EZ cheese, also known as aerosol cheese, cheese whiz, or simply spray cheese, refers to any cheese product that comes in an aerosol can and can be sprayed directly onto food. The most popular brand of EZ cheese in the U.S. is Cheez Whiz, first introduced by Kraft in the early 1950s. So what exactly is EZ cheese and is it real cheese?
What is EZ cheese made of?
EZ cheese is made from real cheese, but it has additional ingredients added to it to give it a smooth, spreadable texture and long shelf life. The main ingredients in most EZ cheese products are:
- Real cheese – usually a blend of cheddar, swiss, and other natural cheeses
- Milk proteins – casein and whey protein
- Emulsifying salts – sodium phosphate, sodium citrate, etc.
- Vegetable oil
- Food starch
- Preservatives – potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, etc.
- Propellants – nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide
- Artificial colors – yellow 5, yellow 6
- Artificial flavors
- Salt
So while EZ cheese does contain real cheese, the cheese makes up only about 51% of the total product. The other 49% is additional ingredients that allow EZ cheese to have a smooth, uniform consistency and prevent separation or spoilage.
Why does EZ cheese have a smooth, creamy texture?
EZ cheese gets its signature smooth, squeezable texture thanks to emulsifying salts and milk proteins.
Emulsifying salts like sodium phosphate help bind the fat and water in cheese together evenly. This prevents the fat and liquid from separating. EZ cheese needs to have an exceptionally smooth, uniform consistency in order to pass through the spray nozzle without clogging.
Milk proteins like casein also help thicken the EZ cheese and add structure. The proteins form a matrix that suspends the fat droplets evenly throughout the product.
When heated and mixed, the emulsifying salts and milk proteins create a homogenous, liquid mixture that can then be packaged into a pressurized can and dispensed as a creamy cheese sauce.
Why is EZ cheese shelf-stable?
One of the conveniences of EZ cheese is that it does not require refrigeration before opening. An unopened can of EZ cheese can be stored at room temperature for months without spoiling. This shelf-stability is achieved by:
- Reduced moisture content – EZ cheese only contains about 35-45% moisture compared to natural cheeses which have 50% or more.
- Higher fat content – The oil helps protect against spoilage.
- Added preservatives – Potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, and natamycin prevent mold and bacterial growth.
- Pasteurization – Heating the cheese mixture kills microorganisms.
- Airtight canning – Vacuum sealing and pressurization prevent air exposure.
Once opened however, EZ cheese does require refrigeration to prevent spoiling. The packaging protects the cheese from contamination during storage.
Does EZ cheese qualify as real cheese?
According to U.S. Food and Drug Administration standards, EZ cheese cannot legally be labeled as “real cheese”. It must instead be labeled as a “cheese product”, “cheese sauce”, or “pasteurized cheese snack”.
This is because:
- EZ cheese contains additional ingredients not found in regular cheese.
- It uses special manufacturing processes to create an emulsified product.
- The FDA has definitions for various cheese varieties, and EZ cheese does not meet any of these standards.
So while EZ cheese does contain real cheese, the additions and alterations make it a distinct processed cheese product. Most real cheeses only contain milk, enzymes, salt, and maybe artificial colors. EZ cheese has extra ingredients for texture and shelf life. The FDA therefore regulates EZ cheese differently than real natural cheese.
Nutritional profile of EZ cheese
Here is a comparison of the basic nutritional contents of EZ cheese vs. regular cheddar cheese per 1 oz (28g) serving:
| Nutrient | EZ Cheese | Real Cheddar Cheese |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 90 | 115 |
| Total Fat | 9g | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5g | 6g |
| Protein | 3g | 7g |
| Sodium | 320mg | 176mg |
As shown, EZ cheese is lower in calories, fat, and protein compared to real cheese. However it contains significantly more sodium.
So while EZ cheese does provide protein and calcium from real cheese, it lacks the full nutrition of real cheddar or cheese curds. The additives also make it higher in sodium.
Is EZ cheese bad for your health?
There are a few potential health concerns with consuming large amounts of EZ cheese regularly:
- High sodium – The sodium content averages around 320mg per serving, which is 14% of the daily limit. Too much sodium can increase blood pressure.
- Low calcium – EZ cheese has less calcium than regular cheese since it contains less actual cheese.
- High saturated fat – Can raise cholesterol levels.
- Preservatives – May cause sensitivities in some people when consumed in excess.
- Food coloring – Yellow 5 and 6 artificial food dyes may provoke hypersensitivity reactions.
However, enjoying EZ cheese occasionally on sandwiches or snacks should not be a major health concern for most people. As with any food, moderation is key. The ingredients and nutrition labels make it easy to account for EZ cheese’s sodium and saturated fat as part of a balanced diet. Those with food sensitivities can also seek out natural, preservative-free EZ cheese alternatives.
Conclusion
In summary, EZ cheese is a processed cheese product made with real cheese, milk proteins, emulsifiers, and other additives. While it contains cheese, the extra ingredients mean it does not meet the legal standards for “real cheese”. The manufacturing process gives EZ cheese its signature smooth, squeezable texture and long shelf life at room temperature. It has less protein and calcium than natural cheese curds but significantly more sodium. Enjoyed in moderation, EZ cheese can be part of a healthy diet for most people. It provides a convenient, tasty cheese sauce for quick meals and snacking. Those concerned about its additives and sodium can seek out more natural preservative-free EZ cheese products. Overall, EZ cheese makes cheese far more convenient and accessible to the average consumer.