Randy Chandler
Cheddar cheese is a natural, relatively hard cheese that can be off-white or orange in colour. It originates from the English village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England. Cheddar is produced all over the world, including in the United States, where it is the second-most popular cheese after mozzarella. In Australia, cheddar is the most popular type of cheese, accounting for over 55% of the country's cheese market. American-style cheddar can be purchased in Australia, with some suppliers claiming to provide award-winning natural American cheddar cheese slices. However, it is important to note that Australia and the US have different definitions of what can be labelled as cheese, with American-style burger cheese considered a cheese product in Australia rather than processed cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Availability in Australia | Sold as 'burger slices' or 'cheese slices' in Australia. Can be found at Aldi, Costco, IGA, and Coles. Also available from wholesale distributors throughout Australia. |
| Texture | Floppy |
| Colour | Orange |
| Taste | Mild cheddar |
| Type of Cheese | Processed cheese |
| Australian Definition | A 'cheese product' |
| American Definition | Cheddar-style cheese |
| Australian Rebranding | 'Cheer' cheese |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
American cheese in Australia is considered a 'cheese product'
Australia has a thriving cheese industry, with over 160 different types of cheese being produced in the country. The most popular cheese in Australia is cheddar, which accounts for over 55% of the country's cheese market.
Cheddar cheese, originating from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England, is made all over the world. It is a relatively hard cheese that is off-white or orange if colourings such as annatto are added. While the name "cheddar cheese" is used internationally, the term ""West Country Farmhouse Cheddar" has a protected designation of origin, indicating that it is produced using traditional methods in Somerset, Dorset, Devon, and Cornwall.
In Australia, American cheese is often referred to as "burger cheese," and it falls under the category of processed cheese products. It is considered a borderline cheese product, as the definition of what qualifies as cheese differs between the two countries. American cheese in Australia is typically sold as "burger slices" or similar products without the word "cheese" in the name.
Some sources suggest that the closest equivalent to American cheese in Australia might be found in the pre-sliced, pale, soft 'unprocessed' cheddar, which is similar in colour and taste to Kraft Cheese Singles. Kraft and Dairy Lea sell American cheese in blocks, which can be found in the aisles of stores rather than the refrigerated section. Aldi also occasionally carries American cheddar, although its availability may vary.
Pure Dairy, a company in Australia, markets itself as the "leading supplier of authentic American cheese products," offering award-winning natural American cheddar cheese slices and American burger cheese slices. They also offer the Hi-Melt Burger Cheese, which is described as the "best American cheese slice in Australia" for burgers.
Gluten-Free Cheddar Cheese: Which Brands Are Safe?
You may want to see also
Cheddar is the most popular cheese in Australia
The history of cheddar cheese in Australia goes back to the 1820s when the country's first commercial cheese factory was established in Tasmania. Since then, Australia has developed a thriving cheese industry, with cheesemakers dedicated to their craft and influenced by global cheesemaking techniques. Regions like Queensland, Adelaide, Barossa Valley, Victoria, Tasmania, and New South Wales are known for their distinct terroirs, contributing to the diverse range of cheeses produced in the country.
One unique aspect of Australian cheddar is the presence of the "tasty" variety, which is produced by the Warrnambool Cheese and Butter company. This cheddar, formerly known as "Coon" cheese, was rebranded as "Cheer" cheese in 2021 due to its association with a racial slur. The new name, "Cheer," emphasizes the values of respect and inclusivity.
In addition to traditional cheddars, American-style cheddar, also known as "American cheese," has gained popularity in Australia. This variety is often used in burgers and is known for its floppy, orange appearance. However, it is considered a "processed cheese" product rather than a natural cheese in Australia, and it is sold as "burger slices" rather than cheese due to regulatory differences between the two countries.
Despite the demand for American-style cheddar, traditional cheddars remain the most popular. Australia's award-winning cheddars, such as the Holy Goat La Luna, showcase the country's cheesemaking expertise and contribute to its growing global recognition in the cheese industry.
Fat-Free Cheddar: Brands Offering Guilt-Free Cheese
You may want to see also
American cheese is available in blocks and slices
American cheese slices, often used for burgers, can be purchased from retailers such as Aldi, Costco, IGA, and Coles. Dairy Lea and Kraft sell American cheese in blocks, which can be found in the aisles of supermarkets. Pure Dairy also offers American cheese slices, marketed as "Australia's leading supplier of authentic American cheese products." These slices are crafted by expert cheesemongers and are ideal for burgers due to their creamy flavour and texture.
American cheese, when referred to in the context of "classic American burgers," typically means the very floppy, orange "burger cheese" that resembles Kraft Singles. However, it is important to note that this type of cheese is considered a "cheese product" in Australia, and cannot be labelled as "cheese." Instead, it is sold as "burger slices" or similar terms, without the word "cheese."
In contrast, "American Cheese" in its pre-sliced form is a pale, soft, 'unprocessed' cheddar, almost identical in colour and taste to Kraft Cheese Singles. This type of American Cheese is available in Australia and can be found at retailers like Aldi, although it may not be as readily available as the floppy, orange "burger cheese" variety.
Sharp Cheese: Less Fat, More Flavor than Cheddar?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
'Cheddar' has no Protected Designation of Origin
Cheddar cheese is a popular variety of cheese produced in many countries, including Australia. While it is a well-known and widely consumed cheese, it is important to note that Cheddar does not have a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). This means that, unlike some other cheeses and regional food products, there is no exclusive geographical indication associated with the name "Cheddar".
The Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) is a form of legal protection provided to specific agricultural products, including certain cheeses, under European Union (EU) law. The PDO scheme aims to safeguard the traditional production methods, unique characteristics, and regional specificity of these products. By ensuring that only products genuinely originating in a designated region can bear the protected name, the PDO helps to protect the reputation of the region and prevent unfair competition from non-genuine products.
In the case of Cheddar cheese, while it has gained recognition and protection in certain countries, it does not have a universal PDO status. In 2000, the European Union granted PDO status to Cheddar produced in England and Wales using traditional methods. This protection ensures that only cheese made in these specific regions, adhering to the specified methods, can be labelled as "Cheddar" within the EU. However, this protection does not extend globally.
The lack of a universal PDO status for Cheddar cheese can be attributed to various factors. One reason is the high consumption of Cheddar worldwide, far exceeding the quantity that the original Cheddar-producing regions could feasibly supply. Additionally, the term "Cheddar" has become a generic name for a type of cheese in many places, including the United States, where there is generally opposition to the protection of geographical designations of origin. Nevertheless, some American-made Cheddar-style cheeses, particularly those produced using traditional methods, have gained recognition for their quality.
In Australia, the term "Cheddar" is not protected under any specific legislation. While Australia has agreements with the EU regarding the protection of geographical indications for wine, similar protections for food products like cheese are not currently in place. As a result, Cheddar cheese produced in Australia or imported from other countries can be labelled and sold as "Cheddar" without legal restrictions. This allows for a diverse range of Cheddar cheeses to be available in the Australian market, including local varieties and imports from various regions, such as American Cheddar.
The Sharp Cheddar Cheese Flavor Profile: A Tangy Adventure
You may want to see also
Coon cheese was rebranded as Cheer cheese
Coon cheese, a product of Warrnambool Cheese and Butter, owned by Canadian dairy company Saputo Inc., was rebranded as Cheer cheese in 2021. The former name was shared with a racial slur, and despite campaigns to change it, the name was defended by previous manufacturers Kraft Foods and Dairy Farmers. Activists Stephen Hagan and QNews reporter Destiny Rogers argued that the term was used in Australia as a derogatory term for Indigenous Australians and people of colour. On the other hand, some objected to the name change, claiming that the term was not used as a slur in Australia.
The history of Coon cheese dates back to the 1920s when Fred Walker, a businessman from Chicago, partnered with James L. Kraft to acquire the rights to Kraft's cheese processing method in Australia. In 1926, they established the Kraft Walker Cheese Co., which began manufacturing "Kraft Cheddar Cheese" in their South Melbourne plant. Around 1931, the company introduced "Red Coon" cheese, which was advertised as being "not processed" but rather finely matured using a secret method, resulting in a distinctive mellow flavour and smooth consistency.
In 1959, "Coon Tasty" cheese started appearing in Australian press advertisements, with labels describing it as "Kraft natural tasty Coon Cheese, fully matured" with a "robust flavour men really appreciate." The product was marketed towards active men and sold in 8-ounce (230 g) packages. Over the years, the brand changed hands, with Lion Dairy & Drinks operating it for a period before Warrnambool Cheese and Butter bought it back in 2015.
In January 2021, Lino A. Saputo, the chair and CEO of Saputo Inc., announced the rebranding of Coon cheese to Cheer cheese, stating that treating people with respect and without discrimination was one of their fundamental principles. The name change reflected a broader shift in Australia, with several other companies also rebranding products with racist connotations around the same time.
Cheddar Cheese: Processed vs Natural — Health Impact
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
American cheddar cheese is a natural cheese that is relatively hard and off-white in colour. It is called "tasty" in Australia and is produced by the Warrnambool Cheese and Butter company. It is the most popular cheese in the UK and is also made in several other countries including Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, and Germany.
The "cheddar cheese" name is used internationally, but the style and quality of cheddars vary greatly. American cheddar is usually orange in colour due to the addition of colouring agents like annatto. It is also known to be floppy and is considered a "burger cheese".
American cheddar cheese can be purchased from retailers like Aldi, Costco, Coles, and IGA. It is also available from wholesale distributors throughout Australia, such as Pure Dairy Burger Cheese.
American-style "burger cheese" is considered a "cheese product" in Australia, rather than a processed cheese as it is defined in the US. It is often sold as burger slices without the word "cheese" in the name.
