Andy Montoya
Feta cheese is a Greek brined white cheese made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat milk. It is a soft, crumbly cheese with a tangy and salty flavor. Feta is used in various dishes, including salads, pastries, and sandwiches, and is a popular ingredient in Greek cuisine. In recent years, the price of feta cheese has fluctuated, with some reports of it being overpriced in supermarkets compared to specialty stores. In 2023, dairy prices, including those for milk and whey, were predicted to rise by 5-7%, impacting the production costs of feta cheese and potentially leading to higher retail prices. However, it's important to note that prices can vary depending on factors such as geographical location, shipping costs, brand, and quality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Feta cheese price increase | Between 5% and 10% in 2023 |
| Reason for price increase | Inflation, higher milk and whey expenses, feed, fuel, labour, and packaging costs |
| Factors that could influence pricing | Supply chain disruptions, adverse weather, disease outbreaks in dairy herds, and consumer demand |
| Feta cheese price in 2022 | 15-20% increase |
| Feta cheese price range | $5 to $12 per pound, with organic feta costing more |
| Factors influencing price | Amount purchased, geographical location, shipping cost, brand, and quality |
| Price comparison | Turkish grocers offer larger quantities at similar prices to supermarkets |
| Online purchasing | Amazon offers Greek feta cheese ranging from $29.98 to free delivery |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Feta cheese price increase in 2023
Feta cheese is a soft, creamy, nutrient-rich cheese that originated in Greece and is traditionally made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. It is a popular ingredient in Greek salads and pastries, such as spanakopita and tyropita. Feta is a versatile cheese that can be used in sandwiches, omelettes, and various other dishes.
In recent years, the price of feta cheese has fluctuated, and there have been concerns about price increases in 2023. According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), dairy prices, including those of feta cheese, were predicted to rise by 5-7% in 2023 due to increased costs for feed, fuel, labour, and packaging. This would result in higher production costs for feta cheese manufacturers and importers, which would likely be passed on to consumers through higher retail prices.
The impact of inflation is also expected to contribute to the increase in feta cheese prices. While the price increase in 2023 may not match the spikes seen in 2022, consumers can still expect to pay more for this popular cheese. Retail prices for conventional feta cheese are estimated to reach $8-9 per pound, while organic feta cheese prices may climb to $11-12 per pound.
However, it is important to note that feta cheese prices can vary depending on several factors, including the quantity purchased, geographical location, shipping costs, brand, and quality. For example, Parthenon Foods offers a 2-pound block of deli-fresh feta cheese for $9 to $12, while online retailers like Amazon offer a range of feta cheese products with varying prices. Additionally, some consumers have suggested that purchasing feta cheese from specialty grocers, such as Turkish or Middle Eastern stores, can result in better prices and larger quantities compared to typical Western supermarkets.
While the price of feta cheese may have increased in 2023, it remains a popular and versatile ingredient for many dishes. Consumers can explore different purchasing options and take advantage of price variations to find the best value for their needs.
Feta Cheese and Kosher: What's the Verdict?
You may want to see also
Feta cheese pricing trends from 2018-2023
Feta cheese is a soft, creamy, nutrient-rich cheese that originated in Greece and is traditionally made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. It has a tangy, salty flavor and a delicate texture with a compact feel and minimal cuts. The price of feta cheese has been influenced by various factors over the years, and here is an overview of the pricing trends from 2018 to 2023.
2018-2020:
During this period, the pricing of feta cheese was influenced by factors such as production costs, retail pricing, and consumer demand. In 2020, sources indicated that purchasing feta cheese from specialty stores, such as Turkish grocers, could offer larger quantities at similar prices to those found in typical supermarkets. This suggests that pricing and quantity options varied across different retailers.
2021-2022:
The impact of the pandemic on dairy prices and inflation likely contributed to significant spikes in feta cheese prices during this period. Supply chain disruptions, adverse weather conditions, and disease outbreaks in dairy herds were also factors that influenced pricing. These issues affected the availability and cost of feta cheese, with inflationary pressures resulting in retail price increases.
2023:
Inflation continued to impact feta cheese prices in 2023, although the increases were expected to be less severe compared to 2022. Dairy price forecasts by the USDA predicted a rise of 5-7% in 2023, influenced by persistent high costs in feed, fuel, labor, and packaging. Feta cheese prices were projected to increase by around 5-10% in 2023, with conventional feta prices potentially rising by 73% from 2018 levels. Organic feta prices were also estimated to increase by 31% over the same period.
The pricing of feta cheese during this period was also influenced by factors such as brand, quality, and quantity purchased. At local farmer's markets, fresh feta cheese prices ranged from $6 to $12 per pound, while grocery shops offered 8-ounce containers at prices ranging from $7 to $15, depending on brand and quality.
Feta Cheese: Is It Soft or Hard?
You may want to see also
Feta cheese prices in local grocery stores
Feta cheese prices vary across local grocery stores. Some customers have reported that feta cheese is cheaper at their local Turkish or Arabic markets than at mainstream supermarkets. For example, one customer reported finding feta cheese for under $2 per pound at their local Arabic market in Michigan, while another customer reported finding 1.5 kg tins of feta cheese at a Turkish grocer for the same price as smaller packets in Western supermarkets. Similarly, a customer from Chicago reported that feta cheese at their local international markets was cheaper and better quality than at Costco. However, another customer from Michigan disagreed, stating that while Costco feta cheese was expensive, it was still cheaper than what they had found at Sam's Club.
Online retailers, such as Amazon and Walmart, also offer feta cheese at varying prices. Amazon offers a range of feta cheese products, including domestic Greek feta cheese, Bulgarian feta cheese, and barrel-aged Greek feta cheese, with prices varying based on product size and customer reviews. Walmart, on the other hand, offers DeLallo Greek Feta Salad, a product that includes feta cheese, with the price available upon adding the item to the cart.
Some customers have expressed concerns about the quality and taste of feta cheese purchased online. One customer mentioned that while the feta cheese they purchased on Amazon was in good condition due to being packed in brine, they found the taste to be milder and softer than expected. Another customer praised the consistency and taste of the feta cheese they purchased on Amazon, stating that it was sharp and on the firmer side with a complex flavor.
Local grocery stores, such as Star Market, also offer feta cheese, with the option to shop online or in-store. However, specific prices for feta cheese at Star Market were not readily available.
Creative Ways to Use Feta Cheese
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Feta cheese prices online
Feta cheese is available from a variety of online retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, and Wilson's Cheese Shoppe. Prices vary depending on the amount of cheese and the brand.
Amazon offers a range of feta cheese products, including domestic Greek feta cheese, which is available in approximately 2-pound packages. Customers have given positive reviews for the taste and texture of this product, with some mentioning that it has a complex flavor with the right amount of saltiness and sourness. The price of this product is not immediately visible, but it appears to be reasonable according to customer reviews.
Another option available on Amazon is the Bulgarian feta cheese, which is also available in approximately 1-pound packages. The price of this product is also not immediately visible, but it may vary based on product size and other options.
Walmart also offers feta cheese, but the pricing information is not readily available on their website. Similarly, Wilson's Cheese Shoppe sells 1-pound packages of feta cheese, but the price is not provided.
Online prices for feta cheese can vary, and it may be worth considering purchasing from physical stores, such as Turkish grocers, which some customers have found to offer larger quantities of feta cheese at comparable or lower prices than Western supermarkets. However, the availability and convenience of online options may still make them a preferable choice for some consumers.
Rinsing Feta Cheese: Do's and Don'ts
You may want to see also
Feta cheese prices in the US
Online retailers, such as Amazon, offer a range of feta cheese options, including domestic and Greek varieties, with prices varying based on product size and brand. For example, the price of a 2-pound package of Greek feta cheese on Amazon is $29.98, with free delivery offered on certain dates. Consumers have also noted that while the taste and texture of feta cheese from Amazon are satisfactory, the packaging could be improved.
Walmart also offers feta cheese through its online store, although specific prices are not readily available.
It is worth noting that some consumers have expressed concerns about the shipping costs associated with purchasing feta cheese online, suggesting that buying directly from the supplier may result in lower shipping fees.
Feta Cheese and Rennet: What's the Connection?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese prices rose due to increased dairy prices, specifically a rise in feed, fuel, labour, and packaging costs.
Feta cheese prices increased by 5-10% in 2023, with retail prices approaching $8-9 per pound for conventional feta and $11-12 per pound for organic feta.
Feta cheese can be purchased at various retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, and local grocery stores. Prices vary depending on the quantity purchased, brand, and quality. Turkish grocers may offer larger quantities of feta cheese at competitive prices.
The price of feta cheese is influenced by several factors, including the quantity purchased, geographical location, shipping cost, brand, and quality. Organic feta cheese also tends to be more expensive than conventional feta cheese.
