colby cheese, or similar cheeses, and it must be at least 51% cheese.
Products that do not meet this standard, such as Kraft Singles, are often labeled as "cheese food" or "pasteurized process American cheese food," indicating that they contain less than 51% cheese and are therefore not legally considered cheese by American regulatory definitions and the FDA. These products are still highly processed cheese products, but they do not meet the criteria to be classified as cheese.
Some people argue that American cheese is not "real cheese" because of its additives, processing, and lower cheese content. They believe that natural cheeses like cheddar, brie, or gouda are more authentic. On the other hand, others defend American cheese, stating that most of its ingredients are dairy-derived and that it is simply a highly processed form of cheese. They argue that the term "cheese food" is pretentious and that American cheese serves its purpose well, especially in dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and cheeseburgers.
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Similar cheese brands include Land O Lakes, Great Value, and Great Lakes
In-N-Out uses a specially formulated American cheese that holds its shape at high temperatures. While the exact brand is unknown, similar cheese brands include Land O Lakes, Great Value, and Great Lakes.
Land O Lakes offers a range of sliced deli cheeses that are creamy and perfectly melty, making them ideal for sandwiches. Their Alpine Lace Deli Cheese, for instance, has a bold, complex flavor and is available in reduced-fat and low-sodium varieties.
Great Value, sold at Walmart, offers a wide variety of cheeses, including shredded, sliced, and block cheeses. Their Great Value Deli Style Sliced Colby & Monterey Jack Cheese comes in 12 slices per pack, while they also offer a 70-slice pack of Great Value Deluxe American Slices, which are not individually wrapped.
Great Lakes Cheese, meanwhile, has won nearly 40 awards in the last 5 years at various cheese championships, including the World, U.S., and New York State Fair championships. They offer deluxe American slices, which are available at King Kullen supermarkets in New York.
While these brands may offer similar cheese options, it's worth noting that In-N-Out's cheese is specifically formulated to withstand high temperatures without melting, which may not be the case for all cheeses from these brands.
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Frequently asked questions
In-N-Out uses a specially formulated American cheese that holds its shape at high temperatures.
American cheese is a processed cheese made from a blend of milk, dairy fats and solids, emulsifying agents, and other fats and whey protein concentrates.
No, it is not considered "real cheese" because it is not made entirely of cheese. It is known as "pasteurized process cheese food" in America.
Some similar cheeses include Land o Lakes American, Great Value deluxe American slices, and Great Lakes deluxe American slices.
