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Velveeta production

What is Velveeta Cheese Made Out Of?

Velveeta has been a creamy pantry icon in American homes for over a century. But what exactly is it made of today? From its origins as a Swiss-inspired salvage project to a Kraft-owned processed staple, Velveeta’s recipe has transformed dramatically. Dive into the deliciously gooey story behind this golden block of nostalgia and find out what’s inside your favorite melty indulgence.

  • Total Time: 0 minutes
  • Yield: Informational Article

Ingredients

  • Water
  • Milk protein concentrate
  • Modified food starch
  • Canola oil
  • Whey protein concentrate
  • Sodium citrate
  • Calcium phosphate
  • Gelatin
  • Lactic acid
  • Sorbic acid
  • Enzymes
  • Natural flavors
  • Annatto and apocarotenal (colorants)
  • Milkfat

Instructions

  1. Understand the Origin: Velveeta was invented by Swiss cheesemaker Emil Frey in 1918 to make use of broken Swiss cheese wheels. Originally, it was pure cheese with whey.
  2. Track the Transition: Kraft acquired Velveeta in 1927 and reformulated it using a variety of emulsifiers, oils, and stabilizers to cut costs and improve shelf stability.
  3. Know the Process: Modern Velveeta blends milk derivatives and oils with sodium citrate, which allows the product to melt smoothly without separating.
  4. Identify Key Components: Ingredients like whey protein concentrate and sodium phosphate give it structure, while lactic acid and annatto offer tang and color.
  5. Apply in Recipes: Use Velveeta in dips, casseroles, and mac & cheese where creaminess and meltability are key.

Notes

Velveeta is not legally classified as ‘cheese’ but rather a ‘pasteurized prepared cheese product.’ Its smooth melting quality makes it a favorite in American comfort food, especially during game days and holidays.

  • Author: susan
  • Prep Time: 0 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Informational
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 oz
  • Calories: 80
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 410mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: what is Velveeta cheese made out of, Velveeta ingredients, processed cheese, history of Velveeta, Velveeta Kraft recipe