Sargento, a well-known cheese brand based in Wisconsin, has made significant strides in transforming the American cheese industry. Their latest innovations are all about improving the classic American cheese experience while introducing bold, spicy flavors for a new generation of consumers.
The Quest for Natural American Cheese
For years, Sargento has been working towards creating a version of American cheese that stays true to the essence of natural cheese—without the additives that are typically associated with mass-produced American cheese. Traditional American cheese is known for its smooth melt, soft texture, and mild flavor, characteristics that are often the result of emulsifying salts and other additives. Sargento’s challenge was to replicate these properties in a cheese that only used natural ingredients. After a decade of development, they’ve succeeded with their new Natural American Cheese. This cheese contains only five ingredients: milk, salt, enzymes, rennet, and annatto (a natural food coloring), giving it a clean label that mirrors the simplicity of other natural cheeses like cheddar or Colby Jack.
Unlike most American cheeses, which are processed by melting cheese scraps and adding emulsifiers, Sargento’s version is made with traditional cheese-making methods. The result is a cheese that still has the melt and mouthfeel consumers love but without the artificial additives. It’s an achievement that took time to perfect, as the company carefully honed both the texture and flavor to create a product that would please both traditional cheese lovers and those seeking a more natural option.
Embracing Spice and Flavor with New Partnerships
Sargento isn’t just reimagining the classic American cheese; they are also catering to the growing demand for bold, spicy flavors. In partnership with McCormick, the company has launched three new spicy shredded cheese blends. These blends feature popular hot sauces like Frank’s RedHot, Cholula, and McCormick crushed red pepper flakes. Research shows that younger generations, including Gen Z and Millennials, are increasingly embracing spicy foods, which makes these hot sauce-infused cheeses a natural fit for the market.
The Frank’s RedHot cheese blend includes a combination of shredded white cheddar, Colby Jack, and Sargento’s new natural American cheese, creating a spicy option perfect for dishes like buffalo chicken dip or quesadillas. The Cholula cheese blend uses a mix of queso quesadilla and asadero cheeses, ideal for adding a little kick to everything from eggs to enchiladas. Finally, the McCormick Crumbled Peppers blend combines mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses with a touch of heat, designed for classic Italian dishes.
A Convenient, Shareable Snack Option
In addition to their revamped cheese offerings, Sargento has teamed up with Mondalēz International (the parent company of Ritz and Triscuit) to create Sargento Shareables. These new snack trays combine two types of Sargento cheeses with crackers in a convenient, resealable pack. Each tray serves up to four people, making it an easy option for entertaining or snacking. The different combinations include cheddar and Colby Jack, white cheddar and Gouda, and pepper jack and Monterey Jack. These trays are designed to be stored in the refrigerated section of supermarkets, offering a delicious and convenient snack for consumers on the go.
The Future of American Cheese
With their new natural American cheese, spicy blends, and shareable snack trays, Sargento is leading the charge in modernizing American cheese. By focusing on clean ingredients and bold flavors, the brand is catering to the evolving tastes of today’s consumers. Whether you’re looking for a more natural cheese alternative or craving something with a little heat, Sargento’s new products offer something for everyone.
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