Does Lunchables use real cheese?

January 5, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the ingredient labels on many Lunchables kits, the item included is officially called "pasteurized prepared cheese product," not natural cheese. This important distinction raises the question: does Lunchables use real cheese, or is it a different product entirely?

Quick Summary

Many Lunchables kits contain a "pasteurized prepared cheese product," a blend of real cheese with added ingredients like milk protein concentrate, emulsifiers, and preservatives. The resulting product is a processed food designed for stability and a consistent texture.

Key Points

Processed, Not Natural: The cheese in Lunchables is a 'pasteurized prepared cheese product,' which is a heavily processed blend of real cheese and other ingredients.
Ingredient Blend: Lunchables cheese contains a base of real cheese, but also includes water, milkfat, emulsifiers, and preservatives for consistency and shelf stability.
Labeling Matters: Because of its added ingredients, the product cannot be legally labeled as natural cheese in the U.S., which is why the full name is used.
Higher Sodium Content: Processed cheese products typically have a higher sodium level than natural cheese, a factor noted by health watchdog groups.
Convenience is the Driver: The primary reasons for using processed cheese product are for its long shelf life and consistent melting texture, ideal for pre-packaged kits.
Product Variation: The specific ingredients can vary between different Lunchables kits and international versions, but all feature a form of processed cheese.

The Difference Between Real and Processed Cheese

Understanding the cheese in Lunchables requires knowing the difference between natural cheese and processed cheese products. Natural cheese is made by curdling milk using a culture and enzymes, then pressing the curds into a specific shape to age. The result is a solid block of cheese with distinct flavor profiles and textures. A processed cheese product, on the other hand, starts with real cheese but blends it with other dairy products, water, emulsifiers, and preservatives to create a shelf-stable and consistently-melting final item. This processing is what changes its legal classification.

What is "Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product"?

If you check the ingredient list of a typical Lunchables, such as the Ham & Cheddar or Turkey & Cheddar kit, you will see it contains a "Pasteurized Prepared Cheddar Cheese Product". The specific list of ingredients varies slightly, but generally includes:

Cheese: The base ingredient, often cheddar cheese.
Milkfat and Milk Protein Concentrate: Added dairy components that contribute to the creamy texture and protein content.
Water and Whey: Help create the smooth, uniform consistency.
Emulsifying Salts: Such as sodium citrate, which prevent the fats from separating and keep the cheese product from becoming oily when it melts.
Preservatives: Sorbic acid is a common preservative used to extend the product's shelf life.
Coloring: Annatto and oleoresin paprika are often used to achieve a consistent color.

Examining Cheese in Different Lunchables Products

Not all cheese-containing Lunchables are exactly the same. The formulation can differ based on the type of kit and even the country of sale.

Ham & Cheddar (U.S.): Contains a REDUCED FAT CHEDDAR PASTEURIZED PROCESS CHEESE PRODUCT, which includes milk, skim milk, milk protein concentrate, and emulsifiers.
Turkey & Cheddar (U.S.): Features a cheddar pasteurized prepared cheese product with similar ingredients to the ham variety.
Pizza Lunchables: Kits with pizza sauce and pepperoni often include a mozzarella pasteurized prepared cheese product.
UK Lunchables (Dairylea brand): Their Ham 'n' Cheese kit lists "CHEESE food" with 75% cheese, plus added milk protein, butter, and emulsifying salts.

Comparison: Lunchables Cheese vs. Natural Cheese


Feature	Lunchables Processed Cheese	Natural Cheddar Cheese
Ingredients	Real cheese, water, milkfat, emulsifiers, whey, preservatives, coloring	Milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes
Shelf Life	Very long due to preservatives and processing	Shorter, requires constant refrigeration
Texture	Uniform, soft, and consistent	Varies based on aging; can be creamy, crumbly, or hard
Melting	Melts very smoothly and evenly without becoming oily	Melts less predictably; can separate and release oil
Nutritional Profile	Typically higher in sodium and lower in protein and calcium per serving than natural cheese	Provides concentrated protein and calcium; generally lower sodium (depends on type)

Nutritional and Health Considerations

Organizations like Consumer Reports and the Environmental Working Group have raised concerns about the nutritional content of Lunchables, citing issues with high sodium levels in many kits. A high intake of processed foods like these cheese products can contribute significantly to daily sodium consumption, which is especially a concern for children. Additives like preservatives and coloring agents are also a frequent topic of debate, though the FDA generally considers them safe. For families seeking a less-processed option, providing real cheese with crackers is a viable alternative.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Lunchables Cheese

To answer the primary question: does Lunchables use real cheese? The answer is that it contains a highly processed version of cheese, not natural, unadulterated cheese. The "pasteurized prepared cheese product" is formulated with real cheese as a base but includes several other ingredients to achieve its desired taste, texture, and shelf life. While it's a convenient and popular snack, it is important for consumers to understand the distinction between this product and natural cheese. Reading ingredient labels remains the best way to know exactly what is in your food. For more insights into the health aspects of products like Lunchables, consider this report from Consumer Reports on Lunchables.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, in the United States, it is labeled as "pasteurized prepared cheese product" and does not meet the legal definition to be called natural cheese due to its added ingredients.

Processed cheese is used for its superior shelf stability, long-lasting freshness, and consistent texture. Emulsifiers help it melt smoothly without separating, which is ideal for pre-packaged convenience snacks.

The main ingredients include real cheese, milk, milkfat, water, milk protein concentrate, whey, emulsifying salts (like sodium citrate), and preservatives (like sorbic acid).

While not inherently 'bad,' processed cheese is typically higher in sodium and contains more additives than natural cheese. A balanced diet incorporating whole foods is recommended, and moderation is key with processed items.

The cheese product is generally supplied by Kraft, but the formulation can differ between various Lunchables products. For example, pizza kits use a mozzarella-based product, while cracker kits feature a cheddar-based one.

The UK's Dairylea brand Lunchables list a "cheese food" with 75% cheese, along with emulsifiers and preservatives. Like the US product, it is a processed form of cheese.

The processed cheese product in Lunchables often has a higher sodium content and includes more additives. Natural cheddar generally provides more protein and calcium per gram with fewer added ingredients.