Kraft Singles Unmasked

Do you remember peeling back the plastic wrapping of a Kraft Single as a child, the smooth square of cheese-like substance ready to melt on your burger or sandwich? Those convenient, individually wrapped slices have been a staple in American households for generations. Despite their popularity, there's a common misconception that Kraft Singles are 'real cheese.' The truth is a bit more complicated.

This blog aims to explore the intriguing world of Kraft Singles, delving into the ingredients that make up these iconic orange squares and examining the health implications of consuming this food product. By understanding what we're really eating when we reach for a Kraft Single, we can make more informed decisions about our dietary choices. Let's start by understanding how the FDA defines 'cheese' and how Kraft Singles fit into this definition.

Understanding the FDA's Definition of Cheese

When we think of cheese, we likely imagine a product crafted from milk, with an aging process involved, leading to the rich diversity of cheeses we see in the supermarket - from sharp cheddar to creamy brie. This image aligns closely with the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) definition. According to FDA guidelines, a product must contain at least 50% cheese to earn the title 'cheese'.^[1]

Now, how does Kraft Singles fit into this framework? With a closer look at the ingredients list (which we'll explore in the next section), we'll find that Kraft Singles contain less than 51% real cheese. Because of this, Kraft Singles cannot legally be labeled as 'cheese.' Instead, they are termed 'pasteurized prepared cheese product,' a name that hardly rolls off the tongue. As a result, Kraft Singles, are often referred to as 'singles.' This subtle shift in terminology can mislead consumers into thinking they're buying and eating real cheese, but, as per the FDA's guidelines, they're not.

The Ingredients of Kraft Singles

When you look at the list of ingredients on a packet of Kraft Singles, you'll find quite a few more ingredients than you might expect to see in traditional cheese. Here are some of the primary components:^[2]

1. Cheese (milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes): It's crucial to note that while cheese is indeed listed as an ingredient, it forms less than half of the product.
2. Whey: Whey is a by-product of cheese production. It is often used in processed foods for its high protein content.
3. Milk protein concentrate: This ingredient is a type of processed milk product that has high protein content. It is often used to improve texture and increase protein content in food.
4. Milkfat: This is essentially the fat content derived from milk.
5. Other ingredients: Kraft Singles also contain a number of other additives, such as sodium citrate, calcium phosphate, sorbic acid, cheese culture, and more. These are used to preserve the product, enhance its flavor, and maintain a specific texture.

Comparatively, traditional cheese typically contains four main ingredients: milk, cultures, salt, and enzymes. The contrast in ingredient lists offers a stark difference between the two.

Health Concerns Linked to Kraft Singles Ingredients

While the convenience and flavor of Kraft Singles might be appealing, it's important to understand the potential health concerns associated with the ingredients they contain.

1. Non-Organic Ingredients: Kraft Singles are not made with organic dairy, which means the milk used in production often comes from cows fed a diet of non-organic, potentially genetically modified feed, which could include grains sprayed with glyphosate.^[3] Glyphosate, a common herbicide, has been associated with various health risks, including negative impacts on gut health and potential carcinogenic effects. Furthermore, cows fed on grain often produce milk with a less beneficial nutritional profile compared to those fed on grass. Antibiotics were likely used in the production of the dairy ingredients in this product, as well as added hormones.^[2]
2. Processed Food Additives: Kraft Singles also contain a number of processed food additives like milk protein concentrate and emulsifiers. While these ingredients have been approved for food use, their long-term effects on health are still under scrutiny, especially in relation to gut health and metabolic disorders.^[4]
3. Pasteurization Concerns: The pasteurization process, used to kill harmful bacteria and extend the product's shelf life, also kills off beneficial bacteria present in the milk. These beneficial bacteria, often referred to as probiotics, play a crucial role in our ability to digest lactose and maintain a healthy gut. By eliminating these probiotics, consuming Kraft Singles could potentially lead to digestive issues, particularly in individuals with lactose intolerance.^[5]

Compared to traditional, minimally processed, and organic cheeses, Kraft Singles have more potential health implications.

The Marketing and Perception of Kraft Singles

Part of what makes Kraft Singles so intriguing is their enduring popularity despite not being classified as 'real cheese.' Marketing plays a huge role in this phenomenon. Over the years, Kraft Singles have been marketed as a convenient, child-friendly, and tasty option for sandwiches, burgers, and quick snacks. The ads often subtly imply that Singles are cheese, fostering the misconception.

Adding to this phenomenon, Kraft Heinz, the parent company, is currently undergoing a significant rebranding effort. Their goal is ambitious: to increase the company’s net sales by $2 billion through 2027.^[6] Interestingly, their strategy leans heavily into the allure of comfort and convenience rather than prioritizing healthier options. This focus aligns closely with the appeal of Kraft Singles, underlining the product's strength in simplicity and familiarity.

In the context of retail, the perception of Kraft Singles as a cheese product is also influenced by how they are presented in stores. In many grocery outlets, Kraft Singles are located in the dairy section, often positioned alongside traditional blocks of cheddar and bags of shredded mozzarella. This strategic product placement subtly reinforces the perception of Singles as equivalent to other types of cheese.

However, as consumers become more health-conscious and invested in understanding their food's origins, recognizing the distinction between Kraft Singles and traditional cheese becomes more critical. The more we understand Kraft Singles as a processed food product rather than a natural cheese, the better equipped we are to make informed decisions about our diets.

Conclusion

Unwrapping the story of Kraft Singles, we've journeyed through the FDA's definition of cheese, scrutinized the ingredients list, and confronted some potential health concerns linked to these popular food items. As it turns out, despite their cheese-like appearance and context, Kraft Singles do not meet the FDA's criteria for being classified as 'cheese.'

As informed consumers, understanding the reality behind the food we consume is vital. Recognizing Kraft Singles for what they are—a processed food product—allows us to make wiser dietary choices based on our health needs and preferences.

The story of Kraft Singles serves as a broader reminder of the power of marketing in shaping our food perceptions and the importance of investigating what goes into our food. In the end, knowledge is power, especially when it comes to what we put on our plates.

1. "CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21." U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 1 Apr. 2023,www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=133.113.
2. "Kraft Singles - American Cheese Slices." EWG's Food Scores, Environmental Working Group, www.ewg.org/foodscores/products/021000633609-KraftSinglesAmericanCheeseSlices/.
3. Vicini, John L et al. “Glyphosate in livestock: feed residues and animal health1.” Journal of animal science vol. 97,11 (2019): 4509-4518. doi:10.1093/jas/skz295
4. De Siena, Martina et al. “Food Emulsifiers and Metabolic Syndrome: The Role of the Gut Microbiota.” Foods (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 11,15 2205. 25 Jul. 2022, doi:10.3390/foods11152205
5. "Milk: It Does a Body Good?" The Weston A. Price Foundation, www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/making-it-practical/milk-it-does-a-body-good/#gsc.tab=0.
6. "Kraft Singles Are Getting a Makeover." CNN Business, Cable News Network, 23 May 2023, www.cnn.com/2023/05/23/business/kraft-singles-cheese-makeover/index.html.