Sliced melted cheese is a food very rich in salt: "The test products contained from a minimum of 2,27 g to a maximum of 3,4 g per hectogram, depending (also) on the flavor of the raw material used", says the doctor Diana Scatozza. «On Healthyroyale we have repeated several times that too much salt is bad for your health: strains the kidneys, causes water retention, can promote hypertension. For this I gave high marks to the slices that had less and which provided more protein and calcium ”.
Comparison of labels
Our food technologist, on the other hand, took into account, first of all, of the ingredients. «I awarded the products that declared on the label the type of cheese used and, with a further “plus”, those who also specified the percentage of the raw material », explains Dr. Giorgio Donegani. «Good news: none of the samples analyzed by the lab contained polyphosphates, which were once quite in vogue. In all they were present the same melting salts, while what differed was the complexity of the recipe: addition of butter, milk proteins, whey, fiber, thickeners, stabilizers ... I have anyway given preference to simplicity».
Testing the senses
“Turning to the sensory analysis, I evaluated the texture to the touch of the slices, penalizing the very sticky ones that tended to break easily when detached from the wrapping », continues the food technologist. “In terms of smell and taste, I gave higher marks to those who they displayed a certain aroma and a minimum of character conforms to the type of cheese. Finally, I evaluated the texture in the mouth, which must not be excessively pasty or sticky. One thing I noticed: some products left one feeling of dryness on the tongue once swallowed, a serious defect ».
Leerdammer
2,85 €, 325 g (8,77 €/kg)
The strong point
The simplicity of the recipe the ingredients.
The ingredients
70% cheese (100% Leerdammer), water, butter, melting salts: E331.
I nutrienti in 100 g
23 g of fat (of which 15,5 g saturated), less than 0,5 g of carbohydrates (all sugars), 19,5 g of protein, 2,9 g of salt, 590 mg of calcium, 285 calories.
The tasting
The recipe is very simple. The slices, white in color with slight yellow notes, are not too sticky nor do they tend to break.
The scent and flavor are unmistakable. And the consistency satisfies: the cheese does not stick to the teeth and leaves a pleasant sensation in the mouth.
Thin slices
1,38 € 200 g (6,9 €/kg)
The strong point
The reduced amount of salt.
The ingredients
Cheeses (60% mozzarella and 40% slightly aged cheese), concentrated skimmed milk, fiber (3,1%), milk proteins, melting salt (sodium citrate), acidity regulator (lactic acid), concentrated butter, salt .
I nutrienti in 100 g
13 g of fat (of which 8,9 g saturated), 3,1 g of carbohydrates (all sugars), 3,1 g of fiber, 18 g of protein, 2,27 g of salt, 521 mg of calcium, 216 cal.
The tasting
Bouquet and flavor are very delicate: of milk, with a hint of fresh cheese. The consistency is very satisfying and not very pasty.
Tigre
1,85 €, 140 g (13,20 €/kg)
The strong point
The excellent consistency.
The ingredients
Swiss cheese 51% (Swiss Emmentaler 20%), water, butter, melting salt (sodium citrate), skimmed milk powder, milk proteins, edible salt.
I nutrienti in 100 g
22 g of fat (of which 14 g saturated), 1,5 g of carbohydrates (all sugars), 17 g of protein, 3,4 g of salt, 530 mg of calcium, 272 calories.
The tasting
They are not sticky and do not tend to break. Bouquet and flavor are quite intense, characteristic of the cheese used. The consistency is very good.
Field of flowers
1,48 € 200 g (7,40 €/kg)
The strong point
The typicality of the flavor.
The ingredients
Grana Dop 25%, concentrated whey, water, milk proteins, butter, whey powder, melting salt (sodium citrate), salt, acidity regulator (citric acid).
I nutrienti in 100 g
14 g of fat (of which 9,8 g saturated), 8,5 g of carbohydrates (of which 6,7 g sugar), 16 g of protein, 2,5 g of salt, 224 calories.
The tasting
The slices do not stick and are sufficiently robust. They have a pleasant aroma and flavor, reminiscent of those characteristic of Grana Padano. The consistency is adequate.
