The Making Of Cracker Barrel Cheese: A Step-By-Step Guide

Cracker Barrel cheese was introduced in 1954 by Kraft. The brand was born from a love for quality cheese and a passion for cheddar-making heritage. The name comes from the 19th-century practice of general store customers gathering around cracker barrels full of soda crackers to chat. Cracker Barrel cheese was designed to fit perfectly on a cracker and is now available in more than 17 varieties, including blocks, shreds, slices, and snacks. In 2018, Kraft sold its century-old Canadian cheese business, which included Cracker Barrel, to Parmalat in a $1.62 billion deal.

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Kraft's sale of the Cracker Barrel brand

In 2013, Kraft Foods sued Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores to block them from selling branded products in grocery stores. Kraft had been selling cheese products under the brand name Cracker Barrel in grocery stores since 1954, and argued that the restaurant chain's expansion into supermarkets would infringe on its trademark. The lawsuit claimed that the move would:

> "threaten to destroy the substantial goodwill that Kraft has created in its Cracker Barrel trademark, and to create significant confusion and cannot be permitted."

However, in 2018, Kraft announced it would sell its century-old Canadian cheese business, which included the Cracker Barrel brand, to Parmalat in a $1.62 billion deal. The sale was expected to close in the first half of 2019, with Kraft selling its production facility in Ingleside, Ontario, and transferring 400 employees to Parmalat. The deal would also see Kraft continue to own and market other cheese products, such as Philadelphia, Cheez Whiz, and Kraft Singles.

Kraft's decision to sell the brand came as it struggled with rising costs for raw materials and transportation, with the company aiming to use the proceeds from the deal to pay down its debts, which amounted to nearly $31 billion as of September 29, 2018.

Following the sale, Cracker Barrel-branded products are now sold in grocery stores under the name "CB Old Country Store" after a 2013 trademark infringement lawsuit brought by Kraft Foods.

The history of Cracker Barrel cheese

Cracker Barrel cheese was introduced in 1954 by Kraft. The brand was born out of a love for quality cheese and a passion for cheddar-making heritage and values. The name comes from the 19th-century practice of general store customers gathering around "cracker barrels" full of soda crackers to chat. While the general store cracker barrels are a thing of the past, the brand continues to be inspired by the sense of togetherness they fostered.

The brand has used the same proprietary heirloom starter cultures for over half a century and ages and grades its cheese multiple times through the cheese-making process. Only the finest cheese is wrapped in the brand’s iconic foil packaging, which protects the cheese from light oxidation and moisture changes.

Since its launch, the Cracker Barrel cheese selection has expanded to include blocks, shreds, slices, and snacks, with over 17 varieties designed to fit perfectly on a cracker. In 2018, Kraft sold its century-old Canadian cheese business, which included Cracker Barrel, to Parmalat in a $1.62 billion deal. The sale was expected to close in the first half of 2019.

In 2021, Lactalis Heritage Dairy acquired Kraft, and the logo on Cracker Barrel cheese was changed to a non-descript curlicue. The brand is now owned by Lactalis, which has been reinforcing its presence in the strategic market for cheese with high added value in Canada.

The variety of Cracker Barrel cheeses

Cracker Barrel cheese was introduced in 1954 by Kraft. The brand was born from a love for quality cheese and a passion for cheddar-making heritage and values. The name comes from the 19th-century practice of general store customers gathering around "cracker barrels" full of soda crackers to engage in conversation.

Some of the specific varieties of Cracker Barrel cheese include:

• Vermont Sharp: This variety is known for its strong, sharp flavor and is often sold in 8-ounce sticks. It has a firm texture and a bit of a snap to it.
• Extra Sharp Cheddar: A more intense and mature flavor for those who enjoy a stronger-tasting cheese.
• Shreds: Cracker Barrel also offers shredded cheese, which is convenient for melting and using in recipes.
• Snacks: In addition to blocks and slices, Cracker Barrel provides cheese snacks, such as cheese cubes or string cheese, for on-the-go convenience.

The brand has a rich history and continues to honor its origins. They use the same proprietary heirloom starter cultures that they have used for over half a century, ensuring consistency in the rich, full-flavored cheddar cheese they produce. The cheese is aged and graded multiple times during the cheese-making process, and only the finest cheese is wrapped in their iconic foil packaging, which protects the cheese from light oxidation and moisture changes.

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The process of making processed cheese

Cracker Barrel cheese is a processed cheese, which is made by blending natural cheese with other ingredients. The process of making processed cheese involves multiple steps to ensure consistency and quality.

Firstly, natural cheese is pasteurized, which involves heating the cheese to a high temperature to kill any harmful bacteria. This step ensures the safety of the product and increases its shelf life. The cheese is then emulsified, which means it is blended and mixed until a smooth, consistent texture is achieved. This step is crucial in creating a uniform product with no lumps or uneven textures.

During the blending process, various ingredients may be added to enhance the flavour and texture of the cheese. These ingredients can include powdered milk, whey, cream, butter, and water. The specific combination and quantities of these additives depend on the desired flavour profile and consistency of the final product. In the case of Cracker Barrel cheese, the blend is designed to create a rich and bold flavour that complements crackers.

After blending, the cheese mixture is then poured into moulds or shaped into blocks, shreds, or slices. This step determines the final form of the processed cheese. The cheese is then allowed to cool and set, after which it is packaged for distribution.

The packaging used for processed cheese, such as the iconic foil packaging of Cracker Barrel cheese, serves multiple purposes. It not only preserves the freshness of the cheese by protecting it from light oxidation and moisture changes but also enhances its presentation and makes it convenient for consumers.

By following these steps, manufacturers like Cracker Barrel can produce consistent, high-quality processed cheese that meets the expectations of consumers. The combination of natural cheese with carefully selected ingredients and strict processing standards results in a product that is designed to be versatile, convenient, and delicious.

Cracker Barrel's packaging

The packaging of Cracker Barrel cheese is an important part of the brand's identity and has become iconic over the years. The cheese is wrapped in foil packaging, which serves a functional purpose by protecting the cheese from light oxidation and moisture changes. This ensures the cheese remains fresh and of high quality, maintaining the brand's reputation for delicious, rich, and bold cheeses.

The foil packaging of Cracker Barrel cheese is instantly recognisable to consumers. Its distinct appearance sets it apart from other cheese brands and helps to convey a sense of quality and tradition. The packaging's design and colour scheme, which typically features a red, black, and white colour palette, with images of crackers and cheese, evokes a sense of warmth and comfort, reflecting the brand's Southern country theme.

While the exact materials and construction methods of the foil packaging are not publicly disclosed, it likely involves a multilayered structure. This structure could include a combination of thin aluminium foil, plastic, or other materials to provide strength, flexibility, and a barrier against moisture and oxygen. The packaging is carefully designed to preserve the cheese's freshness and flavour, ensuring that consumers receive a consistent and high-quality product with each purchase.

In addition to the functional and aesthetic aspects of the packaging, Cracker Barrel has also faced some challenges regarding branding and trademark infringement. In 2013, Kraft Foods, the original producer of Cracker Barrel cheese, filed a lawsuit against Smithfield Foods for selling meat products under the same name. This resulted in an injunction against the sale of Cracker Barrel-branded meat products.

Overall, the packaging of Cracker Barrel cheese plays a crucial role in delivering a consistent and high-quality product to consumers. By protecting the cheese from external factors and presenting it in a visually appealing way, the packaging contributes to the brand's success and longevity in the competitive cheese market.

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