Canned nacho cheese, also known as processed cheese sauce, is a popular topping for tortilla chips, nachos, and other snacks. With its bright yellow color and creamy, gooey texture, nacho cheese adds a distinct flavor and flair to favorite appetizers. But does canned nacho cheese actually contain real dairy ingredients?
The Main Ingredients in Canned Nacho Cheese
To understand if canned nacho cheese contains dairy, we need to look at the main ingredients typically used to make it:
- Water – Provides moisture and fluidity.
- Vegetable oil – Adds smooth, creamy texture.
- Whey – A byproduct of cheesemaking, adds dairy flavor.
- Milk proteins – Help bind ingredients and mimic dairy texture.
- Thickening agents – Increase viscosity and prevent separation.
- Salt – Enhances flavor.
- Preservatives – Prolong shelf life.
- Artificial colors – Give bright yellow color.
- Natural and artificial flavors – Boost cheesy, nacho taste.
While the specific formulation varies between brands, these are the basic components found in most canned nacho cheeses. As you can see, some dairy-derived ingredients like whey and milk proteins are commonly used. So while canned nacho cheese is not 100% real, natural cheese, it does contain at least some dairy components.
The Role of Whey
One of the key dairy-based ingredients in canned nacho cheese is whey. Whey is the liquid byproduct that separates from the curds during cheesemaking. This thin, watery liquid contains many of the milk sugars, proteins, and minerals from milk. While natural, fresh whey has a very mild flavor, processed whey used in food manufacturing can have a stronger cheesy, salty taste.
In canned nacho cheese, dried whey powder is rehydrated and added for these purposes:
- Adds a cheesy, dairy flavor
- Provides protein to help bind the ingredients
- Helps thicken and stabilize the sauce
- Contributes to the characteristic yellow-orange color
So while whey imparts natural dairy attributes, on its own it does not contain high levels of milk fat, which is what gives real melted cheese its rich, creamy qualities. Manufacturers combine whey with vegetable oils, emulsifiers, and thickeners to better imitate the texture of real cheese.
Using Milk Proteins
In addition to whey, some canned nacho cheeses include milk proteins like casein. Casein is the major protein found in milk that helps form the solid curds when making cheese. Like whey, casein can be extracted and isolated from milk and added to foods in powdered form.
Casein protein contributes to the thick, smooth consistency of nacho cheese sauce. It also interacts with the oils and other ingredients to replicate the fat and mouthfeel of real dairy products. So while not a source of lactose or milkfat, casein is a dairy-derived protein that enhances the cheese-like qualities of canned nacho products.
The Role of Natural and Artificial Flavors
To further make canned nacho cheese taste like the real thing, natural and artificial flavorings are added. Natural dairy flavors can be created by concentrating real cheese into a liquid or powdered extract. Enzymes can also be used to break down milk proteins into savory, cheese-like flavor compounds. Additionally, natural butter and cream flavors provide even more dairy notes.
Artificial flavors are synthesized in a lab to mimic natural cheese tastes. Compounds like methyl butanoate, ethyl hexanoate, and methional can reproduce the tangy, nutty, savory aspects of cheese. Blending natural and artificial flavors gives nacho cheese much more complexity than just whey and milk proteins alone.
The Use of Oil and Thickeners
To achieve the characteristic smooth, gooey texture of nacho cheese, manufacturers blend in vegetable oils like canola, soybean, or palm oil. This replaces the fat that would come from actual milk or cheese.
Thickeners like xanthan gum, guar gum, or cellulose are also added to mimic the viscous, sticky mouthfeel of melted cheese. Emulsifying salts help these ingredients blend together uniformly so the liquid nacho cheese doesn’t separate when heated and cooled.
The Minimal Milkfat Content
Real cheese gets its rich, indulgent qualities from milkfat, which makes up 20-40% or more of products like cheddar, Monterey jack, and queso. But since canned nacho cheese contains little to no actual cheese, the milkfat content is very low.
Any traces of milkfat come from the whey and milk proteins added. The vegetable oils, gums, and emulsifiers largely replace the texture and mouthfeel of real milkfat. This allows nacho cheese to remain smooth and liquid at room temperature.
Preservatives for a Long Shelf Life
One clue that canned nacho cheese contains minimal real dairy is its long shelf life. When sealed in cans and stored at room temperature, unopened nacho cheese can last 9 months to 2 years before expiring.
This extended shelf stability comes from preservatives like sodium citrate, sodium phosphate, sorbic acid, and potassium sorbate. These prevent microbial growth and oxidation that would otherwise quickly spoil real cheese.
Once opened, canned nacho cheese will stay fresh 4-6 weeks refrigerated. But again, it doesn’t pose the quick spoilage risk of natural cheeses due to the chemical preservatives.
The Takeaway on Dairy in Canned Nacho Cheese
While canned nacho cheese is not entirely dairy-free, it contains only small amounts of whey and milk proteins compared to real cheese. The whey adds basic cheesy flavor while the proteins provide some structure. But vegetable oils, gums, and emulsifiers replace the texture and fat of real milk products. And artificial flavors complement the minimal real dairy notes.
So in summary:
- Whey and milk proteins provide a dairy background
- Oils, thickeners, and emulsifiers mimic cheese texture
- Natural and artificial flavors boost cheesy taste
- Preservatives allow long shelf life unlike real cheese
Considering its ingredients and nutrition profile, the FDA actually prohibits labeling canned nacho cheese as “real cheese”. But thanks to strategic dairy components, it imitates the experience of true, indulgent melted cheese.
Nutrition Comparison of Nacho Cheese Products
To further see the differences between real and canned cheese, let’s compare the nutrition facts of nacho cheeses side-by-side:
| Nutrient | Canned Nacho Cheese | Real Queso |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 90 cal per 2 tbsp | 50 cal per 2 tbsp |
| Fat | 5g total; 2g saturated | 4g total; 2.5g saturated |
| Cholesterol | 5mg | 15mg |
| Sodium | 320mg | 210mg |
| Carbs | 3g | 1g |
| Protein | 3g | 4g |
| Calcium | 150mg | 100mg |
As shown, canned nacho cheese is significantly higher in calories, fat, sodium, and cholesterol compared to an equivalent amount of real queso dip. The canned version also has less protein. However, the addition of milk proteins boosts the calcium content.
Overall, while canned nacho cheese includes small amounts of dairy, its nutrition profile is more similar to salad dressings and other oil-based sauces than real cheese.
Ingredient Variations Between Brands
While the core ingredients outlined above are typical for canned nacho cheese, formulas can vary between specific brands. For example:
- Cheez Whiz – contains whey, milkfat, and milk protein concentrate
- Ricos – uses reduced mineral whey and milk protein isolate
- Nacho Cheese Sauce – relies only whey protein concentrate for dairy notes
So when choosing a product, check the ingredients list to see how much real dairy is included to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
Potential Benefits of Limiting Dairy
Since canned nacho cheese is lower in real milkfat and proteins than natural cheese, some people can actually benefit from its formulation.
Those avoiding dairy due to lactose intolerance or milk allergies often find canned cheese products more tolerable. The minimal lactose and milk proteins result in less gastrointestinal issues compared to equal servings of real cheese.
A diet lower in saturated fat from dairy may also promote heart health and normal cholesterol levels. The vegetable oils in canned cheese provide monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats better for cardiovascular wellness.
However, note that canned nacho cheese is still high in sodium, additives, and chemicals found less often in real cheese. Moderating portion sizes is important to limit intake of these compounds.
Tips for Using Canned Nacho Cheese
Here are some serving tips for enjoying canned nacho cheese as a snack or party appetizer:
- Heat gently over medium low stove top or microwave to prevent oil separation.
- Stir regularly when reheating to maintain smooth, uniform texture.
- Transfer to a slow cooker set on warm for large gatherings to keep cheese melted.
- Garnish with chopped green onion, tomato, jalapeno, or black olives for extra flavor and color.
- Pair with tortilla chips, pretzels, French fries, chicken tenders, or chili.
- To lighten, mix in plain Greek yogurt for a creamier, tangier twist.
Proper heating and serving enhances the canned cheese experience and allows it to imitate the gooey goodness of real melted cheese. But be sure to store any leftovers promptly in the refrigerator.
Making Your Own Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce
To make a healthier nacho cheese with more real dairy at home, try this recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 cup milk
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Melt butter in small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Remove from heat. Add shredded cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Mix in paprika, salt, and garlic powder.
- Transfer to slow cooker set to warm for serving with chips, veggies, etc.
- Store leftovers covered in refrigerator up to one week.
This nacho cheese recipe relies on real cheddar cheese for full, rich dairy flavor. Adjust the amount of cheese to achieve your desired thickness and cheesiness. Spices like cayenne, chili powder, or jalapeno can also be added to give it a kick. And try substituting different melting cheeses like Monterey jack, queso blanco, pepper jack, etc.
The Bottom Line
Canned nacho cheese contains traces of real dairy components like whey and milk proteins for flavor and texture. But oils, gums, and emulsifiers provide the bulk of the smooth, creamy mouthfeel in place of real milkfat. While nacho cheese borrows qualities from real cheese, its ingredients and nutrition profile make it more of an imitation cheese product.
When used moderately and properly heated, canned nacho cheese can be an enjoyable, convenient snack. Just be aware it lacks much of the protein, vitamins, minerals, and overall nutrition found in real cheese. Making your own nacho cheese sauce gives you control over the quality of ingredients.
So does canned nacho cheese contain dairy? Yes, but only small amounts to create the cheesy experience consumers expect. Understanding exactly what you’re eating allows you to make informed choices and enjoy this fun food in balance.