The Great Cheese Debate: Defining 'Fake'
When people ask what fast food restaurants use fake cheese, they are often thinking of highly processed cheese products rather than truly 'fake' imitation cheese, which contains no dairy at all. The FDA has specific standards for what can be legally labeled as 'cheese' versus 'pasteurized process cheese,' 'pasteurized process cheese food,' or 'pasteurized process cheese product'. Many fast food chains use processed versions for operational benefits.
Processed cheese starts with real cheese but adds other ingredients to alter its properties. These additives, like emulsifying salts and milk protein concentrate, are crucial for achieving the perfect, consistent melt that works well in a high-volume kitchen. This creates a food item that is stable and predictable but ultimately different from natural cheese, which is simply made from milk, cultures, salt, and enzymes.
Fast Food Chains That Favor Processed Cheese
Several well-known fast food restaurants rely on processed cheese for their signature menu items, especially when a consistent, even melt is desired. The familiar slices on a cheeseburger often fall into this category.
McDonald's and Burger King
Two of the largest fast-food players, McDonald's and Burger King, extensively use pasteurized process American cheese on their burgers. For McDonald's, this includes iconic items like the Cheeseburger and Quarter Pounder with Cheese. The ingredients list for this cheese includes milk, water, sodium citrate, and artificial coloring, engineered for the perfect melt every time. Similarly, Burger King uses a similar cheese for its cheeseburgers, though some menu items might feature other, more natural cheese types.
Dairy Queen, Sonic, and Tim Hortons
Other chains follow suit. Dairy Queen incorporates processed American and White Cheddar on its burgers. According to sources, both Sonic and Tim Hortons use the same type of processed American cheese, which the FDA does not classify as authentic cheese. For consistency and cost control, these products are a kitchen staple.
Bojangles' Mac & Cheese
It isn't just slices on burgers. The macaroni and cheese at Bojangles', for example, reportedly comes as a processed, pre-made sauce with added ingredients like whey, modified food starch, and sodium phosphate. This allows for a uniform product that can be prepared quickly and without the variability of real cheese.
Fast Food Chains That Use Real Cheese
Not all fast food relies on processed cheese. Several chains pride themselves on using authentic dairy products, particularly on items where the flavor and texture of natural cheese are paramount.
- Taco Bell: Known for its Mexican-style menu, Taco Bell uses real shredded cheese on its items like burritos and quesadillas.
- Chipotle: This restaurant emphasizes fresh ingredients, including its use of real shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Chick-fil-A: The chicken sandwich giant serves real cheese on its various sandwiches and other menu offerings.
- Wendy's: While American cheese on their basic burgers may be processed, Wendy's is noted for using real Swiss and other natural cheeses on specific menu items, such as the Mushroom Swiss burger.
- Panera Bread: This chain generally opts for higher-quality, real cheeses in its sandwiches and salads.
- Jack in the Box: This chain also uses real cheese on its menu items.
- Starbucks: For breakfast items and other snacks, Starbucks uses real cheese.
Comparison of Processed vs. Real Cheese in Fast Food
| Feature | Processed Cheese | Real Cheese |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | A blend of natural cheese, emulsifying salts, vegetable oil, water, whey, and preservatives. | Primarily milk, starter cultures, salt, and enzymes. |
| Melting Properties | Engineered for a smooth, uniform, and consistent melt without breaking. | Melts in different ways depending on the type; can separate into oil and solids. |
| Shelf Life | Significantly longer due to added preservatives and stabilizers. | Shorter shelf life; requires constant refrigeration. |
| Flavor | A mild, consistent, and often slightly salty flavor. | Flavor varies widely depending on the aging process and milk type. |
| Cost | Generally cheaper to produce due to added fillers and lower-cost ingredients. | Higher cost due to more complex production and aging processes. |
The Ingredients Behind the Consistency
The magic behind fast food's processed cheese lies in its ingredients. While real cheese uses bacteria and enzymes to curdle milk, processed cheese uses emulsifying salts and other agents to create a stable, uniform product.
Key additives commonly found in processed cheese products include:
- Sodium Citrate and Sodium Phosphate: These emulsifying salts prevent the fat and water from separating when heated, creating that desirable smooth melt.
- Milk Protein Concentrate and Whey: Adding these milk components can stretch the product and alter its texture.
- Vegetable Oils: Often used as a cheaper fat source to replace some of the more expensive dairy fat.
- Modified Food Starch: Acts as a thickener and stabilizer.
- Artificial Colors: Provides a consistent, vibrant yellow or orange color.
For a deeper look into the FDA's specific classifications and standards for dairy products, the official FDA website is a great resource.
Conclusion
The perception of 'fake cheese' in fast food largely comes down to whether a restaurant uses natural cheese or a processed cheese product. Chains like McDonald's and Burger King opt for processed American cheese for its consistent melt and long shelf life, while others like Taco Bell and Chipotle use real dairy cheese for different flavor profiles. Neither is necessarily 'bad,' but understanding the difference empowers consumers to make informed decisions about their food. The choice between convenience and a more traditional dairy product is a defining characteristic of the fast food experience.
