Kamil Perry
Kraft American cheese is often considered to be of low quality due to its rubbery texture, artificial colour, and lengthy list of unpronounceable ingredients. While it is popular in grilled cheese sandwiches, some people find the taste unpleasant, and it has been described as too salty and greasy. Kraft Singles are highly processed and do not meet the FDA's definition of cheese, as they contain less than 51% curds. They also contain high amounts of sodium and fat, as well as hydrogenated vegetable oils, which are considered unhealthy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Rubber-like, plastic-like, thick |
| Taste | Sharp, tangy, salty, greasy |
| Flavor | Bland, artificial, complex |
| Ingredients | 17, including hydrogenated vegetable oils, natamycin, emulsifiers, milk protein concentrate |
| Nutrition | High in sodium, fat, protein, and calcium |
| FDA Classification | Pasteurized processed American cheese food |
| History | Recalled in 2015 due to packaging issues |
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What You'll Learn
It's highly processed
The highly processed nature of Kraft American cheese is a significant cause for concern. This type of cheese is often loaded with artificial ingredients, additives, and preservatives to enhance its taste, texture, and shelf life. The process of making this cheese usually involves a combination of dairy and non-dairy ingredients, along with various chemicals and artificial flavors. This heavy processing not only alters the natural composition of the cheese but also potentially compromises its nutritional value.
One of the main issues with highly processed cheese is the presence of unhealthy fats. Kraft American cheese, for example, often contains high levels of saturated fat and trans fat. Saturated fat, while naturally occurring in dairy products, can raise bad cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease when consumed in excess. Trans fat, on the other hand, is an artificial fat created during the processing of foods. It is even more harmful to health, as it not only raises bad cholesterol but also lowers good cholesterol, increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems.
The high sodium content in Kraft American cheese is another concern. During processing, salt and other sodium-containing additives are often added to enhance flavor and act as preservatives. Excessive sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Additionally, the high salt content can make it difficult for people to control their salt intake, especially for those with hypertension or salt-sensitive conditions.
Processed cheeses like Kraft American cheese often contain a range of additives and preservatives. These substances are added to improve texture, enhance flavor, prevent spoilage, and extend shelf life. While some of these additives may be generally recognized as safe, their long-term effects on health are not fully understood. Certain additives and preservatives have been linked to various health issues, including allergies, digestive problems, and in some cases, more severe conditions. The specific combination and interaction of these additives in processed cheese further complicate the matter, as the potential health impacts may be synergistic and not yet fully studied.
The processing of Kraft American cheese also strips away many of the beneficial nutrients naturally found in cheese. Cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, and other essential vitamins and minerals. However, the heavy processing and addition of non-dairy ingredients dilute these nutrients. As a result, the nutritional profile of processed cheese is often inferior to that of traditional, naturally aged cheese. This reduction in nutritional value is a significant drawback, especially for those relying on cheese as a source of these essential nutrients.
Lastly, the highly processed nature of Kraft American cheese can also affect its taste and texture. The addition of various additives and the heavy processing can result in a more homogeneous and artificial flavor. The texture may also be altered, becoming more rubbery or plastic-like. This can be off-putting for those accustomed to the more natural taste and texture of traditional, minimally processed cheeses. Overall, the highly processed nature of Kraft American cheese raises several health and nutritional concerns.
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It's nutritionally poor
Kraft American cheese is nutritionally poor. Firstly, it is highly processed, and its long list of ingredients is a cause for concern. Kraft Singles have an "astronomically high" number of ingredients, with 17 in total, whereas Tillamook's cheddar cheese, for example, has only four. Kraft's ingredient list includes hydrogenated vegetable oils, which are terrible for heart health, and a high level of sodium—a single slice of Kraft cheese has 275 mg of sodium, nearly double that of Tillamook's cheddar. Kraft Singles also contain antifungal medication—natamycin is used to treat fungal infections around the eyes and while it is considered safe for consumption, it is questionable whether it should be included in a food product.
Kraft Singles are also very high in fat and sodium, which means they cannot be considered a healthy food. In fact, they do not meet the FDA's minimum curd requirement to be classified as cheese. To be legally considered "cheese", a product must be more than half cheese, which is technically pressed curds of milk. Each Kraft Single contains less than 51% curds, so it is instead referred to as a "pasteurized processed cheese product".
Kraft Singles are also often criticised for their rubbery, plastic-like texture and unpleasant taste.
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It has a long list of ingredients
Kraft American cheese has been described as having a "mile-long" list of ingredients, which is concerning to some consumers. The cheese is highly processed, and each Kraft American single contains less than 51% curds, which means it doesn't meet the FDA's standard for being classified as a "real cheese".
The lengthy ingredient list is perhaps to be expected when consuming a processed food product, but when compared to other American cheese brands, Kraft's ingredient list is on the longer side. One source noted that Kraft's popular plastic-wrapped individual slices of American cheese contain an astronomically high 17 ingredients, whereas a popular pre-packaged dairy brand's cheddar cheese has only 4 ingredients.
Some of the concerning ingredients in Kraft American cheese include hydrogenated vegetable oils, which are known to be terrible for heart health, and high amounts of sodium and fat, which contribute to its negative health reputation. The cheese also once contained milk protein concentrate, which doesn't fit the legal definition of food, and currently contains natamycin, an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections.
The long list of ingredients in Kraft American cheese, many of which are difficult to pronounce and are not found in other cheese products, is a common point of criticism and a reason why some consumers choose to avoid the brand.
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It has an unnatural texture
Kraft American cheese has been described as having an unappealing, rubbery texture akin to plastic. Its texture is so unnatural that it has been likened to a Lego piece or a yellow slab of rubber. Kraft Singles, in particular, have been criticized for their rubbery, plastic-like texture, which some people find off-putting and unpalatable.
The rubbery texture of Kraft American cheese may be due to the emulsifiers and other additives used in the cheese-making process. These additives are used to hold the cheese together and give it a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth feel. However, some people find that the resulting texture is unpleasant and unlike that of traditional cheese.
In addition to its rubbery texture, Kraft American cheese has also been criticized for its thin, prepackaged slices. These slices are noticeably thinner than those of other brands, such as Boar's Head, which offers thicker slices that add a decadent touch to grilled cheese sandwiches. The thinness of Kraft slices may contribute to their less-than-desirable texture, as they can feel insubstantial and lacking in richness.
While some people find the texture of Kraft American cheese off-putting, others enjoy its smooth, creamy mouthfeel, especially when melted between two slices of toast or on top of a burger. The cheese's ability to melt evenly and provide a "cheese pull" is a desirable feature for many consumers, who appreciate its convenience and versatility in various recipes.
Kraft American cheese, with its distinctive texture, has become a staple in many households. Its popularity, especially during World War I and II, solidified its place in the American diet, and it continues to be a go-to option for grilled cheese sandwiches and other melted cheese applications.
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It's not considered real cheese
Kraft American cheese is not considered real cheese because it does not meet the FDA's minimum curd requirement. To be classified as cheese, a product must be made from pressed milk curds and contain more than 50% curds. Kraft Singles contain less than 51% curds, so they are technically "pasteurized processed American cheese food" or a "cheese product".
Kraft American cheese is made from a mixture of old and new cheeses, including Swiss and cheddar, processed with emulsifiers to hold them together and create a perfect melt. This heavy processing gives the cheese an unnatural sheen, and its vibrant orange colour comes from the cheddar base. The product also contains high levels of sodium and fat, as well as hydrogenated vegetable oils, which are considered unhealthy.
The highly processed nature of Kraft American cheese and its long list of unpronounceable ingredients are off-putting to some consumers, who view it as a low-quality, synthetic, or even plastic-like product. However, others appreciate its smooth and creamy taste and its ability to melt well without becoming greasy.
Despite the criticism, Kraft American cheese has been a popular household staple for decades, playing a key role in many classic American recipes, such as grilled cheese sandwiches. Its convenience, meltability, and unique flavour have earned it a dedicated following, even if it doesn't meet the legal definition of cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Kraft American cheese is highly processed and contains emulsifiers, hydrogenated vegetable oils, and antifungal medication. It has an abnormally long list of ingredients, a rubbery texture, and an unpleasant taste.
Healthier alternatives to Kraft American cheese include fontina, cheddar, gouda, and brie.
Kraft American cheese is not legally considered cheese. It does not meet the FDA's minimum curd requirement of 51% and is instead classified as "pasteurized processed American cheese food".
