Velveeta and Cheese Whiz are two iconic processed cheese products that have been American staples for decades. Both are known for their smooth, creamy texture and salty, tangy flavor when melted. But are these two cheese spreads really interchangeable? Let’s take a deeper look at the ingredients, texture, uses, and taste to see how Velveeta and Cheese Whiz truly compare.
Background on Velveeta and Cheese Whiz
Velveeta was first introduced in 1918 by the Monroe Cheese Company as a way to provide a shelf-stable cheese product that would melt smoothly. It was advertised as a “velvet” cheese spread. In 1923, Velveeta was acquired by Kraft Foods. Over the years, it has become known for its brick-like orange appearance and gooey, melty texture when heated.
Cheese Whiz was created in the early 1950s by a team at Kraft Foods led by Edwin Traisman. They developed a processed cheese sauce that could be dispensed from an aerosol can to coat crackers, vegetables, pretzels and more. It provided the fun, instant gratification of spray cheese in a can. Cheese Whiz hit the market in 1953 and found popularity as a cheese dip and sauce.
So while Velveeta and Cheese Whiz came from the same parent company, they were innovated for different purposes and textures. Velveeta was meant to melt into a creamy liquid, while Cheese Whiz was engineered to be thick enough to stay put on top of snacks.
Ingredients
Being highly processed products, both Velveeta and Cheese Whiz contain long lists of ingredients. However, there are some key differences.
Velveeta Ingredients
Velveeta is made from milk, whey, milk protein concentrate, milkfat, whey protein concentrate, sodium phosphate, and 2% or less of salt, calcium phosphate, lactic acid, sorbic acid as a preservative, sodium alginate, apocarotenal, annatto, and enzymes.
So while Velveeta starts with real dairy ingredients like milk and milkfat, it does contain a significant number of stabilizers, preservatives, and food coloring. Milk protein concentrate and whey protein concentrate provide the creamy texture, while ingredients like sodium phosphate allow smooth melting. Preservatives like sorbic acid help extend shelf life. The annatto and apocarotenal provide the bright orange color people expect from Velveeta.
Cheese Whiz Ingredients
Cheese Whiz consists of whey, milk, water, milk protein concentrate, milkfat, whey protein concentrate, sodium phosphate, and 2% or less of salt, xanthan gum, sodium alginate, whey powder, potassium sorbate, sodium citrate, apocarotenal, annatto, calcium disodium EDTA, and enzymes.
The Cheese Whiz ingredients list shares many similarities with Velveeta. It contains the same dairy components like milk, milkfat and whey. And it relies heavily on stabilizers and emulsifiers like sodium phosphate, xanthan gum and sodium alginate to achieve the proper thick, scoopable texture that stays on top of foods. The preservatives and food coloring are also added for shelf life and that signature orange color.
However, a key difference is that Cheese Whiz contains water as the second highest ingredient, whereas Velveeta does not contain added water. The extra water content allows Cheese Whiz to be dispensed through the nozzle of an aerosol can.
So in summary, while Velveeta and Cheese Whiz share major ingredients like milk products, thickening agents, and preservatives, Velveeta relies more on concentrated dairy proteins while Cheese Whiz has more added water.
Nutrition Information
Being highly processed dairy products, neither Velveeta nor Cheese Whiz are powerhouses when it comes to nutritious value. They are designed to provide creaminess, shelf stability and melty texture – not high protein or vitamins. However, here is a nutritional comparison of the two products:
Velveeta Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 1 oz Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 90 | 5% |
| Total Fat | 7g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5g | 23% |
| Cholesterol | 20mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 440mg | 19% |
| Total Carbs | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 5g |
Cheese Whiz Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 1 oz Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 90 | 5% |
| Total Fat | 9g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 20mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 380mg | 16% |
| Total Carbs | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 3g |
Looking at these nutrition labels, Cheese Whiz and Velveeta are again quite similar. They both provide around 90 calories and 5g of protein per serving. They are high in saturated fat, providing between 15-23% of the daily recommended value.
Cheese Whiz contains slightly more total fat at 9g compared to 7g in Velveeta. Velveeta provides a bit more sodium at 440mg versus 380mg per serving of Cheese Whiz. But ultimately, their nutrition profiles are fairly comparable, as you would expect from two similar processed cheese products. The small differences come down to minor variations in their formulas.
Taste and Texture
At first glance when sealed in the packaging, Velveeta and Cheese Whiz look very similar – both have a bright orange, thick, creamy appearance. However, differences become apparent when these processed cheeses are melted and tasted.
Velveeta
When heated, Velveeta fully melts into a thick, creamy, and smooth liquid. It can be whisked into a cheese sauce perfect for macaroni and cheese or grilled cheese. The texture is evenly velvety. The taste is mildly tangy and cheesy, with a distinct salty flavor. The color turns a brighter orange when melted. Velveeta is the quintessential melting cheese thanks to ingredients like sodium phosphate.
Cheese Whiz
Meanwhile, when heated, Cheese Whiz just softens into a warm, thick cheese sauce. It does not fully melt into a liquid. The texture remains thick and scoopable even when hot. The taste has salty, tangy cheese notes but tends to be somewhat greasier due to more added oils. The color remains a muted orange even when warm. Cheese Whiz is meant to retain its shape and thickness for scooping onto snacks like vegetables or pretzels.
So Velveeta is known for melting into a creamy liquid for dips or sauces, while Cheese Whiz stays thicker when warmed to maintain shape on top of foods. Their textures match their original intended uses.
Popular Uses
Given their different melting behaviors, Velveeta and Cheese Whiz are tailored for different culinary applications.
Common Uses for Velveeta
– Queso dip
– Nacho cheese sauce
– Macaroni and cheese
– Grilled cheese
– Cheese sauces
– Cheese casseroles
Thanks to its smooth, liquid melting, Velveeta is perfect for incorporating into dips, sauces, mac and cheese, or anywhere you want an orange, creamy cheesy flavor.
Common Uses for Cheese Whiz
– Crackers and cheese
– Nachos
– Burgers and sandwiches
– Broccoli, celery, and vegetables
– Soft pretzels
– Potato skins
– Popcorn topping
Cheese Whiz is ideal as a thick topping for crackers, party snacks, sandwiches, or anywhere you want the cheese to hold its shape on foods. The aerosol can format lets you conveniently spray it directly onto snacks.
So Velveeta and Cheese Whiz tend to be used in different applications matching their melting properties – Velveeta for dips and sauces, Cheese Whiz for topping foods.
Price Comparison
Velveeta and Cheese Whiz are typically priced very similarly at the grocery store. Here is a comparison of prices:
| Product | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| 8 oz Brick Velveeta | $3.50 |
| 16 oz Can Cheese Whiz | $3.69 |
On a per ounce basis, Velveeta and Cheese Whiz cost around $0.44 and $0.23 per ounce respectively. So Cheese Whiz offers a slightly lower price point when comparing equal package sizes. However, the per-serving costs are quite minor for both of these mass-produced processed cheese products.
The small pricing difference likely comes down to slight variations in manufacturing and packaging costs. Cheese Whiz requires specialized aerosol can production lines while Velveeta is simply molded into bricks. But for most consumers, the prices are reasonably comparable.
Availability
Velveeta and Cheese Whiz can both be found ubiquitously in major supermarkets across the United States. Velveeta is readily available in the refrigerated dairy case alongside natural cheeses. Cheese Whiz can be found in the condiments aisle, often stocked near other jarred cheese sauces or canned nacho cheeses.
Both Velveeta and Cheese Whiz are distributed nationally by their parent company, Kraft Heinz Foods. So availability is widespread across grocery stores, convenience marts, and warehouse retailers like Costco or Sam’s Club. Availability is fairly equal, with essentially any food store likely carrying both options.
The products are also frequently available for purchase online from retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and Instacart. So overall, shoppers should have no problem locating either Velveeta or Cheese Whiz at their local grocery store or through online grocery delivery services.
Storage and Shelf Life
One area where Velveeta and Cheese Whiz differ significantly is in their required storage conditions and how long they last:
Velveeta Storage
– Refrigerated
– Lasts 1-2 months unopened
– Lasts 1-2 weeks after opening
Cheese Whiz Storage
– Shelf-stable
– Lasts 4-6 months unopened at room temperature
– Lasts 1 month refrigerated after opening
Due to its lack of preservatives, Velveeta requires refrigeration at all times and lasts just over a month even when unopened. Cheese Whiz, on the other hand, can be stored for months at room temperature thanks to its preservatives and shelf-stabilized formula. It must be refrigerated after opening.
So Cheese Whiz definitely wins when it comes to convenience and shelf life before opening. Velveeta requires planning ahead to thaw and consume promptly before it expires. Cheese Whiz avoids being a cold fridge-clogger until first use.
Packaging
Velveeta and Cheese Whiz come packaged quite distinctly:
Velveeta Packaging
– Sold in pound brick blocks
– Wrapped in foil and paper
– Sliced into portions
Cheese Whiz Packaging
– Packed in 16 oz metal cans
– Sealed pressure nozzle
– Built-in plunger for dispensing
Velveeta sticks with traditional food brick packaging that must be unwrapped and cut into portions for use. Cheese Whiz employs an innovative self-dispensing metal can with an aerosol-like nozzle designed specifically for spraying.
The Velveeta brick shape makes it easy to measure out slices for melting. However, the Cheese Whiz canister has the novelty of allowing the cheese to be squirted directly onto foods. So it really comes down to personal preference – some may prefer the sliced brick, while others like the fun dispensing can.
Nutritional Value
Neither Velveeta nor Cheese Whiz provide much in the way of nutritional value:
– Very high in sodium: 19% and 16% daily value respectively per serving
– High in saturated fat: 23% and 15% daily value respectively
– No fiber, vitamins, or meaningful protein
– No probiotics as found in natural cheeses
The nutritional profile of both products is lacking compared to real cheese from milk. They are designed for long shelf life rather than health benefits. The saturated fat and sodium levels are concerning for those with dietary restrictions requiring low salt and fat intake.
While tasty as an indulgence, neither Velveeta nor Cheese Whiz contribute positively to a nutrition plan. They should be consumed minimally as part of an overall healthy diet. If seeking true nutritional cheese, one is better served choosing all-natural varieties like cheddar, mozzarella or swiss.
Conclusion
While Velveeta and Cheese Whiz may seem interchangeable as orange, melty, processed cheeses, they have distinct differences when it comes to their ingredients, texture, melting properties, uses, shelf life, and packaging.
Velveeta melts into a creamy liquid perfect for sauces and dips, while the thicker Cheese Whiz retains its shape better for topping snacks. Cheese Whiz has a more convenient shelf-stable can, but Velveeta’s familiar brick shape allows for simple portioning. Neither offers much nutritional value compared to natural cheeses.
So in choosing between them for your cheesy recipes, consider whether you want a perfect melting cheese sauce or a thicker topping cheese. Both will provide that nostalgic, tangy, and creamy flavor. But their textures and applications do vary. Ultimately, Velveeta and Cheese Whiz each have their unique cheesy place in the processed food landscape.