What Defines 'Real' Cheese?
To understand whether Land O' Lakes American cheese is 'real,' one must first understand the legal and culinary definitions of cheese. Traditional, or natural, cheese is made directly from milk by curdling it with a coagulant like rennet, and then pressing and aging the curds. The ingredients are typically limited to milk, starter cultures, salt, and enzymes. Cheddar, Swiss, and Colby are all examples of natural cheeses, each with a unique texture and flavor profile developed through its specific aging process.
Processed cheese, on the other hand, is the result of combining natural cheese with other dairy ingredients, emulsifying salts, and colorings before heat-treating and molding it. This process is what gives American cheese its signature creamy, uniform melt without the oil separation often seen with natural cheeses.
Decoding the FDA's Regulations
The FDA maintains strict, and sometimes confusing, standards for labeling dairy products. The classification of a product determines its required cheese content, which is key to understanding the Land O' Lakes American cheese distinction.
FDA Labeling Categories
- Pasteurized Process Cheese: This product must contain at least 51% real cheese by weight, with moisture not exceeding 41% and fat not less than 49%. Land O' Lakes American Premium Deli Cheese and some unwrapped American slices typically fall into this category.
- Pasteurized Process Cheese Food: These products must contain at least 51% cheese but have stricter limits on moisture and fat. They often include additional dairy ingredients like cream or whey.
- Pasteurized Process Cheese Product: This is a less regulated category and can contain even less than 51% cheese. It allows for a wider range of additives and fillers. Kraft Singles, for instance, are often labeled a 'cheese product' and don't meet the legal definition of cheese.
Land O' Lakes: Deli-Slices vs. Individually Wrapped
The packaging and location of Land O' Lakes American cheese can offer clues about its composition. The fresh-sliced deli variety, sold in blocks or pre-sliced packages, is typically a 'Pasteurized Process American Cheese'. This product is made primarily from real cheese like cheddar and Colby, blended with emulsifying salts and other dairy ingredients to achieve its smooth, consistent texture.
Conversely, some budget brands of individually wrapped singles, sometimes labeled as 'cheese product,' may contain a much smaller percentage of actual cheese, supplemented by whey protein concentrate and vegetable oil. Land O' Lakes offers different tiers of products, and reading the ingredients list on the specific package is the most reliable way to know what you're getting.
The Role of Emulsifying Salts
A key difference between processed cheese and natural cheese is the use of emulsifying salts. These additives, such as sodium citrate, are crucial for creating the perfect melt.
When natural cheese melts, the casein protein matrix breaks down, and the milkfat can separate and become greasy. Emulsifying salts prevent this by binding to the proteins and keeping the fat and moisture evenly dispersed, resulting in a smooth, gooey liquid. For a classic cheeseburger or grilled cheese, this is a highly desirable trait.
Land O' Lakes vs. Natural Cheese: A Comparison
| Feature | Land O' Lakes American Cheese | Natural Cheese (e.g., Cheddar) |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Starts with real cheese, blended with emulsifiers, water, and other milk products. | Made directly from pressed, salted milk curds. |
| Processing | Melted, mixed, heat-treated, and molded for a consistent product. | Cured and aged over time. |
| Melting Qualities | Melts smoothly and evenly without becoming oily or clumpy, thanks to emulsifying salts. | Often separates into protein clumps and liquid fat when heated. |
| Flavor Profile | Generally mild, salty, and consistent across batches. | Complex, nuanced flavor that varies with aging and milk source. |
| Nutritional Content | Varies by specific product, but often higher in sodium and additives. | Typically higher in protein and healthy fats, with fewer additives. |
Conclusion: So, Is It Real?
Ultimately, the question of whether Land O' Lakes American cheese is 'real' depends on your definition. From a strict culinary and legal standpoint, it is not a natural cheese but rather a pasteurized process cheese made from real cheese. Its processing and added ingredients, particularly emulsifying salts, are what give it the consistent, meltable qualities for which it is beloved. While it contains real cheese as a primary ingredient, it is a modified product designed for specific cooking applications and a longer shelf life.
For those seeking a pure, unaltered cheese experience, a traditional natural cheese is the better choice. But for the iconic, gooey results on a grilled cheese or cheeseburger, Land O' Lakes American cheese is the perfect tool for the job. The best approach is simply to read the label and choose the right product for your intended use.
For further information on the chemistry behind processed cheese, consider exploring resources from food science publications like Serious Eats.
