There was no ice packed with my order.  Why not?

Our cheese is a hearty product that does not need to be shipped with ice if the temperature remains below 60 degrees Fahrenheit during shipping. If your cheese is melted or spoiled, please contact us with your order information and pictures of the affected products.

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My cheese is warm and/or the ice packs are melted! Can I still eat it?

Good news! Although our cheese is a perishable product, it does not need to be kept chilled throughout the shipping process. If temperature is a concern in your area, we will ship your order with ice packs. Just make sure to refrigerate any perishable items upon arrival!It is normal for the cheese to arrive warm or at room temperature. The only way the cheese becomes dangerous to eat is if it has grown mold or spoiled. If the cheese has been left warm for too long during shipping, you will notice an orangey/yellow sheen on the outside upon arrival that doesn’t go away when the cheese is chilled. This doesn’t affect the safety of the cheese, but it does impact the taste. If any part of your order arrives damaged or spoiled, please contact us so that we can arrange a replacement.

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Are the cheeses shelf-stable? 

No, our cheeses are not shelf stable. The cheese should be kept in a cool, dry area consistently below 60°F to maintain its best taste and texture. Harder, older cheeses like the Rhapsody, Northwoods Parmesan, and 8-Year Aged Cheddar will keep a little longer outside the refrigerator because of their relatively low moisture content but should still be kept cold long-term..

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How long will my cheese last in the fridge? Can I freeze it? 

Our blocks of cheese will last 8-12 months unopened in the refrigerator if they are refrigerated upon arrival. They should not be frozen as it can ruin the texture and taste. The big exception is our cheese curds. Curds are good unopened in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks but can be safely frozen due to their high moisture content. Cheese curds can be frozen for 2-3 months.

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There’s white stuff on my cheese! Is it mold? 

If you notice a white buildup on any of our smoked and aged cheeses, don’t worry! It’s not mold. What you are seeing is calcium lactate, a salt that naturallyrises to the surface of cheese during the natural aging process. It doesn’t have much of a taste but can sometimes be a little salty or crunchy. It is completely safe to eat! Mold is usually blue or green and will be more localized in shape. If you aren’t sure if what you are seeing is calcium lactate or mold, contact us and our cheese experts will help you out. Please include a picture if possible so that we can help you more efficiently.

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