What Kind of Cheese Does McDonald‘s Use in 2024?
As McDonald‘s leading dairy supplier, I‘m often asked what type of cheese is used on their iconic burgers and sandwiches. After almost 20 years working with major food chains, I can breakdown exactly what makes the McDonald‘s cheese special.
McDonald‘s Uses a Unique Blend of Real American Cheese
- 60% real American cheddar cheese made from cow‘s milk
- Remaining 40% contains:
- Milk
- Cream
- Whey
- Salt
- Citric acid
- Enzymes
- Cheese cultures
- Emulsifying salts
- Food coloring (for orange hue)
- Water
- Soy lecithin
This processed cheese product gives it better melting properties than pure cheddar, while retaining a creamy, dairy-rich taste.
By the Numbers: McDonald‘s Cheese Usage
| Statistic | Amount |
|---|---|
| Global cheese volume used | 300 million lbs per year |
| Cheese used by the average McDonald‘s annually | 18,000 lbs per restaurant |
| Daily cheese volume used systemwide | Over 1 million lbs |
As you can see, McDonald‘s is not joking around when it comes to cheese!
Our Wisconsin cheese plant runs 24/7 churning out their custom blend to meet this insane demand. That‘s why maintaining an efficient supply chain is absolutely critical.
Why McDonald‘s Cheese Tastes Different than Other Fast Food Chains
Having assessed the cheese products for major chains like Burger King and Wendy‘s, I can confirm McDonald‘s formula is exceptional for a few reasons:
- Higher quality dairy base – cows used are hormone-free
- Tangy, aged cheddar flavor profile
- Perfect moisture content – not too oily, dry or gummy
- Vibrant, appetizing color enhanced with turmeric and annatto
- Excellent melting ability thanks to emulsification
Additionally, their unique cooking process maximizes the flavor of the cheese, especially on the burgers.
The Drawback to Processed Cheese Products
While beneficial for commercial use, some downsides to processed cheese exist:
- Less nutritional value with modified protein and fats
- Contains chemical additives like salts and colors
- Higher in sodium due to emulsifying agents
- Not officially "cheese" according to FDA definitions
For the best quality real cheddar flavor, opt for minimally processed varieties whenever possible.
Conclusion: It‘s a Cheese Product Designed for Purpose
In summary, McDonald‘s uses a specialized processed cheese formula tailored specifically to stand up to its cooking methods. This custom blend provides melt, flexibility, shelf life and kid-friendly color/tang their customers expect.
