Andy Montoya
Lunchables are a convenient grab-and-go snack option, often targeted towards children. They are available in various combinations, including turkey and cheddar cheese with crackers, and nacho cheese. The cheese in Lunchables is typically processed cheese, with the cheddar variety described as a pasteurized prepared cheese product. The nacho cheese variety has been compared to cheese dips like the ones from Taco Bell and Tostitos.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Cheddar |
| Flavour | Nacho |
| Texture | Liquid Plastic |
| Similar Products | Taco Bell's jarred queso dip, Kraft's jarred queso dip, Tostitos cheese dip, Rico's canned cheese dip |
| Accompaniments | Crackers, Turkey, Ham |
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What You'll Learn
Turkey & Cheddar Protein Pack
The Lunchables Turkey & Cheddar Protein Pack is a convenient, on-the-go snack option that requires no preparation. Each 3.2-ounce pack contains cured roast white turkey with added smoke flavour, paired with cheddar pasteurized prepared cheese product and crackers. The cheese in this product is made from milk, water, milkfat, milk protein concentrate, whey, and other ingredients. The crackers included in the pack are enriched with flour and wheat flour, and are described as buttery and flaky, offering a combination of salty and sweet flavours.
The protein pack is designed to be fun and interactive, allowing kids to assemble their own cracker sandwiches. It is a good source of protein, with 12 grams of protein per serving. This product also contains ingredients derived from wheat and milk, which are considered major food allergens according to the FDA. While over 160 food ingredients may cause allergic reactions, current FDA regulations require that only eight major allergens be labelled on products. These allergens include milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans.
The full list of ingredients in the Turkey & Cheddar Protein Pack is as follows:
Roast White Turkey: Cured, Smoke Flavor Added (White Turkey, Water, Potassium Lactate, Modified Cornstarch, Dextrose, Salt, Carrageenan, Sodium Phosphates, Sodium Diacetate, Potassium Salts, Sodium Ascorbate, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Sodium Nitrite, Smoke Flavor)
Cheddar Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product: Milk, Water, Milkfat, Milk Protein Concentrate, Whey, Whey Protein Concentrate, Sodium Citrate, Salt, Lactic Acid, Sorbic Acid (as a Preservative), Cheese Culture, Oleoresin Paprika (Color), Enzymes, Annatto (Color), Sunflower Lecithin (for Slice Separation)
Crackers: Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Vegetable Oil Shortening (Canola Oil, Fractionated Palm Oil, Soybean Oil, Palm Oil), Sugar, Salt, Baking Soda, Soy Lecithin, Natural Type Flavor
The Lunchables Turkey & Cheddar Protein Pack is a popular choice for school lunches, weekend snacks, or anytime hunger strikes. It offers a tasty and interactive option for both kids and adults, providing a good balance of protein and flavour.
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Nacho cheese
The exact ingredients of the nacho cheese dip used in Lunchables are listed on Walmart's website as:
> Whey, Milk, Canola Oil, Dried Corn Syrup, Sodium Phosphates, Contains Less than 2% of Jalapeno Peppers, Salt, Whey Protein Concentrate, Lactic Acid, Sodium Alginate, Calcium Phosphate, Vinegar, Potassium Chloride, Sorbic Acid as a Preservative, Milkfat, Cheese Culture, Enzymes, Natural Flavor, Apocarotenal [Color].
Some people have compared the taste and texture of the cheese in nacho Lunchables to processed cheese products like Cheez Whiz, Velveeta, and jarred queso dips, such as Tostitos or Taco Bell's queso dip. It has also been noted that the cheese in Lunchables may contain additives like MSG to enhance its flavour and addictiveness.
While some people enjoy the taste of the nacho cheese in Lunchables, others have criticised it for being overly processed and lacking in actual cheese content. Homemade versions of the nacho cheese dip can be made using a variety of cheeses, milk, and spices to suit individual tastes and preferences.
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Kraft cheese
Kraft is a well-known manufacturer of cheese, and its products are used in Lunchables. The Lunchables Turkey & Cheddar Protein Pack, for example, contains square slices of cheddar cheese, which pairs well with the cured roast white turkey and crackers. This product is available at Target and Amazon.com, where customers have praised it as a convenient and tasty snack, especially for children.
Kraft also produces cheese that is similar to the cheese used in the nacho Lunchables. While the exact type of cheese in the nacho Lunchables is hard to pinpoint, some have suggested that it resembles the jarred queso dip made by Kraft for Taco Bell. This cheese is often referred to as "fake plastic cheese," and it has a distinct, memorable taste.
Kraft's diverse range of cheese products showcases their expertise in the dairy industry, as they cater to various preferences and palates. The company's cheese offerings in Lunchables provide a convenient and tasty option for consumers, particularly those seeking quick and easy meals or snacks for themselves or their children.
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Square slices of cheese
The Lunchables Turkey & Cheddar Protein Pack contains square slices of cheddar cheese, along with cured roast white turkey and crackers. Each 3.2-ounce pack contains the same number of crackers and slices of meat and cheese, allowing for perfect stacking every time. The product is designed as a convenient, grab-and-go option for school lunches, snacks, or any time hunger strikes. It offers a combination of salty and sweet flavors and is a good source of protein, with 12 grams of protein per serving.
The square slices of cheddar cheese in Lunchables are pasteurized and prepared in a specific way to maintain freshness and quality. The entire Lunchables kit, including the cheese, should be kept refrigerated until ready to eat to ensure food safety and maximize the product's shelf life.
While some consumers find the product convenient and tasty, particularly for kids, others have suggested that cutting the cheese into circular shapes would better match the crackers and deli meat slices. This would not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also potentially improve the ease of stacking and eating the components together.
The Lunchables Turkey & Cheddar Protein Pack is available for purchase at various retailers, including Target and Amazon. It provides a quick and easy snack option that requires no preparation, making it suitable for busy individuals and parents looking for hassle-free meal solutions for their children.
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Pasteurized cheese
Lunchables, a popular snack brand, offers a variety of cheese options in their products, including pasteurized cheese. One of their products, the Lunchables Turkey & Cheddar Protein Pack, contains pasteurized prepared cheese. This cheese is paired with cured roast white turkey and buttery, flaky crackers, offering a convenient and tasty snack option.
The pasteurized cheese in Lunchables is designed to meet certain standards of quality and safety. Pasteurization reduces the presence of harmful microorganisms, making the cheese safer for consumption, especially for children who are often the target consumers of Lunchables products. This process also extends the cheese's shelf life, ensuring that the product remains edible for a longer period.
The specific type of pasteurized cheese used in Lunchables is cheddar. Cheddar cheese is a popular variety known for its sharp, distinctive flavor and firm texture. In the Lunchables packs, the cheddar cheese is provided in square slices, intended to be stacked with the turkey slices and crackers to create a delicious and convenient snack.
While some consumers find the taste of the pasteurized cheese in Lunchables enjoyable, others have expressed mixed opinions. Some have compared the cheese to "fake plastic cheese," suggesting that it may not have the same qualities as traditional, natural cheese. However, it's important to note that the pasteurization process does not alter the fundamental characteristics of the cheese but rather focuses on enhancing its safety and longevity.
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Frequently asked questions
The kind of cheese used in Lunchables depends on the variety of Lunchables being considered. For example, the Turkey & Cheddar Protein Pack uses cheddar cheese, while the Nacho Lunchable uses a cheese that is similar to Taco Bell's jarred queso dip.
The weight of the Lunchables Turkey & Cheddar Protein Pack is 3.2 oz.
The Lunchables Turkey & Cheddar Protein Pack can be purchased at Target, Amazon, or directly from the manufacturer, Oscar Mayer.
Other varieties of Lunchables include ham and turkey options, among others.
