Randy Chandler
There is a significant difference between processed and natural cheese. Processed cheese, which was invented in the early 20th century, is made from cheese and other dairy ingredients and by-products, and contains emulsifiers, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, and food colouring. Real cheese, on the other hand, is made from raw, unpasteurized milk, and contains enzymes such as rennet to cause coagulation. It is considered healthier and has a better flavour and texture than processed cheese. So, when a product says it is made with real cheese, it is usually referring to natural cheese.
Characteristics of "Made with Real Cheese"
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Milk, starter culture, salt, rennet (an enzyme that helps coagulate the milk), calcium, vitamins, protein, phosphorus |
| Nutritional Benefits | Natural ingredients, healthy in moderation, provides calcium, niacin, phosphorus, high-quality protein, vitamins A and B12 |
| Texture | Inconsistencies, complex |
| Taste | Better flavour than processed cheese |
| Melting Properties | Takes longer to melt than processed cheese |
| Health | Relatively healthy in moderation, fewer additives than processed cheese |
| Manufacturing | More expensive to produce, longer production time |
| Labelling | Must be labelled as "real cheese" or "cheese product" according to FDA standards |
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What You'll Learn
Real cheese is made from raw, unpasteurized milk
When it comes to cheese, there is a clear distinction between processed cheese and real cheese. Real cheese is made from natural ingredients, including milk, a starter culture, salt, and rennet, an enzyme that helps coagulate the milk. It is a relatively healthy food when consumed in moderation and offers a range of nutritional benefits, such as calcium, niacin, phosphorus, high-quality protein, and vitamins A and B12.
On the other hand, processed cheese, which was invented in the early 20th century, is made from cheese and other dairy ingredients and by-products. It often contains additional ingredients like emulsifiers, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, and food coloring, which are not typically found in real cheese. Processed cheese was created to meet the demand for a more convenient and long-lasting cheese product with an extended shelf life.
Now, let's delve into the topic of "real cheese" and its connection to raw, unpasteurized milk. Raw-milk cheese is crafted using milk that has not undergone pasteurization or heat treatment. Pasteurization is the process of heating milk to a specific temperature for a set duration to eliminate potential foodborne illness-causing microbes. In the United States, the sale of cheese made from unpasteurized milk is prohibited unless the cheese has been aged for at least 60 days. This regulation has been in place since 1949 to safeguard consumers from harmful pathogens.
Cheeses made from raw milk are often produced by small-scale artisanal cheesemakers and can come from the milk of cows, sheep, or goats. These cheeses may vary in texture, ranging from firm to oozy, creamy, or crumbly, and can be found in various shapes, including wheels or blocks. Proponents of raw-milk cheese argue that it imparts a unique and complex flavor profile that is lacking in pasteurized cheese. The absence of heat treatment preserves the rich array of flavor-building enzymes and bacteria, enhancing the depth of flavor and imparting a sense of "terroir," reflecting the characteristics of the land where the cheese is crafted.
While raw-milk cheese has its enthusiasts, it is essential to consider food safety concerns. Recent bacterial outbreaks linked to unpasteurized milk products have raised questions about their safety. The risk of illness from consuming raw milk products is generally considered higher, especially for children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with compromised immune systems. However, some cheesemakers and consumers believe that the benefits of raw-milk cheese, including enhanced flavor and potential health benefits, outweigh the risks. Ultimately, the decision to consume raw-milk cheese involves a personal risk assessment, and one should always refer to the recommendations of trusted health authorities.
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Processed cheese is made from cheese and other dairy ingredients and by-products
Processed cheese is not the same as real cheese. While it does contain cheese, it is also made with other dairy ingredients and by-products. These additional ingredients can include vegetable oil, salt, sugar, food colouring, preservatives, and emulsifiers. The inclusion of these ingredients means that processed cheese has a longer shelf life, a more consistent texture, and greater meltability than real cheese.
The term "processed cheese" refers to products with the highest cheese content, made from cheese, up to 5% milk fat, and other allowed additives. In the United States, processed cheese is defined, categorised, and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). According to the FDA, processed cheese products (PPC) are made from one or more cheeses (excluding certain varieties such as cream cheese and cottage cheese) and mixed with emulsifying salts. Acceptable additives include acidifying agents, sources of milk fat, water, salt, artificial colour, spices or flavourings, and enzyme-modified cheese.
Processed cheese was first invented in Switzerland in 1911 by Walter Gerber and Fritz Stettler, who sought to create a cheese with a longer shelf life. They added sodium citrate to melted Emmentaler cheese and found that the emulsified cheese sauce could be re-cooled into a solid. This innovation was influenced by fondue and cheese sauces, and it revolutionised the cheese industry by creating a product that was more convenient, affordable, and resistant to melting.
While processed cheese has its advantages, it is important to note that it is not as healthy as real cheese, which is made from natural ingredients and provides nutritional benefits such as calcium, niacin, phosphorus, protein, and vitamins. Processed cheese often contains high levels of sodium and trans fats, which can have negative health impacts if consumed in excess. Therefore, while it is fine to enjoy processed cheese in moderation, it is important to recognise that it is not a direct substitute for real cheese in terms of nutritional value and health benefits.
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Real cheese has a range of nutritional benefits
Real cheese, made from natural ingredients, is a relatively healthy food when consumed in moderation. It is a whole food, which is generally good for you, as long as you don't eat too much of it. Cheese is a great source of calcium, fat, and protein. It also contains high amounts of vitamins A and B12, along with zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin.
Cheese is a dairy product that comes in hundreds of textures and flavours. It is produced by adding acid or bacteria to the milk of various animals and then ageing or processing the solid parts of the milk. The nutrient content and flavour of cheese depend on how it is produced and which type of milk is used.
Real cheese contains four essential ingredients: milk, starter culture, salt, and rennet — an enzyme that helps coagulate the milk. While the process for different types of cheese varies according to the location, content, and ingredients such as spices, they all have a similar process that makes it genuine cheese. Cheese has high contents of fat, protein, calcium, and phosphorus. It can be hard, such as parmesan, or soft, such as brie cheese.
Mozzarella, blue cheese, and feta can provide protein and other important nutrients. Ricotta is a creamy white cheese that is loaded with protein. The high-quality whey found in ricotta may promote muscle growth and help lower blood pressure. Parmesan is a hard, aged cheese that has a gritty texture and a salty, nutty flavour. It is made from raw, unpasteurized cow's milk that is aged for at least 12 months to kill harmful bacteria and produce a complex flavour. A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of parmesan also contains 16% of the daily value for phosphorus.
Cheese may have undesired effects if it is contaminated or if you have certain health conditions or dietary needs. Soft cheeses and blue-veined cheeses can sometimes become contaminated with listeria, especially if they are made with unpasteurized or "raw" milk.
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Processed cheese is lighter and has fewer calories
Processed cheese is a product made from cheese and other dairy by-products. It was first invented in Switzerland in 1911 as a response to the need for a more convenient and long-lasting cheese product. It is often used in fast food, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals due to its versatility, uniform texture, and long shelf life.
While processed cheese is a source of some essential minerals, such as iron, calcium, copper, and potassium, it also contains high levels of sodium and unhealthy fats, including trans fats and saturated fats. These additional ingredients are used to enhance texture, flavour, and shelf life, but they also increase the calorie density of the product. For example, Philadelphia, a well-known processed cheese brand, stands out for its high fat and sodium content, which can be problematic for individuals managing their cholesterol or weight.
In comparison, "real" or natural cheese is made from milk, starter culture, salt, and rennet, an enzyme that helps coagulate the milk. While all processed cheese products are not as healthy as natural cheeses, it is important to note that they do not all have the same nutritional profiles. For instance, Laughing Cow is a lighter option in terms of calories when compared to other processed cheese products.
If weight loss is a goal, light versions of processed cheese can be a better option than real cheese as they often contain less fat. However, it is important to be mindful of the additional ingredients and preservatives in processed cheese, as well as the risk of overconsumption due to its hyper-palatable nature. Overall, while processed cheese that is made to be "lighter" may have fewer calories, it is still important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Real cheese has a complex taste and texture
Processed cheese, on the other hand, is made from cheese and other dairy ingredients and by-products. It often includes emulsifiers, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, and food colouring, which are not allowed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in products sold as real cheese. While processed cheese is fine to eat and is a more affordable option, it has a different flavour and texture compared to real cheese. It is also higher in sodium and trans fats, which can have negative health impacts when consumed in large quantities.
The distinction between real and processed cheese is important to consumers, with many seeking out whole ingredient, natural cheeses that are more nutritious and contain fewer artificial ingredients. This trend has led to some fast-food chains and restaurants offering real cheese options on their menus, such as Wendy's offering asiago cheese on its burgers and Panera Bread replacing American cheese with a four-cheese combo.
An example of a product that contains real cheese is Cheez-It crackers. These crackers are made with wheat flour, vegetable oil, and real cheese, resulting in a crispy texture and cheesy flavour that has made them a popular snack. While the cheese in Cheez-Its is a combination of real cheese and other natural flavours, it does not contain artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives.
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Frequently asked questions
Processed cheese is made from cheese and other dairy ingredients and by-products, but it is not considered real cheese. Real cheese is made from raw, unpasteurized milk, and contains natural ingredients like milk, starter culture, salt, and rennet, an enzyme that helps coagulate the milk. Processed cheese, on the other hand, contains emulsifiers, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, and food coloring, which are not allowed by the FDA in products sold as real cheese.
Processed cheese was invented in Switzerland in 1911 to create a more convenient and long-lasting cheese product. It was designed to have a longer shelf life, resistance to melting, and a uniform look compared to the natural texture and appearance of real cheese.
Yes, it is fine to consume processed cheese, and it would not be on the market if it were harmful. However, it is important to consume it in moderation as it contains additional ingredients and preservatives that may not be as healthy as real cheese.
Yes, products that claim to be "made with real cheese" typically do contain genuine cheese. For example, Cheez-It crackers are made with a combination of real cheese and other natural flavors, and fast-food chains like Wendy's and Panera Bread are also offering real cheese on their menus.
