How does kraft make that cheese powder in macaroni and cheese?

Kraft's cheese powder in mac and cheese is actually a combination of a few different things:

1. Cheese: The base is real cheese, but it's not the type of cheese you'd eat on a sandwich. Instead, it's a cheddar cheese powder. This is made by drying and grinding cheese into a fine powder. It's not the whole cheese, but a concentrate.

2. Other Ingredients: The cheese powder is combined with several other ingredients that contribute to the flavor and texture:

* Modified Cornstarch: This helps thicken the cheese sauce and gives it that creamy texture.

* Salt: This adds flavor and helps preserve the product.

* Sodium Caseinate: A milk protein that helps stabilize the cheese powder and improve its creaminess.

* Flavorings: A variety of ingredients are used to enhance the cheesy flavor, like natural and artificial flavors, and some spices.

* Coloring: Yellow food coloring is often added to give the cheese powder its characteristic bright yellow hue.

How it's made:

The cheese is processed into a fine powder and then blended with the other ingredients. The final mixture is then packaged and sold.

The Magic of Emulsification:

While the powder itself isn't actually a cheese sauce, it becomes one when you add milk and heat it up. The cornstarch acts as a thickener, and the sodium caseinate helps create a smooth and creamy texture. The heat melts the cheese powder, creating a cheese sauce that's perfect for your macaroni!

Important Note: While Kraft's mac and cheese is a beloved comfort food, it's not the most nutritious option. It's high in sodium and often contains artificial colors and flavors. If you're looking for a healthier option, consider making your own mac and cheese using real cheese and whole milk.