People are not literally born with a deep, primal need specifically for savory white cheddar cheese; this claim is mainly a marketing slogan used by brands like Smartfood popcorn. However, there is an element of truth in that humans do have evolutionary cravings for high-fat, umami-rich foods, which cheese—including white cheddar—provides. From an evolutionary perspective, our ancestors sought out high-energy, fatty foods to survive, and cheese is rich in umami, the savory "fifth taste," which triggers pleasure centers in the brain similar to sugar or salt. While this doesn't translate to an innate craving for white cheddar specifically, the human brain is wired to enjoy the umami flavor profile that aged cheeses deliver. So, the "primal need" is more about an inherited preference for fatty, savory flavors rather than a literal built-in desire for white cheddar cheese itself.
Additionally, cheese consumption has influenced human evolution to some extent; anthropologists have found that diets including dairy products have contributed to changes in the human skull and chewing muscles over time as farming and cheese-making became common. This suggests humans have adapted to enjoy and process cheese, reinforcing the biological attraction to such foods.
In summary, the idea that everyone is born with a craving for savory white cheddar is a fun exaggeration, but our liking for savory, fatty, umami-rich foods including cheese does have some evolutionary basis.
