Rating of the best processed cheeses for 2024

Processed cheese is made only by melting the milk mass at temperatures up to 90 degrees. Today it is presented in stores in large numbers. Unfortunately, some manufacturers are cunning and offer consumers a cheese product instead of processed cheese. A few tips on how to choose the right natural and healthy processed cheese will be presented below.

What is the Difference Between Processed Cheese and Cheese Product

The names are consonant, but the difference in composition and production technology is huge. Natural product contains:

• rennet cheeses (sourdough);
• milk or cream;
• spice;
• additives (pieces of vegetables, mushrooms, ham);
• salt.

Allowable additives may include potassium sorbate (E 202), a preservative that inhibits the growth of molds. The additive is harmless and approved for use in the food industry in many countries.

But a cheese product is a mixture of vegetable fats and various additives that give taste and color. Also, the composition may contain milk powder - the quality and origin (production technology, what raw materials were used) of which cannot be verified. So we are not talking about any benefits here.

When choosing, you should pay attention to the composition, color - should be uniform, pleasant yellowish tint, packaging - intact, without damage, deformation.

Processed cheese is:

• pasty;
• chunks (without additives or with fillers - pieces of mushrooms or ham, for example);
• sweet.

Which one to buy is a matter of taste. But the rating below will help you choose real processed cheese. When compiling, consumer assessments and the results of independent examinations were taken into account.

How to choose

First, you need to figure out what processed cheese is. Main varieties:

1. Lomteva - made from sourdough (the so-called rennet), dairy products.
2. Sausage - in the composition of the same sourdough, hard cheese and seasonings (cumin and red pepper are often used). The aroma of smoked meats can be of natural origin (cold and hot smoking), or the merit of flavors, liquid smoke - it all depends on the manufacturer.
3. Pasty - delicate, creamy, often high in fat.
4. Sweet - as the name implies, they have a sweetish taste, thanks to various additives, from ordinary sugar to honey, cocoa, various syrups. Also in the composition you can sometimes find chicory, nuts.

We should also mention the fat content of various types of cheese.High fat is up to 60% fat in dry matter, bold - up to 45%, low fat - up to 25%. The name low-fat should not be misleading, in fact, in such varieties up to 17% fat.

Composition, energy value, indicating the content of proteins, fats - information that should be indicated on the package.

Instructions:

1. Examine the packaging. Not only the name and a nice picture, but also the information printed in small print. A useful product is natural processed cheese (this is the name that should be on the package).
2. Composition - the shorter the better. Ideally, only natural ingredients, without the addition of soy protein and vegetable fats. If we talk about additives, the "correct" ones are citrates and phosphates (necessary to comply with the production technology). But artificial additives are absolutely useless, which means that we are looking for a product that contains as few ingredients with the letter code "E" as possible.
3. Price - a natural product cannot be cheap, so it is not worth saving. Do not forget that a cheese product is not only high in calories, but also a source of “bad” cholesterol and trans fats.
4. The label for food grade plastic is PP (polypropylene) code. These letters should be indicated on the packaging. But the letters PS - mean polystyrene, which cannot be used for packaging products.
5. The recommended storage temperature is +3, so it is better to choose the product from the refrigerator.
6. Check the integrity of the packaging. Mechanical damage is the result of improper transportation, and deformation is a violation of the manufacturing process (perhaps the cheese was not cooled enough). Regardless of the reasons, you should not take goods in damaged packaging.
7. The color is pleasant, not bright. True, it will be possible to estimate this indicator only if the packaging is transparent. Pay attention to the composition, namely which dyes the manufacturer used. The safest is carotene (gives yellow color), found in carrots.
8. Texture and appearance. Soft cheese should spread well without dripping. Sausage cheeses should be dense and plastic, but at the same time not crumble or leave greasy, greasy marks on the knife. If you notice that after cutting, there are pieces of the product left on the blade, this means that the cheese has either deteriorated or palm oil was used for production. Sliced ​​cheese is crumbling - a sign that the manufacturing technology has been violated.
9. You won't be able to evaluate the taste of cheese in a supermarket, but if you tried the product at home and felt an unpleasant aftertaste, then it is not worth it. Check the expiration date, if it hasn't passed, you can use cheese to make soup or sauce, for example. If you notice a rancid taste and an unpleasant smell, it is better to discard the cheese.

If you like a product with a filler, it is better to choose one. For example, with mushrooms or ham, because the richer and more varied the taste, the more artificial additives it contains.

Which is more useful solid or fused

On the one hand, processed cheese is not inferior to hard cheese in terms of the content of useful proteins and microelements. In terms of calorie content, both types are also approximately the same. But those who follow a diet should take into account that the fat from processed cheese is absorbed much better and faster.

For production (regardless of the variety), only natural raw materials should be used, without the use of vegetable fats, artificial colors, flavors. If the composition says "palm oil" or "modified vegetable fat" - this is already a cheese product. It is better to refuse such "cheese" altogether.

If we talk about safety, then processed cheeses are heat treated. As a result, the volume of microflora and, accordingly, the shelf life are reduced. It should be borne in mind that processed cheese contains more sodium, therefore, it is not recommended for people with hypertension or diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Rating of the best processed cheeses for 2024

Pasty

Pasty cheese mass is a welcome guest in every home. Differs in production technology, additives. The store offers a wide assortment for every taste. Let's figure out which product to give preference to. At the same time, we will find out which trademarks are in demand among buyers.

Spread cheese is convenient to spread on a slice of bread. This is the best option for a quick, healthy and hearty breakfast.

Amber. Syrobogatov

According to enthusiastic reviews of independent experts, the first place in the rating of popular dairy products is occupied by the Yantarny cheese of the Syrobogatov trademark. The composition of the product fully meets all the components declared in the labeling, corresponds to the main characteristics of the product.

There are no vegetable fats. Soft, delicate texture, in which there are no air voids or lumps, makes it possible to evenly distribute over the bread. Consumers appreciated the purely cheesy taste, without any additives, as well as the straw-yellow uniform color. It is very rare to hear a comment from customers that the cheese is slightly salty.

• pleasant aroma, delicious taste;
• lays down softly on bread;
• does not contain preservatives;
• the cost corresponds to the declared quality.

• no significant disadvantages have been identified.

Ekomilk Creamy

In second place is cheese that meets safety requirements. The buyer prefers Ekomilk Creamy for its attractive color, proper taste, uniform consistency, and convenient packaging: a dense plastic tray covered with foil. Does not apply to salty varieties, it is slightly bland.

Experts recommend using it when preparing lavash dishes. Elastic, evenly spreads on any surface.

• suitable for making sandwiches;
• good taste indicators;
• elastic mass.

• inexpressive taste of the product.

Carat, Friendship

An independent examination determined the presence of plant components in "Druzhba" of the "Karat" trademark. This is the only flaw made by the manufacturer during production. No other disadvantages have been identified.

The cheese has a pleasant, slightly salty flavor, uniform color, no flavors. Consumers unanimously declare that the product used to be of much better quality. For women who have decided to declare war on extra centimeters at the waist, "Friendship" is not suitable - it is quite high in calories. Buyers rank low cost and reliable containers with protective foil as advantages. Although consumers note some drawbacks, the Karat brand cheese is in demand.

• incomparable taste;
• optimal price;
• homogeneous consistency;
• strong packaging.

• the composition of the mass includes plant components.

Happy Milkman

Next on the list is the Vesely Molochnik pasta. The brand is known for its mouthwatering sour cream. The product has received recognition from customers thanks to its homogeneous consistency and appetizing aroma. Ideal for preparing snacks. The composition of the mass includes food colors and preservatives. In addition, it contains: whey, water, cottage cheese, butter. The shortcomings include the presence of an uncharacteristic aftertaste, rare voids. For a package of 400 g, you will have to pay 270 rubles.

• no vegetable fats;
• average density.

• internal voids;
• third-party taste.

In the form of slices

Perfect for hot sandwiches. It is very tasty, has many varieties, delicate texture.

Viola with ham 45%

The leader of the rating is the Viola cheese, which has gained popularity among consumers, and has many accolades. The taste of the cheese is very pleasant and delicate. Pieces of ham in it are noticeable and tasted. The product contains powdered milk, eggs, butter, pork ham, as well as stabilizing and various food additives, which could be dispensed with.Children love thin and hearty Viola cheese slices. They have a delicate creamy taste. Price - 95 rubles.

• pleasant to the taste;
• the presence of ham is felt;
• soft consistency, does not crumble;
• many positive reviews.

• there are a lot of extraneous additives in the composition.

President Creamy 40%

A wonderful product from the well-known brand "President", which has a delicate creamy taste, won the love of customers who speak positively about the quality of the goods. Many share their own quick bite recipes using President slices. For example, you can toast bread and place a slice, thin circle of tomato, and a slice of ham or sausage on top of it. It can also be used as a filling for buns, as hot cheese is very tasty and becomes stringy. In addition to natural ingredients, the product contains food additives that are not harmful.

• natural composition;
• excellent taste;
• the brand has a solid reputation.

• high price.

Hochland Cheeseburger, 45%

If you plan to cook cheeseburgers, then it makes sense to pay attention to the Hochland product, which is based on two types of cheese - hard and cheddar, but accompanied by food additives and dyes. It does not flow, the texture is soft, has a delicate taste, and is convenient for making cheeseburgers. Each slice is conveniently packaged, and its proportions are very popular with customers. The price ranges from 85 to 95 rubles.

• good taste;
• suitable for sandwiches;
• high-quality packaging.

• contains a lot of additives;
• subject to winding.

Vitaco with mushrooms

At the end of the rating, there is presented cheese from the Lakomo brand, whose products are much cheaper than analogues from more famous brands. Customers like the good packaging, the delicate mushroom flavor, and the good design. The composition is almost indistinguishable from other brands participating in the rating, and also contains potassium sorbate. The slices delight with a large number of mushroom slices. The product receives mostly positive reviews, but there are buyers who are dissatisfied with the quality of the packaging and the bitterness in the taste.

• tastes good;
• many pieces of mushrooms;
• affordable price;
• decent appearance.

• there are negative reviews;
• it is difficult to open the package due to the lack of a ribbon.

Sweet processed cheeses

This type of processed cheese is used as a filling for pies or pancakes, as the main component of sauces or as an impregnation for biscuits. Also, many people use it simply as a separate dish.

White city, Omichka

The rating is opened by the well-known product of the Omichka brand, which has earned the respect of buyers for its quality and low cost. The composition is quite decent: butter, milk powder, sugar, vanillin, but sorbic acid is still present. Consumers note an excellent sweet, without sugary taste, aroma and a good, rather thick consistency. Both children and adults love him. In the reviews it is noted that the cheese mass is collected on top of the lid, and voids are formed at the bottom at the bottom. Maybe this is due to the fact that the cheese freezes upside down.

• taste familiar from childhood;
• moderately sweet and thick;
• affordable price;
• quite often you can find it on sale.

• not detected.

Viola, "Valio", French favorites, 8 servings, 3 flavors

Next in the rating is an interesting mix from the famous Viola brand, which few people know about. Various sweet flavors coexist in one round box: vanilla, boiled condensed milk, white and dark chocolate. The cheese is shaped like triangles. Customers love its bright taste and dense texture. With good reason, this cheese can be considered a dessert that is served with tea or coffee. Some customers liked the combination of sweet platter and white wine.

• rich taste;
• original idea;
• 4 interesting options;
• dense in consistency;
• quite affordable price.

• not detected.

Syrobogatov nut

The new product presented by Syrobogatov is sold in jars with a funny smiley face and has already received the approval of many buyers. People liked the original bright packaging, texture and taste. It has a fairly long shelf life, although it does not contain harmful ingredients, and important food additives are used in very small doses. The manufacturer claims that the product contains vitamins A, D and E. A significant drawback is the lack of a dense transparent lid. The loosely closed foil makes the cheese weathered.

• elegant packaging and pleasant taste are very popular with children;
• there are no harmful compounds;
• contains vitamins;
• thick consistency.

• there is no transparent cover.

Attention! After opening the package, the cheese is stored only in the refrigerator! If the shelf life is not specified by the manufacturer, it is advisable not to keep it longer than 3-5 days.