That gooey, melty layer on your burger or nachos is it the real deal or some sneaky impostor? We scrutinized 12 major fast-food chains to determine who’s serving us the real deal and who’s still relying on the so-called “plastic cheese.”
Spoiler Alert: You probably won’t be surprised that some of our beloved big brands are pinching pennies! From plastic-wrapped square slices to artisanal gourmet fare, who’s keeping it real, and who’s faking it to make it?
1. Real Cheese: Panera Bread
Panera Bread sets itself apart in the world of fast food by vowing to always serve real cheese on their sandwiches. They use authentic cheddar cheese that melts beautifully, delivering rich flavor and a satisfying creamy texture.
The chain’s dedication to using real cheese reflects a broader commitment to fresh, wholesome food, setting them apart from many competitors.
2. Wendy’s
Wendy’s prides itself on using natural cheddar cheese on their burgers, a refreshing change in the fast food industry, often dominated by processed cheese.
The use of real dairy cheese demonstrates Wendy’s relentless commitment to quality and authenticity, surprising customers in every bite.
3. Taco Bell
Taco Bell is stirring up some real cheese, a mixture of cheddar and mozzarella cheese that they use to top their tacos and other items on the menu. Many fast-food chains rely on processed cheese products, but Taco Bell’s choice reflects a dedication to genuine ingredients.
The real cheese blends perfectly with their rich signature fire sauce and crisp lettuce, making every bite a celebration of authentic Mexican-inspired flavors.
4. Chipotle
We all know Chipotle has fresh, quality ingredients, and their cheese is no exception. They use real Monterey Jack cheese and it adds a creamy richness to their burrito bowls, tacos, and salads.
Chipotle’s commitment to using real cheese aligns with their broader philosophy of food transparency and quality, making each meal all the more tasty and authentic.
5. In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger has a cult following because they focus on fresh, made-to-order food, including their use of real cheese. Their secret to a great burger is the American cheese slices that melt perfectly, adding a creamy, savory layer to the fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and hand-formed beef patties.
This dedication to real ingredients sets In-N-Out apart in the fast-food world and is the reason why every bite tastes so fresh and delivers so much flavor.
6. Five Guys
Five Guys is a chain known for its commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients, and their cheese choice reflects this dedication. They use 100% real cheese on their burgers, which adds a rich, creamy texture and authentic flavor.
There’s no denying that Five Guys’ emphasis on quality ingredients has won them a dedicated following that knows firsthand what “real cheese” actually tastes like.
7. Fake Cheese: McDonald’s
McDonald’s cheeseburgers are iconic, especially the Big Mac, but their cheese is far from it. The chain uses processed American cheese slices, those individually wrapped squares designed for perfect meltability and consistency.
McDonald’s choice prioritizes ease of use and shelf stability over real dairy, making it a classic example of cheese produced for quick service rather than cheese connoisseurs.
8. Subway
Subway’s cheese is all about convenience and consistency, catering to their fast-paced sandwich assembly lines. They use processed cheese slices specially engineered to withstand heat, so they melt evenly on their toasted subs.
Subway’s emphasis on speed and affordability, means real cheese, which can be less predictable in melting and flavor, takes a backseat.
9. Pizza Hut
We all know Pizza Hut is known for its cheesy pizzas, but the cheese mix they pile them with sometimes doesn’t even consist of a real cheese. To achieve the perfect stretch, melt, and taste that customers have come to expect, Pizza Hut typically combines real cheese with processed cheese products.
This method is suited to most pizza enthusiasts who hanker for that classic bubbly cheese taste, but it doesn’t sit well with those who exclusively love dairy cheese. The processed components contribute to shelf life and melting qualities, but also diminish authenticity.
10. Bojangles
Bojangles’ breakfast biscuit sandwiches contain processed cheese, which is selected because it melts fast and helps keep ingredients like egg, ham, and biscuit together. This cheese product is convenient to use for quick breakfast service, and provides the quality they rely on with a creamy, rich flavor that goes well with their Southern-style menu.
However, it lacks that rich, creamy flavor that only real cheese delivers. To those who love real dairy, Bojangles’ cheese might feel artificial or overly processed.
11. Burger King
Burger King’s Whoppers and many of its other classic burgers typically include processed cheese slices, chosen for their consistent melt and texture. This cheese product melts smoothly and maintains its shape between the lettuce, tomato, and beef.
While it works well in fast-food preparation, this cheese isn’t made from pure dairy ingredients and lacks the depth of flavor found in real cheese.
12. Arby’s
Arby’s takes a different approach by using a processed cheese sauce on their signature roast beef sandwiches. This creamy, liquid cheese cascades over the meat, creating an aesthetically pleasing and indulgent result.
While the cheese sauce adds a unique twist and richness, it’s more of a cheese-flavored product than it is actual dairy cheese. For those who prioritize authenticity, Arby’s cheese sauce may feel more theatrical than traditional.
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