Tag: Imitation cheese

Imitation cheese, sometimes called 'analog cheese,' has seen a surge in popularity, driven by its lower cost and customizable functionality. These products are formulated using a fat source and a protein or starch base to mimic the properties of real dairy, making it possible to produce a wide range of cheese-like products for various applications.

According to U.S. federal standards, a product labeled "cheese food" or "cheese product" must contain at least 51% actual cheese, but imitation American cheese does not have this requirement. It is a manufactured food designed to mimic the flavor and functional properties of real cheese, primarily through a combination of vegetable oils, modified starches, and dairy-derived proteins or flavors. These ingredients are carefully blended to achieve the desired melt, stretch, and texture at a significantly lower cost.

According to the U.S. Dairy industry, natural cheese contains only four basic ingredients: milk, salt, a starter culture, and rennet. Therefore, natural cheese does not contain vegetable oil, but many consumers are surprised to learn that vegetable oil can be a key component in processed cheese and imitation cheese products.

According to a 2024 report, the global vegan cheese market is projected to grow significantly, highlighting the rising popularity of cheese products that are, in fact, not cheese at all. The truth is, many products marketed as "cheese" on shelves are not made from traditional dairy, including some highly processed or plant-based versions.