Understanding Processed Cheese
Processed cheese is a food product made from natural cheese and other ingredients such as emulsifying salts, milk solids, and sometimes preservatives. The manufacturing process involves melting and blending these ingredients with heat to create a product that is uniform, stable, and has a consistent melt. This process differs fundamentally from the production of natural cheese, which typically relies on natural fermentation and aging with minimal additives beyond salt, cultures, and rennet. The addition of emulsifying salts helps to create a smoother texture that melts without separating the fat from the protein, a common issue with heated natural cheese.
Specific Preservatives in Britannia Cheese
Ingredient lists for Britannia's various processed cheese products, such as the slices and cubes, clearly specify the presence of preservatives. For example, ingredients often include "Preservative (200, 235)".
- E200 (Sorbic Acid) and E202 (Potassium Sorbate): Sorbic acid and its potassium salt, potassium sorbate, are commonly used food preservatives. They are effective at inhibiting the growth of yeasts and molds and some bacteria, particularly in mildly acidic food products. Their use is widespread in the dairy industry to maintain quality over a long shelf life.
- E235 (Natamycin): Natamycin is a natural antifungal agent produced by a bacterium during fermentation. It is primarily effective against yeasts and molds and is often applied to the surface of cheese to prevent mold growth on the rind or packaging.
These preservatives are a key reason why processed cheese products like Britannia's have a much longer shelf life compared to many varieties of natural cheese.
Processed Cheese vs. Natural Cheese: A Comparison
To highlight the key differences, here is a comparison between Britannia's processed cheese products and a typical natural cheese.
| Feature | Britannia Processed Cheese (e.g., Slices) | Natural Cheese (e.g., Block Cheddar) |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Cheese, Water, Milk Solids, Emulsifiers, Preservatives (E200, E235), Acidity Regulators, Salt | Milk, Salt, Starter Cultures, Rennet (enzymes) |
| Preservatives | Yes, specific additives like potassium sorbate and natamycin are added | Typically no artificial preservatives. Salt and proper aging act as natural preservatives |
| Shelf Life | Significantly longer (often months) due to preservation techniques | Varies greatly, typically shorter once opened; soft cheeses spoil faster |
| Processing | Heated, melted, and blended with other ingredients | Curdled milk is pressed and aged; not heated to melting point |
| Flavor | Consistent, mild, and relatively simple | Complex, varied, and develops character with age |
| Texture | Smooth, uniform, and melts easily without separating | Varied (crumbly, hard, soft); can become oily when melted |
The Role of Additives in Food Safety and Shelf Life
The preservatives used in processed cheese serve a vital function in food safety by controlling microbial growth. Microorganisms like bacteria, yeasts, and molds can cause cheese spoilage, leading to off-flavors, texture changes, and potential health risks. The heat treatment during processing sterilizes the product, and preservatives like sorbates and natamycin prevent recontamination and spoilage during storage and distribution. The use of these additives allows processed cheese to be sold in wider, non-refrigerated conditions in some markets and ensures a consistent, safe product for consumers. The safety of these common food additives is regularly reviewed and confirmed by regulatory bodies. For further reading on this topic, a review on natural alternatives to chemical additives in cheese provides insight into the science behind cheese preservation methods.
Different Britannia Cheese Products
It is worth noting that Britannia offers a range of cheese products, and their ingredient lists can vary slightly. For example, while slices and cubes contain specific preservatives, other items like cheese spreads or pizza blends might have slightly different formulations depending on their intended use and texture. Consumers should always check the specific product packaging for the most accurate ingredient information.
Conclusion: The Answer is Yes
In conclusion, the answer to "Does Britannia cheese contain preservatives?" is definitively yes, for its range of processed cheese products. These food additives are intentionally included to ensure a long and stable shelf life, prevent spoilage, and maintain a consistent, safe product for consumers. While natural cheese relies on different methods for preservation, the use of approved preservatives is a defining characteristic of processed cheese products. Consumers who prefer a cheese without these additives should opt for natural cheese alternatives.
