Know chalk from cheese
Brunch|March 02, 2024
The crackdown on non-dairy cheese is all over the news. But McDonald's is hardly the only brand passing off a substitute for the real thing. Have you noticed?
VIR SANGHVI
Know chalk from cheese

The cheeseburger is one of America's greatest gastronomic achievements. It has a relatively simple filling: A patty made from minced beef and a slice of processed cheese. It has been taken around the world by such chains as McDonald's.

It is impossible to make an American-style cheeseburger in India. Even before the campaign against beef, McDonald's had decided not to use beef in India out of respect for Hindu sentiments.

But is it also impossible to get a non-beef cheeseburger made with real cheese in India? Over the last week, as the Maharashtra government's regulators have acted against McDonald's for allegedly passing off cheese-less substitutes as the real thing, the suspicion has grown that the cheese in the Indian cheeseburger is not real.

As the news hit the media, McDonald's moved to assert its cheesy credentials. "Myth Busted" it declared on Instagram. "The cheese slice in your favourite burger is milk-based real cheese." And: "We use only real, quality cheese in all our products containing cheese."

Some people worried about the curious construction: "in all our products containing cheese". What about McDonald's Cheese Fries? 

According to industry gossip, in common with other fast-food chains, the cheese flavour in those fries came from cheese that was not 100 per cent dairy. McDonald's made no mention of this dish in its myth-busting post, so it is hard to be sure.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BRUNCHView all
Fit Check? Look Behind You
Brunch

Fit Check? Look Behind You

In gyms, someone is always filming. We are all in the frame without meaning to be. Is privacy at odds with fitness goals? Is consent even possible with all those mirrors?

time-read
2 mins  |
November 23, 2024
Avantika Dassani
Brunch

Avantika Dassani

Actor, @AvantikaDassani

time-read
1 min  |
November 23, 2024
Keep your i on this BMW
Brunch

Keep your i on this BMW

The brand's beloved sedan has now gone electric. The i5 M60 has a sci-fi roar and razor-sharp graphics. It's worth the hype

time-read
2 mins  |
November 23, 2024
Why adapt when you can evolve?
Brunch

Why adapt when you can evolve?

Sometimes, the movie or show does it better than the book it is based on. Here's when to stream not flip

time-read
2 mins  |
November 23, 2024
Sharp edges, blunt words
Brunch

Sharp edges, blunt words

British chef Heston Blumenthal has gone public about his struggle with ADHD and bipolar syndrome. He hopes it calms kitchens down. It's hot in there already

time-read
3 mins  |
November 23, 2024
The suitable boy
Brunch

The suitable boy

He's played lovers, taxi drivers, street rats and rich brats. He's redefining what it means to be the token Brown boy on set. But would he be on a reality show? Ishaan Khatter tells us why he's a career chameleon and how he got here

time-read
4 mins  |
November 23, 2024
Stay stylish in your cubicle
Brunch

Stay stylish in your cubicle

Everyone's back at the office. Covid flexibilities are long forgotten. But being comfortable is still key. So, what are we wearing to work?

time-read
2 mins  |
November 23, 2024
Hey, I found you online
Brunch

Hey, I found you online

Baby pics, emo selfies, old tweets outing the ex. If it makes you cringe, it makes HR departments do too. Here's how to clean up your digital footprint

time-read
3 mins  |
November 23, 2024
Is It Scrolling Or Screening?
Brunch

Is It Scrolling Or Screening?

Being on the phone while the TV plays is the new normal. Just don't do it when there's company. A case for what it means to be present

time-read
2 mins  |
November 16, 2024
This week, we're...
Brunch

This week, we're...

Preferring the spinoff.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 16, 2024