If you’re wondering, “Is velveeta vegan?” then you’ve come to the right place. This article contains information on the ingredients in this popular dairy product. You can also learn about the shelf-stable quality, lactose-free, and microbial rennet.
Ingredients in velveeta
The first step to make vegan Velveeta is to understand what goes into this cheese. Velveeta cheese contains a variety of ingredients including dairy, whey, and milk protein concentrate. The cheese is also loaded with preservatives, so it’s important to understand what goes into the cheese before you use it.
The original recipe for Velveeta called for half a pound of the cheese to be blended with one-fourth cup of milk and spread it over a sandwich. Then, in the early 1970s, the cheese company decided to change it by adding whey to make it more nutritious. TV ads focused on the mild flavor of the cheese. Soon, Kraft purchased the company and the logo stayed the same.
Lactose-free
It is possible to find cheese without lactose. Most of the major dairy companies now make lactose-free versions of their products. Velveeta is no exception. It is made from milk and contains 9.3% lactose. This cheese has low fat and is ideal for sandwiches, mac and cheese, and other applications.
Compared to regular Velveeta, the alternatives are healthier, gluten-free, and less processed. There are also plant-based cheese substitutes. For example, a vegan version of Velveeta is available. It is also suitable for queso, which is a popular appetizer at Tex-Mex restaurants.
Shelf-stable
Velveeta is shelf-stable cheese that stays fresh for up to 6 months after it’s been manufactured. It’s important to store Velveeta cheese in a cool place, away from direct sunlight and heat, to extend its shelf life. Keep it in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator to prevent drying and strong refrigerator odors. Airtight containers and freezer bags work well for this purpose.
Velveeta is not a real cheese, though Kraft Foods labels it as such. This is because the product contains a high level of preservatives. Real cheese needs refrigeration for freshness. However, Velveeta can be kept at room temperature for up to 6 months without refrigeration. The preservatives it contains include sodium phosphate, maltodextrin, and lactic acid. Additionally, it contains sorbic acid, sodium alginate, and sodium citrate.
Made with microbial rennet
While most of the world’s finest cheeses are made with animal rennet, many of the mass-produced cheeses in the United States are made with microbial rennet. Instead of using animal rennet, microbial rennet is made from fungi and yeast that are grown in labs. This results in cleaner and more consistent cheeses.
While both microbial rennet and animal rennet have similar functions, it’s important to distinguish between the two. The National Organic Program defines microbial rennet as that produced by fungal cells. In addition, the National Organic Program prohibits GMOs from being used in any organic product, including cheeses.
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