Randy Chandler
Goat cheese packaging in the US is often in the form of vacuum-sealed tubes or rounds, a circular formation. Companies like Capriole, a beloved goat cheese company out of Indiana, use plastic packaging to ensure their product has a longer shelf life and can be safely shipped. However, some customers have complained about the difficulty of opening and resealing goat cheese packaging. Vermont Creamery, the most popular brand of goat cheese in the US, sells their cheese in logs, which can be frozen to create cleaner crumbles and rounder medallions. The company was founded in 1984 by Allison Hooper and Bob Reese, who had returned from a cheesemaking internship in France.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shape | Tubes, rounds, logs |
| Seal | Vacuum-sealed |
| Material | Plastic |
| Resealable | No |
| Best Before Date | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Vacuum-sealed, see-through tubes
The vacuum-sealed tubes are a practical choice for goat cheese as they help to extend the shelf life of the product. Goat cheese has a shorter shelf life than other cheeses due to its delicate flavor, so effective packaging is essential to maintaining freshness. The airtight seal prevents the cheese from drying out and protects it from external contaminants.
However, this type of packaging is not without its challenges. Some consumers find vacuum-sealed tubes difficult to open and struggle with the lack of a resealable option. This can lead to frustration and inconvenience, especially if the cheese is intended for multiple uses.
To address this issue, some companies, such as Capriole, have experimented with different shapes, including "rounds," which are circular formations. These alternatives are easier to open and provide a more user-friendly experience. However, Capriole ultimately reverted to the tube shape due to customer preference. Consumers often associate the tube shape with convenience and versatility, as it allows for slicing the cheese into medallions to create a visually appealing cheese plate.
Despite the minor inconveniences, vacuum-sealed, see-through tubes remain a prevalent choice for packaging goat cheese in the United States, balancing the need for product freshness and consumer preferences.
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Plastic packaging
Vacuum-sealed plastic packaging is widely used by American cheese manufacturers, including Vermont Creamery and Capriole, to package their goat cheese products. This type of packaging creates an airtight seal that extends the shelf life of the cheese by preventing spoilage and moisture loss. It also helps to maintain the texture and flavour of the cheese by creating a controlled environment with reduced oxygen levels.
The plastic tubes used for goat cheese packaging are typically smooth, vacuum-sealed, and see-through. They are designed to be sturdy enough to protect the cheese during transport and storage while also being flexible enough to be easily stored. The plastic used for these tubes is often a thin, flexible material that can be peeled or cut open. However, some consumers have expressed frustration with the difficulty of opening these packages, sometimes resorting to cutting them with a knife or using other creative methods to extract the cheese without contaminating it with plastic.
While plastic packaging has its advantages, there are also some drawbacks. One of the main concerns is the environmental impact of plastic waste. Plastic packaging is not easily recyclable or biodegradable, contributing to landfill waste. Additionally, some cheese connoisseurs and manufacturers, such as Schad of Capriole, express dislike for plastic packaging due to its negative impact on the cheese's quality. Plastic wrap is criticised for inviting unwanted mould and "suffocating" the cheese, degrading its flavour and texture over time.
Despite the criticisms, plastic packaging remains a prevalent choice for goat cheese manufacturers in the United States. It offers a practical solution for preserving and transporting cheese while ensuring it reaches consumers in its intended form. However, with growing environmental concerns and a demand for sustainable alternatives, the cheese packaging industry is gradually exploring more eco-friendly options, such as compostable films and paper packaging.
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Flavored goat cheese
Goat cheese is a versatile product that lends itself well to flavour experimentation. Its mild, fresh flavour means that it can be paired with a variety of toppings and flavour combinations. For example, toasted walnuts and honey, lemon zest and cracked pepper, or strawberry rosemary sea salt.
Flavoured goat cheese is a growing market, with large domestic goat cheese producers like Laura Chenel, Montchèvre, and Vermont Creamery increasing their selection of flavoured goat logs in recent years. The demand for goat cheese is also increasing, spurred in part by claims that it is healthier and easier to digest than cow's milk cheese.
The versatility of goat cheese means that it can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and pasta to burgers and lamb dishes. It can also be used as a spread on toast or crackers, or as part of a cheese board or charcuterie plate.
When it comes to packaging, goat cheese is often sold in tubes, which are vacuum-sealed and see-through. These tubes are popular with customers, as they allow the cheese to be cut into medallions and placed on a cheese plate. However, this type of packaging can be difficult to open and does not always reseal well.
Some smaller manufacturers, like Capriole, prefer to use "rounds" instead of tubes, as they are easier to open. However, they have had to adapt to customer demand for the tube shape.
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Packaging for shipping
Packaging goat cheese for shipping is a delicate process that requires careful attention to detail to ensure the product's quality and safety. Here are some essential instructions for packaging goat cheese for shipping:
Packaging Materials:
Select suitable packaging materials that will protect the goat cheese during transit. Choose sturdy boxes that can withstand stacking and handling. Use cardboard boxes that are in good condition, with no tears or punctures. Ensure you have enough boxes to accommodate the quantity of cheese being shipped.
Temperature Control:
Maintain proper shipping and storage temperatures to preserve the quality and safety of the goat cheese. According to federal guidelines, most cheeses should be stored and shipped at a temperature of 35° F (2° C). Use cooling elements such as gel packs or ice packs to achieve and maintain the desired temperature. Place the ice packs on top of the cheese to cool the softer cheeses and allow for better air circulation within the package. Consider the added weight and size of coolants and plan for the associated costs.
Packing the Cheese:
Follow a strategic order when packing the boxes to ensure the cheese's safety and maintain its texture and taste. The American Cheese Society recommends the following layering sequence: box, liner, crinkle, cheese, crinkle, cheese, crinkle, and then ice packs. Place harder cheeses at the bottom and softer cheeses on top. This arrangement helps keep the softer cheeses cooler and ensures optimal airflow.
Sealing and Labelling:
Seal the boxes securely to prevent unwanted airflow and potential contamination. Use tape to close the boxes tightly, ensuring all openings are covered. Label the packages clearly with markings such as perishable or refrigerate upon arrival to indicate the need for immediate refrigeration at the destination. This will help recipients understand the importance of proper storage upon receipt.
Shipping Considerations:
Choose a reliable shipping carrier that can provide temperature-controlled transportation. Opt for expedited shipping options, such as overnight delivery, to minimise the time the cheese is in transit and reduce the risk of temperature abuse. Consider the season and weather conditions when planning your shipping dates, as certain times of the year may be less favourable for shipping perishable foods.
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Packaging for retail
Goat cheese is usually packaged in a log shape, either in a tube or circular container. The cheese is vacuum-sealed in smooth, see-through plastic wrapping. This type of packaging is necessary to ship the cheese and give it a longer shelf life. However, it can be hard to open and does not reseal, which can be frustrating for customers.
Goat cheese producers must balance the need for packaging that extends the product's shelf life with consumer preferences for packaging that is easy to open and reseal. Plastic packaging is often used to ship goat cheese and give it a longer shelf life, but some consumers dislike it because it is not environmentally friendly.
To address this issue, some companies, such as Capriole, a smaller manufacturer, have explored alternative packaging options, such as rounds, which are circular formations rather than tubes. However, they found that customers preferred the tube kind because it is easier to cut into medallions and fits the shape that consumers are used to.
For retail, it is important to consider the packaging format that will be most appealing to customers while also maintaining the freshness and quality of the product. Vacuum-sealed plastic wrapping is commonly used in grocery stores because it keeps the cheese fresh for at least two months if unopened. Once opened, the cheese should be removed from the original packaging and stored in a lidded plastic or glass container in the refrigerator.
Additionally, the packaging should include a “Best By” date, indicating when the cheese is at its peak flavor and quality. Proper storage instructions should also be provided to ensure consumers can enjoy the product at its best.
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Frequently asked questions
Goat cheese is packaged in tubes to extend its shelf life. The air-tight containers prevent mould from forming on the cheese.
Goat cheese should be stored in its original packaging until opened. Once opened, the cheese should be correctly resealed to prevent it from losing its freshness, flavour, and texture.
Goat cheese comes with a "Best By" date on its packaging. This date indicates how long the product will be at its peak flavour and quality. The cheese can still be consumed after this date, but it may not meet freshness standards.
Fresh goat cheese can be served straight from the fridge, whereas aged goat cheese should be left to come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving.
