There’s something about the creamy texture that just hits right.
What you may not realize, however, isthat so-called “cheese” is not what you think.
Not technically, anyway.
Shutterstock
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies this product, and many others, as “cheese food.”
According to the agency, American cheese is actually a “pasteurized process cheese.”
But just because it’s not the genuine article doesn’t necessarily mean you should skip this topping.
McDonald’s
“Sometimes nothing hits the spot like that melted Kraft single,” Lakin says.
McDonalds
That tasty, melty slice on your Big Mac, is it real cheese?
Well, it is listed onMcDonald’s websiteas pasteurized processed American cheese.
Burger King
What does that mean?
Current specials like Cheesy Tots are listed as “filled with melty cheese,” which seems curious.
However, the Bacon and Swiss Royal Crispy Chicken uses Swiss cheese, which should qualify as real cheese.
Photo: Sonic Drive-In/Facebook
It’s worth noting that processed cheese often has significantly more sodium than traditionally made cheese.
For instance, the menu specifically mentions “shakes” instead of “milkshakes” for a reason.
Similarly, the majority of the cheese on the menu is processed cheese food.
Tim Hortons
However, it serves a side dish of creamy mac ‘n’ cheese that includes cheese of questionable origins.
Dairy Queen
Arby’s
Bojangles
