Processed cheese

Processed cheese (also known as prepared cheese, cheese product, or cheese singles) is a food product made from cheese (and sometimes other, unfermented, dairy by-product ingredients), plus emulsifiers, saturated vegetable oils, extra salt, food colorings, or whey or sugar. As a result, many flavors, colors, and textures of processed cheese exist.

History

James L. Kraft, the founder of Kraft Foods, developed the first commercially available, shelf-stable, processed cheese in the United States in 1916. The product, marketed as "processed cheese", was well-received during World War II due to its long shelf life.

Production

Processed cheese is made from traditional cheese and emulsifying salts, often with the addition of milk, more salt, preservatives, and food coloring. It is inexpensive, consistent, and melts smoothly. It is sold packaged and either pre-sliced or unsliced, in several varieties.

Varieties

Processed cheese can be classified into two types: Processed cheese spreads and Processed cheese foods. Cheese spreads are made from cheese, water, and a small amount of milk solids. Cheese foods are similar, but they contain less water and more milk solids.

Health concerns

Processed cheese has been criticized for its possible health effects due to its ingredients. It is high in sodium and saturated fat, and it contains preservatives and artificial colors. However, it is also a source of calcium and protein.

See also

• Cheese
• Kraft Singles
• American cheese
• Cheez Whiz
• Velveeta