Randy Chandler
In 2014, a rumour began to circulate on social media that Kraft Singles slices were not real cheese because they did not melt when exposed to direct flame. This rumour was accompanied by videos showing people attempting to melt Kraft Singles with a lighter, only to find that the slices blackened and burned instead of melting. This led some people to compare the product to plastic. However, Kraft responded to these concerns, clarifying that their cheese products are meant to be enjoyed in a traditional manner, such as in a grilled cheese sandwich, and that the slices will melt under standard melting conditions. The company also explained that the unique behaviour of their cheese when exposed to high heat is due to the use of emulsifiers, which are commonly used in other foods such as chocolate and salad dressings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Kraft cheese slices burn instead of melt when exposed to direct flame | Kraft cheese slices contain emulsifiers that hold the fat and protein together, preventing separation even at high heat levels |
| Kraft cheese slices are made with emulsifiers | Emulsifiers are commonly used in products such as chocolate and salad dressings |
| Kraft cheese slices are not meant to be melted by holding them to a lighter or flame | Kraft recommends using a frying pan to melt their cheese slices and achieve the desired melty consistency |
| Kraft cheese slices are processed cheese | Processed cheese may have different melting properties compared to regular cheese |
| Kraft cheese slices are safe to consume | Kraft has stated that their cheese slices are made with real cheese and natural product additives, emphasizing that they are healthy and safe to eat |
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What You'll Learn
Kraft Singles contain emulsifiers, binding fat and protein tightly
Kraft Singles are made with emulsifiers, which are ingredients commonly used in products such as chocolate and salad dressings. Emulsifiers hold the fat and protein in Kraft Singles together tightly, preventing them from separating even at high heat levels, such as when exposed to an open flame. This results in the cheese browning and charring instead of melting when subjected to direct flame.
Kraft Singles, when exposed to a direct flame, resist melting and exhibit burning or charring behaviour. This is due to the tight binding of fat and protein molecules by emulsifiers, which are added to the cheese during processing. Emulsifiers are commonly used in various food products, including chocolate and salad dressings, to stabilize and combine ingredients that would otherwise separate.
The presence of emulsifiers in Kraft Singles creates a stable emulsion of fat and protein, preventing separation even under high temperatures. This unique property of Kraft Singles, while leading to misconceptions about the product being made of plastic, is simply a result of the emulsifiers' ability to maintain the structural integrity of the cheese at high heat levels. It is important to note that Kraft Singles are designed to be enjoyed in grilled cheese sandwiches or other similar applications, where lower heat is applied to achieve the desired melty texture.
When Kraft Singles are exposed to standard melting conditions, such as in a grilled cheese sandwich, they will melt like any other cheese. The emulsifiers in Kraft Singles are safe and commonly used in various food products, ensuring that the cheese remains stable and maintains its intended texture and flavour during consumption. The browning and charring observed when holding a flame directly to the cheese is a result of the milk solids burning while still bound to the fat, creating a distinct appearance compared to traditional cheese.
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Kraft cheese melts at low temperatures, not high heat
Kraft cheese slices are designed to melt at lower temperatures and will not melt when exposed to direct flame or very high heat. This is due to the emulsifiers used in the cheese, which hold the fat and protein together and prevent separation even at high heat levels. While this property has led to concerns that the cheese is made of plastic, Kraft has clarified that their cheese products only contain real cheese and natural product additives.
The behaviour of Kraft cheese when exposed to direct flame is not unique, and other natural cheeses with lower fat content will also fail to melt when exposed to extremely high heat. For example, a slice of cheddar cheese placed directly onto a hot skillet will brown and turn crispy instead of melting.
Kraft cheese is intended to be enjoyed in grilled cheese sandwiches or cheeseburgers, where it will melt like any other cheese. When exposed to standard melting conditions, such as those used for the interior of a grilled cheese sandwich, Kraft cheese will melt like regular cheese.
To properly melt a Kraft Single, it is necessary to use a lower heat source and allow it to melt slowly. This allows the cheese to reach a creamy, delicious consistency without burning. While Kraft cheese may have different properties than traditional cheese, it is still a real cheese product that is safe for consumption.
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Kraft responded to the viral videos, explaining their product is safe
In response to the viral videos, Kraft explained that their product is safe and that the burning effect is due to the presence of emulsifiers, which are commonly used in other food products such as chocolate and salad dressings. The company clarified that their cheese slices are made with emulsifiers that bind the proteins and fats tightly together, preventing them from separating even at high temperatures. Kraft emphasized that their cheese is perfectly healthy and contains only real cheese and natural product additives. They also stated that the slices are designed to melt at lower temperatures, which is why they may not melt when exposed to direct flames or very high heat.
Kraft addressed the concerns raised by customers who had seen the viral videos, assuring them that the unusual melting behavior of their cheese slices was not an indication of any health risks. The company explained that the emulsifiers used in their products are safe and commonly found in other foods. Kraft also provided clarification on the proper way to melt their cheese, recommending the use of a frying pan to achieve the desired melty consistency.
In their response, Kraft acknowledged the unexpected results of the viral experiment but maintained that their product is safe and made with real cheese. They emphasized that the burning or charring observed in the videos was due to the high heat of a direct flame, which is not the intended way to enjoy their cheese slices. The company encouraged customers to use lower heat and allow the cheese to melt slowly for the best results.
Kraft's response also included a scientific explanation of the melting process of their cheese. They explained that the emulsifiers in their formula hold the fat and protein together tightly, preventing separation even at high temperatures. This results in the cheese browning or burning instead of melting when exposed to direct flames. However, when subjected to standard melting conditions, such as in a grilled cheese sandwich, Kraft cheese will melt like any other cheese.
Additionally, Kraft provided transparency about the ingredients in their cheese slices, assuring customers that they contain only real cheese and natural product additives. They emphasized that the use of emulsifiers is common in the food industry and does not pose any health risks. Kraft's response aimed to reassure customers that their product is safe and that the unusual melting behavior is simply due to the unique properties of their cheese slices, which are designed to melt at lower temperatures for a uniform and gooey consistency.
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Kraft Singles have different properties to traditional cheese
The fact that Kraft Singles don't melt when exposed to direct flame led to a social media trend in 2014 where people would hold a lighter flame to a Kraft Single and claim that it was made of plastic because it didn't melt. However, this trend is misleading as different plastics behave differently when exposed to direct flame, with some melting. Additionally, other cheeses, such as cheddar, also don't melt when exposed to extremely high heat and will instead brown and turn crispy.
Kraft Singles are a type of processed cheese, which is a pasteurized cheese product. Processed cheese melts differently from natural cheese because the fat does not separate from the solids. This is in contrast to natural cheese, where the fat can separate from the solids, resulting in a clumpy, greasy mess. This is why processed cheese, like Kraft Singles, is often used for making grilled cheese sandwiches or cheeseburgers as it melts to a creamy, smooth consistency.
Overall, while Kraft Singles have different properties to traditional cheese, this is due to the use of emulsifiers and the processing of the cheese, and it does not mean that Kraft Singles are made of plastic or are unhealthy.
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Other cheeses also fail to melt under direct flame
Kraft Singles have different properties than regular traditional cheese. Kraft cheese slices are made with emulsifiers, an ingredient commonly used in products such as chocolate and salad dressings. These emulsifiers hold the fat and protein together. The fat and protein are bound so tightly that they don't separate even at high heat levels, like an open flame. Kraft cheese slices need lower, longer heat for the cheese particles to melt and flow, creating the perfect, gooey, uniform melt.
This phenomenon is not limited to Kraft Singles and is generally observed in all but the softest cheeses. For example, a piece of cheddar cheese placed directly onto a hot skillet will not melt but rather brown and turn crispy. This effect is commonly used by chefs to create a crispy cheese crust or a melt-style sandwich.
Therefore, the fact that Kraft Singles and other cheeses do not melt under direct flame is due to their unique composition and high-heat conditions. It does not indicate that they are made of plastic or are unhealthy.
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Frequently asked questions
Kraft cheese contains emulsifiers that hold the fat and protein together. When exposed to direct flame, the fat and proteins stay tightly bound together and resist being separated. The milk solids begin to burn while holding on to their fat. Kraft cheese will melt under standard melting conditions, such as those used for the interior of a grilled cheese sandwich.
No, Kraft cheese does melt under the right conditions. Kraft cheese slices are designed to melt under lower temperatures and will not melt when exposed to direct flame or very high heat.
Kraft Singles are made with emulsifiers, an ingredient commonly used in products such as chocolate and salad dressings. The emulsifiers bind the fat and proteins in the cheese tightly together, preventing them from separating even at high heat levels, like an open flame.
Kraft cheese is made with real cheese and natural product additives, including emulsifiers. The company has stated that their product is perfectly healthy to consume and that the cheese will melt under standard melting conditions.
