Patrick Oconnell
Kraft Singles are a brand of processed cheese product manufactured and sold by Kraft Heinz. Introduced in 1950, Kraft Singles are individually wrapped slices that are formed separately in manufacturing. Despite their flavour and appearance, Kraft Singles are not legally considered cheese, as they contain less than 51% cheese. Instead, Kraft Singles are a processed amalgamation of pasteurized milk by-products.
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What You'll Learn
Kraft Singles ingredients
Kraft Singles are a brand of processed cheese product manufactured and sold by Kraft Heinz. Introduced in 1950, they are individually wrapped "slices" that are formed separately during manufacturing, rather than being cut from a block of cheese. Kraft Singles are not considered "real cheese" because they contain less than 51% cheese. Instead, they are a processed amalgamation of pasteurized milk by-products.
Kraft Singles contain a range of ingredients, including:
- Cheddar cheese (cultured milk, salt, enzymes)
- Skim milk
- Milkfat
- Milk
- Milk protein concentrate
- Whey
- Calcium phosphate
- Sodium phosphate
- Modified food starch
- Salt
- Lactic acid
- Oleoresin paprika (color)
- Natamycin (a natural mold inhibitor)
- Cheese culture
- Annatto (color)
The slices are made with real dairy and no artificial flavors, and they have a smooth, creamy texture that melts easily. Kraft Singles have 45 calories and 4 grams of protein per serving.
In 2002, the FDA warned Kraft that they could no longer use the label "Pasteurized Process Cheese Food" due to a formulation change that replaced some non-fat milk with milk protein concentrate, which is not a permitted additive. As a result, Kraft changed the label to "Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product".
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Kraft Singles nutritional value
Kraft Singles are a brand of processed cheese product manufactured and sold by Kraft Heinz. Introduced in 1950, Kraft Singles are individually wrapped "slices" that are formed separately in manufacturing and not cut from a block of cheese.
Kraft Singles contain a high level of saturated fat and are considered to be highly processed. They are made from an amalgamation of pasteurized milk by-products and contain less than 51% cheese. As a result, Kraft Singles do not qualify for the "Pasteurized Process Cheese" labeling. The product contains cheese, whey, milk protein concentrate, milkfat, and a host of other ingredients that appear in small quantities, like sodium phosphate, sorbic acid, and paprika extract (which helps give each slice its signature yellow color).
Kraft Singles are a source of calcium and protein, with each slice containing 45 calories and 4 grams of protein. However, cheese usually packs a lot of calories, saturated fat, and sodium in a small amount. In the American diet, cheese is the number one source of saturated fat and one of the top sources of sodium and calories.
In terms of nutritional value, Kraft Singles provide some essential nutrients, but their high level of saturated fat and processing are concerns for health-conscious consumers.
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Kraft Singles sales and marketing
Kraft Singles is a brand of processed cheese product manufactured and sold by Kraft Heinz. Introduced in 1950, Kraft Singles are individually wrapped "slices" that are formed separately in manufacturing and not sliced off a block.
Despite their flavour and appearance, Kraft Singles are not legally considered cheese. This is because, according to regulations, a product must contain at least 51% cheese to be classified as such, and Kraft Singles contain less than this amount. Instead, Kraft Singles are a blend of pasteurized milk by-products, milk, whey, milk protein concentrate, milkfat, and other ingredients in small quantities, such as sodium phosphate, sorbic acid, and paprika extract.
In terms of sales and marketing, Kraft Singles have been a staple product for many consumers due to their convenience and versatility. They are often used in sandwiches, grilled cheese, burgers, and other comfort foods. As of 2019, around 40% of households in the United States continued to buy Kraft Singles, although sales have been flat.
Kraft Singles' marketing and branding have played a significant role in their success. The product's individual wrapping and square shape make them convenient and easy to use. In 2023, Kraft updated the packaging with a new branding design and an easier-to-open wrapper. The company has also introduced new flavours, such as Caramelized Onion, Jalapeño, and Garlic & Herb, to appeal to a wider range of consumers.
Kraft Singles have also been marketed as a source of calcium and protein, with each slice containing 45 calories and 4 grams of protein. The product is positioned as a classic American taste with an irresistible melt that can elevate various dishes. One of Kraft's famous ad campaigns claimed that each slice contained "five ounces [140 g] of milk," emphasizing its dairy content and suggesting that it tastes better than imitation cheese slices made with vegetable oil and water.
While Kraft Singles have faced some scrutiny for their high levels of saturated fat, additives, and processing, they continue to be a popular choice for consumers seeking convenience and flavour in their meals.
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Kraft Singles history
Kraft Singles, a brand of processed cheese product, was introduced in 1950 as "Kraft De Luxe Process Slices". These slices were not individually wrapped but were formed separately during manufacturing. In August 1956, an American engineer, Arnold Nawrocki, developed a machine that could wrap each slice individually. Although Kraft Foods became synonymous with individually wrapped cheese slices, it was Arnold N. Nawrocki and the Clearfield Cheese Company that revolutionized its packaging and marketing.
Initially, Kraft Singles did not qualify for the "Pasteurized Process Cheese" labeling as the percentage of milk fat in the product that came from added dairy ingredients was greater than 5%. Kraft had used the label "Pasteurized Process Cheese Food", which allows for a greater percentage of added dairy, until the FDA gave a warning in December 2002, stating that Kraft could not legally use that label any longer due to a formulation change. The formulation change replaced some of the non-fat milk in the recipe with milk protein concentrate, which is not a permitted additive. Kraft complied with the FDA order by changing the label to the current "Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product".
In 1965, Kraft introduced its individually wrapped cheese slices. In 2023, Kraft updated its packaging for the Kraft Singles, featuring updated branding designs along with an easier-to-open wrapper. In January 2024, Kraft introduced three new flavors: Caramelized Onion, Jalapeño, and Garlic & Herb.
Kraft Singles are not technically considered cheese. Real cheese is made from milk, rennet, and salt, while Kraft Singles contain less than 51% real cheese and have a host of other ingredients, including milk, whey, milk protein concentrate, milk fat, and small quantities of other additives like sodium phosphate, sorbic acid, and paprika extract.
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Kraft Singles compared to real cheese
Kraft Singles, introduced in 1950, are individually wrapped slices of a brand of processed cheese product manufactured and sold by Kraft Heinz. They are a staple for many people, especially for sandwiches or grilled cheese. Kraft Singles are not exactly slices off a block but are formed separately in manufacturing. They are made with real dairy and no artificial flavors, with each slice containing 45 calories and 4 grams of protein.
However, despite their flavor and appearance, Kraft Singles are not legally considered cheese. Real cheese is made primarily from milk, rennet, and salt, whereas Kraft Singles contain less than 51% cheese and have a long list of other ingredients, including milk, whey, milk protein concentrate, milkfat, and small amounts of sodium phosphate, sorbic acid, and paprika extract for color. Kraft Singles are thus more accurately classified as a "Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product" or a "cheese food product".
In terms of nutritional value, cheese is a good source of calcium and protein but is also high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium. Kraft Singles have 1/3 less fat than regular American cheese, but they still contain high levels of saturated fat. Antibiotics are often used in dairy production, and milk-boosting hormone injections are given to about 20% of American dairy cows, although these treatments are not allowed in Europe.
Kraft Singles have been criticized for their highly processed nature, with some considering them an "unreal" or "plasticine" cheese. However, they remain popular, with around 40% of households in the United States continuing to buy them. Ultimately, while Kraft Singles may not be considered "real cheese," they serve a specific purpose and are convenient for those seeking a classic American cheese taste with a smooth, creamy texture.
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Frequently asked questions
Kraft Singles is a brand of processed cheese product manufactured and sold by Kraft Heinz. It is made of an emulsion of fats and thickeners with cheese flavoring.
No, Kraft Singles are formed separately in manufacturing. They are not slices off a block.
The ingredients in Kraft Singles include:
- Cheddar cheese (cultured milk, salt, enzymes)
- Skim milk
- Milkfat
- Milk
- Milk protein concentrate
- Whey
- Calcium phosphate
- Sodium phosphate
- Modified food starch
- Salt
- Lactic acid
- Oleoresin paprika (color)
- Natamycin (a natural mold inhibitor)
- Cheese culture
- Annatto (color)
No, Kraft Singles are not legally considered cheese. To be classified as cheese, a product must contain more than 51% cheese. Kraft Singles contain less than 51% cheese.
