So many people are interested in finding a better replacement for Velveeta cheese.
Recipes calling for melted cheese are perfect candidates for Velveeta because of its creamy softness and smoothness.
Therefore, it is already quite popular. You may put it in a casserole, on nachos, or use it as a dip with pasta like mac & cheese.
But, it is also true that Velveeta cheese is not a type of cheese, which is why people look for a healthy replacement for it.
Something that would not change the texture of your recipe but will be a lot healthier than Velveeta cheese should be the choice.
You can find a good Velveeta cheese replacement based on your dish, including mozzarella cheese, gouda cheese, pepper jack, feta cheese, and American cheese.
What is So Special About Velveeta Cheese?
Known for its unusual orange hue and soft, springy feel, Velveeta is a popular brand of processed cheese. Its smooth dissolution without clumping or separation is a defining trait.
It works so well in so many recipes. For instance, you can opt for it when you need cheese sauce over veggies.
It is extremely easy to use and quickly adds some richness to everything.
Similarly, you can get results using Velveeta cheese when making a queso dip.
Combine it with ground beef and Ro-Tel tomatoes and you will just love it even more. And the dip on its own works deliciously well with chips.
Fact: Velveeta was a Monroe, New York-based independent corporation before Kraft acquired it in 1927.
Getting the Most Out of Velveeta Cheese
When you opt for Velveeta cheese, you need to use it properly.
It is important to keep in mind that Velveeta is rather thick and will require some water or milk to dilute. Either heating it or adding a beverage will do the trick.
Similarly, you need to know that if you use shredded cheese or slices of Velveeta cheese, use it to replace the same amount of real cheese.
Most people can utilize it quite effectively, but some believe it is not the healthier option, so they look for a more suitable Velveeta cheese substitute.
Why Do People Look for Velveeta Cheese Substitute?
To put it bluntly, Velveeta “Cheese” is not really a cheese like you normally find in stores.
Unlike regular cheese, it is possible to store it at room temperature, mainly because it uses many chemical preservatives.
You will get some calcium, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and vitamin A, but that is about it. Despite this, the health benefits are not worth the hazards.
Compared to the massive amounts of calories and fat, the Velveeta cheese offers very little in the way of nutritional benefit.
Despite the fact that Velveeta is made with a number of artificial ingredients, its popularity has only grown over the years.
After all, who today would risk making queso without Velveeta?
Thankfully, many people have now started moving away from this processed product mainly because of its ingredients and chemical preservatives.
Preservatives in Velveeta Cheese
Velveeta contains many different preservatives, one of which is sodium phosphate.
Keep in mind that Velveeta already has a high sodium content due to the addition of sodium citrate, table salt, and sodium alginate.
There are 410 milligrams of sodium in a single ounce of Velveeta. In general, 2300 milligrams (mg) of salt per day is considered the safe upper limit.
It means that those with hypertension or kidney illness should avoid eating more than a few ounces of Velveeta queso.
Fact: Although considered unhealthy, Velveeta was among the first foods to receive AMA endorsement.
Coloring Agents in Velveeta
The other problem is associated with the use of coloring agents in Velveeta.
Annatto and apocarotenal are both natural chemicals used as dyes, but annatto has been linked to allergic reactions in certain people.
Many experts have found that even though annatto is a natural coloring ingredient, it causes as many allergic and intolerant reactions as artificial colors.
And it is used in Velveeta cheese, which makes it a lot less desirable for those with allergies.
Substituting Velveeta with Real Cheese
While Velveeta may work in some recipes, you will always be better off substituting it with real cheese.
Even though Velveeta provides some calcium, real cheddar cheese has 65% more calcium.
Velveeta has 4g of protein and a small amount of vitamin A in just 1 ounce.
But, real cheese is still a better option because it is prepared from the milk of grass-fed animals and contains no artificial ingredients.
Natural cheeses have a wealth of beneficial nutrients, including saturated fats, amino acids, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids.
High-quality cheese is a good source of phosphorus, zinc, calcium, and a variety of vitamins, including B2, A, D, and B12.
Therefore, it is about time you think seriously about replacing Velveeta cheese with something healthier.
Finding the Best Replacement for Velveeta Cheese
Once you have made up your mind to get rid of Velveeta cheese in most of your recipes, you will be happy to know that several healthier alternatives are now available.
For instance:
Swiss Cheese
Because of its adaptability, Swiss cheese can be used in place of Velveeta.
Swiss cheese’s moderate flavor and lack of strong aroma make it a good substitute for Velveeta, typically used in recipes that do not call for a powerful cheese flavor.
Emmental cheese is just one example of Swiss cheese that would work well here, but feel free to use whatever Swiss cheese you choose.
It is great for melting, making sandwiches, or snacking on with some toasted bread.
Fact: Originally, Velveeta was created with real cheese, but today, the most common ingredients are fat, various protein concentrates (whey and milk), and preservatives.
Cheddar Cheese
If you are looking for cheese to replace Velveeta, Cheddar cheese is a fantastic option.
Any type of cheddar cheese, whether sharp or mild, can stand in for regular Velveeta.
Just like Velveeta, Cheddar’s orang-ish hue indicates its adaptability and wide use. It slices easily, melts quickly, and tastes wonderful with anything.
Moreover, you can also take advantage of cheddar cheese shreds, which make a great swap for Velveeta shreds.
Pepper Jack
The distinctive flavors of Pepper Jack have earned it a reputation as a tasty alternative to Velveeta.
The ingredients include spices and herbs, such as peppers, rosemary, jalapenos, garlic, and habaneros.
By switching to pepper jack, you will experience a noticeable improvement in flavor of your food.
Furthermore, the texture is so silky and delicate that any cheese connoisseur would be blown away by it.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella cheese is yet another suitable replacement because it is both tasty and healthy.
It has a moderate amount of fat (33%) and plenty of calcium and protein.
You might compare its flavor to that of Velveeta because it is so mild. In contrast, it could have a more pliable and melt-friendly consistency.
Therefore, enchiladas, nachos, and grilled cheese sandwiches are all fair game as examples of foods prepared with mozzarella cheese.
Gouda Cheese
For a similar mild flavor and adaptability, but without artificial preservatives, young Gouda cheese is a great Velveeta substitute.
When melted, its smooth texture may not be as runny as its competitor’s, but you can manage it well simply by adding more cream or milk.
American Cheese
Velveeta is comparable to American cheese because it was originally developed to simulate the taste of American cheese.
The popularity of American cheese dates back more than a century. The main condiments include milk, whey, Colby, milk fats, and ground cheddar
Though it is not the healthiest substitute, it can be used in a pinch when Velveeta is out of stock.
Feta Cheese
A great substitute for Velveeta cheese is none other than Feta cheese, which is made by combining goal and sheep milk.
The brine helps give it a tangy flavor like sharp cheddar cheese and keeps it fresh thanks to its ultra-soft texture.
Feta cheese is packed with the protein and calcium your bones need to stay healthy and strong.
If you are watching your weight, this is the finest option you have for a healthy alternative to Velveeta.
Fact: Velveeta is extremely popular, and many fans also know it by the name "Liquid Gold."
Takeaway
Finding the best replacement for Velveeta cheese is essential because it allows you to enjoy your unique dishes without worrying about any side effects.
Velveeta contains various chemical preservatives, which can cause all sorts of problems.
Going with real cheese in place of Velveeta will always be a much better option, but you may have to experiment a little to find what works best for you.