Cheese Storage: Merkts Cheese's Longevity And Freshness Tips

Merkts Cheese Spread is a spreadable, dippable, and meltable cheese product that has been a Wisconsin tradition since 1950. The brand offers a range of cheese spreads, including Sharp Cheddar, Port Wine, and Almond Swiss, that can be used in various recipes, such as smash burgers, chilaquiles, grilled cheese sandwiches, and more. With its bold flavours and versatility, Merkts Cheese Spread has become a consumer staple, especially in the Upper Midwest. However, the brand faced challenges due to increased competition and the need to modernise its packaging to attract new consumers while retaining the loyalty of older generations. In 2021, Merkts unveiled new packaging, which contributed to a significant increase in sales and distribution.

Merkts Cheese Spread's shelf life

Merkts Cheese Spread is a spreadable, dippable, meltable, and snackable cheese product that has been a Wisconsin tradition since 1950. It is available in four flavors: Sharp Cheddar, Port Wine, Almond Swiss, and Beer Cheese. The shelf life of an opened container of Merkts Cheese Spread is about 5-6 weeks if stored in the refrigerator. An unopened container of Merkts Cheese Spread will last about 3-4 months past the printed date if stored in the refrigerator.

The shelf life of Merkts Cheese Spread depends on various factors such as the production date, the best-before date, the method of storage, and the type of cheese spread. The different types of Merkts Cheese Spreads have varying shelf lives due to their distinct ingredients. For example, the Sharp Cheddar Cheese Spread, the first-ever Merkts Cheese Spread, is made with real Wisconsin cheddar cheese, water, reduced-lactose whey, butter, deproteinized whey, and sorbic acid as a preservative. On the other hand, the Port Wine Cheese Spread is made with real port wine and Wisconsin cheddar, along with similar ingredients to the Sharp Cheddar variety. The addition of port wine may affect the shelf life of this variety.

To maximize the shelf life of Merkts Cheese Spread, it is recommended to keep the original container sealed until use. Once opened, the cheese spread should be stored in a sealed container to prevent air exposure, which can cause the cheese to dry out or spoil. It is also important to keep the cheese spread refrigerated at all times, as it is perishable and will spoil if left at room temperature for extended periods.

It is worth noting that the shelf life of Merkts Cheese Spread is also dependent on the quality of the product. The quality of the cheese spread can be affected by factors such as temperature fluctuations, exposure to light, and humidity levels. Therefore, it is essential to follow proper storage guidelines to ensure the cheese spread stays fresh and safe to consume for as long as possible.

Merkts Cheese Spread's ingredients

Merkts Cheese Spread is a versatile, spreadable, dippable, meltable, and snackable cheese that has been a Wisconsin tradition since 1950. Merkts offers four flavorful and unforgettable varieties of cheese spreads, including the following:

Merkts Sharp Cheddar Cheese Spread

The original Merkts cheese spread, made with real Wisconsin cheddar cheese, has a strong, bold flavor. Its ingredients include:

• Cheddar Cheese (Cultured Pasteurized Milk, Salt, Enzymes)
• Water
• Reduced Lactose Whey
• Butter (Cream, Salt)
• Deproteinized Whey
• Sorbic Acid (Preservative)
• Annatto (Color)

Merkts Port Wine Cheese Spread

This cheese spread is made with real port wine and Wisconsin cheddar, giving it a hearty and robust flavor. It includes the following ingredients:

• Cheddar Cheese (Cultured Pasteurized Milk, Salt, Enzymes)
• Water
• Reduced Lactose Whey
• Butter (Cream, Salt)
• Deproteinized Whey
• Port Wine
• Color (Beet Juice Concentrate, Carmine, Beta Carotene, Red 40, Blue 2, Annatto Extract)
• Sorbic Acid (Preservative)
• Salt

Merkts Almond Swiss Cheese Spread

A smooth and creamy cheese spread made with real Swiss cheese, Wisconsin cheddar, and almonds. Its ingredients include:

• Swiss Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes)
• Water
• Butter (Cream, Salt)
• Reduced Lactose Whey
• Deproteinized Whey
• Cheddar Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cultures, Salt, Enzymes)
• Almond
• Salt
• Sorbic Acid (Preservative)

Merkts Beer Cheese Spread

A creamy cheese spread made with real beer and Wisconsin cheddar, with a hint of hoppy flavor. Its ingredients are:

• Cheddar Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cultures, Salt, Enzymes)
• Water
• Beer
• Reduced Lactose Whey
• Butter (Cream, Salt)
• Deproteinized Whey
• Sorbic Acid (Preservative)
• Xanthan Gum
• Salt
• Carotenal (Color)

Merkts Cheese Spread's recipes

Merkts Cheese has been a Wisconsin tradition since 1950. It is a spreadable, dippable, meltable, and snackable cheese that can be used as a secret ingredient to elevate any dish. Here are some recipes that use Merkts Cheese:

• Merkts Homemade Smash Burgers: Pile on the melted Merkts cheese to add a delicious twist to your classic homemade burger.
• Soft Pretzel Charcuterie Board: Perfect for casual get-togethers like tailgates and Oktoberfest parties, this charcuterie board is a snack lover's dream.
• Merkts Chilaquiles with Salsa Roja: A bold and flavorful twist on a traditional favorite, this recipe combines the classic Mexican dish with Merkts cheese for an indulgent experience.
• The Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich: This simple yet indulgent classic is perfect for a quick lunch or satisfying snack. The melted Merkts cheese takes this sandwich to the next level.
• Merkts Broccoli Pasta Bake: A creamy and cheesy baked ziti dish that is rich in flavor and comfort. It is perfect for a cozy dinner or gathering with friends and family.
• Cheesy Dessert with Blueberry Compote: A unique and delightful combination that is surprisingly easy to make and is sure to impress your guests.
• Drunken Beer Potatoes: Indulge in the perfect combination of Merkts Beer Spread Cheese and seasoned potatoes for a dreamy side dish or snack.
• Drunken Monkey Bread: Warm, gooey, and full of flavor, this boozy take on monkey bread makes for an irresistible appetizer or brunch option.

Merkts Cheese offers a range of flavors, including Sharp Cheddar, Port Wine, Almond Swiss, and Beer Cheese. Each variety pairs well with different recipes, adding its unique character and taste to the dish.

Merkts Cheese Spread's history

Merkts Cheese Spread has been a Wisconsin tradition since 1950. The story of Merkts Cheese begins with Fred Merkt, who recruited his seven sons to sell homemade sausage and cheese in the Wisconsin countryside around the Hartford area. Out of all the brothers, George Merkt was particularly fond of the cheese business. He sold sausage and cheese door-to-door and farmhouse-to-farmhouse, wearing his signature striped bib overalls. It was during one of these deliveries that he met his future wife, Carol.

After their marriage, George and Carol opened their first business together, Merkt's Homemade Sausage. While George continued his farm route, Carol managed the store, selling cheese, sausage, candies, and ice cream. The business moved to a second location, and later to a third location on Highway 41, where they opened a dining area to serve sandwiches with their products.

However, the business faced challenges, and George and Carol lost it all. Undeterred, George rented the basement of a locker plant in Bristol, and with the help of his brother Norbert, they resumed making and selling sausage. In a new brick building in Salem, George developed the Old Salem Butter Churn Cheese Spread, a preservative-free cheese spread. The product averaged 5,000 pounds of cheese produced per week, all due to word of mouth and samples handed out at local and state fairs.

George wanted to expand the business, so he painted "Truck Number One" on one side of his delivery truck and "Truck Number Two" on the other side to give the impression that the business had multiple trucks. Sadly, George passed away on December 5, 1971, but his wife Carol was determined to continue his legacy. Despite the challenges of being a female entrepreneur at the time, Carol persevered, attending conferences and securing deals to ensure the company's success.

The company expanded its plant, added a truck dock, and updated the reception area with an oil portrait of George. The Old Salem Butter Churn Cheese Spread was rebranded with a new registered tradename: Bristol Club. The company continued to grow, producing 60,000 pounds of cheese per month, with each production selling out.

In 1979, Carol sold her remaining shares to George's nephew, Tom Merkt, who had been making cheese with his uncle since he was eight years old. Carol remained on the Board, offering advice when needed. In 1981, Carol broke ground on a $4.5 million expansion, increasing their working space and packaging lines.

In April 2002, the company joined forces with Bel Brands, a fine cheesemaking company with a history dating back to 1865. Today, Merkts Cheese Spread is still made with real Wisconsin Cheese and is produced in Little Chute, Wisconsin. The tradition of enjoying Merkts' flavorful, spreadable cheeses at BBQs, gatherings, and tailgates continues.

Merkts Cheese Spread's packaging redesign

Merkts Cheese Spreads have been a consumer staple since 1950, especially in the Upper Midwest. The brand has a loyal consumer base, and its cheese spreads are a tradition at barbecues, tailgates, and picnics. However, in recent years, Merkts has faced challenges due to increased competition and needed a packaging redesign to stand out on shelves.

The goal of the redesign was to attract a new generation of consumers while maintaining the loyalty of older ones. The product itself would remain unchanged, with its spreadable, dippable, and meltable qualities. The new packaging needed to be modern, approachable, and honest, reflecting the brand's history and traditions.

The design team, including brand managers, designers, and graphic artists, considered various concepts, including a fully retrospective vibe and modern twists. They also had to ensure the design would work with different materials and not be too thin, causing ink to bleed. The final design, "Stand Out," was chosen by consumers for its modern, approachable, and honest design elements.

The new packaging began appearing on store shelves in March 2021, and Merkts saw a significant increase in dollar and volume sales, as well as distribution and unit velocity. The redesign successfully attracted new consumers while retaining loyal buyers, confirming the brand team's collaborative and strategic approach.

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