Sometimes referred to as analog cheese, imitation cheese is one of the many varieties of processed cheese that is found on the market today. Characterized by a long shelf life and a relatively inexpensive cost, imitation cheese is used in many homes around the world. Here is some information about imitation cheese and how it can be used in a number of recipes.

Imitation cheese is often thought to be the same as substitute cheese. Actually, there is a difference between the two. Substitute cheese is usually still make with a low content of milk solids. Imitation cheese, by contrast, relies on a combined of casein and vegetable oil that is used instead of milk solids. While the taste of the two types of cheese products is very similar, there is often a slight difference in texture, with imitation cheese being slightly less supple.

Imitation cheese tends to lack the same level of nutrition that is found with real cheese or even with substitute cheese. Because there is a marked absence of dairy products within the formula for imitation cheese, the product has very little food value. The main advantages of imitation cheese have to do with the price and the shelf life. The low cost of the ingredients for imitation cheese help to make the finished product very affordable. Also, the lack of dairy product in the cheese also helps the product to last a very long time.

While the nutritional value of imitation cheese may be low, the flavor is often very acceptable, especially when used as part of a recipe. For instance a cheese sauce made with imitation cheese works very well over broccoli or other steamed vegetables. A slice of imitation cheese also works very well on a grilled hamburger patty. Pasta dishes can benefit from a creamy cheese sauce made using imitation cheese as well.

Imitation cheese can be purchased in just about any supermarket. Typically, the imitation cheese will be offered as slices that are appropriate for use on sandwiches or burgers. In some instances, bags of grated imitation cheese are also available, making the cheese ready for use in salads, tacos, or as a cheesy topping to a casserole. Quick and easy to store, imitation cheese helps to fill a niche in the food market. When the budget is a little tight and there is still a desire to have the look and taste of cheese as part of the meal, imitation cheese may be the ideal solution.