
Cheez Whiz is a brand of processed cheese sauce and spread produced by Kraft Foods. It was first sold in 1952 and continues to be in production today. It is orangish-yellow in colour and usually comes in a glass jar. It is used as a topping for various foods, including corn chips, hot dogs, and cheesesteaks. Cheez Whiz is made primarily of whey, canola oil, milk protein concentrate, maltodextrin, milk, and sodium phosphate. It also contains small amounts of modified food starch, salt, lactic acid, sodium alginate, mustard flour, and Worcestershire sauce. So, what exactly is in Cheez Whiz, and is it safe to consume?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Kraft Foods |
| Type | Processed cheese sauce and spread |
| Colour | Orangish-yellow |
| Container | Glass jar |
| Common Uses | Topping for corn chips, hot dogs, and Philadelphia-style cheesesteak |
| Market Availability | Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, the United States, and Venezuela |
| Common Perception | Junk food |
| Ingredients | Whey (from milk), canola oil, milk protein concentrate, maltodextrin, milk, sodium phosphate, modified food starch, salt, lactic acid, sodium alginate, mustard flour, Worcestershire sauce, sorbic acid (preservative), milkfat, cheese culture, annatto and oleoresin paprika (colour), enzymes, natural flavour |
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What You'll Learn

Kraft Cheez Whiz Original Cheese Dip
The ingredients in Kraft Cheez Whiz Original Cheese Dip include:
- Whey (from milk)
- Canola oil
- Milk protein concentrate
- Maltodextrin
- Milk
- Sodium phosphate
- Modified food starch
- Salt
- Lactic acid
- Sodium alginate
- Mustard flour
- Worcestershire sauce
- Sorbic acid (as a preservative)
- Milkfat
- Cheese culture
- Natural flavour
- Enzymes
- Annatto and oleoresin paprika (for colour)
The product contains milk and its derivatives, and it is recommended to store it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. The dip is versatile and can be paired with a variety of foods, including raw vegetables, chips, pretzels, and even used as a hot dip for tortilla chips when heated.
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Ingredients
Cheez Whiz is a brand of processed cheese sauce and spread produced by Kraft Foods. It was first sold in 1952 and continues to be in production today. It is orangish-yellow in colour and usually comes in a glass jar. It is commonly used as a topping for corn chips, hot dogs, and cheesesteaks.
Cheez Whiz is made from a variety of dairy products and additives. The ingredients list on the Jay C Food Stores website includes:
- Whey (from milk)
- Canola oil
- Milk protein concentrate
- Maltodextrin
- Milk
- Sodium phosphate
- Modified food starch
- Salt
- Lactic acid
- Sodium alginate
- Mustard flour
- Worcestershire sauce (made from vinegar, molasses, corn syrup, water, salt, caramel colour, garlic powder, sugar, and spices, including celery)
- Sorbic acid (as a preservative)
- Milkfat
- Oleoresin paprika (for colour)
- Cheese culture
- Natural flavour
- Enzymes
- Annatto (for colour)
The ingredients list may vary slightly depending on the source and the specific product, as different versions of Cheez Whiz may exist. For example, a 1953 ad in Kraft Foods' home city of Chicago listed the following ingredients:
- American cheese
- Water
- Nonfat dry milk solids
- Condensed whey
- Sodium phosphate
- Cream
- Worcestershire sauce
- Lactic acid
- Mustard
- Salt
It is worth noting that Cheez Whiz is considered by some to be a highly processed food, and it has a reputation as junk food in the United States.
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Advertised as a topping for corn chips and hot dogs
Cheez Whiz, a product of Kraft Foods, is a popular topping for corn chips and hot dogs. It is a processed cheese sauce and spread, orangish-yellow in colour, and usually comes in a glass jar. It is advertised as a topping for corn chips and hot dogs, and is also commonly used as the cheese in a Philadelphia-style cheesesteak.
Cheez Whiz is marketed in several countries, including Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, the United States, and Venezuela. In the United States, it is often considered junk food. Despite this, it is a versatile product that can be paired with a variety of foods, including raw vegetables, chips, and pretzels.
The product was first sold in 1952 and has since undergone some formulation changes. It is made from a variety of ingredients, including whey (from milk), canola oil, milk protein concentrate, maltodextrin, milk, sodium phosphate, and a range of other additives and preservatives.
For those who enjoy making their own snacks, there are recipes available online for homemade Cheez Whiz. These recipes often include dairy products and various additives to achieve the desired consistency and flavour.
Cheez Whiz is a convenient and tasty addition to snacks and meals, providing a burst of cheesy flavour. Its versatility and long-lasting freshness make it a popular choice for those seeking a quick and easy dip or topping.
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Homemade Cheez Whiz recipes
Cheez Whiz is a brand of processed cheese sauce and spread produced by Kraft Foods. It is orangish-yellow in colour and usually comes in a glass jar. It is used as a topping for various foods, including corn chips, hot dogs, and cheesesteaks.
Ingredients and Recipe
Homemade Cheez Whiz can be made in 15 minutes without adding preservatives. The ingredients include cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, turmeric, granulated sugar, milk, cream cheese, and shredded cheese.
To make the Cheez Whiz, whisk the dry ingredients together in a small bowl. Add the milk and cream cheese to a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, whisking frequently, until the cream cheese has dissolved into the milk. Whisk the spice blend into the simmering liquid and continue to cook for a minute more until it thickens. Turn off the heat and gently stir in the shredded cheese, folding it into the liquid until completely melted and incorporated. Serve immediately.
Variations and Tips
For a tangy, salty, and savoury flavour, replace the shredded cheese with cheddar cheese and cream cheese. The cheddar can be substituted with other good melting cheeses like gouda, provolone, or gruyère. Season the sauce with Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and dry mustard. For a kick of spice, add a few shakes of cayenne pepper.
To gently reheat homemade Cheez Whiz, place it in a microwave-safe bowl. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a sealed container.
Velveeta can be used as a replacement for American cheese due to its similar silky properties. Grated parmesan or pecorino can also be mixed in to taste, adding sharpness and saltiness to the Cheez Whiz.
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Cheez Whiz as a junk food
Cheez Whiz, a product of Kraft Foods, is a well-known brand of processed cheese sauce and spread. It is a popular topping for a variety of foods, including corn chips, hot dogs, and cheesesteaks. In the United States, it is often regarded as junk food. This perception is likely due to its highly processed nature and the presence of additives and preservatives.
The ingredients in Cheez Whiz include whey (from milk), canola oil, milk protein concentrate, maltodextrin, milk, sodium phosphate, modified food starch, salt, lactic acid, sodium alginate, mustard flour, Worcestershire sauce, sorbic acid as a preservative, milkfat, cheese culture, natural flavor, enzymes, and annatto and oleoresin paprika for color. Some of these ingredients, such as sodium phosphate, can be considered additives of moderate concern in food.
Cheez Whiz's highly processed nature and high content of additives and preservatives contribute to its reputation as junk food. While it may be a convenient and tasty topping for various snacks and dishes, it is important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
The product's high sodium content is also a contributing factor to its classification as junk food. According to the Institute of Medicine's daily sodium recommendations, a single serving of Cheez Whiz contains 29% of the suggested intake. Excessive sodium consumption can have negative health consequences, such as increasing the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
In conclusion, Cheez Whiz is often considered junk food due to its highly processed nature, the presence of additives and preservatives, and its high sodium content. While it may be a popular and convenient snack option, consuming Cheez Whiz in moderation and as part of a balanced diet that includes fresh, whole foods is advisable to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese Whiz is made of whey, canola oil, milk protein concentrate, maltodextrin, milk, sodium phosphate, modified food starch, salt, lactic acid, sodium alginate, mustard flour, Worcestershire sauce, sorbic acid, milkfat, cheese culture, annatto, and oleo resin paprika.
Cheese Whiz is a good source of calcium and protein. However, it is also high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium.
Cheese Whiz has a semi-liquid, creamy texture.
Cheese Whiz is commonly used as a topping for various foods, including corn chips, hot dogs, and Philadelphia-style cheesesteaks. It can also be used as a dip for raw vegetables, chips, and pretzels.

























