Andy Montoya
McDonald's has been serving its iconic cheeseburgers since its early days in 1940. The fast-food giant's use of cheese has sparked curiosity and speculation, with many wondering if it is real cheese. While McDonald's cheese slices contain approximately 60% real cheese, primarily cheddar, they are considered processed cheese products due to the addition of other ingredients like water, salt, whey powder, and emulsifying salts. The processed nature of the cheese gives it a specific meltability and consistency, contributing to the unique taste and texture that has become synonymous with McDonald's offerings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Composition | 60% real cheese, including 51% Cheddar and 9% other cheeses |
| Other Ingredients | Water, salt, whey powder, butter, milk proteins, emulsifying salt, flavouring, colouring |
| Type of Cheese | Processed cheese, not considered "real cheese" |
| Taste | Similar to Kraft Deluxe deli slices, firmer than Kraft or Velveeta singles, light Cheddar taste |
| Supplier | Great Lakes Cheese in the USA |
| Health Impact | Excessive consumption may lead to intake of processed ingredients, unhealthy fats, and sodium, contributing to health issues |
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What You'll Learn
- McDonald's cheese slices are made from 60% real cheese
- The remaining 40% is a mixture of water, salt, whey powder, butter, milk proteins, and more
- McDonald's cheese is not considered real cheese
- McDonald's cheese is similar to Kraft Deluxe/Land O Lakes deli slices
- McDonald's breakfast sandwiches also feature cheese
McDonald's cheese slices are made from 60% real cheese
McDonald's has been serving cheeseburgers since its early days in 1940, when the "Tempting Cheeseburger" was introduced to the menu. Over the years, cheese has become an iconic component of McDonald's burgers, with the Big Mac, one of McDonald's most famous burgers, featuring two beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, pickles, onions, and, of course, cheese.
While McDonald's uses real cheese in its slices, the exact composition of these slices is a closely guarded trade secret. However, it is known that their cheese slices contain approximately 60% real cheese, with 51% being Cheddar and the remaining 9% consisting of other cheeses, including American Cheese. The remaining 40% of the slice includes ingredients such as water, salt, whey powder, butter, milk proteins, emulsifying salt, flavouring, and colouring.
McDonald's cheese slices are, therefore, technically considered a "processed cheese product" due to the extensive processing they undergo to achieve specific meltability and consistency. This processing involves blending real cheese with emulsifiers, preservatives, and additives to create a uniform texture and melting properties, resulting in the gooey and smooth cheese we know from McDonald's burgers.
The use of processed cheese in fast-food chains like McDonald's is primarily practical, as it allows for easy mass production, storage, and consistent use across their outlets worldwide. While indulging in a McDonald's cheeseburger occasionally is unlikely to have a significant impact on one's health, making it a regular part of one's diet may lead to excessive intake of processed ingredients, unhealthy fats, and sodium, contributing to potential health issues.
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The remaining 40% is a mixture of water, salt, whey powder, butter, milk proteins, and more
McDonald's cheese slices contain approximately 60% real cheese, with 51% of that being cheddar and 9% other cheeses. The remaining 40% is a mixture of water, salt, whey powder, butter, milk proteins, and more. This processed cheese product is designed to achieve a specific meltability and consistency.
The exact composition of McDonald's cheese slices is a closely guarded trade secret. However, it is known that, in addition to the ingredients mentioned above, the slices may also contain emulsifying salts, flavouring, colouring, preservatives, and milk solids. These additional ingredients contribute to the unique characteristics of McDonald's cheese, enhancing its meltability, texture, and flavour.
While the term "real cheese" may be debated, it is important to note that the remaining 40% of the composition plays a crucial role in delivering the desired taste, appearance, and functionality. The combination of these ingredients creates a consistent and recognisable cheese product that has become synonymous with McDonald's cheeseburgers and other menu items.
The salt in the cheese not only contributes to the flavour but also acts as a preservative, helping to extend the shelf life of the product. The water and milk proteins provide moisture and contribute to the overall texture and mouthfeel of the cheese. Whey powder, derived from milk, adds additional protein and can enhance the cheese's melting properties.
The specific combination and ratios of these ingredients are carefully formulated to achieve the desired characteristics of McDonald's cheese. While some may argue that the high level of processing and additional ingredients moves away from the traditional definition of "cheese", it is undeniable that the resulting product has become an iconic component of McDonald's offerings, with a distinct taste and texture that has come to be loved by many.
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McDonald's cheese is not considered real cheese
McDonald's cheese slices are considered a processed cheese product in America and are not regarded as real cheese. While the slices are made with real cheese, they undergo extensive processing to achieve a specific meltability and consistency. The exact composition of these slices is a trade secret, but it is known that they consist of approximately 60% real cheese (51% Cheddar and 9% other cheeses) and a mixture of water, salt, whey powder, butter, milk proteins, emulsifying salt, flavouring, and colouring.
McDonald's cheese is produced exclusively for the company by suppliers like Great Lakes Cheese in the USA. The processed nature of the cheese has led to speculation about its ingredients, with some people spreading rumours that the company uses plastic in its cheese. While a former McDonald's corporate chef, Mike Haracz, debunked this theory, he confirmed that the cheese is indeed a processed product.
The unique blend of McDonald's cheese contributes to its distinct taste and texture, which has become a signature of the brand. Some people enjoy the taste of the processed cheese, finding it delicious despite its artificial nature. However, others prefer natural, minimally processed cheese options for health and taste reasons.
The use of processed cheese in fast food is not unique to McDonald's, as other chains like Burger King and Bojangles have also been noted to use "cheese products" or processed cheese sauces in their menu items. The processed nature of McDonald's cheese allows for consistency in taste and texture across all its outlets worldwide, contributing to the standardisation of their products.
While McDonald's cheese may not be considered real cheese, it has become an iconic component of their burgers, with its meltability and flavour enhancing the overall sensory experience of their cheeseburgers.
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McDonald's cheese is similar to Kraft Deluxe/Land O Lakes deli slices
McDonald's cheese slices are made from a blend of 60% real cheese and a mixture of water, salt, whey powder, butter, milk proteins, emulsifying salt, flavouring, and colouring. The cheese component is mostly Cheddar (51% of the total) with a range of other cheeses (including American Cheese) contributing the remaining 9%.
The McDonald's cheese slice has been described as having a unique meltability and consistency. It has just enough flavour and texture to evoke the palate of cheese, but it essentially melts into a rich cheese sauce when placed on a burger.
Some people have likened the taste of McDonald's cheese to Kraft cheese slices. Kraft Deluxe/deli slices and Land O' Lakes deli slices are said to be similar to McDonald's cheese. Kraft cheese has been described as doughy or sweet, while McDonald's cheese and other fast-food chains' cheese have been described as a hybrid with a slight oniony flavour.
Land O' Lakes Yellow Deli American Cheese is a popular choice for sandwiches, grilled cheese, and burgers. It is known for its gooey, melty, and cheesy perfection, adding a creamy flavour to sandwiches, burgers, and wraps.
In terms of texture, McDonald's cheese slices remain rather solid, while slices from Aldi and other supermarkets tend to become very liquidy and drip out of the bun when heated.
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McDonald's breakfast sandwiches also feature cheese
McDonald's has been serving cheeseburgers since its early days in 1940. The Tempting Cheeseburger was featured on the original menu, marking the start of McDonald's commitment to offering customers unique fast-food options. The Big Mac, one of McDonald's most iconic sandwiches, was introduced in 1967 and includes a slice of cheese in its mix of ingredients.
Today, McDonald's breakfast sandwiches also feature cheese. The Sausage McMuffin and Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit are examples of breakfast sandwiches that include cheese.
The cheese used in McDonald's sandwiches is a blend of approximately 60% real cheese, with 51% of that being Cheddar, and the remaining 9% made up of other cheeses, including American Cheese. The remaining 40% of the cheese slice includes water, salt, whey powder, butter, milk proteins, emulsifying salt, flavouring, and colouring.
McDonald's slices are made exclusively for them by their suppliers, so they cannot be purchased from retailers. The exact composition of the slices is a trade secret, but one of their suppliers is the USA-based company Great Lakes Cheese.
Some people have compared the taste of McDonald's cheese to Kraft Deluxe deli slices or Land O Lakes slices.
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Frequently asked questions
McDonald's doesn't put cheese on everything, but it does offer a variety of items with cheese, such as cheeseburgers and the Big Mac. The company has been offering cheeseburgers since its early days in 1940, and the addition of cheese provides a unique and delicious taste that has become a popular choice for many customers.
The cheese slices used by McDonald's are made from a blend of approximately 60% real cheese, primarily cheddar (51%), and a mix of other cheeses (9%). The remaining ingredients include water, salt, milk solids or whey powder, butter, milk proteins, emulsifier, flavouring, and colouring. While the exact composition is a trade secret, the cheese is processed to achieve a specific meltability and consistency.
McDonald's uses processed cheese due to its ability to melt uniformly and consistently, which is essential for mass production and ensuring a standardised product. Processed cheese also has a longer shelf life and is more cost-effective than natural cheese, making it suitable for a fast-food chain with a high volume of customers.
