Meister Caraway Cheddar Cheese Review
Author’s Note: Not a sponsored or paid review. Natch. I have nooo affiliation with Meister Cheese or Costco. Thank you, and good night.
Even your snobbiest foodies will be intrigued.
I have now tried at least 5 different Meister cheeses. And this one is my favorite.
It starts out like an earthy rye-bread flavor. And then, as the caraway seeds are chewed, it evolves into a spicy fennel-like taste-fest. Fantastic. The rye seed texture is sort of a soft, chewy crunch. Not offensively stiff or fibrous.
But the cheese body itself is sooo delicious, it could stand alone without the caraway seeds. Not every Meister cheese is this good. This one really stands out for the actual cheese flavor. It’s a soft cheddar with a sour cream tanginess. It has a “sweet,” almost “buttery” flavor, with gentle curd structure.
I loved this. It’s a much more nuanced flavor than typical cheddar. I think the cultured milk really makes a difference. And maybe those pampered cows were happier that day? Who knows. I hope it stays this good.
(My second-favorite Meister cheese is this Banana Pepper Jack — which also had a fabulous “cultured” flavor.)
There aren’t tons of the caraway seeds in each slice. You won’t feel like a cow, chewing your cud. But the flavor is appropriately strong. Not overpowering. But definitely distinct. In a sandwich, I could still taste the caraway over all the other ingredients.
(If “spicy” is your jam, perhaps you are brave enough to try this Sweet Fire Mango Jack cheese. It was HOT!)
Serving the cheese
I ate slices of my Caraway Cheddar on egg croissant sandwiches, which was lovely. The cheese melts to a soft-stretchiness. I think it would make a killer grilled cheese.
But I think it especially shines as a snacking cheese. The lovely pattern and unexpected flavor makes it perfect for a charcuterie board or cheese tray. It slices crisply and serves neatly. It’s such a fun and sophisticated flavor, I think even your snobbiest foodies will be intrigued.
(For another high-brow flavor, check out my review of this Cajun-inspired raw gouda cheese, which I also found at Costco.)
(For another attractive flavored cheese, you might try this Aldi Cranberry White Cheddar.)
Ingredients in Meister Caraway Cheddar Cheese
Here are the short and sweet ingredients, from the label:
- Cultured Pasteurized Milk
- Salt
- Caraway Seeds
- Enzymes
I approve. *slow clap*
More information from the label:
- Naturally Lactose Free
- Gluten Free
- Vegetarian
- Wisconsin Cheese
Nutrition Facts
A serving is 1 ounce and contains a predictable 110 calories. You get 9 grams of fat (5 grams saturated fat) and 7 grams protein. There’s less than 1 gram total carbohydrates, no fiber or sugar. You get 8% your daily value of sodium, and 9% your daily value of cholesterol per serving. Plus 15% your daily calcium.
Price and Servings
A 1-pound block cost $6.99 at my local Costco. Since there are 16 servings per package, that is 44 cents per serving.
Now for the bad news: my local Costco only stocks one “flavor” of Meister cheese at a time, and they rotate the flavors throughout the year. You might go a whole 12 months (or much longer) before seeing this again at your store. It’s one of those, “grab it when you see it” items. Alas. There is so much wrong with this world!
Shelf Life
But, in happier news, the cheese has a long shelf life. Unopened, of course. Mine had a “best by” date which allowed approximately 9 months to consume. If you have an entertaining event later in the year, you can definitely buy this cheese in advance and save it.
Dramatic Conclusion
If you love a mild cheddar with that tangy “cultured” taste, this stuff is for you. If you’re a caraway flavor fan, this cheese is also for you. If you have snobby foodie friends…well, this cheese is definitely for you!
The infallible “Awesome-o-Meter” rates this Caraway Cheddar a rare “Speechless.”
The End.
More Reviews You Might Like (or Hate)
Check out these other cheesy reviews I’ve written. Or don’t. We can still be friends:
