Frederic Melton
American cheese is a polarizing topic, with some people loving its melty, gooey texture and others finding it disgusting. The most popular brand of American cheese, Kraft Singles, has been described as tasting like plastic, with a greasy texture and an unnatural, plasticky feel. It is highly processed and contains a long list of ingredients, including hydrogenated vegetable oils, which are known to be unhealthy. Despite this, American cheese has its devotees, who appreciate its meltability and tanginess, particularly in grilled cheese sandwiches and on burgers. So, why does American cheese taste so bad to some people?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Sweet, tangy, gooey, plasticky, sour |
| Texture | Sticky, floppy, greasy |
| Nutritional value | High sodium content, hydrogenated vegetable oils (bad for heart health) |
| Ingredients | Contains up to 17 ingredients, including emulsifying agents or melting salts (sodium citrate or sodium phosphate) |
| Processing | Heavily processed, not considered "real cheese" by some |
| Perceived quality | Considered low quality, compared to other types of cheese |
| Nostalgia | Associated with childhood comfort food and nostalgia for some |
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What You'll Learn
It's overly processed and contains too many ingredients
American cheese has garnered a reputation for being overly processed and loaded with too many ingredients. This variety of cheese is often criticized for its plasticky texture and unappetizing taste, bearing little resemblance to traditional cheese.
The most popular brand of American cheese, Kraft Singles, contains a staggering 17 ingredients, in contrast to other cheese varieties that have a more modest list of components. These additional ingredients in American cheese may be the reason for its less-than-desirable flavor profile. For instance, Kraft Singles contain hydrogenated vegetable oils, which are known to be detrimental to heart health. Moreover, a single slice of Kraft cheese has approximately 275 mg of sodium, which is almost double that of comparable cheddar cheese products.
The high level of processing in American cheese is another factor that contributes to its unpopularity. It was originally developed as a way to sterilize cheese and prevent waste, resulting in soft, sliceable, rindless blocks that had a long shelf life and were easy to portion. However, this heavy processing has led to some experts arguing that it shouldn't be classified as "cheese" at all. In fact, the FDA once demanded that Kraft stop labeling their product as "food" due to the presence of milk protein concentrate, which does not fit the legal definition of food.
The excessive processing and lengthy list of ingredients in American cheese have led to a growing movement away from this product. Consumers are increasingly demanding healthier and more natural food options, causing restaurants and food manufacturers to replace American cheese with other varieties such as fontina, cheddar, and smoked gouda. This shift is reflected in the declining sales of processed cheese products, indicating a potential decline in the popularity of American cheese and a preference for more authentic, flavorful, and nutritious alternatives.
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It's too salty
Many people dislike American cheese, finding it disgusting and unnatural. It has been described as plasticky, greasy, salty, and overly processed.
The negative perception of American cheese may be influenced by its high salt content. A single Kraft single has been reported to contain 275 mg of sodium, which is nearly double that of a slice of Tillamook's cheddar cheese. This high sodium level contributes to the salty taste that some people find off-putting.
The saltiness of American cheese can be attributed to the addition of melting salts during the cheese-making process. These melting salts, such as sodium citrate or sodium phosphate, act as emulsifying agents, keeping the cheese in a smooth, fluid state even when melted. While this creates a desirable texture for some, the high salt content can be unappealing to those who are sensitive to salty tastes or are conscious of their sodium intake.
Furthermore, the saltiness of American cheese may be accentuated by its processing. American cheese is often heavily processed, with the popular brand Kraft Singles containing up to 17 ingredients, including hydrogenated vegetable oils. This level of processing not only adds to the unnatural perception of the cheese but may also enhance the salty taste.
The high salt content in American cheese has been a topic of concern, with some people expressing their preference for other cheese varieties that offer a more balanced flavor profile. This preference for less salty options could be driving the gradual shift away from American cheese in modern diets, as consumers seek out healthier and more nutritious alternatives.
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It's greasy
American cheese is often criticized for being overly greasy. This greasiness is likely due to its high fat content, with processed cheese blocks containing an average of 45% fat, resulting in a rich and velvety mouthfeel. The high-fat content also contributes to the cheese's meltiness, which some people desire in dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches or burgers. However, the greasiness can be off-putting to those who are not accustomed to it or who prefer other types of cheese.
The greasiness of American cheese is also attributed to its processing and the addition of emulsifying agents or melting salts. These additives, such as sodium citrate or sodium phosphate, help keep the cheese in a smooth, fluid emulsion, even when melted. While this creates a sleek and silky cheese sauce, some people may find the texture unappealing or unnatural.
The popular brand of American cheese, Kraft Singles, has been criticized for its high content of hydrogenated vegetable oils, which can contribute to the greasy texture and are known to be unhealthy. Kraft Singles have also been found to have a higher sodium content than other types of cheese, which can affect the flavor and overall sensory experience.
While some people enjoy the meltiness and tanginess of American cheese, particularly in comfort foods or fast-food items, others find the greasiness off-putting and prefer cheeses with lower fat content that melt differently. The preference for American cheese often stems from nostalgia and childhood experiences, as it is commonly used in grilled cheese sandwiches and burgers. However, as consumers become more health-conscious, there is a growing demand for healthier and more nutritious alternatives to American cheese, leading to a decline in the sales of processed cheese products.
In conclusion, the greasiness of American cheese is a result of its high fat and oil content, as well as the processing and additives used to create a smooth and melty texture. While some people appreciate these qualities, particularly in comfort foods, others find it unappealing and prefer cheeses with different sensory characteristics. The preference for American cheese often stems from nostalgia, but the shift towards healthier alternatives is causing a decline in its popularity.
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It's not considered real cheese
American cheese is often criticised for not being considered "real cheese". This is because it does not meet the FDA's minimum curd requirement, and is instead classified as a "pasteurized prepared cheese product".
The most popular brand of American cheese, Kraft Singles, is made from 17 ingredients, including hydrogenated vegetable oils, which are known to be detrimental to heart health. Kraft Singles have also been criticised for their high sodium content, with 275 mg of sodium per slice, which is nearly double that of Tillamook's cheddar cheese.
American cheese is highly processed, with a sticky, floppy texture, and has been described as having a plasticky taste and feel. It is also said to be too salty and too greasy.
Despite these criticisms, some people enjoy American cheese, especially in grilled cheese sandwiches and on burgers, where its meltiness and gooeyness are considered positive attributes.
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It's nostalgic
While many people dislike American cheese, calling it "disgusting" and "trash tier", some people enjoy it because it evokes a sense of nostalgia. One person reminisces about eating burgers as a child with American cheese and a ton of ketchup on a potato roll. Another person recalls their mother making grilled cheese sandwiches with American cheese.
American cheese is often associated with childhood comfort food. It is a staple in many classic American dishes, such as grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and nachos. Some people prefer American cheese on their burgers because of its meltiness and gooeyness. It is also used in recipes like turkey pot pie and breakfast sandwiches to add creaminess and flavour.
American cheese has a long history in the United States, dating back to 1916 when it was patented by the founder of Kraft. It was developed as a way to sterilize cheese and prevent food waste, resulting in blocks of soft, sliceable, rindless cheese that stayed fresh for months. This made it a popular and convenient option for families, and it became a staple in many households.
While some people may dislike American cheese for its highly processed nature and unnatural texture, others find comfort and enjoyment in its familiar taste and melting qualities. It is a nostalgic food item that reminds people of their childhood and simpler times.
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Frequently asked questions
American cheese is highly processed, containing emulsifying agents and melting salts, such as sodium citrate or sodium phosphate, which give it a plasticky texture. It also has a high sodium content and is too greasy.
American cheese is a type of processed cheese, often found in slices, that is known for its meltability and gooey texture. It was patented by the founder of Kraft in 1916 as a way to sterilize cheese and prevent food waste.
American cheese is popular due to its convenience and versatility. It is easy to portion, has a long shelf life, and melts smoothly without becoming weighed down by thickeners like cornstarch or flour.
Alternatives to American cheese include cheddar, fontina, smoked gouda, pepper jack, provolone, and Swiss cheese. These options offer more flavour and are often considered healthier due to the lack of artificial ingredients.
While American cheese is not a favourite for many, some dishes are said to benefit from its use. These include grilled cheese sandwiches, turkey pot pie, breakfast sandwiches, and game-day queso or nachos, where its meltability and tanginess are desirable.
