Randy Chandler
Lunchables are Oscar Mayer/Kraft Foods, Inc. children's meal combinations that were introduced in 1988. They typically include crackers, small slices of meat, and cheese. The cheese used in Lunchables has been the subject of some debate, with some people considering it to be fake cheese due to its highly processed nature and the presence of artificial ingredients. For example, the cheese in Pizza Lunchables is a pasteurized processed mozzarella cheese product, and the Ham and Cheddar Cheese Lunchables contain a pasteurized prepared cheddar cheese product.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Kraft Oscar Mayer |
| Type | Pasteurized processed cheese |
| Flavors | Cheddar, Mozzarella |
| Ingredients | Milk, Water, Milk Protein Concentrate, Milkfat, Whey, Whey Protein Concentrate, Sodium Citrate, Salt, Lactic Acid, Sorbic Acid, Cheese Culture, Enzymes, Oleoresin Paprika (Color), Annatto (Color), Sunflower Lecithin |
| Allergens | Milk, Wheat, Soy |
| Serving Size | 2.25 oz |
| Calories | 340 |
| Protein | 11 grams |
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What You'll Learn
Pasteurized processed cheese
The process of pasteurization involves heating the cheese to a specific temperature for a set period of time, which kills any harmful bacteria that may be present. This not only makes the cheese safer to consume but also helps to extend its shelf life, as the bacteria that cause spoilage are also destroyed.
Lunchables, an Oscar Mayer/Kraft Foods product, has been criticized for using pasteurized processed cheese in their products. In 2015, it was revealed that Lunchables had switched from using real cheese to using a "pasteurized cheese product." This change sparked debate among consumers, with some expressing concern over the use of processed cheese and others finding humor in the fact that the product could no longer be technically considered a "food."
The pasteurized processed cheese used in Lunchables products typically contains a combination of milk, water, milk protein concentrate, milkfat, whey, and various other ingredients. For example, the Pizza Lunchables variety features a "pasteurized processed mozzarella cheese product", while the Ham and Cheddar Cheese Lunchables contain a "pasteurized prepared cheddar cheese product." These cheese products are designed to be paired with crackers and meat, such as pepperoni or ham, in convenient, on-the-go snack kits for children.
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High sodium content
Lunchables, a Kraft Foods product, has been criticized for its high sodium content. In 1997, the product was criticized for its high saturated fat and sodium content while being marketed as a healthy children's meal. For context, a single serving of Ham and Swiss Lunchables contains 1,780 milligrams of salt, which equates to 74% of the recommended daily allowance for an adult.
The cheese used in Lunchables is a "pasteurized processed cheese product". The sodium content in the cheese comes from the addition of salt and sodium citrate. The crackers that come with the cheese and meat also contain salt, further adding to the overall sodium content of the product.
The pepperoni in Lunchables also contains salt, as well as sodium ascorbate and sodium nitrite. These ingredients are likely necessary for preservation and flavor enhancement, but they contribute to the overall high sodium levels in the product.
High sodium intake is associated with adverse health effects, particularly for those with hypertension or cardiovascular issues. While sodium intake is essential for bodily functions, excessive consumption can lead to water retention and increased blood pressure. Therefore, it is important to monitor sodium intake and maintain a balanced diet to ensure overall health and well-being.
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Milk derivatives
The milk derivatives present in the pasteurized processed mozzarella cheese include part-skim milk, milk protein concentrate, and milkfat. These derivatives provide the cheese with its characteristic texture, meltability, and flavour. The milk protein concentrate is a concentrated form of milk proteins, typically consisting of casein and whey proteins, which contribute to the cheese's overall protein content and influence its melting properties. Milkfat, also known as milk fat, is the fatty portion of milk, and it adds creaminess and richness to the cheese.
In the case of pasteurized prepared cheddar cheese, the milk derivatives listed in the ingredients are milk, water, milk protein concentrate, milkfat, whey, and whey protein concentrate. Here, milk serves as the primary dairy base, while water is added to adjust the texture and consistency. Milk protein concentrate and whey protein concentrate enhance the protein content and influence the cheese's overall structure and functionality. Milkfat, as mentioned earlier, contributes to the creamy and rich characteristics of the cheese. Whey, a byproduct of cheese production, can also provide additional functional and nutritional properties.
It is worth noting that Lunchables products may contain other ingredients derived from milk, such as milk derivatives in the crackers or other components of the meal combinations. Therefore, it is always advisable to carefully review the ingredient lists provided on product packaging or official sources to have a comprehensive understanding of the specific milk derivatives included in each Lunchables variety.
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Meat combinations
Lunchables are Oscar Mayer/Kraft Foods, Inc. children's meal combinations that were first marketed in the US in 1988. They are available in over 25 varieties, including meat, cheese, and crackers. The meat options include cooked ham, chopped and formed with added smoke flavour, and pepperoni made with pork and chicken. The "Deluxe" versions, originally developed for adults, include two types of meats and two types of cheeses, along with a sauce and a mint.
The Ham and Cheddar Cheese Lunchable contains ham with added water, sodium lactate, potassium chloride, modified cornstarch, sugar, sodium phosphate, salt, sodium diacetate, sodium ascorbate, flavour, sodium nitrite, and smoke flavour. The pasteurized prepared cheddar cheese product in this Lunchable is made with milk, water, milk protein concentrate, milkfat, whey, whey protein concentrate, sodium citrate, salt, lactic acid, sorbic acid as a preservative, cheese culture, enzymes, and colours.
The Pepperoni and Mozzarella Cheese with Crackers Lunchable features pepperoni made with pork and chicken, along with Kraft mozzarella pasteurized prepared cheese product. The pepperoni contains pork stock, spices (including mustard), dextrose, lactic acid starter culture, oleoresin of paprika, flavouring, sodium ascorbate, sodium nitrite, BHA, BHT, and citric acid. The mozzarella pasteurized prepared cheese product is made with part-skim milk, water, milk protein concentrate, salt, sodium citrate, milkfat, cheese culture, sorbic acid as a preservative, enzymes, vitamin A palmitate, and sunflower lecithin added for slice separation.
The Turkey and American Cheese Cracker Stackers Snack Kit is another variety of Lunchable that includes meat. While the ingredients for the cheese and crackers are listed, there is no information on the specific meat content in this variety.
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Junk food status
Lunchables, a Kraft Foods brand, has been criticized for its use of artificial ingredients and high levels of sodium and saturated fat, leading some to consider it junk food. The cheese in Lunchables has been a particular source of controversy, as it is not considered "real cheese." Instead, it is often referred to as a "pasteurized processed cheese product."
For example, the cheese in Pizza Lunchables is made with "pasteurized processed mozzarella cheese product." Similarly, the cheddar cheese in the Ham and Cheddar Cheese Lunchables contains a list of ingredients beyond milk and cheese cultures, including water, milk protein concentrate, milkfat, whey, whey protein concentrate, sodium citrate, salt, lactic acid, sorbic acid as a preservative, enzymes, oleo resin paprika (color), and annatto (color), with sunflower lecithin for slice separation.
The high sodium content in Lunchables has been a cause for concern, with a single serving of Ham and Swiss Lunchables containing 1,780 milligrams of salt, which is 74% of the recommended daily allowance for an adult. This has led to criticism of the product being marketed as a healthy children's meal, as it contributes to excessive sodium intake at a young age.
While Lunchables may be convenient and appealing to children, the high levels of processing, artificial ingredients, and sodium content contribute to its classification as junk food. This classification is particularly relevant when compared to less processed, more natural, and nutritionally balanced alternatives.
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Frequently asked questions
The cheese in Lunchables is not real cheese, but a "pasteurized processed cheese product". The ingredients in the mozzarella pasteurized prepared cheese product include part-skim milk, water, milk protein concentrate, salt, sodium citrate, milkfat, cheese culture, sorbic acid as a preservative, enzymes, vitamin A palmitate, and sunflower lecithin for slice separation.
Lunchables are Oscar Mayer/Kraft Foods, Inc. children's meal combinations. They typically include crackers, small slices of meat, and cheese. They come in over 25 varieties.
Some Lunchables with cheese include the Ham and Cheddar Cheese Lunchable, the Pepperoni and Mozzarella Cheese with Crackers Lunchable, and the Turkey and American Cheese Cracker Stackers Snack Kit.
