Understanding American Cheese: Debunking Myths and Demystifying Labels

Many believe that 'real' American cheese is a unique, native product unique to the United States. However, the reality is a bit more nuanced. While it is true that there are a variety of cheeses produced in America, the term 'American cheese' often refers to a very specific, processed cheese product that is not always what you might expect.

What is American Cheese, Really?

The classic brand most associated with 'American cheese' is Velveeta, but it's worth noting that it's not the same as the genuine, artisanal cheese varieties made in the United States. Real American cheese, while often mild and mild in flavor, is essentially a very mild and immature cheddar with added emulsifiers that allow for easy melting. This is not the same as the ultra-processed, non-dairy product that brands like Kraft produce, which is not truly cheese in the traditional sense.

Production and Manufacturing

Contrary to popular belief, the United States is not just a consumer of cheese but a major producer as well. The production of cheese and cheese products in the U.S. is substantial, with millions of pounds of traditional cheeses being made each year. In fact, the industry's output is measured in billions of pounds every month. However, the majority of what is colloquially referred to as 'American cheese' is likely a processed product, not cheese in the traditional sense.

Unique American Cheeses

Among the plethora of cheese varieties produced in the United States, there are several that are genuinely innovative and unique. For example, cream cheese is a variation on French neufchatel and was allegedly created accidentally when too much cream was added to a batch. Similarly, Leiderkranz, a cheese originally created in 1891 by a Swiss immigrant, Emil Frey, is a variation on Limburger with a distinct flavor that has been compared to Epiosses. After years of being lost and discontinued due to poor sales and production issues, this cheese has been brought back due to the demand from people who remember it fondly.

Will You Believe It?

Some are quick to assume that because certain cheese products, such as Velveeta and 'American cheese,' were invented in the United States, they are the only cheeses Americans consume. However, this is far from the truth. The U.S. has a diverse and rich cheese culture, providing access to a wide array of cheeses from around the world and also producing a significant amount of high-quality, delicious American cheeses. For instance, Jeff Wilson has highlighted several excellent types of cheese available from the U.S., showcasing the breadth and variety of the country's cheese offerings.

Legal Differences

It's important to note that the dairy industry in the United States has strict regulatory frameworks. When a cheese product does not meet the legal standards for being called cheese, it is referred to as 'American cheese product.' Despite this, some large grocery chains have been known to relabel certain processed cheese products to avoid confusion. For example, while a sliced cheese product may be labeled as 'American cheese' in a deli section, it might be legally classified as a 'cheese product.'

Conclusion

While the term 'American cheese' evokes a specific image in many people's minds, it is crucial to understand that this cheese, often associated with Velveeta, is not the same as traditional, artisinal cheese varieties made in the United States. The American cheese industry is vast and includes both the production of real, traditional cheeses and the commercialization of processed cheese products. Understanding these distinctions can help consumers make informed choices and appreciate the diversity of the U.S. cheese market.