A Detailed Breakdown of Dietz and Watson American Cheese Ingredients
Dietz and Watson is known for its quality deli products, and their American cheese is no exception. However, like most American cheese products, it's a 'pasteurized process cheese food,' which means it's made from a blend of natural cheese and other ingredients to achieve a consistent, meltable texture. The specific ingredient list can vary slightly depending on whether the product is yellow or white, and whether it is a sliced or solid block.
Core Ingredients in All Dietz and Watson American Cheese
All formulations of Dietz and Watson American cheese share a common set of foundational ingredients that form the bulk of the product. These include:
- Natural American Cheese: This is the base of the product, made from cultured pasteurized milk, salt, and enzymes. It provides the primary flavor profile and is the 'real cheese' component. As explained by Dietz and Watson, their cheesemaking process starts with high-quality dairy to ensure a premium result.
- Water: Added to help create a smoother consistency and to ensure the cheese melts easily without separating. This is a standard ingredient in most processed cheese products.
- Cream/Dry Cream: Cream or dry cream is added for richness and to enhance the signature creamy texture of American cheese. This ingredient helps provide the characteristic richness and mouthfeel.
- Sodium Phosphate: A key emulsifying agent. Sodium phosphate helps to keep the fats and proteins in the cheese from separating when heated, resulting in that smooth, consistent melt we expect from American cheese.
- Sodium Citrate: Another emulsifying salt that works with sodium phosphate to achieve the desired melt and texture. It also contributes to the flavor.
- Salt: Used for flavoring and as a preservative.
Ingredients Unique to Yellow American Cheese
For the yellow variety of Dietz and Watson American cheese, specific ingredients are added to give it its distinctive color:
- Annatto: A natural food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree. It imparts a yellow-orange hue to the cheese.
- Paprika Oleoresin: An extract derived from paprika that also adds a yellowish color.
- Enzyme Modified Cheese: Some yellow varieties may contain enzyme modified cheese, which is a concentrated cheese flavor for a more pronounced taste profile.
Ingredients in White American Cheese
The white variety omits the coloring agents but may have its own minor differences:
- Butter: Some formulations of white American cheese specifically list butter, which enhances the smooth, buttery flavor.
- Nonfat Milk: This ingredient may be added to adjust the protein and fat content.
- Potassium Sorbate: Used as a preservative to inhibit mold growth and maintain freshness.
Comparison Table: White vs. Yellow Ingredients
| Ingredient | Dietz & Watson White American Cheese | Dietz & Watson Yellow American Cheese |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Cheese Base | American Cheese (Cultured Milk, Salt, Enzymes) | American Cheese (Milk, Cultures, Salt, Enzymes) |
| Dairy Additives | Water, Butter, Cream, Nonfat Milk | Water, Dry Cream, Milkfat |
| Emulsifiers | Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Citrate | Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Citrate |
| Preservatives | Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid | Sorbic Acid, Citric Acid |
| Coloring | None added | Annatto (Color), Paprika Oleoresin (Color) |
The Role of Processing
The reason Dietz and Watson American cheese contains more than the traditional four ingredients of milk, salt, cultures, and enzymes is due to the 'pasteurized process' designation. The base natural American cheese is combined with the other ingredients, heated, and then emulsified. This process allows for a stable product with a long shelf life and consistent, superior melting characteristics, which is why it's a preferred choice for cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. It's also worth noting that Dietz and Watson pledges to use milk from cows not treated with rBGH, a synthetic growth hormone.
Conclusion
While the simple answer to what are the ingredients in Dietz and Watson American cheese is 'natural cheese, water, and other dairy ingredients,' the full list reveals the careful formulation required for this processed cheese food. The use of emulsifying salts like sodium phosphate and sodium citrate is crucial for its meltability, while additional dairy and coloring agents are used to refine its texture, flavor, and appearance. Whether you choose the white or yellow variety, you can expect a reliably smooth, consistent cheese thanks to its specific ingredient blend.
For more information on cheesemaking processes and the ingredients used by Dietz and Watson, you can read their own detailed explanation on their blog.
