Andy Montoya
Taco Bell's cheddar cheese is a popular ingredient, featuring in many of its menu items, including burritos, quesadillas, and tacos. The cheese is a simple combination of cheddar and an anti-caking agent. Taco Bell's cheese is notably vibrant, which is achieved through the use of annatto, a natural colouring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree. While the specific brand of cheddar cheese used by Taco Bell is not known, it is assumed to be a regular variety. The cheese is often described as shredded, melted, or blended with other cheeses, such as in the Taco Bell Seven Layer Shredded Cheese Blend.
Characteristics and Values of Taco Bell Cheddar Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Cheddar |
| Ingredients | Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes, Annatto (Color), Anti-Caking Agent |
| Color | Yellow |
| Texture | Shredded |
| Flavor | Salty |
| Use | Topping for Tacos, Quesarito, Burrito, Nacho Cheese Shell |
| Brand | Not specified; likely a regular shredded cheddar cheese |
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What You'll Learn
- Cheddar cheese is mixed with Romano cheese, buttermilk, and yeast to make the Doritos Locos taco shell
- The cheese is coloured with annatto, a seed from the achiote tree in South America
- The cheese contains an anti-caking agent to prevent the cheese from fusing together
- The cheese is likely a regular shredded cheddar, with a four-cheese blend
- The cheese is also available as a seven-layer blend, with Monterey Jack, Asadero, Mozzarella, and Queso Quesadilla cheeses
Cheddar cheese is mixed with Romano cheese, buttermilk, and yeast to make the Doritos Locos taco shell
Cheddar cheese is one of Taco Bell's most-used ingredients, appearing in shredded form on almost all of their menu items. It is also used in the Doritos Locos taco shell, where it is mixed with Romano cheese, buttermilk, and yeast.
Romano cheese is a hard cheese that originated in Italy. It has a sharp flavor similar to Parmesan but is said to be stronger and saltier. There are three different kinds of Romano cheese: Vaccino Romano, made with cow's milk; Caprino Romano, made with goat's milk; and Pecorino Romano, made with sheep's milk. Taco Bell does not specify which type of Romano cheese it uses, but it is likely Vacchino Romano, as it is the most cost-effective option.
Cheddar cheese and Romano cheese are combined with powdered buttermilk to round out the flavors of the Doritos Locos taco shell. Buttermilk is commonly used in baking and is known for its tangy taste. In addition to its use in the Doritos Locos taco shell, buttermilk is also an ingredient in Taco Bell's nacho cheese sauce.
Torula yeast is included in the Doritos Locos taco shell as a flavoring agent. It is a byproduct of the paper industry and has a savory, smoky, "meaty" flavor. Torula yeast is also an ingredient in several other Taco Bell menu items, including fire-grilled chicken, red sauce, sausage crumbles, seasoned beef, seasoned rice, and shredded chicken.
The Doritos Locos taco shell is a bright, vibrant orange color, which is achieved through the use of annatto. Annatto is derived from the seeds of the achiote, a type of evergreen tree native to South America. In 2015, Taco Bell removed all artificial colors from its menu items, switching to annatto to give its cheese products their distinctive hue.
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The cheese is coloured with annatto, a seed from the achiote tree in South America
Taco Bell's cheese is coloured with annatto, a seed from the achiote tree, which is native to tropical parts of the Americas, including the Caribbean, Mexico, and Brazil. Annatto is an orange-red condiment and food colouring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree. The colour comes from various carotenoid pigments, mainly bixin and norbixin, found in the reddish waxy coating of the seeds. The condiment is typically prepared by grinding the seeds into a powder or paste, or by extracting the colour and flavour principles from the seeds with hot water, oil, or lard.
Annatto has been used for centuries in Latin America, the Caribbean, the Philippines, and other countries brought to by Spanish and Portuguese colonisers in the 16th century. In Mexican cuisine, annatto is used to make the spice recado rojo and is an important ingredient in cochinita pibil, a traditional slow-roasted pork dish. It is also used in the preparation of hallacas, huevos pericos, and other traditional dishes in Venezuela. In Puerto Rico, it is often simmered in oil or ground with seasonings and herbs to make sazón or pasteles.
In addition to its use as a colouring agent, annatto also has a mild peppery flavour and a slightly floral or peppermint scent. It is often used to impart a yellow to red-orange colour to foods, but it can also be used for its flavour and aroma. Annatto has been linked to various health benefits due to its high content of plant-based compounds with antioxidant properties, including carotenoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and tocotrienols.
Taco Bell's cheese is not the only food product that uses annatto as a colouring agent. Annatto and its extracts are widely used in artisanal and industrial food products, such as cheeses, dairy spreads, butter, margarine, custards, and cakes. Cheeses that use annatto include American cheese, Velveeta, French Mimolette, and Dutch Leyden.
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The cheese contains an anti-caking agent to prevent the cheese from fusing together
Taco Bell's cheddar cheese is a simple combination of cheddar cheese and an anti-caking agent. The anti-caking agent is added to prevent the cheese from fusing together, which ensures the cheese remains separated and easy to sprinkle or melt. This additive is commonly found in other food products like baking soda and powdered sugar.
The fast-food chain's cheese is often shredded and melted, and it is one of their most used ingredients, appearing in almost all of their menu items. It is used in their tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and nachos, as well as in their famous Doritos Locos taco nacho cheese shell.
Taco Bell's cheese sauce is a highly sought-after ingredient, with many people trying to replicate it at home. The cheese is also available for purchase in stores, allowing customers to add the iconic Taco Bell flavor to their own Mexican-inspired recipes.
The anti-caking agent used in the cheese is generally recognized as safe by the FDA, ensuring that consumers can enjoy their favorite cheesy menu items without worry. This additive helps maintain the quality and texture of the cheese, contributing to the overall taste and experience that Taco Bell is known for.
In conclusion, the anti-caking agent in Taco Bell's cheddar cheese plays a crucial role in keeping the cheese from fusing together, enhancing the convenience and flavor of the product, and contributing to the overall customer experience.
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The cheese is likely a regular shredded cheddar, with a four-cheese blend
Taco Bell's cheese is likely a blend of regular shredded cheddar and a four-cheese blend. The cheddar cheese is used in many of their products, including the Doritos Locos taco nacho cheese shell, quesadillas, and burritos. The four-cheese blend, known as the Taco Bell Seven Layer Shredded Cheese Blend, includes mild cheddar, sharp white cheddar, Monterey jack, Asadero, mozzarella, and queso quesadilla cheeses. This blend is marketed as a way to "take your Mexican-inspired recipes to the next level" and add "exciting Taco Bell flavor" to your dishes.
Taco Bell's cheddar cheese has a short and simple ingredient list: cheddar cheese and an anti-caking agent. Anti-caking agents are common in various products, like baking soda and powdered sugar, and are used to prevent ingredients from fusing together. In 2015, Taco Bell removed all artificial colors from their menu items, including their cheddar cheese. Instead, they switched to annatto, a type of seed from South America, to give their cheese its bright color.
The Taco Bell Seven Layer Shredded Cheese Blend is available for purchase at Kroger, allowing customers to add the "bold flavors" of this "fiesta blend" cheese to their own tacos, quesadillas, or chili at home. This blend includes mild cheddar, sharp white cheddar, Monterey jack, Asadero, low-moisture mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and queso quesadilla cheeses. The blend also contains modified cornstarch to prevent caking and natamycin, a natural mold inhibitor.
While the specific brand of cheddar cheese used by Taco Bell is not known, it is speculated to be a regular shredded cheddar cheese. The absence of a brand name on their food deliveries suggests that they may use a warehouse supplier for their cheese.
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The cheese is also available as a seven-layer blend, with Monterey Jack, Asadero, Mozzarella, and Queso Quesadilla cheeses
Taco Bell's cheddar cheese is a simple blend of cheddar cheese and an anti-caking agent. The anti-caking agent is used to keep the cheese from fusing together. While the specific brand of cheddar cheese used by Taco Bell is unknown, it is speculated to be a regular shredded cheddar cheese.
The cheese is also available as a seven-layer blend, which includes a variety of Mexican-style cheeses. This blend adds a rich, creamy, and smooth flavor to tacos, nachos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes. The seven-layer blend includes:
- Mild Cheddar Cheese: Made with pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and annatto (a natural colouring agent derived from South American seeds).
- Sharp White Cheddar Cheese: Also made with pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes, but without the annatto.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: A Mexican-style cheese made with pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes.
- Asadero Cheese: Another Mexican-style cheese with a mild flavour, made with pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, citric acid, and enzymes.
- Low-moisture Mozzarella Cheese: This variety of mozzarella has a lower moisture content and is made with pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: A sharper-tasting variety of cheddar, made with pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and annatto.
- Queso Quesadilla Cheese: A Mexican-style cheese used in quesadillas, made with pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, vinegar, citric acid, and enzymes.
The seven-layer blend offers a unique combination of flavours and textures, providing a rich and mouth-watering taste that enhances the overall dining experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Taco Bell uses a variety of cheeses, including cheddar, Romano, and a blend of Mexican-style cheeses.
Taco Bell's cheddar cheese contains anti-caking agents to prevent the cheese from fusing together. It also contains annatto, a natural colouring derived from the achiote tree.
In addition to cheddar cheese, the Doritos Locos taco shell contains Romano cheese and powdered buttermilk.
Romano cheese is a hard cheese that originated in Italy. It has a sharp, salty flavour. There are three types: Pecorino Romano (made with sheep's milk), Caprino Romano (made with goat's milk), and Vaccino Romano (made with cow's milk).
There are several options for store-bought nacho cheese that tastes similar to Taco Bell's, including Fritos Mild Cheddar Dip, Tostitos Salsa con Queso, and El Mexicana cheese sauce.
