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.

Denne historien er fra March 02, 2024-utgaven av Brunch.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra March 02, 2024-utgaven av Brunch.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA BRUNCHSe alt
Rohit Chawla
Brunch

Rohit Chawla

Photographer, artist, @RohitChawlaPhotography_

time-read
1 min  |
November 02, 2024
Congratulations, it's a goal
Brunch

Congratulations, it's a goal

Lakeside vows, pastel palettes, bayous, backyards and boats. These celeb weddings are what modern fairytales are made of

time-read
2 mins  |
November 02, 2024
Rail against the machine
Brunch

Rail against the machine

Valay Shende's Virar Fast depicts more than Mumbai's constant state of rush. Despite the struggle, there's empathy too

time-read
2 mins  |
November 02, 2024
No need for soirée excuses
Brunch

No need for soirée excuses

Not all party guests are created equal. Make sure you have an escape plan, in case you're stuck with someone dull

time-read
2 mins  |
November 02, 2024
100 years, one epic dinner
Brunch

100 years, one epic dinner

How did the Hindustan Times celebrate its centenary in Delhi? With a lavish, ambitious dinner served by a top chef, in a magical garden. It can never be done again

time-read
3 mins  |
November 02, 2024
Sauce and sorcery
Brunch

Sauce and sorcery

Video projections on your plate, holograms dancing at the table, customised tunes with every course. Tech's coming to dinner. Will you reorder or reboot?

time-read
5 mins  |
November 02, 2024
Who hates the haters now?
Brunch

Who hates the haters now?

Online trolls used to terrify influencers. Now, hate is hardly a surprise. It's a sign of engagement, real viewers; a chance to clap back and wield power. Take a look

time-read
3 mins  |
November 02, 2024
Are you earring this?
Brunch

Are you earring this?

Don't put the heavy jewellery back in storage after the festivities. Stylists offer tips on how to wear them all year and still look chic

time-read
2 mins  |
November 02, 2024
Clash of clans: Festive edit
Brunch

Clash of clans: Festive edit

Set boundaries, ask your own questions, prep for the prying moments. Here's how to survive the family gathering without going nuts

time-read
2 mins  |
November 02, 2024
Krutika
Brunch

Krutika

Content creator, @TheMermaidScales

time-read
1 min  |
October 26, 2024