Processed Cheese

[Cactusali]

Does anyone remember this from the 70s? We used to buy it in Littlewoods (which was an actual shop not a catalogue) and then later, when I moved to London, in MacMarket. It was cut from a giant foil-wrapped block and was very cheap. The texture was strange, sort of fudge-like, and it didn’t completely melt when grilled. Have googled and there seems to be something similar available from Amazon etc but at a high price for a very small quantity. I have a yearning to taste it again In a resilient toastie.

I'm sure you can still buy processed cheese slices

This sort of thing?

Thanks for that. It was a bit like cheese slices but in a block and not at all floppy even when sliced. Further research suggests it may be ‘Government Cheddar’.

Here you go. Galtee and Calvita are about as processed as you could possibly get.

I have the vaguest memories of having this in the 80's, I think we may have got through a food parcel scheme along with butter and stuff?

A foil block, about two inches high and six inches wide... strange texture.

Or maybe I am thinking of Galtee and Calvita actually...

@Hoctober

Or maybe I am thinking of Galtee and Calvita actually...

Hideous stuff. I hated it as a child too.

Sounds like American cheese. The nickname name government cheese comes from when it was given to people on welfare/food stamps in the US. The plastic sliced stuff provides the same result when melted or it’s at least close enough to satisfy my toddler who is particularly partial to a grilled cheese made with American cheese.

AFAIK, the 'cheese' used at McDonalds in their burgers is processed cheese.

Galtee and Calvita seem to fit the bill, although it’s clear from this thread that the claim ‘loved by everyone everywhere’ may not hold water. I will investigate American cheese too. Thank you everyone.

@Cactusali

Galtee and Calvita seem to fit the bill, although it’s clear from this thread that the claim ‘loved by everyone everywhere’ may not hold water. I will investigate American cheese too. Thank you everyone.

On the plus side, it's not too dear on the website I linked to. Although I didn't check the shipping costs.

I tried it once; it's "cheese" for people that don't really like cheese.

I hope we don't import tons of it along with chlorinated chicken.

All cheese is processed. This particular processed cheese product is not a great addition to a cheese plate, but it is essential for a great macaroni cheese and the reason why my children refuse to order the dish outside the US.

All it is is cheddar melted and mixed with sodium citrate and baking soda-like product to allow it to melt well and not turn into a rubbery curdled mess. I try and recreate it by adding a sprinkle of sodium citrate to my melted cheese base In sauces, but it just does not have the correct consistency. Next time I’m in the States, I’m going to buy a kilo of the block stuff and bring it back with me.

I remember cheese in a tin - maybe by Kraft?