Sofia Martinez
American cheese is a processed cheese product made by blending different types of cheese, liquids, and emulsifying agents. It is known for its meltability and gooey texture, making it a popular choice for cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. However, some people have negative perceptions of American cheese, referring to it as plastic cheese due to its smooth, moldable texture. While it is not made of plastic in the traditional sense, the term 'plastic' in the context of food refers to something that is easily shaped or molded, which describes the characteristics of American cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| American cheese is made of plastic | No, but it is processed cheese with emulsifiers that bind the cheese's components tightly and do not lose their hold with a sudden increase in temperature. |
| American cheese is processed | Yes, it is made by melting down a mixture of chunks of other cheeses such as cheddar, colby, and Swiss with a liquid and an emulsifying agent. |
| Plasticizers in plastic-wrapped cheese | Hazardous plasticizers are "lipophilic", meaning they are readily absorbed by substances that are high in lipids, such as cheese and other dairy items. |
| Chemicals in plastic | Plastic is made of chemicals and fossil fuels. These chemicals can migrate from plastic to cheese, especially at room temperature. |
| Plasticizers in plastic a health risk | Nearly half of the 16,000 chemicals used in plastic manufacturing have never been tested for human safety. Of those tested, 4,200 are considered "highly hazardous". |
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What You'll Learn
American cheese is processed cheese
While American cheese is not made of plastic, it is processed cheese. This means that it is made by melting down a mixture of different cheeses such as cheddar, colby, and Swiss, along with liquids and emulsifying agents. This liquid mixture is then molded into bricks or slices and packaged for mass consumption. The term "plastic" in the context of processed cheese refers to the ability of the mixture to be easily shaped or molded, and not to the material that is used to make plastic products.
The confusion around the use of the word "plastic" stems from the FDA's definitions of processed cheese products, which state that the ingredients must be mixed into a "homogeneous plastic mass." This has led some people to believe that American cheese is made of plastic. However, the word "plastic" in this context simply refers to the malleable nature of the cheese mixture, which allows it to be shaped or molded into the desired form.
It is worth noting that the process of making American cheese was pioneered by J.L. Kraft (also known as James Kraft) in 1916. He aimed to address complaints about inconsistent quality by mixing various cheeses and blending them with water to create a uniform product. To ensure a smooth consistency, an emulsifier, typically sodium monohydrogen phosphate, is added to prevent the fat, protein, and water from separating. This results in a cheese product that has a consistent taste, texture, and meltability, making it a popular choice for cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches.
While American cheese is indeed processed and "plastic" in the sense of being moldable, it is not made of the same plastic material used in packaging or other synthetic products. The term "plastic cheese" is often used colloquially to describe American cheese, but it does not contain the hazardous chemicals or synthetic materials associated with plastic products. However, it's important to distinguish between the colloquial use of the term "plastic" and the biochemical definition, as some sources suggest that on a biochemical level, American cheese shares similarities with plastics due to the presence of emulsified hydrocarbons.
In conclusion, American cheese is a processed cheese product that is known for its meltability, versatility, and distinctive flavor. While it is referred to as "plastic cheese" due to its moldable nature during production, it does not contain the same synthetic materials as plastic products. The use of the word "plastic" by the FDA and in colloquial speech has contributed to the misconception that American cheese is made of plastic, but this is not the case.
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It is made by melting a mixture of different cheeses
While American cheese is often maligned as being akin to plastic, it is, in fact, a type of processed cheese made from a blend of real cheeses. The term "American cheese" typically refers to the processed variety, which was invented in the 1910s by James L. Kraft, the founder of Kraft Foods Inc. This variety is made by melting a mixture of different cheeses, such as cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses, along with emulsifying agents, sodium citrate, and other ingredients.
The process of making American cheese involves grinding and combining the cheese mixture with additional ingredients, which can include whey, milk proteins, and emulsifying salts. This mixture is then heated to a temperature of at least 150 °F (66 °C) for a minimum of 30 seconds during pasteurization. The resulting product has a creamy texture, a salty flavour, and a medium-firm consistency. It is also known for its excellent meltability, which makes it a popular choice for cheeseburgers, cheese dogs, cheesesteaks, and other dishes where melted cheese is desired.
The "plastic" nature of American cheese refers to its malleability and meltability, rather than its composition. The word "plastic" in this context simply means "easily shaped or moulded", which can be applied to most types of cheese. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines processed cheese products as a "homogeneous plastic mass", indicating that the final product should be easily shapeable and mouldable.
While some may argue that American cheese is not "real" cheese due to its processing and added ingredients, it is important to note that all cheese is processed to some extent. Even simple cheeses like halloumi are made through a process of treating milk with rennet, draining curds, and pressing them together. The processing of American cheese allows for a consistent product with a specific texture, flavour, and meltability that is desired in certain culinary applications.
In summary, American cheese is indeed made by melting a mixture of different cheeses, along with other ingredients, to create a unique product with specific characteristics. While it may be processed and "plastic" in nature, this refers to its malleability and ease of shaping, rather than its composition.
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It is often called plastic cheese
American cheese is often called plastic cheese, and this perception may be due to a few reasons. Firstly, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines processed cheese products as a "homogeneous plastic mass", referring to something that is easily shaped or moulded. This definition is often taken out of context, leading people to associate American cheese with plastic.
Secondly, American cheese is a processed cheese product made by blending different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Colby, and Swiss, with liquids and emulsifying agents. The emulsifiers in processed cheese, such as sodium citrate or sodium phosphate, give it a uniform texture and melting properties, contributing to its perception as "plastic cheese".
Additionally, some people may associate American cheese with plastic due to its texture and mouthfeel. It has a unique texture that some may find unpleasant or unnatural, resembling plastic. However, it is important to clarify that American cheese does not contain plastic. While it is made from oils and emulsified hydrocarbons, which are also found in plastics, it is not the same as the plastic used in packaging or recycled plastic bottles.
The term "plastic cheese" is often used as a derogatory term for processed cheese, implying that it is artificial or of inferior quality. However, it is important to note that the processing of cheese involves blending and altering the texture and flavour of natural cheese, similar to how meatloaf is made from meat with added ingredients. While American cheese may not have the complex flavour profiles of other cheeses, it excels in meltability and texture, making it a popular choice for cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches.
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The FDA defines it as a homogeneous plastic mass
American cheese is often maligned as being akin to plastic. While it is true that the FDA defines it as a "homogeneous plastic mass", this is not an indication that it is made of plastic. Rather, the word "'plastic" in this context is used as an adjective, describing something that is "easily shaped or moulded". This is a far cry from the noun "plastic", which refers to non-biodegradable materials made from chemicals and fossil fuels.
The confusion arises from the fact that American cheese is a processed cheese product, made by blending different types of cheese with texture- and flavour-altering ingredients. This process was pioneered by J.L. Kraft in 1916, who sought to create a uniform product by mixing a variety of cheeses with water. To prevent the fat, protein, and water from separating, an emulsifier—sodium monohydrogen phosphate—was added. This results in a cheese product that is highly meltable and consistent in taste and texture.
The "plastic" nature of American cheese, therefore, refers to its pliable and mouldable characteristics, which are a result of the emulsifiers used in its production. This is not unique to American cheese, as many other cheese products also contain emulsifiers and exhibit similar plasticity. In fact, all cheese contains casein, a protein that exhibits plastic-like properties, causing cheese to weld itself to containers.
While American cheese may be likened to plastic in terms of its texture and processability, it is important to clarify that it is not made of plastic. The term "plastic" in the FDA's definition simply refers to the malleable nature of the product, which is a common characteristic of many foods, including fruit roll-ups, chocolate, fondant, and marzipan.
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It is not made from recycled plastic bottles
American cheese is not made from recycled plastic bottles. While it has been called "plastic cheese", this is due to its texture and the fact that it is processed. In fact, American cheese is made by melting down a mixture of cheeses such as cheddar, colby, and Swiss with a liquid and an emulsifying agent. This liquid mixture is then molded into bricks or slices and packaged for mass consumption.
The confusion around American cheese being plastic may stem from the FDA's definitions of various processed cheese products. These definitions state that the cheeses and other added ingredients in pasteurized process cheese food products must be mixed into a "homogeneous plastic mass". However, in this context, the word "plastic" is used as an adjective meaning something that is ""easily shaped or molded". So, by this definition, many other foods, such as fruit roll-ups, chocolate, fondant, and marzipan, could also be considered plastic.
Additionally, some people argue that on a biochemical level, American cheese is similar to plastic as it is made from oils and emulsified hydrocarbons. However, this does not mean that it is made from recycled plastic bottles. It is important to note that the process of making American cheese is not new, and it was actually inspired by a traditional Swiss practice of melting down cheese scraps into one product.
While American cheese does not contain recycled plastic bottles, it is often packaged in plastic, which can be a cause for concern. Studies have shown that chemicals can migrate from plastic packaging into cheese, especially at higher temperatures. These chemicals can include carcinogens and endocrine disruptors, which can pose risks to human health. Therefore, while American cheese itself is not plastic, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming cheese packaged in plastic.
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Frequently asked questions
American cheese is not made of plastic in the sense of the non-biodegradable material that plastic bottles are made of. However, it is made from oils and emulsified hydrocarbons, which are also used to make plastic. The FDA's definition of processed cheese products states that they must be mixed into a "homogenous plastic mass", but "plastic" here simply means easily shaped or moulded.
American cheese is processed cheese, made by melting down a mixture of different cheeses with a liquid and an emulsifying agent. The liquid mixture is then moulded into bricks or slices. This process makes it similar to plastic, which is any material that can be moulded into a desired shape.
American cheese is not particularly healthy, but this is true of all cheese. However, if you are eating cheese wrapped in plastic, you may be ingesting hazardous chemicals that have leached from the plastic into the cheese.
American cheese is not exactly cheese, but it is made with real cheese. It is more akin to meatloaf, which is made by blending real meat with texture- and flavour-altering ingredients.
