
Cougar Gold is a celebrated white cheddar cheese made at Washington State University and sold in 30-ounce cans. The cheese is stored for a minimum of one year before being sold, and its texture changes with age, transforming from a creamy, firm cheese to one that is sharper and crumblier. Cougar Gold is primarily sold at Ferdinand’s Ice Cream Shoppe on the university campus, but it can also be purchased online and shipped. In the past, smaller cut portions of Cougar Gold cheese have been available at Murray’s Cheese inside the U Village QFC in Seattle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Semi-soft, white cheddar |
| Shape | Round |
| Texture | Smooth and firm; becomes sharp and crumbly with age |
| Flavour | Creamy, melt-in-the-mouth; becomes sharper with age |
| Minimum Ageing Period | 1 year |
| Weight | 30 oz |
| Price | $33 per can (plus shipping) |
| Speciality | Stored and sold in exclusive cans |
| Awards | Silver medal at the 2000 World Cheese Awards, gold medal at the 2006 World Cheese Awards, blue ribbon from the American Cheese Society in 1993 |
| Purchase | Order online, call, or fill out a printable order form |
| Address | WSU Creamery, P.O. Box 641122 Pullman, WA 99164-1122 |
| Customer Service | Available Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m – 4:30 p.m. PST |
| Other Flavours | Natural Cheddar, Smoky Cheddar, Viking, Dill Garlic |
| Storage | Store under refrigeration; short periods of transportation allowed |
| Shelf Life | Unopened cans last indefinitely |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Cougar Gold is available at Murray's Cheese in U Village QFC
Cougar Gold is a celebrated cheddar cheese made at Washington State University and sold in 30-ounce cans. It is one of the most popular cheeses, famous for its exclusive packaging and unique flavour. Cougar Gold is stored for a minimum of one year before being sold, and the cheese continues to age in the can. The longer it's aged, the more it's prized. The cheese is smooth and firm in texture with a creamy, melt-in-the-mouth flavour that becomes sharp, dry and crumbly with age.
Cougar Gold cheese has received many awards over the years, including a silver medal at the 2000 World Cheese Awards, a gold medal at the 2006 World Cheese Awards, and a blue ribbon from the American Cheese Society in 1993. The recipe for the canned cheese was developed in the 1940s, and it has since become a beloved product with a devoted fan base. Cougar Gold is primarily sold at Ferdinand's Ice Cream Shoppe on the university campus.
If you're looking to get your hands on some Cougar Gold in Seattle, you can find it at Murray's Cheese in U Village QFC. They offer smaller cut portions of the cheese, so you can indulge in this delicious treat without having to buy a full 30-ounce can. Murray's Cheese is a great option for those in Seattle who want to taste this celebrated cheese without having to travel too far.
In addition to purchasing Cougar Gold in stores, you can also order it online directly from the WSU Creamery. They offer convenient shipping options, and the cheese is priced at $33.00 per 30-ounce can. By ordering directly from the creamery, you can be sure you're getting the freshest and most authentic Cougar Gold cheese. So, whether you're in Seattle or anywhere else in the country, you have options for enjoying this delicious and award-winning cheese.
Best Minneapolis Cheese Curds: Top Spots
You may want to see also

Order online from the WSU Creamery website
Cougar Gold® is a world-famous, natural cheese produced at the Washington State University (WSU) Creamery in Pullman, Washington. It is a semi-soft, white cheddar with a round shape and no rind. Cougar Gold® is sold exclusively in 30-ounce cans and has a creamy, melt-in-the-mouth flavour that becomes sharp and crumbly with age. The WSU Creamery offers a variety of Cougar Cheeses, including Natural Cheddar, Smoky Cheddar, Viking, and Dill Garlic. The current price for a 30-ounce can of Cougar Gold® is $33.00 (plus shipping).
You can order Cougar Gold® cheese online directly from the WSU Creamery website. The website provides contact phone numbers (800-457-5442 or 509-335-4014) and hours of operation (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST, closed on university holidays). You can also request customer service assistance via email, with responses typically provided within one business day. Additionally, the website offers a printable order form that can be mailed to the WSU Creamery along with payment.
The WSU Creamery website provides detailed information about Cougar Gold® cheese, including its history, flavour profile, and storage instructions. The cheese is aged for at least one year before shipping and can continue to age in the can, developing a sharper and crumblier texture over time. Proper storage is essential, and the website advises storing the cheese under refrigeration to maintain its quality and prevent spoilage.
When ordering online, customers can expect to pay $33.00 per 30-ounce can of Cougar Gold®, plus shipping costs. The WSU Creamery occasionally offers limited releases or special flavours that may have a different price. It is worth noting that Cougar Gold® is also available for purchase at Ferdinand’s Ice Cream Shoppe on the Washington State University campus and select retailers in the Seattle area, such as Murray’s cheese inside the U Village QFC. However, ordering directly from the WSU Creamery website ensures access to the full range of Cougar Cheeses and convenient delivery to your home.
The Science Behind Cheese Skin Formation
You may want to see also

Call the WSU Creamery to place an order
If you're in Seattle and looking to get your hands on some Cougar Gold cheese, your best bet is to go straight to the source and call the WSU Creamery to place an order. Cougar Gold is a beloved cheese with a rich history, and the WSU Creamery is the original producer, located about 300 miles east of Seattle in Pullman, Washington.
The WSU Creamery has a few different contact numbers you can call to place your order: 800-457-5442 or 509-335-4014. These lines are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST, excluding university holidays. You can also reach out via email by clicking on the "request customer service assistance" link on their website. They aim to respond to online inquiries within one business day.
When you call the WSU Creamery, you'll be connecting with a piece of Washington State history. The recipe for Cougar Gold cheese was developed in the 1940s, and it has since become a celebrated and award-winning cheddar, famous for its exclusive 30-ounce cans. The cheese is aged for at least a year before being sold, and its texture and flavor continue to evolve with extended ageing, making it a unique and sought-after product.
Placing an order directly with the WSU Creamery ensures you receive the freshest Cougar Gold cheese, and your purchase will directly support student employees of Washington State University by providing them with competitive wages and valuable work experience. So, if you're in Seattle and craving Cougar Gold, don't hesitate to pick up the phone and call the WSU Creamery. Their friendly staff will be more than happy to help you join the devoted fan base of this exceptional cheese.
Mac and Cheese Mess: Removing Stains from Clothes
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Visit Ferdinand's Ice Cream Shoppe on the WSU campus
Cougar Gold cheese is a beloved product of Washington State University, with an avid fan base, mostly confined to Washington, but passionate about their cheese. The celebrated cheddar is made at the WSU Creamery in Pullman, Washington, and sold primarily at Ferdinand's Ice Cream Shoppe on the university campus.
Ferdinand's Ice Cream Shoppe is the place to go to get your Cougar Gold fix. The shop is conveniently located on the Washington State University campus and is operated by student employees. The shop is known for its delicious ice cream and cheese, with Cougar Gold being one of the most popular items.
Cougar Gold is a semi-soft, white cheddar cheese with a rich, creamy, melt-in-the-mouth flavour that becomes sharper and crumbly with age. It is sold in exclusive 30-ounce cans, and the cheese continues to age in the can, developing a tantalizing crunch as it gets older. The older a can is, the more it is prized by cheese enthusiasts, with some people even selling their vintage cans on eBay.
A visit to Ferdinand's Ice Cream Shoppe is a must for any cheese lover. The shop offers a unique opportunity to taste the famous Cougar Gold cheese and support the student employees of Washington State University. The cheese is sold for $33.00 per 30-ounce can, and you can also purchase gift certificates for 1-4 cans, which include shipping when the cheese is redeemed.
In addition to Cougar Gold, the shop also offers other natural cheese varieties, including Natural Cheddar, Smoky Cheddar, and Viking, all of which are aged for at least one year before shipping. The WSU Creamery produces natural, unprocessed cheese, and the tradition of canning cheese dates back to the 1930s when the Creamery was interested in finding the best ways to store cheese. The result is a delicious, award-winning cheese that has become a beloved staple of Washington State University and the surrounding community.
Eradicating Cheese Mites: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also

Cougar Gold is sold in 30-ounce cans
Cougar Gold is a popular cheese produced and sold at Washington State University (WSU) in Pullman, Washington. The cheese is known for its unique packaging and is sold exclusively in 30-ounce cans. The history of Cougar Gold cheese dates back to the 1940s when the recipe for canned cheese was developed. At the time, the American Can Company was exploring ways to transport cheese to U.S. soldiers without spoilage, and canning seemed like an ideal solution. Cougar Gold is a semi-soft, natural cheddar cheese with a rich, creamy flavour and a firm texture. It is aged for a minimum of one year before being sold, and its texture and flavour continue to evolve with extended ageing.
The WSU Creamery, where Cougar Gold is produced and sold, has a devoted fan base for its cheese. The creamery has a long history, dating back to the 1930s when it began experimenting with different cheese storage methods. While plastic packaging was not yet an option, and wax packaging presented challenges, canning emerged as the best solution. Today, Cougar Gold is still sold in its iconic 30-ounce cans, with each can costing $33. The cheese is available for purchase at Ferdinand's Ice Cream Shoppe on the university campus, and it can also be ordered online through the WSU Creamery website.
The unique packaging of Cougar Gold in 30-ounce cans serves a practical purpose and contributes to the cheese's longevity. The cans help preserve and age the cheese, preventing spoilage and maintaining its quality over time. This is particularly advantageous compared to plastic packaging, which can lead to mould issues. The cans also allow the cheese to continue ageing, enhancing its flavour and texture over the years.
Cougar Gold's distinct packaging and long shelf life have contributed to its popularity and cult following. The 30-ounce cans are not only practical but have become a signature of the cheese, with some enthusiasts even collecting vintage cans. The cheese's indefinite shelf life, as long as it remains unopened and refrigerated, adds to its allure. This characteristic sets Cougar Gold apart from other cheeses, as it continues to develop in flavour and texture over time, becoming more sharp, dry, and crumbly with age.
While Cougar Gold is primarily sold at Ferdinand's Ice Cream Shoppe on the WSU campus, it has gained a dedicated fan base beyond the borders of Washington. Its unique packaging, longevity, and evolving flavour profile have contributed to its popularity, making it a celebrated cheese among enthusiasts. For those unable to visit the university campus, the option to order Cougar Gold online ensures that this distinctive cheese is accessible to a broader audience.
Crafting Cheese: Milk to Deliciousness
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Cougar Gold cheese is produced at Washington State University (WSU) in Pullman, Washington, which is about 300 miles east of Seattle. Cougar Gold is sold primarily at Ferdinand’s Ice Cream Shoppe on the university campus. You can also order it online or over the phone from the WSU Creamery.
Yes, Cougar Gold cheese can be purchased at Murray’s cheese inside the U Village QFC.
Cougar Gold is a white cheddar cheese made from cow’s milk and sold in 30-ounce cans. Its texture changes with age, transforming from a creamy, firm cheese to one that is sharper and crumbly the longer it is aged.

























