Kamil Perry
McDonald's cheese is a topic of much discussion and curiosity among customers. The fast-food giant uses American cheese, which is bought in bulk and made according to a specific recipe by suppliers. While the exact supplier and ingredients are not publicly known, former corporate chefs have revealed that tempering the cheese is essential to achieving the signature melt and taste of McDonald's cheese. In New Zealand, McDonald's sources its cheese from Fonterra, a supplier that uses milk from local dairy farms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Type | American Cheese |
| Cheese Manufacturer | Unbranded, made and packaged specifically for McDonald's |
| Cheese Supplier | [Not mentioned] |
| Cheese Colour | Annatto extracts from the seed of the Achiote tree, paprika extract from capsicum fruit |
| Cheese Texture | Smooth and creamy |
| Cheese Preparation | Tempering (letting the cheese sit at room temperature for at least an hour) |
| Similar Cheese Available | Great Value Deluxe slices from Walmart |
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What You'll Learn
McDonald's cheese is unbranded and made to a specific recipe
According to Chef Haracz, tempering the cheese before adding it to a dish is essential to achieving the signature McDonald's taste. Tempering involves gradually raising the cheese's temperature to match the temperature of the dish, preventing it from becoming grainy or separating when exposed to high heat. This technique ensures a smooth and creamy texture in the final dish. McDonald's allows their cheese to temper at room temperature for at least an hour before use, resulting in a better melt.
The iconic colour of McDonald's cheese comes from natural sources. Annatto extracts from the seed of the Achiote tree and paprika extract from capsicum fruit give the cheese its distinctive hue.
While the exact cheese used by McDonald's is proprietary, Chef Haracz has suggested that Walmart's Great Value Deluxe slices are very similar in taste and ingredients. However, he emphasizes that to truly replicate the McDonald's cheese experience, one must follow their specific processes, including tempering.
In New Zealand, McDonald's cheese is supplied by Fonterra, a company based in the Taranaki town of Eltham. Fonterra produces three billion burgers' worth of cheese for local and export use annually, ensuring a consistent supply for McDonald's operations.
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It's made by Fonterra in New Zealand
McDonald's cheese is made by Fonterra in New Zealand. Fonterra is a New Zealand-owned cooperative that is responsible for around 30% of the world's dairy exports. The company was formed in 2001 through the merger of New Zealand's three largest dairy cooperatives and has since become a global dairy powerhouse. Fonterra's New Zealand farms benefit from the country's mild, temperate climate and abundant rainfall, providing ideal conditions for dairy farming. The country's lush, green pastures provide ample grazing for dairy herds, with grass-fed milk known for its superior quality and taste.
Fonterra's involvement in the process ensures that McDonald's benefits from a stable and reliable supply of cheese. The cooperative's scale and expertise allow it to maintain consistent quality and meet the fast-food giant's demands. New Zealand's dairy industry is renowned for its stringent food safety and quality standards, further enhancing the reliability of the cheese supply.
The process of crafting McDonald's cheese begins with the collection of milk from Fonterra's farms across New Zealand. This milk is then carefully transported to one of Fonterra's specialized cheese-making facilities. Here, skilled cheesemakers apply their craft, transforming the milk into the iconic McDonald's cheese through a combination of traditional techniques and modern technology.
The cheesemaking process involves a series of precise steps, including pasteurization, the addition of bacterial cultures, and the separation of curds and whey. The curds are then carefully pressed and molded into the desired shape before undergoing a maturation process to develop flavor and texture. Finally, the cheese is sliced or grated and packaged according to McDonald's specifications, ready for distribution to restaurants worldwide.
McDonald's partnership with Fonterra ensures that its cheese meets strict quality and safety standards. Fonterra's expertise in dairy production and processing guarantees a consistent product that meets the expectations of McDonald's customers worldwide. The cheese is subject to rigorous testing and quality control measures, ensuring that it adheres to McDonald's exacting standards.
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It's American cheese
McDonald's uses American cheese bought in bulk that is made and packaged specifically for the company. According to a McDonald's employee on Reddit, the cheese is unbranded and comes in cases without any branding. While the exact supplier is unknown, it is likely sourced from a trusted manufacturer that produces cheese according to McDonald's unique specifications.
Former corporate chef Mike Haracz has revealed that tempering the cheese before adding it to the burgers is a crucial step in achieving the signature McDonald's taste. Tempering involves letting the cheese sit at room temperature for about an hour, allowing it to gradually reach the temperature of the dish. This technique prevents the cheese from becoming grainy or separating when exposed to high heat, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture.
Haracz also recommends Walmart's Great Value Deluxe slices as the closest alternative to McDonald's American cheese in terms of ingredients and taste. However, he emphasizes that the exact cheese blend used by McDonald's is custom-made by their suppliers and cannot be found anywhere else.
McDonald's cheese in New Zealand is produced by Fonterra, a trusted supplier that uses milk sourced from dairy farms across the country. The cheese is made in the Taranaki town of Eltham, known for its iconic natural color derived from annatto extracts and paprika extract.
While some people question the authenticity of McDonald's cheese, the company assures that it is 100% real and made from responsibly sourced ingredients. The cheese is a crucial component of McDonald's beloved cheeseburgers and contributes to the signature taste that keeps customers coming back for more.
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It's left to temper at room temperature
McDonald's cheese is left to temper at room temperature, a process that ensures a smooth and creamy texture. This is achieved by allowing the cheese to sit out for about an hour before it is used, gradually raising its temperature to match that of the dish it will be added to. This is a crucial step as it prevents the cheese from becoming grainy or separating when exposed to high heat. Instead, tempering the cheese helps it melt uniformly onto the sandwich, creating the desired smooth and creamy consistency.
Former McDonald's corporate chef, Mike Haracz, has revealed that tempering is a key part of the McDonald's processes and is one of the reasons why it is difficult to replicate the exact taste of McDonald's cheese at home. He advises that those attempting to do so should ensure they allow the cheese to temper before cooking with it.
McDonald's cheese is reportedly made to a specific recipe by its suppliers, and while the exact recipe is not publicly known, it is believed to be similar to American cheese. This is supported by the fact that tempering the cheese is a common practice when using American cheese, as it helps to create the desired melt and texture.
The process of tempering cheese is not unique to McDonald's, and is often used in various recipes to ensure the cheese melts uniformly and does not become grainy or clumpy. By allowing the cheese to temper, McDonald's is able to achieve the desired smooth and creamy texture that has become synonymous with its cheese.
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It's coloured using annatto and paprika extracts
McDonald's cheese is coloured using annatto and paprika extracts. Annatto, also known as achiote, is a natural orange-red dye derived from the seeds of the Bixa orellana tree, which is native to South America and the Caribbean. The addition of annatto gives the cheese its characteristic orange hue. Paprika extract, made from capsicum fruit, also contributes to the colour and adds a subtle flavour.
McDonald's sources its cheese from various suppliers, depending on the region. In New Zealand, for example, McDonald's cheese is supplied by Fonterra, a company that produces cheese using milk from local dairy farms. The cheese is produced in the town of Eltham, Taranaki, and is exported worldwide.
The cheese used by McDonald's is specifically tailored to their requirements and is not available for retail purchase. It is a type of American cheese, often referred to as "pasteurized processed cheese product" by employees. This cheese is designed to melt uniformly and create a smooth, creamy texture when added to their sandwiches and burgers.
To recreate the taste at home, former corporate chef Mike Haracz recommends using Great Value sliced cheese from Walmart and allowing it to temper at room temperature for about an hour before cooking. This process of tempering helps the cheese melt evenly and prevents it from becoming grainy or clumpy when exposed to high heat.
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Frequently asked questions
McDonald's cheese is made by their supplier, Fonterra, with milk from dairy farms in New Zealand.
McDonald's cheese is 100% real cheese. It is made with milk from dairy farms and coloured using annatto and paprika extracts from natural sources.
McDonald's uses American cheese. It is not branded and is made and packaged specifically for the company.
Walmart's Great Value Deluxe slices are said to be the closest substitute for McDonald's cheese.
Allow your cheese to temper before cooking with it. This involves letting the cheese sit at room temperature for about an hour. This will help the cheese melt uniformly, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture.
