When it comes to food, the perfect combination of taste and health is a true culinary masterpiece. While cheese might not immediately come to mind as a healthy choice, prepare to be pleasantly surprised. While certain varieties may be laden with saturated fat, cheese can actually be a valuable source of nutrients when obtained from the right producers.
Mass-produced commercial cheeses, with their excessive processing, may be easier on your wallet but come at a cost to your well-being. According to Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, author of The First Time Mom's Pregnancy Cookbook and Fueling Male Fertility, "More highly processed cheeses can be made with many more ingredients, including artificial ones. Choosing lower-quality cheese means you may not be getting as many nutrients per bite." Cheeses with additives and fillers lack the nutritional richness of 100% natural cheese. Additionally, the synthetic growth hormones often found in such products have been associated with an increased risk of cancer. By opting for cheeses derived from organic ingredients sourced from healthy animals, like your beloved feta, you can fully embrace the benefits of protein, calcium, and various vitamins and minerals that cheese has to offer.
For instance, dairy products from grass-fed cows, as noted by health-conscious grocer chain Natural Grocers, contain higher levels of vitamins B2, B12, A, and D, along with a greater proportion of omega-3 fats, known for their brain-boosting properties.
Now, how can you ensure you make the right cheese choices during your grocery shopping? Kathleen Serino, the national manager of core curriculum at Murray's Cheese, a specialty retailer based in New York City, shares some expert advice on deciphering dairy labels:
- The greener pastures: "Terms such as 'grass-based,' 'grass-fed,' or 'pasture raised' are strong indicators that the cheese will possess exceptional and distinctive flavors and aromas," she says. "With grass-based milk, we find a higher presence of beneficial naturally occurring microbes, which is better for both us and the animals!"
- Freshness prevails: "Another label term to look for is 'farmstead,' which signifies that the cheese is produced on the same property where the animals are raised and milked. This means the fresh and delicate milk travels only a short distance to be transformed into delicious cheese."
To ensure you savor the finest offerings for your next cheeseboard, the experts have meticulously curated this list of exceptional brands renowned for their unwavering commitment to quality. Embrace these options and elevate your cheese experience to new heights.
1) Sartori
Hailing from Wisconsin with Italian heritage, Sartori is a renowned cheesemaker that collaborates with local, sustainable partner dairies. Their cow's milk cheeses are crafted by a team of certified Master Cheesemakers, resulting in artisan cheddars and Italian-inspired varieties. Sartori's proprietary blends of starters and cultures lend their cheeses unique flavors. Notably, their BellaVitano cheese, introduced in 2008, offers a delectable blend of Parmesan-like beginnings with hints of melted butter.
2) Organic Valley
Organic Valley, based in Wisconsin, is dedicated to offering wholesome cheese options. They source sustainably produced, pasture-raised milk from local farmers who prioritize avoiding toxic pesticides, GMOs, synthetic hormones, and antibiotics. The brand's commitment to small organic family farms ensures superb cheese quality. Organic Valley cheeses can be found in various forms, including blocks, shredded, sliced, and whole, in natural grocery stores.
3) Cypress Grove
For those seeking a change from cow's milk-based cheeses, Cypress Grove offers exquisite goat cheese options. Goat milk provides a softer texture and brings a distinct nutritional profile, including vitamin B2, copper, and selenium. Cypress Grove crafts their cheeses with quality ingredients and intriguing additions, such as lavender. The creamery's goats enjoy access to pasture, a balanced diet of alfalfa and Timothy hay, and are free from hormones and detectable antibiotics. Look for Cypress Grove cheeses at retailers like Whole Foods Market and Mariano's.
4) Kerrygold
Famous for their rich Irish butter, Kerrygold also boasts an impressive range of cheeses. Made from milk sourced from grass-fed cows, Kerrygold's cheeses are free from artificial ingredients. The brand upholds high standards for animal welfare and milk quality, partnering with local cooperatives. The cows graze on Ireland's lush green pastures for most of the year, resulting in exceptional cheeses. Kerrygold's Aged Cheddar is particularly noteworthy. Explore Kerrygold's cheese offerings in grocery stores.
5) Uplands Cheese
Quality surpasses quantity at Uplands Cheese in Pleasant Ridge, Wisconsin. This farmstead creamery produces two seasonal cheeses made from grass-based milk. The award-winning Pleasant Ridge Reserve is available from May to October, while Rush Creek Reserve is a seasonal delight in the autumn. These limited production cheeses can be found at select cheese shops nationwide.
6) Beehive Cheese
Operating as a small creamery, Beehive Cheese sources local milk from a nearby dairy that practices year-round pasture feeding and follows sustainable farming methods. Beehive Cheese stands out by incorporating non-traditional elements into their cheese, resulting in exciting flavors like lavender, coffee, or Earl Grey tea. Look for their cheeses, such as Barely Buzzed and Promontory, at Whole Foods and Trader Joe's.
7) Horizon Organic
While Horizon Organic is primarily known for its milk products, they offer a high-quality cheese option. Their mozzarella string cheese is certified organic, made from milk sourced exclusively from cows that follow an all-organic, non-GMO diet. These cows are not treated with antibiotics or added growth hormones. Horizon Organic is a certified B Corporation, reflecting their commitment to environmentally-conscious practices.
8) BelGioioso
BelGioioso is a widely recognized Italian-inspired cheese brand available in supermarkets across the United States. Using Wisconsin milk, they create delicious cheeses like fresh Mozzarella and nutty Parmesan. While not organic, BelGioioso prioritizes hormone- and antibiotic-free ingredients, resulting in cheeses that cater to health-conscious consumers.
9) Murray's Private Label
Murray's Cheese, a renowned establishment based in New York City, offers their own private label cheeses known for exceptional quality and respect for the land and animals. Their lineup includes aged Manchego, cave-aged Gruyere, and Parmigiano Reggiano, all crafted according to ancient recipes. These exceptional cheeses can be found at over 1,000 Murray's Cheese Shop locations, including select Kroger stores.
10) Simple Truth
Simple Truth, a private label from Kroger, offers great-tasting cheese made with natural ingredients at an affordable price point. Simple Truth provides a wide range of prepared cheeses, including Parmesan, Colby Jack, Cheddar, Mozzarella, and Pepper Jack. Their certified organic options are produced by certified organic growers and handlers, ensuring high quality and deliciousness.
11) Applegate Organics
Applegate Organics offers a selection of popular sliced cheeses, including American, Mild Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Muenster, and Provolone. Made from pasture-raised cows on independent farms in the Midwest, these cheeses are free from antibiotics, growth hormones, and artificial ingredients. Look for Applegate's organic cheese line in stores nationwide.
Indulge in these exceptional cheese brands, each offering unique flavors, quality ingredients, and a commitment to delivering a wholesome cheese experience.