Velveeta is a shelf-stable cheese product made from substances including whey, milk, milk protein concentrate, modified starch, canola oil, and cheese culture. It has a smooth consistency, mild taste, and vivid orange hue. Velveeta triumps in its ability to melt, making it a great base for dips.

Kraft Foods lists Velveeta's ingredients as: milk, water, whey, milk protein concentrate, milkfat, whey protein concentrate, sodium phosphate, and 2% or less of salt, calcium phosphate, lactic acid, sorbic acid, sodium citrate, sodium alginate, enzymes, apocarotenal, annatto, and cheese culture.

"We as a culture have tended to gravitate toward foods that were - and are - predictable, unchanging and relatively bland," Werlin explains. "Processed cheese fit the bill, and it is also easy to use." Advertising campaigns from the 1950s touted Velveeta's mild flavor, ease of use and nutritional value.

Originally Velveeta was made from real cheese. Today, it's mainly whey protein concentrate, milk protein concentrate, milk, fat, and preservatives. By the Food and Drug Administration's standards, that's not real cheese - which is why the FDA forced Kraft to change its label from "cheese spread" to "cheese product."

Velveeta was invented in 1918 by Emil Frey, an employee at the Monroe Cheese Factory. He created it as a way to conserve the runoff waste of their imperfect cheese wheels. Its name is meant to convey its velvety meltability.

Milkfat content: Velveeta contains a higher percentage of milkfat than other processed cheeses, which gives it a richer and creamier taste. Emulsifying salts: Velveeta contains emulsifying salts that help to create a stable and consistent texture. These salts also enhance the cheese's flavor and make it more palatable.

According to the FDA, Velveeta is technically not real cheese, but rather, a "processed cheese product," although the regulations state that it must contain at least 51 percent cheese, as well as prescribing the minimum moisture content, fat content and the temperature (at least 70 F) at which is must be spreadable.

Though it may not technically be cheese, Velveeta is officially a gluten-free processed cheese product. Its ingredient list does not include wheat or any other source of gluten, so it is perfectly safe to consume as part of a gluten-free diet.

The original process for making Velveeta involved blending tiny bits of various cheeses, including cheddar, Colby and Swiss, along with an emulsifier. Today, the process is different in that instead of starting with bits of cheese, it is made from pasteurized milk, along with whey, emulsifiers and salt.

We also reached out via email and a spokesperson said, "Velveeta contains cheddar cheese made specifically to deliver the unmistakable melt and creaminess that consumers know and love. Nothing melts like Velveeta! We are not able to make the claim 'made with real cheese. '"

Velveeta isn't exactly American cheese, but it's pretty close. Much like the Kraft singles, it's made up of mixtures of old cheeses, all of which are processed with emulsifiers, which hold it together, and then processed to give it that perfect meltiness.

Colby cheese is a delicious and versatile option for those seeking a Velveeta substitute. Originating in Wisconsin, this semi-hard cheese boasts a mild, creamy flavor that allows it to blend well with various dishes. Though not as processed as Velveeta, Colby still offers a smooth melting quality.

Why is velveeta cheese so expensive? Cheese is minimally processed before being strained and solidified, and is then allowed to ripen and develop its flavor. Velveeta takes more processing, before being packaged. Velveeta's main features are its soft consistency, and easy melting and mixing.