Easy cheese and cheese whiz are two similar processed cheese spreads that come in aerosol cans. At first glance, they may seem interchangeable, but there are some key differences between the two products.
What is Easy Cheese?
Easy cheese, also sometimes referred to as aerosol cheese or cheese in a can, is a shelf-stable, processed cheese product made by Kraft. It comes in a pressurized can and can be sprayed directly onto crackers, chips, pretzels and other snacks.
The main ingredients in easy cheese are milk, whey, milkfat, milk protein concentrate, sodium citrate, and less than 2% of calcium phosphate, lactic acid, sorbic acid, sodium alginate, apocarotenal, annatto, cheese culture, and enzymes. It has a smooth, spreadable texture thanks to emulsifiers and stabilizers.
Easy cheese comes in a variety of flavors like sharp cheddar, bacon cheddar, garlic and herb, and nacho cheese. It does not need to be refrigerated until after opening. An 8 oz can contains about 16 servings of cheese.
What is Cheese Whiz?
Cheese whiz is a processed cheese sauce made by Kraft. It also comes in a pressurized can for spraying directly onto foods. The first cheese whiz product was introduced in the 1950s.
Cheese whiz is made from a blend of cheese including cheddar, milk, whey, milk protein concentrate, salt, and other ingredients like sodium phosphate, sorbic acid, lactic acid, milkfat, apocarotenal, calcium phosphate, annatto, paprika, disodium inosinate, disodium guanylate, and enzymes. It has an intensely orange color.
Popular uses for cheese whiz include topping things like burgers, hot dogs, eggs, nachos, soft pretzels, sandwiches, crackers, and vegetables. It also comes in different flavors like jalapeño and bacon.
Similarities Between Easy Cheese and Cheese Whiz
Here are some of the key similarities between easy cheese and cheese whiz:
- Both come in pressurized cans for easy spraying.
- Made using processed cheese like cheddar.
- Contain milk, whey, and milk proteins.
- Use emulsifiers and stabilizers to create a smooth, spreadable texture.
- Do not require refrigeration until after opening.
- Come in similar flavors like cheddar and bacon.
- Are highly shelf-stable and popular with kids.
Differences Between Easy Cheese and Cheese Whiz
Although they have a lot in common, there are some notable ways that easy cheese and cheese whiz differ:
- Brand: Easy cheese is made by Kraft under the brand name Easy Cheese. Cheese whiz is also made by Kraft but under the brand name Cheese Whiz.
- Color: Cheese whiz has a distinct bright orange color from annatto and other coloring agents. Easy cheese is typically white or pale yellow.
- Texture: Cheese whiz is thinner, smoother, and more sauce-like. Easy cheese is thicker and more spreadable.
- Uses: Cheese whiz is more often used as a topping or dip. Easy cheese is more frequently sprayed directly onto snacks.
- Shelf life: An unopened can of easy cheese lasts about 9 months compared to 2 years for cheese whiz.
- Sodium: Cheese whiz contains significantly more sodium (760mg per serving) compared to easy cheese (400mg per serving).
- Cost: Cheese whiz tends to be slightly more expensive than easy cheese.
Nutrition Comparison
Since they are both processed cheese products, neither easy cheese or cheese whiz are highly nutritious options. However, there are some differences in their nutrition profiles:
| Nutrition Facts | Easy Cheese | Cheese Whiz |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 90 | 80 |
| Fat | 7g | 6g |
| Carbs | 2g | 2g |
| Protein | 4g | 3g |
| Sodium | 400mg | 760mg |
As you can see, easy cheese contains more calories, fat, and protein compared to cheese whiz. However, cheese whiz has almost double the amount of sodium.
Cost Comparison
On average, an 8 oz can of easy cheese costs about $2.50 while an 11 oz can of cheese whiz costs around $3. Here is a breakdown of the approximate cost per ounce:
- Easy cheese: $0.31 per oz
- Cheese whiz: $0.27 per oz
So cheese whiz tends to be a little more affordable per ounce compared to easy cheese. However, both processed cheese products are relatively inexpensive.
Taste Comparison
In terms of taste, easy cheese and cheese whiz also have some differences:
- Easy cheese has a milder, smoother, more subtle cheesy flavor.
- Cheese whiz is tangier and saltier with a more pronounced processed cheese taste.
The taste can also vary slightly depending on the specific flavor. For example, the jalapeño cheese whiz has a spicier kick compared to the original. And the garlic & herb easy cheese will be more aromatic.
Overall, cheese whiz offers a more intense processed cheese flavor while easy cheese is a little lighter and creamier.
Conclusion
While easy cheese and cheese whiz share many similarities as convenient, shelf-stable, sprayable cheese products, they have some notable differences when it comes to their brands, textures, uses, sodium content, costs, and tastes.
Easy cheese tends to be thicker, higher in sodium, and have a milder flavor. Cheese whiz is thinner, smoother, significantly saltier, and offers a more intense cheesy taste.
For those looking for convenience and portability, either option can satisfy cravings for a cheesy flavor boost. However, cheese whiz may be a better choice for those watching their sodium intake or cost. When in doubt, trying both and seeing which processed cheese you prefer can help decide whether easy cheese or cheese whiz is right for you.