Kraft Archives - Cheese Scientist

Are Kraft Singles Real Cheese or Not?

Jonah Kincaid — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 23:51:44 +0000

Welcome, cheese enthusiasts, to the enigmatic realm of processed cheese! In this blog post, we embark on a quest to unravel the truth about a controversial figure in the cheese universe: Kraft Singles. Join us as we put this hugely popular food product through our Cheese Definition Test. And find out whether Kraft Singles are real cheese or not.

Official Cheese Definition Test

Now this is a hotly debated topic even amongst cheese professionals. And you will be hard-pressed to find an accurate definition of what makes a product cheese. The main reason for this is how complex and varied cheeses can be.

However, we wanted to give this a go. After prolonged deliberations, we’ve come up with these essential characteristics:

Criterion 1: Milk or milk-derived ingredient
Criterion 2: Allowed, but optional ingredients (click here for list)
Criterion 3: Coagulation of milk (or milk-derived product)
Criterion 4: Separation of curds and whey

You can read more about our Official Cheese Definition test by clicking here.

What are Kraft Singles?

Ah, the iconic Kraft Singles – those individually-wrapped slices that somehow find their way into countless sandwiches and burgers. But let’s get one thing straight from the start: are they actually real cheese?

Before we delve into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a moment to appreciate the abundance of processed cheese options out there. From Velveeta to Cheez Whiz, the market is brimming with tantalising choices. Each brand has its own twist on the art of transforming cheese into a melt-in-your-mouth sensation.

Kraft Singles: Real cheese or not?

So, this brings us to today’s debate. Let’s dive into the curiously captivating world of these cheese-like squares. Read on as we answer your burning questions and debunk some myths along the way.

For this Cheese Definition Test, we will be investigating the original version of Kraft Singles, American.

Milk-derived ingredients

Now, let’s uncover the secret behind those neon-orange squares. If you take a peek at the ingredient list, you’ll find some familiar companions such as milk, Cheddar cheese, whey, milk protein concentrates and milk fat.

Since those ingredients are all either milk or milk-derived, Kraft Singles pass Criterion 1 of our Cheese Definition Test.

Other ingredients

But, brace yourself, because here’s where things take a detour from traditional cheese. Kraft Singles also contain modified food starch, emulsifiers and preservatives. It’s like a science experiment in your sandwich!

Since most of those ingredients are not on our authorised list, Kraft Singles fail Criterion 2 of our Cheese Definition Test.

Production method

The process of crafting Kraft Singles can only be described as a cheese metamorphosis. It begins with real cheese, which is melted down into a creamy concoction.

Then, emulsifiers step in to create a harmonious union of oil and water, resulting in the smooth, sliceable texture we know so well. Finally, the mixture is carefully portioned into those iconic squares, ready to be packaged and distributed to cheese lovers everywhere.

As you can see, the production of Kraft Singles does not include coagulation and separation of curds from whey. Therefore, this food product fails both Criterion 3 and Criterion 4 of our Cheese Definition Test.

Scorecard: Kraft Singles are NOT real cheese, but…

So, what have we learned today, my dear cheese aficionados? Kraft Singles may not fit the traditional definition of real cheese, but they have carved out their own unique place in our sandwich-loving hearts. With a blend of milk, whey and a touch of science, they bring convenience and a certain nostalgic charm to our meals.

While indulging in Kraft Singles every now and then is perfectly acceptable, let’s not forget the wide world of artisanal cheeses waiting to be explored. From tangy Cheddar to creamy Brie, there’s a universe of flavours out there to tantalise your taste buds.

Are you a die-hard Kraft Singles fan? I’d love to hear your thoughts on its Cheese Definition Scorecard! Hit me in the comments below.

Jonah Kincaid

Cheese lover. Scientist. Created a website and a Youtube channel about cheese science because he could not find answers to his questions online.

cheesescientist.com

The post Are Kraft Singles Real Cheese or Not? appeared first on Cheese Scientist.

Kraft Singles: Nutrition Facts (Are Kraft Singles Bad For you?)

Jonah Kincaid — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 23:05:46 +0000

In this post, we will delve into the scientific realm of nutrition to explore the intriguing characteristics of Kraft Singles. This widely consumed processed cheese product has garnered attention due to its convenience and versatility. Join us as we dissect the nutrition facts for Kraft Singles and find out whether they are a healthy choice.

What are Kraft Singles?

Kraft Singles are a processed cheese product that have gained popularity for their ability to deliver a consistent taste and meltable texture. Manufactured using a precise blend of natural cheeses, emulsifying salts and other additives, Kraft Singles undergo a series of processing steps to achieve their characteristic form.

This product gets its name from the fact that it is commercially sold as single slices individually wrapped in a clear plastic.

You can find out how Kraft Singles score on our Cheese Definition Test by clicking here.

Nutrition fact sheet

Nutritional review for Kraft Singles

Without a doubt, Kraft Singles are very popular around the world. In our assessment, we have crafted a nutritional profile using the original version of this cheese product.

Here are some of the key nutrition facts for the American Cheese version of Kraft Singles.

Lactose Intolerance

For individuals with lactose intolerance, the question of whether Kraft Singles are suitable arises. While traditional dairy products can be problematic due to their lactose content, most cheeses tend to have minimal lactose content.

However, due to their range of ingredients and production methods, Kraft Singles contain a higher lactose content than most pressed and aged cheeses. As such, lactose intolerant cheese lovers should be mindful of how much of this processed product they consume.

Find out everything you’ve ever wanted to know about which types of cheeses are lactose free by clicking here.

Fat Content

Kraft Singles possess a moderate fat content, which varies depending on the specific variety. Although it is higher than the fat content found in some natural cheeses, it remains within the acceptable range for a well-balanced diet when consumed in moderation. Indeed, each slice (19 g) of Kraft Singles contains around 3.5 g of fat.

It is worth noting that the type of fat present in Kraft Singles is predominantly saturated fat, which should be limited to maintain overall heart health. Moreover, because its carbohydrate content is higher than most cheeses, this product may not be suitable for people following a ketogenic diet.

You can learn more about the keto diet and which cheeses are most keto-friendly by clicking here.

Cholesterol Content

Moving forward, let us explore the cholesterol content inherent in Kraft Singles. Cholesterol is a vital component of our diet, but excessive consumption can have adverse health effects. Kraft Singles contain a modest amount of dietary cholesterol.

However, it is important to note that the primary concern lies in the consumption of high levels of saturated and trans fats, which can lead to elevated cholesterol levels in the blood. Therefore, moderation is key when including Kraft Singles in your diet.

Protein Content

Protein plays a crucial role in our body’s growth, repair and maintenance. While Kraft Singles contain protein, it is important to highlight that the quantity is relatively low compared to natural cheese. In fact, each slice of Kraft Singles only contains 3 g of protein.

Thus, if protein intake is a priority, it is advisable to consider other protein-rich sources alongside Kraft Singles to meet daily requirements.

Want to find out which cheeses have the highest protein content? Click here for our blog post covering cheeses with the highest protein content.

Safety in Pregnancy

Shifting our focus to the safety of consuming Kraft Singles during pregnancy, we delve into an important topic for expectant mothers.

During pregnancy, the nutritional choices we make significantly impact both the mother and the growing foetus. Kraft Singles are generally considered safe for consumption during pregnancy when consumed in moderation. The main reason for this is because they are made using pasteurised milk.

However, it is essential to remember that a balanced diet consisting of a variety of nutrient-rich foods is of paramount importance. Consultation with a healthcare professional can provide tailored guidance based on individual needs.

Salt Content

Lastly, let us explore the salt content present in Kraft Singles. Kraft Singles contain a significant amount of salt, which contributes to their flavour and acts as a preservative. Effectively, one slice of this processed cheese product will give you 10% of the daily recommended sodium intake!

Obviously, it is crucial to be mindful of excessive sodium intake, as it can be detrimental to cardiovascular health. Monitoring overall sodium consumption and considering lower-sodium alternatives can aid in maintaining a well-balanced diet.

Conclusion

In summary, Kraft Singles offer a convenient and versatile cheese product that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. For individuals with lactose intolerance, Kraft Singles may not be a suitable option due to their slightly elevated lactose content.

While they contain moderate amounts of fat and cholesterol, moderation is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, protein content is relatively lower compared to natural cheese, necessitating the inclusion of other protein sources for a well-rounded diet.

By understanding the nutritional aspects of Kraft Singles, we can make informed choices and embrace a balanced approach to our dietary habits. Are you a Kraft Singles afficionado? We’d love to hear your thoughts on our assessment in the comments below.

References

Overall nutritional content

The nutritional content of cheese in our table comes from the USDA Food Data Central Repository, the Australian Food Composition Database and cheese manufacturers. We realise that there can be variations between different brands and producers. Hence, the numbers we have used are averages.

Saturated fat, carbohydrate, and cardiovascular disease – Patty W Siri-Tarino, Qi Sun, Frank B Hu and Ronald M Krauss

Effect of cheese consumption on blood lipids: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials – Janette de Goede, Johanna M Geleijnse, Eric L Ding, Sabita S Soedamah-Muthu

Safety in pregnancy

All the advice relating to what cheeses you can eat during pregnancy in this article is based on the recommendations by health authorities in Australia, the UK and the USA. If you are unsure about what you can or cannot eat, please consult your doctor.

Australia – FSANZ, United Kingdom – NHS and United Sates of America – FDA