When you sink your teeth into a McDonald’s cheeseburger, have you ever stopped to wonder, “What type of cheese does McDonald’s use?” This iconic fast food chain has a specific blend of cheese that contributes to the unique, mouth-watering taste of its burgers and sandwiches. In this article, we will delve into the type of cheese used by McDonald’s, its source, and how it enhances the flavor of their meals.
McDonald’s primarily uses a processed cheese slice in their burgers, which contains about 60% real cheese, a blend of 51% Cheddar and 9% other types of cheese. They also use American cheese in some breakfast items and a blend of White Cheddar, Cheddar, and Monterey Jack in their Cheese Melts. The cheese is supplied by Great Lakes Cheese in the United States and is processed to meet McDonald’s specific requirements.
The Type of Cheese Used by McDonald’s
McDonald’s predominantly uses a processed cheese slice in their menu items, which contains approximately 60% real cheese (51% Cheddar and 9% Other Cheeses). This cheese is used in popular menu items such as the Big Mac, Cheeseburger, and Quarter Pounder™ with Cheese. McDonald’s also uses American cheese in some of their breakfast items, such as the Egg McMuffin® and Bacon, Egg & Cheese McGriddles®. In the Cheese Melts, McDonald’s uses a blend of three cheeses: White Cheddar, Cheddar, and Monterey Jack.
The Flavor Profile and Texture of McDonald’s Cheese
The cheese used in McDonald’s products is a mix of processed and real cheese, with the processed cheese providing a texture that is easily melted and spreadable, and the real cheese giving a distinct flavor. The cheese has a creamy, smooth texture and a mild cheddar flavor, making it a popular ingredient in many McDonald’s dishes.
Compared to other cheeses, McDonald’s cheese has a unique taste and texture that sets it apart. While you cannot purchase the exact cheese used by McDonald’s, the closest cheese to McDonald’s cheese blend that is available to consumers is Kraft’s single-serve processed cheddar cheese.
The Source and Processing of McDonald’s Cheese
One of McDonald’s primary cheese suppliers in the United States is Great Lakes Cheese. The cheese is produced to meet McDonald’s specific requirements and is not available for purchase in retail stores. The closest store-bought cheese to McDonald’s cheese is Kraft Singles.
The Nutritional Facts of McDonald’s Cheese
A McDonald’s cheese slice contains 50 calories, 3.5g of total fat, 2.5g of saturated fat, 15mg of cholesterol, 230mg of sodium, 1g of total carbohydrate, and 3g of protein. These nutritional facts are based on a single serving size of one cheese slice. It’s important for consumers to be aware of the nutritional content of the cheese, especially if they are monitoring their calorie, fat, or sodium intake.
Changes in McDonald’s Cheese Over the Years
The type of cheese used by McDonald’s has evolved over the years. Recently, McDonald’s announced that it would be making changes to its iconic burgers, including using meltier cheese. These changes were introduced to improve the taste and quality of their burgers and compete with other fast-food chains.
Preparation and Handling of McDonald’s Cheese
While there are no specific special preparation or handling methods mentioned for the cheese used at McDonald’s, the company is committed to food safety and quality. They have a food safety checklist that must be completed daily in each restaurant, and any deficiencies must be corrected immediately.
In conclusion, McDonald’s cheese is a unique blend that contributes to the taste and quality of their meals. It is carefully sourced and processed to meet the fast-food chain’s specific requirements. So next time you enjoy a meal from McDonald’s, you’ll know exactly what type of cheese you’re tasting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is McDonald’s cheese gluten-free?
Yes, the cheese used by McDonald’s is gluten-free. However, cross-contamination can occur during preparation. If you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, it’s always best to check with the restaurant.
Is the cheese used in McDonald’s vegetarian-friendly?
McDonald’s cheese is not vegetarian-friendly. It contains an ingredient called rennet, which is derived from the stomach lining of calves.
Is there a dairy-free cheese option at McDonald’s?
As of now, McDonald’s does not offer a dairy-free cheese option. If you’re lactose intolerant or vegan, you can ask for your burger without cheese.
How many slices of cheese are used in a McDonald’s cheeseburger?
A standard McDonald’s Cheeseburger contains one slice of cheese. However, this can vary depending on the menu item. For instance, a Big Mac has two slices of cheese.
Can I order extra cheese on my McDonald’s burger?
Yes, you can order extra cheese on your McDonald’s burger. There may be an additional charge for this, depending on the restaurant’s policy.
