Bushra Griffith
Doritos are an American brand of tortilla chips produced by Frito-Lay, a subsidiary of PepsiCo. The chips are available in a variety of flavours, with the original flavour being toasted corn, followed by taco in 1967, and nacho cheese in 1972. The nacho cheese flavour is particularly popular, and its ingredients include whole corn, vegetable oil, salt, cheddar cheese, romano cheese, whey, onion powder, garlic powder, tomato powder, and various other flavourings and additives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Cheddar Cheese, Romano Cheese, Tomato Powder, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Whey |
| Flavor Enhancers | Monosodium Glutamate, Maltodextrin, Sodium Caseinate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Isolate |
| Flavor Potentiators | Glutamates |
| Sweeteners | Sugar, Corn Syrup Solids |
| Acids | Lactic Acid, Citric Acid |
| Colors | Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Red 40 |
| Other Ingredients | Salt, Vegetable Oil, Buttermilk Solids, Corn Flour, Dextrose, Spices, Artificial Flavor, Bell Pepper Powder, Nonfat Milk Solids |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar and Romano cheese
Cheddar cheese is a type of cheese that is commonly made from cow's milk, although other types of milk such as goat or sheep milk can also be used. The milk is typically cultured with bacteria and rennet, a natural coagulant that helps to form curds, and then salted to taste. Cheddar cheese has a sharp, pungent flavour and a natural yellow or orange colour.
Romano cheese, on the other hand, is a term used in the United States and Canada for a class of hard, salty cheese primarily used for grating. It is the American imitation of Pecorino Romano, a traditional Italian cheese named after the city of Rome and recognised and protected by European Union laws. While Pecorino Romano is made from sheep's milk, Romano cheese can be made from cow, goat, and/or sheep's milk according to U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations. It has a strong, piquant flavour and a golden or white colour.
The process of making Romano cheese involves curdling milk with rennet or another suitable milk-clotting enzyme, breaking up the curd, and heating it. The curd is then drained, pressed into forms, and soaked in brine for 24 hours. After brining, the cheese is rubbed with salt, washed, and dry-cured. The ageing process for Romano cheese is typically around five to eight months, and the final product must contain less than 34% water and at least 38% milk fat.
In the context of Doritos, cheddar and Romano cheese are used as flavourings for the chips. The ingredients list for Nacho Cheese Doritos sold in the United States includes both cheddar cheese (made with milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes) and Romano cheese (made with part skim cow's milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes). These cheeses contribute to the distinctive flavour and texture of the Doritos chips, making them a popular snack choice.
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Whey and glutamic acid
Whey is a by-product of cheese-making, created during the milk curdling process. It is composed mainly of lactose and whey proteins, which are valuable in the production of whey cheese, functional/nutritional whey protein concentrates, bioactive peptides, and oligosaccharides. Whey is often added back into cheese milk to improve the characteristics of reduced-fat cheese. The whey protein particles act as fat replacers, increasing the protein content and the ratio of protein to fat in the final product. This addition also impacts the texture of the cheese, increasing its hardness and chewiness while decreasing its adhesiveness.
Glutamic acid is an amino acid that is present in cheese. It is produced during the proteolysis stage of cheese-making, particularly in extra-hard cheeses with long ripening periods, such as Parmigiano Reggiano. The addition of certain strains, like Lactococcus lactis LL16, can decrease the concentration of glutamic acid in cheese. This decrease in glutamic acid results in an increase in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which has potential health benefits.
In the context of Doritos, whey is listed as an ingredient in Nacho Cheese Doritos sold in the US. It is included in the list of ingredients for the cheese component, along with other dairy-derived ingredients like milk, cheese cultures, and buttermilk solids. Whey is also present in the form of whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate, which are likely added to contribute to the protein content and textural characteristics of the cheese.
While whey and glutamic acid are both involved in the cheese-making process and are relevant to the ingredients in Doritos, their specific interactions and effects on the final product are complex and influenced by various factors. The concentration levels, processing techniques, and potential interactions with other ingredients would all play a role in determining the overall characteristics of the cheese flavoring in Doritos.
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Artificial flavour and colour
The artificial flavour in Doritos targets taste receptors for umami, a savoury quality, and physically alters them, allowing for a more intense flavour experience. This is achieved through the use of ingredients rich in glutamic acid, such as maltodextrin and sodium caseinate, which act as flavour potentiators. These ingredients amplify the perception of glutamates, resulting in a synergistic effect that enhances the overall taste of the cheese.
Additionally, Doritos' cheese flavouring contains artificial colours, including Yellow 6, Yellow 5, and Red 40. These artificial colours are responsible for the bright orange colour typically associated with Nacho Cheese Doritos. The use of artificial colours ensures a consistent and visually appealing appearance for the product.
While the artificial flavour and colour in Doritos play a crucial role in enhancing the taste and appearance of the product, it is important to note that they may have different effects on individuals. Some people may be sensitive or allergic to certain artificial additives, so it is always advisable to check the ingredient list and consume Doritos in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Nacho cheese history
Nacho cheese is a type of cheese sauce used as a topping for tortilla chips, meats, and vegetables. While it is made from real cheese, it is not considered a "real kind of cheese" as it has no technical definition. The term "nacho cheese" refers to the fact that it is typically used as a topping for nachos, rather than a specific type of cheese. The FDA, for example, has no definition for nacho cheese, unlike other cheeses like cheddar or parmesan. Each company that produces nacho cheese has its own unique recipe, resulting in a variety of flavours and ingredients.
The history of nacho cheese is closely tied to the history of nachos themselves. Nachos are a Tex-Mex dish that originated in the city of Piedras Negras, Coahuila in Mexico, just across the border from Eagle Pass, Texas. The dish was created by Mexican restaurateur Ignacio "Nacho" Anaya in 1943 for American customers at the Victory Club restaurant. The original nachos consisted of tortilla chips or totopos covered with cheese, typically cheddar or American cheese, and various toppings such as meats, vegetables, and condiments.
Over time, nachos began to evolve and spread in popularity, with different variations emerging. Barbecue nachos, for example, include barbecue sauce in addition to or in place of traditional salsa, hot sauce, or cheese sauce. Poutine nachos substitute cheddar cheese with cheese curds and gravy. Pulled pork nachos, also known as barbecue nachos in the Southeastern United States, feature pulled smoked pork shoulder served with or without barbecue sauce or hot sauce, in addition to the usual cheese and jalapeños.
In 1972, Doritos introduced its now-famous nacho cheese-flavoured tortilla chips, which became an instant hit. The success of this flavour influenced the creation of other cheese-based snacks and helped spread the popularity of nacho cheese beyond Mexico and the United States. Today, nacho cheese is widely recognized and enjoyed worldwide, with different regions offering their own unique twists and variations to the classic dish.
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Doritos Locos Tacos
The Nacho Cheese Doritos used in the taco shell are made from a variety of ingredients, including whole corn, vegetable oil, salt, cheddar cheese, maltodextrin, whey, and monosodium glutamate, among others. The full ingredients list for Nacho Cheese Doritos in the US, in order of percentage of product, is as follows: whole corn, vegetable oil (corn, soybean, and/or sunflower oil), salt, cheddar cheese (milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes), maltodextrin, whey, monosodium glutamate, buttermilk solids, romano cheese (part skim cow's milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes), whey protein concentrate, onion powder, partially hydrogenated soybean and cottonseed oil, corn flour, disodium phosphate, lactose, natural and artificial flavour, dextrose, tomato powder, spices, lactic acid, artificial colour (including Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Red 40), citric acid, sugar, garlic powder, red and green bell pepper powder, sodium caseinate, disodium inosinate, disodium guanylate, nonfat milk solids, whey protein isolate, and corn syrup solids.
The combination of ingredients in Nacho Cheese Doritos creates a unique flavour profile that has made them a popular choice for consumers. The chips are designed to target taste receptors for umami, a savoury quality, and amplify the perception of glutamates, resulting in an intense burst of flavour. This "cheesy seasoning" has become a signature of the Doritos brand, with the orange-stained fingers of many a consumer serving as a testament to its popularity.
The Doritos Locos Tacos build on the success of the Nacho Cheese Doritos by incorporating the flavourful Nacho Cheese Doritos shell into the traditional taco. The result is a unique and innovative taco experience that combines the taste of Doritos with the convenience and portability of a taco. The partnership between Doritos and Taco Bell showcases the creativity and collaboration within the food industry, resulting in new and exciting offerings for consumers.
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Frequently asked questions
The main ingredients in Doritos cheese are cheddar cheese, romano cheese, and tomato powder.
Other ingredients include maltodextrin, sodium caseinate, onion powder, garlic powder, and whey.
Yes, Doritos cheese contains artificial colors, including Yellow 6, Yellow 5, and Red 40.
Doritos made for the US market do not use pork-derived animal rennet in the making of the cheese flavorings. However, it's always a good idea to check the ingredients list for the specific product you are interested in.
