Tag: Real cheese vs processed

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?

According to food classification systems, most traditional cheeses fall under the 'processed food' category, but are considered minimally processed when compared to their 'ultra-processed' counterparts. So, what cheeses are unprocessed in the traditional sense? The answer lies in simple, natural ingredients like milk, salt, and live cultures, without added emulsifiers or preservatives.

A 2011 study found that processed cheese contains a mean sodium level of 1,242 mg per 100g, significantly higher than natural cheeses. This critical fact raises a key question for many: are cheese slices a healthy snack, or is their convenience masking a high-sodium, highly processed trap?

According to a Consumer Reports study, popular pre-packaged lunch kits, including Lunchables, contain significantly high levels of sodium and heavy metals. This has led many to question the ingredients, particularly, does lunchly use real cheese?, and what the health implications are for a nutritious diet.