Cheese is a staple ingredient in fast food. Whether it’s a slice of American Cheese on a burger, a generous layer of Mozzarella on pizza or shredded cheese in a burrito, it adds flavour, texture and visual appeal. However, not all cheese in fast food is the same. Some chains use high-quality, real cheese, while others rely on processed cheese products that contain added emulsifiers, oils and preservatives.
This article explores the different types of cheese used in fast food, assesses what constitutes real cheese versus processed cheese products, and examines how some of the biggest fast food chains—including McDonald’s, Chipotle and Domino’s—approach cheese in their menus.
What is real cheese?
Real cheese is made from milk, cultures, rennet (or other coagulants) and salt. It undergoes a natural process of curdling, draining and aging, depending on the type of cheese. Real cheese contains a distinct texture, flavour and meltability depending on its moisture content, fat composition and ageing process.
Common real cheeses used in fast food include:
- Mozzarella (common in pizza chains like Domino’s)
- Cheddar (used in burgers, nachos, and sandwiches)
- Parmesan (found in pasta dishes and as a garnish)
- Monterey Jack (popular in Mexican-style fast food)
- Feta (used in Greek-inspired dishes)
What is processed cheese?
Processed cheese products, also known as “cheese food”, “cheese spread” or “cheese product,” are made by blending natural cheese with emulsifiers, preservatives, and other additives to create a uniform texture and longer shelf life. These products are engineered for consistency, affordability and meltability, making them ideal for large-scale fast food production.
Common processed cheese products include:
- American cheese (a staple in fast food burgers)
- Pasteurised cheese sauces (used in nachos and mac & cheese)
- Processed cheese blends (used in pizza chains for a uniform melt)
The difference is that processed cheese products often contain less real cheese and more fillers, making them cheaper and more stable under heat. However, they also lack the complexity and richness of natural cheese.
Cheese usage in major fast food chains
McDonald’s
McDonald’s is one of the biggest users of cheese in the fast food industry, particularly its iconic American cheese slices. These slices are not pure Cheddar but rather a processed cheese product designed for optimal meltability and a smooth, creamy texture.
McDonald’s cheese products include:
- Burger cheese: A processed cheese blend with emulsifiers for smooth melting.
- Nacho cheese sauce (used in limited-time items like nacho fries).
- Shredded cheese blends (used in breakfast burritos).
McDonald’s cheese is engineered to be consistent across locations worldwide. However, this also means it prioritises texture over flavour complexity.
Chipotle
Chipotle is one of the few major fast food chains that focuses on using real cheese. Their shredded cheese, which includes a blend of Monterey Jack and White Cheddar, is made without artificial preservatives or emulsifiers.
Cheese products at Chipotle include:
- Shredded Monterey Jack & Cheddar blend (used in burritos, tacos and bowls).
- Queso Blanco (a real cheese-based sauce with no artificial stabilisers).
Unlike many competitors, Chipotle avoids processed cheese products, aligning with its “food with integrity” philosophy.
Domino’s
Domino’s, like most major pizza chains, uses both real cheese and processed cheese blends. Their standard pizza cheese is a low-moisture part-skim Mozzarella, which is real cheese but often includes anti-caking agents and preservatives for better storage.
Other cheese products at Domino’s:
- Cheddar blends (used in stuffed crust pizzas and sandwiches).
- Parmesan & Asiago toppings (real cheeses used for extra flavour).
- Cheese sauce (a processed product used in cheesy bread and dips).
While Domino’s uses real Mozzarella, it is not always the highest quality, and cheaper processed cheese products are used in some menu items.
Other major fast food chains and their cheese choices
Burger King
Burger King, like McDonald’s, relies heavily on processed cheese products for its burgers. The cheese slices used in the Whopper and other sandwiches are similar to American cheese, engineered for perfect melting rather than pure flavour.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell uses a mix of real cheese and processed cheese sauces. Their shredded cheese blends contain real cheese, but their nacho cheese sauce is a processed cheese product with stabilisers for a creamy consistency.
Subway
Subway’s cheese selection includes both real and processed options. Their Cheddar and Monterey Jack slices are typically processed cheese products, but their shredded Mozzarella blends tend to contain more real cheese.
Papa John’s
Papa John’s markets its pizza as using “better ingredients”, including 100% Mozzarella. However, their cheese is often pre-shredded with anti-caking agents and preservatives, which, while not necessarily processed cheese, alters its purity.
Why does fast food rely on processed cheese?
Fast food chains prioritise consistency, affordability, and efficiency. Processed cheese offers several advantages:
- Uniform meltability: Processed cheese melts evenly and smoothly, making it ideal for burgers and sandwiches.
- Extended shelf life: Natural cheese can spoil quickly, while processed cheese products last longer, reducing waste.
- Cost-effectiveness: Processed cheese is cheaper to produce than high-quality real cheese.
- Standardisation: Chains want every burger or pizza to taste the same, whether it’s made in New York or Tokyo. Processed cheese ensures this consistency.
The future of cheese in fast food
As consumer demand for higher-quality ingredients grows, some fast food chains are shifting toward real cheese. Chipotle, Shake Shack and some pizza brands are emphasising better-quality cheese products. Even McDonald’s has reformulated its cheese in some regions to remove artificial preservatives.
At the same time, processed cheese will likely remain dominant in fast food due to its cost and convenience. The challenge for fast food companies is finding a balance between affordability and quality to meet consumer expectations.
Conclusion
Cheese is a major component of fast food, but not all cheese is created equal. While some chains, like Chipotle, prioritise real cheese, others, like McDonald’s and Taco Bell, rely on processed cheese products for consistency and efficiency. The trend toward higher-quality ingredients may lead to more real cheese in fast food, but processed cheese is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
For cheese lovers who want the best quality, looking for fast food chains that use real cheese—or making your own fast food-inspired dishes at home—might be the best option.
Cheese lover. Scientist. Created a website and a Youtube channel about cheese science because he could not find answers to his questions online.
