Andy Montoya
Processed cheese is often referred to as 'plastic cheese' because it is moulded into a desired shape. However, there is no plastic in processed cheese. Instead, emulsifiers are added to bind the cheese's components tightly, ensuring that it melts in a uniform fashion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Processed cheese |
| Definition | Any material that can be moulded into a desired shape |
| Ingredients | A variety of cheeses, water, sodium monohydrogen phosphate |
| Texture | Smooth |
| Taste | Uniform |
| Melting point | Uniform |
| Nutritional value | Comparable to the cheese used to make it, usually cheddar, but higher in sodium |
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What You'll Learn
Kraft's cheese slices are plastic
Kraft cheese slices are not plastic. However, the word "plastic" is used to describe something that is easily shaped or moulded, and by that definition, all cheese is plastic.
In 1916, cheese merchant J.L. Kraft mixed a variety of cheeses and blended them with water to produce a uniform product. To prevent the fat, protein and water from separating, Kraft added sodium monohydrogen phosphate, an "emulsifier" that ensured the cheese would always taste the same and melt in a uniform fashion.
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American cheese is plastic
While there is no plastic in American cheese, it is often referred to as 'plastic cheese' because it is a processed cheese product that is easily shaped or moulded. The word 'plastic' in this context simply means something that can be moulded into a desired shape.
In 1916, cheese merchant J.L. Kraft began mixing a variety of cheeses and blending them with water to produce a uniform product. To prevent the fat, protein and water from separating, Kraft added sodium monohydrogen phosphate, an 'emulsifier' that ensured the cheese would always taste the same and melt in a uniform fashion.
Processed cheese is nutritionally comparable to the cheese used to make it, usually cheddar. However, it tends to be higher in sodium.
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The word 'plastic' is used to describe something that is easily shaped or moulded
While the use of the word 'plastic' in this context may sound alarming, it is simply an unfortunate word choice. The word 'plastic' is used as an adjective to describe the ease with which the cheese can be shaped or moulded, rather than implying that the cheese contains plastic. In fact, there is no plastic in processed cheese, but there are emulsifiers that bind the cheese's components tightly and ensure a uniform melting process.
It is important to note that the term 'plastic cheese' is often used to refer specifically to "American cheese". However, this does not mean that cheese makers are grinding up recycled plastic bottles to make their product. Instead, it refers to the processed nature of the cheese and the fact that it can be easily shaped or moulded.
Overall, the word 'plastic' in the context of cheese simply refers to the ability to shape or mould the product, and is not indicative of any harmful or unnatural ingredients.
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Emulsifiers bind the cheese's components tightly
While some people believe that cheese is a kind of plastic, this is not the case. However, the word "plastic" can be used to describe something that is "easily shaped or moulded", and by this definition, all cheese is plastic.
Processed cheese, such as American cheese, is often referred to as "plastic cheese". This is because it is made by mixing a variety of cheeses and blending them with water to produce a uniform product. To prevent the fat, protein and water from separating, an "emulsifier" is needed. In the case of processed cheese, sodium monohydrogen phosphate is used as an emulsifier. This binds the cheese's components tightly, ensuring that the cheese will always taste the same and melt in a uniform fashion.
Emulsifiers are particularly important for processed cheese because they ensure that the cheese does not separate during heating. While a sudden increase in temperature will not cause the cheese's components to separate, prolonged heating at a lower temperature will cause the emulsifiers to let go. This is why processed cheese is often used on cheeseburgers, as it is designed to melt uniformly without separating.
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Processed cheese is nutritionally comparable to the cheese used to make it
Processed cheese is made by mixing a variety of cheeses and blending them with water to produce a uniform product. To prevent the fat, protein and water from separating, an "emulsifier" is added. This ensures that the cheese will always taste the same and melt in a uniform fashion.
The emulsifiers used in processed cheese bind the cheese's components tightly and do not lose their hold with a sudden increase in temperature. However, they do let go with prolonged heating at a lower temperature. This is why processed cheese does not melt in the heat of a flame, as some people believe it should.
Processed cheese is usually made from cheddar, and it tends to be higher in sodium. However, there is no evidence that it poses any health risks beyond those associated with regular cheese consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
No, there is no plastic in cheese. However, the word 'plastic' is used to describe something that is ''easily shaped or moulded'' and by that definition, all cheese is plastic.
Cheese is referred to as plastic because it is a material that can be moulded into a desired shape.
Yes, American cheese is plastic. However, this does not mean that it is made from recycled plastic bottles.
No, there is no plastic in Kraft cheese. However, there are emulsifiers that bind the cheese's components tightly and do not lose their hold with a sudden increase in temperature.
Processed cheese is plastic because it is easily shaped or moulded.
