When it comes to fast food, one name that has become synonymous with quick, delicious bites is McDonald’s. Among their many iconic offerings, the “cheese” used in their burgers has always been a subject of curiosity and speculation. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the world of fast food burgers to find out whether McDonald’s use real cheese.
SEE ALSO: What is real cheese? Learn about the official cheese definition test →
McDonald’s: The world’s largest restaurant chain
McDonald’s is a name that resonates with people around the world. Established in 1940 by Richard and Maurice McDonald as a barbecue restaurant, the company went through significant transformations under the leadership of Ray Kroc.
What started as a humble fast-food joint in San Bernardino, California, has now grown into one of the largest and most recognisable fast-food chains globally. McDonald’s is renowned for its innovative approach to fast food, introducing concepts like the drive-thru, Happy Meals for children, and, of course, the iconic Big Mac®.
McDonald’s golden arches are a familiar sight in almost every corner of the world. With thousands of outlets in over 100 countries, McDonald’s has successfully adapted its menu to cater to diverse cultures while maintaining the core essence of its offerings.
Today, McDonald’s is not just a restaurant chain; it’s a cultural phenomenon, an economic powerhouse, and a symbol of globalisation. And their burgers such as the Big Mac®, Quarter Pounder® and Cheeseburgers are instantly recognisable.
As a matter of fact, a big part of what has made those burgers so iconic is the sliced “cheese” that lies between the meat patty and the buns.
When did McDonald’s start using cheese in their burgers?
From the very beginning of McDonald’s journey in 1940, cheeseburgers have held a special place on their menu. Indeed, the original 1940 menu already featured the “Tempting Cheeseburger”. Back then, it was a bold and novel addition, marking the early days of McDonald’s commitment to providing customers with unique and delicious fast-food options.
The Big Mac®, one of McDonald’s most iconic menu items, was introduced to the public on August 22, 1967. Created by McDonald’s franchisee Jim Delligatti, the Big Mac quickly became popular and eventually earned its place as one of the most recognisable burgers worldwide.
The Big Mac is famous for its unique mix of two beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, pickles, onions and cheese. And all of this tucked inside a three-part sesame seed bun. This mouth-watering combination has made it a beloved choice on McDonald’s menus worldwide for many years.
What is in McDonald’s cheese?
As a matter of fact, a big part of what has made those burgers so iconic is the sliced “cheese” that lies between the meat patty and the buns. But, is this slice of soft, oozy goodness actually cheese?
Composition of McDonald’s cheese slices
Unsurprisingly, the exact composition of those slices is a closely guarded trade secret. But what is known is that a huge scale producer called Great Lakes Cheese in the USA is one of their suppliers.
The content of those slices is actually referred to as processed cheese product in America. The unique blend that they use consists of 60% real cheese and a mixture of water, salt, whey powder, butter, milk proteins, emulsifying salt, flavouring and colouring.
Furthermore, the cheese component is mostly Cheddar (51% of total) with a range of other cheeses (including American Cheese) contributing the remaining 9%.
Is this real cheese?
As per our official cheese definition, McDonald’s slices are, technically, NOT real cheese. While partially made from real cheese, this processed cheese product undergoes extensive processing to achieve specific meltability and consistency. This processing involves blending real cheese with other ingredients such as emulsifiers, preservatives and additives.
These additives help the cheese maintain a uniform texture and melting properties, ensuring that it achieves the desired gooey and smooth consistency when used in burgers.
Why does McDonald’s use a processed cheese product?
The reason for this processing is primarily practical. Fast-food chains like McDonald’s require cheese that can be easily mass-produced, stored and used consistently across their outlets worldwide.
Processed cheese offers these advantages, making it an efficient choice for large-scale operations.
Is McDonald’s cheese healthy?
When it comes to the topic of fast food and health, it’s crucial to consider the specific ingredients used in popular menu items like McDonald’s Cheeseburgers. Let’s delve into the factors that determine whether McDonald’s cheese can be considered healthy or not.
Nutritional content
McDonald’s cheese slices do contain essential nutrients found in natural cheese, such as calcium and protein. Calcium is vital for strong bones and teeth, while protein is essential for various bodily functions, including muscle repair and growth. However, the processing that these cheese slices undergo might diminish some of these nutritional benefits.
In addition to this, every slice of processed cheese product adds 50 calories to your burger. And each slice contains 3.5 g of fat (2.5 g of which is saturated fat) and 230 mg of sodium (10% of RDI).
Moreover, processed cheese products contain high levels of whey and milk proteins and tend to be very high in lactose. The lactose levels can be as high as 15 g per 100 g which is well beyond the 12 g that most lactose intolerant people can safely consume.
As such, you would be well-advised to avoid this “cheese” in your McDonald’s burgers if you are lactose intolerant.
Processing and additives
The concern with McDonald’s cheese lies in the extensive processing it undergoes to achieve the desired texture and melting properties. During processing, some natural nutrients can be lost, and additives, preservatives, and artificial flavours might be introduced.
These additives are not necessarily unhealthy in moderation, but they do contribute to making the cheese less natural and less wholesome than unprocessed alternatives.
Moderation is key
Like many indulgent foods, enjoying McDonald’s cheeseburgers in moderation is unlikely to have a significant impact on your overall health. However, making them a regular part of your diet might lead to an excessive intake of processed ingredients, unhealthy fats, and sodium. Together, those can contribute to health issues like obesity and high blood pressure.
Seeking healthier alternatives
If you’re concerned about the health implications of processed cheese, you might consider exploring healthier options.
Some restaurants and food brands are increasingly focusing on providing natural, minimally processed cheese in their products. Additionally, making your cheeseburgers at home allows you to choose high-quality, unprocessed cheese, ensuring a healthier meal overall.
Can you buy McDonald’s cheese?
McDonald’s slices are exclusively made for them by their suppliers. As such, you will not be able to buy them for consumption from retailers. However, there are a few commercial cheese products which might replicate the texture and flavour. The top two most popular ones are Velveeta and Kraft Singles.
But if you are serious about making burgers at home, I would recommend using a real cheese like Monterey Jack, Cheddar or Provolone. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, add a slice of Comté, Gruyère or Emmentaler.
Conclusion
While McDonald’s cheeseburgers are undoubtedly delicious and a popular choice for many, it’s essential to be aware of the ingredients that go into them.
Unlike the cheese you might have in your refrigerator at home, McDonald’s cheese slices, while made partially from real cheese, undergo significant processing for that perfect meltability. This processing often means that they contain preservatives and additives that aren’t present in natural cheese.
Choosing real, unprocessed cheese in your meals can offer a healthier alternative. Natural cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, vital nutrients for your body. Being mindful of the choices you make when it comes to the food you consume is an important step towards a healthier lifestyle.
So, the next time you’re craving a cheeseburger, consider opting for options made with real, unprocessed cheese. Your taste buds might appreciate the authenticity, and your body will thank you for choosing a healthier alternative.
Jonah is a a hipster, eco-warrior and slow food afficionado. Coming from a scientific background, Jonah has a particular interest in cheese science. And yes, he loves a good cheese pun!
