Basic Ball Park Nachos - © chow.com

‘Cheesepocalypse’ looms for Velveeta fans!

For lovers of Ball Park Nachos and all forms of quick-and-easy Cheesy Melts, the next week or so may be a major trial of patience and perseverance. Kraft reports a more-serious-than-usual seasonal shortage of its perennial, hallmark favourite – Velveeta Process Cheese Food…

Vintage Velveeta Cheese Ad - © Kraft Foods Inc.

Kraft Foods Inc. announced earlier this week that North American stores are expected to run out of Velveeta by the weekend and that supplies may not be replenished until sometime next week – or even later.

It’s not the end of the world. Although some devotees of Kraft’s iconic Process Cheese Food may think so. It’s just the end of supplies of Velveeta until sometime next week, in most supermarkets and convenience stores. Whatever will millions of North Americans put on their Nachos during the weekend NFL Playoff games???

Look for the house brands…

Other brands of Processed Cheese Food slices are also readily available in most supermarkets and corner stores. All of these products melt like a charm. Some flavour and texture differences exist between products, though.

Try something else Cheesy…

There are other process cheese products, including Kraft’s own Cheese Whiz, which can stand in for Velveeta in a pinch.

Never forget good old Cheezies cheese puffs or cheese-flavoured chips. Or try cheese-flavoured popcorn – marginally more healthful than the oil-showered puffs or the deep-fried chips. And those are just some of the readily-available cold snacks which boast the power to quench a cheese craving…

Some like it hot…

The first hot treat that comes to mind is good old Kraft Dinner. You could make up the KD sauce by itself, without the macaroni, and pour that cheesy goo over corn chips or even fries.

Use REAL cheese…

Yes! As a last resort, you could even try using real cheese, like Monterrey Jack, Mild Cheddar, Fontina, Brick or Colby – all of which melt nicely. These cost a little more and need a little more attention in the microwave or under the broiler, but you may well discover they’re worth the expense and effort!

~ Maggie J.