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Phantom Gourmet: A Very Cheesy Taste Test

BOSTON (CBS) – Phantom recently purchased four brands of American cheese at a local supermarket. The individually wrapped entrants were American Accent, Horizon Organic, Kraft, and Velveeta. See if you can guess which cheesy competitor ended up at the top of the food chain.

phantom gourmet american cheese
American Accent slices. (Phantom Gourmet)

American Accent finished in last place. This value brand costs way less "cheddar" than the other cheeses, but sometimes you get what you pay for. The package features a terrible-looking sandwich, and the ingredient list is even uglier, with water, food starch, and palm oil at the top. These slices feel like rubber, and kind of taste like it, too.

phantom gourmet american cheese
Horizon Organic singles. (Phantom Gourmet)

A huge step up from there is Horizon Organic. With a fun cartoon cow on the label, and just seven ingredients on the package, this was the most wholesome-tasting competitor. Smooth, creamy, and just a bit tangy, this firm slice tasted less like a processed guilty pleasure, and more like actual cheese. Unfortunately, it doesn't melt all that well, and comes with just twelve slices per pack instead of the standard sixteen.

phantom gourmet american cheese
Velveeta slices. (Phantom Gourmet)

The runner up is Velveeta. While food snobs might be sour on this slice, Phantom says the stuff is pretty darn tasty. It's smooth, salty, and sweet with a luxurious mouthfeel that certainly satisfies. When it comes to melting, Velveeta is unmatched, practically dissolving into a pool of gooey gold.

phantom gourmet american cheeses
Kraft singles. (Phantom Gourmet)

At the top of the food chain is Kraft. Boasting a tangy flavor and smooth, creamy texture, these thick and hefty slices are the standard by which all other American cheeses are judged.

Delicious on its own or in a sandwich, this stuff is milky comfort food at its best. That's why Kraft American singles are at the top of the food chain.

For more food and fun, watch the Phantom Gourmet Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 and 11 on MyTV38.

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