Patrick Oconnell
Kraft's grated cheddar cheese has been discontinued, and the company has faced criticism for the quality of its Cracker Barrel cheese. Kraft, which began as a small cheese factory, grew into a multinational food conglomerate. However, in the early 2000s, the company faced scandals and revenue stagnation due to increasing consumer awareness of the negative health impacts of ultra-processed foods. While some suggest that Kraft's Cracker Barrel cheese has declined in quality, becoming soft, greasy, and tasteless, others recommend alternative brands like Jasper Hill, Grafton Village, and Plymouth for their cheddar cheese products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Kraft Grated Cheddar Cheese | Discontinued |
| Alternative Products | Cheddar Cheese Powder (Hoosier Hill), Cheddar Cheese Popcorn Seasoning, Bulk Barn's KD product |
| Original Ingredients | Modified Milk Ingredients, Cheddar Cheese, Bacterial Culture, Salt, Microbial Enzyme, Calcium Chloride, Lipase, Colour, Water, Cellulose Powder, Sodium Phosphate, Lactic Acid, Colour (Contains Tartrazine) |
| Original Price | $5.96 for a 16 oz bag |
| Original Reviews | 4.6/5 stars from 611 reviews on Walmart.com |
| Original Taste | Greasy, Awful, Soft, Tasteless, Like rubber |
| Original Texture | Less flavour, "Plastic" |
| Original Age | Excessively aged |
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What You'll Learn
Kraft no longer sells grated cheddar cheese
Kraft was started by Canadian businessman James L. Kraft in the mid-1910s. Kraft discovered a way to turn leftover scraps of cheddar into a smooth, spreadable cheese with a longer shelf life and a consistent taste. This discovery was a game-changer for the company, and it soon grew into a multinational food conglomerate.
However, by the early 2000s, public perception of Kraft's products had begun to change. People became concerned about the potential negative health impacts of ultra-processed foods, and Kraft faced scandals relating to the ingredients in its cheese products. As a result, revenue from its cheese sales stagnated.
In response to this, Kraft merged with Heinz in 2015, with financing from Warren Buffett. However, it seems that Kraft no longer sells grated cheddar cheese as a result of these scandals. While some customers are now searching for alternatives, others are choosing to make their own grated cheddar cheese at home.
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Kraft's grated cheddar cheese was ultra-processed
Kraft's grated cheddar cheese was a convenient and popular product, with many people purchasing it for its ease of use and long shelf life. However, as consumers became more health-conscious, they started to question the ultra-processed nature of the product. The term "ultra-processed" refers to foods that have been modified from their natural state and often include additives, preservatives, and other artificial ingredients.
A closer look at the ingredients of Kraft's grated cheddar cheese reveals the extent of its processing. The list includes modified milk ingredients, bacterial culture, salt, microbial enzyme, calcium chloride, lipase, colour, water, cellulose powder, sodium phosphate, and lactic acid. Some of these additives are commonly used in cheese processing, such as bacterial culture and microbial enzymes, which play a role in cheese ripening and flavour development. However, the presence of multiple additives and modifications to the milk ingredients indicates a high level of processing.
The ultra-processed nature of Kraft's grated cheddar cheese became a concern for consumers who were increasingly aware of the link between ultra-processed foods and negative health outcomes. Studies have suggested that excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods can contribute to obesity, cardiovascular disease, and other metabolic disorders. As a result, consumers started seeking out less processed cheese options, and Kraft's revenue from their cheese products suffered.
In response to the changing consumer preferences and the scandals over ingredients, Kraft took action to adapt to the new market demands. In 2015, Warren Buffett financed a merger between Kraft and Heinz, backing the company's evolution and potential for growth. While Kraft's grated cheddar cheese may have been discontinued, the company has a long history of innovation, starting with their game-changing discovery of transforming leftover cheddar scraps into a spreadable cheese product with a long shelf life over a century ago.
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Kraft's revenue from cheese products declined
Kraft's cheese business faced challenges as consumers became more conscious of the potential negative health impacts of ultra-processed foods in the early 2000s. The company was embroiled in controversies related to the ingredients used in its cheese products, which likely contributed to a stagnation in revenue from this segment.
One notable example is Kraft's grated cheddar cheese, which faced criticism and was eventually discontinued as consumers sought alternatives due to concerns over undesirable chemicals and artificial ingredients in the cheese. This particular product's discontinuation led to a search for substitutes, with some consumers opting for cheddar cheese powder or making their own grated cheddar.
Additionally, Kraft's Cracker Barrel cheese brand also experienced a decline in reputation. Long-time customers expressed disappointment in the quality, describing it as "soft, greasy, and tasteless," a significant departure from its original appeal as a staple in many kitchens.
To adapt to changing consumer preferences and restore trust in their cheese products, Kraft merged with Heinz in 2015 with the backing of Warren Buffett. This merger aimed to revitalize Kraft's cheese business and address the challenges posed by shifting consumer preferences and health concerns.
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Kraft's merger with Heinz in 2015
Kraft Heinz, formed through the merger of Kraft Foods Group and H.J. Heinz Company, is an American multinational food company. The merger, financed by Warren Buffett, was approved by the boards, shareholders, and regulatory authorities in early 2015, with the finalization of the deal on July 2, 2015. The new company, with co-headquarters in Chicago and Pittsburgh, became the world's fifth-largest food and beverage company and the third-largest in the United States, with annual sales revenue of approximately $26-28 billion.
The merger aimed to leverage synergies between the two large food companies. Heinz's global presence, with 60% of its sales outside North America, contrasted with Kraft's more domestically focused sales, with 98% of sales derived from North America. This provided an opportunity to sell Kraft's brands internationally. The combined entity also expected to achieve $1.5 billion in annual cost savings by the end of 2017 through economies of scale and debt refinancing due to Kraft's stronger credit rating.
The Kraft Heinz Company's portfolio includes over 20 brands, such as Kraft, Heinz, Boca Burger, Gevalia, Oscar Mayer, Philadelphia Cream Cheese, and Planters. However, in recent years, the company has faced challenges, including slumping sales, shareholder lawsuits, layoffs, and questions about its accounting practices. There has also been scrutiny regarding employee misconduct and the accuracy of financial reporting, resulting in restatements of financial results for several years.
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Alternatives to Kraft's grated cheddar cheese
Kraft grated cheddar cheese has been discontinued, but there are several alternatives that you can try. Here are some options to explore:
Buy pre-made cheddar cheese powder
Amazon sells Hoosier Hill cheddar cheese powder, which may be similar to what you are looking for. However, some people have commented that it is not exactly the same as Kraft's product. You could also try cheddar cheese popcorn seasoning, which is available on Bulk Barn.
Make your own cheddar cheese powder
You can make your own cheddar cheese powder by purchasing sharp or aged cheddar cheese, freezing it to make it easier to grate, and then grating it finely with a Microplane. You can then store it in Ziploc bags in the freezer until you need it. This method allows you to control the quality of the cheese and ensure that it is as fine as you want it.
Use a food processor
Another option is to use a food processor to grind the cheese into a powdered form. You can also put the cheese in a Ziploc bag and pound it with a rolling pin to achieve a similar result. This method is shelf-stable and may even taste better than Kraft's product.
Try other cheese varieties
If you are looking for a substitute for grated cheddar cheese in your recipes, you can try using other types of cheese such as Gouda or Maasdam. These cheeses have a similar flavour profile and can be grated or powdered to use in place of cheddar.
Explore vegan options
For those who follow a vegan diet or are looking for a plant-based alternative, you can try using a combination of dry grated Parmesan and brewer's yeast. You can also find vegan cheese crisps that can be powdered in a blender to achieve a similar texture to grated cheese.
Experiment with these alternatives to find the one that best suits your taste preferences and culinary needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Kraft has discontinued its grated cheddar cheese product.
By the early 2000s, Americans became more aware of the potential negative health impacts of ultra-processed foods. Kraft faced scandals over its ingredients, and revenue from its cheese products stagnated.
Some alternatives to Kraft grated cheddar cheese are cheddar cheese popcorn seasoning from Bulk Barn, cheddar cheese powder from Amazon, or making your own by grating sharp/aged cheddar cheese.
Some alternative brands to Kraft are Jasper Hill, Grafton Village, and Plymouth.
