Many people have eaten ‘fake cheeses’ before but because the texture and appearance of these imitations have the resemblance of the real thing… it begs the question: Do people actually know they are eating ‘fake cheeses’ and do they know what these synthetic cheese are made of?
Synthetic cheese have striking similarities to popular cheeses like Cheddar, mozzarella, and Emmental, but are actually made using chemicals:
- E407 (Carrageenan)
- E410 (Locust bean gum)
- E412 (Guar gum)
- E417 (Tara gum)
These Food additives that are permitted by the EU.
What Are Chemicals E407, E410, E412 and E417
| Carrageenan (E407) | A fiber extracted from seaweed. An addictive that many studies have found to be cancer-causing due to contamination when ethylene oxide is added which results in the forming of ethylene chlorohydrins. In layman term, the toxic hazards may cause ulcers and cancer to the digestive tract. (Read this and this to find out more about E407) |
| Locust bean gum (E410) | Also known as carob gum, this natural thickener is acquired from Locust bean tree Ceratonia siliqua. frequently used in fruit juice drinks, sweets and caffeine-free chocolate substitute. This natural gelling substance is high in fiber and may lower blood sugar and blood fat levels and cholesterol levels. (Read this and this to find out more about E410) |
| Guar gum (E412) | Also known as guaran, guar gum is a food addictive that thickens and stabilizes properties. Derived from the seeds of Cyamoposis tetragonolobus, this addictive can cause nausea, flatulence and cramps with the positive upside of reducing cholesterol levels. (Read this and this to find out more about E412) |
| Tara gum (E417) | Also known as Peruvian carob, tara gum is a natural addictive that is obtained from the Tara bush, Caesalpinia Spinosa. Studies have found no significant side effects with doses up to 15 grams. However, when doses are high, side effects may include gas, diarrhea, bloating, and/or cramps. (Read this and this to find out more about E417) |
The 4 Common Synonymous and Names of ‘Fake Cheeses’
These are the common synonymous of ‘fake cheeses’:
- Artificial Cheese
- Synthetic Cheese
- Imitation Cheese
- Cheese Analogue
The synthetic cheeses are created with a combination of starches and thickening agents to create similar texture to the real thing BUT without containing a single ounce of dairy product.
Further reading: Your Favorite Cheese Might Not Actually Be Cheese At All – Delish
2 Most Popular ‘Fake Cheeses’ in the U.S.
Cheese Sprinkled on Pizza
The Parmigiano-Reggiano, commonly known as Parmesan, is the cheese we use to sprinkle on our pizzas. It is one of the most consumable cheeses in the United States.
Most pizza joints and fast-food restaurants serve this cheese to their customers.
Parmesan should only consist of these 3 simple ingredients: milk that are produced in the Parma/Reggio region, salt, and animal rennet.
Nevertheless, most Pizza joints in the US have additional ingredients such as Cellulose Powder and Potassium Sorbate which are not found in the real thing (and are illegal in its production).
Further reading on fake Parmesan cheeses in the U.S.:
- Most American “Parmesan” is Fake: How to Tell if Yours is Legit – FoodBeast
- Most Parmesan Cheeses In America Are Fake, Here’s Why – Forbes
- Nutritionist Exposes Everything Fake About Parmesan Cheese – Mashed
Cheese Slices in Burgers
I’m sorry to burst your bubble but most cheese slices that go well with burgers are processed.
Processed cheeses hover at around 50% real cheese and 50% non-cheese ingredients. Sometimes more, sometimes less.
Non-cheese ingredients include:
- Salt,
- Food dyes
- Preservatives
- Emulsifiers
- Addictive
- Some artificial ingredients that are not announced in the label
Further reading on fake cheese slices:
- What’s in processed cheese slices? Shock experiment may put you off them for life – Mirror.co.uk
- Your Favorite Cheese Might Not Actually Be Cheese At All – Delish
Conclusion
The synthetic form contains zero lactose or animal proteins which may be beneficial to folks who are lactose-intolerant. However, they contain zero nutritional value.
And their taste? I shall let you be the judge.
Also read: Goat Cheese vs. Cow Cheese (THE DIFFERENCES)
if you are interested to take a look at some of the most common fake cheeses selling in popular stores and supermarkets, check out this link.