Travel-Sized Cheese: Where To Buy And How To Pack

If you're a cheese lover, you'll be pleased to know that you can buy travel pack-sized cheese to take with you on your journeys. While cheese falls into a grey area for airport security, it is allowed on both domestic and international flights. However, the type of cheese you have matters. Solid cheeses are generally hassle-free and can be taken in any amount that fits your carry-on baggage. Examples include Cheddar, Swiss, Parmesan, and Gouda. On the other hand, creamy and spreadable cheeses are subject to the TSA's 3-1-1 liquids rule, meaning they must be 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters or less and fit in a quart-sized bag. These include Brie, Camembert, cream cheese, and cottage cheese.

Hard cheeses are good for travel

Hard cheeses are ideal for travel, as they are less perishable than soft cheeses. Their low moisture content means they are unlikely to spoil, even when kept out of refrigeration for up to a day. Harder cheeses are also more durable and less likely to melt, making them a good choice for long journeys or travel in warm climates.

Hard cheeses have been intentionally aged for several months or even years, which reduces their moisture content and increases their shelf life. This means that hard cheeses can be safely stored at room temperature for months or even years, although they will last longer if kept in a refrigerator.

When travelling with hard cheese, it is still important to store it properly. Wrapping the cheese in plastic or foil can help to protect it during travel and prevent it from drying out. It is also a good idea to keep the cheese in a cool, dry location and avoid direct sunlight.

Some examples of hard cheeses that are well-suited for travel include Parmigiano-Reggiano, aged Gouda, Cheddar, Pecorino, and Montgomery's Cheddar. These cheeses have dense, creamy textures that won't melt or become runny during travel. They also have rich, intense flavours that make them perfect for snacking or pairing with nuts and dried fruit.

So, if you're a cheese lover who wants to bring your favourite snack on your next trip, hard cheese is a great option. With their long shelf life and travel-friendly characteristics, hard cheeses will ensure you never have to fear going cheese-less on vacation again!

Soft cheeses are more prone to spoiling

Soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Brie, tend to have a moisture content ranging from 50% to 80%. This makes them more susceptible to spoilage, as the water provides an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria, fungi, and mould. In contrast, harder cheeses like Gruyere, Parmesan, and Cheddar have lower moisture contents, which inhibits the growth of microorganisms.

The water content in soft cheeses can also cause them to become watery or leaky. This is because fresh cheeses tend to leach moisture, and if not properly wrapped, can become wet and watery. This can affect the texture and flavour of the cheese, making it less appealing.

Additionally, soft cheeses are more susceptible to physical damage during travel. Washed-rind cheeses, for example, tend to be stinkier and can begin to reek if left unrefrigerated for extended periods. Semi-soft cheeses can also start to leach butterfat, affecting their flavour and texture.

To prevent spoilage, soft cheeses should be properly wrapped and stored. Using materials like plastic wrap or cling film can trap moisture and create a breeding ground for bacteria and mould. Instead, experts recommend using parchment paper to wrap block cheeses, as it allows them to breathe while preventing unwanted dampness. For soft cheeses, an airtight seal is important, and foil or film can be used as long as it is tightly wrapped.

How to pack cheese for travel

While it is not possible to buy pre-packed travel-sized cheese, it is perfectly acceptable to bring your own cheese when travelling. Here are some tips on how to pack cheese for travel:

Firstly, it is important to note that harder cheeses are less perishable. Gruyere, Appenzeller, Hoch Ybrig, Pleasant Ridge Reserve, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Toussaint are all firm cheeses that have already been aged for at least 5 months and can be kept out of refrigeration for up to a day. Super-aged cheeses, most of which are aged for more than two years, such as Goudas, Parmigiano Reggiano, Piave, Grana Padano, and Mimolette, do not require any refrigeration at all.

On the other hand, fresh cheeses like ricotta, goat cheese, and mozzarella will become watery and leaky as they sit out. If you do decide to bring these, make sure to keep them in durable containers, wrapped in plastic, and then wrapped again.

When packing cheese, tin foil can offer protection. While it is not recommended to wrap cheese directly in foil, using foil around the existing wrapping can provide a nice buffer during travel.

It is also a good idea to travel with individual-format cheeses that come in little wooden boxes or porcelain ramekins, such as Camembert, St. Marcellin, and Petit Freres. These cheeses will hold their shape better and can make cute hostess gifts.

If you are travelling with semi-soft or washed rind cheeses, be aware that they may suffer in terms of taste and smell. Washed-rind cheeses, like Winnemere, Epoisses, and Taleggio, will become stinkier as they are left out of refrigeration. Semi-soft cheeses, like Pyrenees Brebis and Manchego, can begin to leach butterfat, resulting in a loss of flavour. If you do decide to bring these cheeses, pack them carefully at the top of your bags, wrap them well, and include some ice packs to keep them cool.

Finally, always remember to declare your cheese when travelling internationally to avoid any fines or penalties.

Customs regulations for bringing cheese into the US

Bringing cheese into the US is subject to a number of customs regulations. Firstly, it is important to declare any cheese you are bringing into the country. Failure to declare food items can result in a maximum fine of $10,000. Solid cheese is permitted, as long as it does not contain meat. Soft cheeses such as Brie and mozzarella are also allowed. However, liquid cheeses like cottage cheese and ricotta are prohibited if they are from countries with foot-and-mouth disease, including parts of the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. In addition, cheese with meat in it is not allowed.

It is worth noting that the packaging does not affect whether Customs will seize the cheese. Even stinky raw-milk cheeses are allowed as long as they are for personal consumption and not for resale. It is recommended to put the cheese in checked baggage instead of a carry-on suitcase, as the baggage hold is cooler than the overhead bins.

When it comes to transportation, the cheese must comply with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules. Jarred liquids or soft textures must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less to be allowed in carry-on luggage. Larger containers must be checked or surrendered.

Before travelling with cheese, it is advisable to check the most up-to-date guidelines provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Don't Pack a Pest. These guidelines are subject to change due to the evolving nature of food-related diseases and pests.

Cheese as a travel souvenir

Cheese is a beloved food product around the world, and it is only natural that people would want to bring some back from their travels. But what are the rules around travelling with cheese? And what are the best cheeses to bring back?

Firstly, it is important to know the regulations around travelling with cheese. When crossing borders, there are strict rules for food transport. Solid, hard, or semi-soft cheeses are always acceptable. Other cheeses like Feta, creamy bries, mozzarella, and brined cheeses are also allowed. However, it is important to note that some countries have restrictions on cheeses that contain meat or pour like a liquid (e.g. ricotta). These are prohibited in the United States. It is also important to declare any cheese you are travelling with, as failing to do so could result in a hefty fine.

When packing cheese for travel, it is important to keep it vacuum-sealed or wrapped properly. Hard and semi-hard cheeses should be vacuum-sealed, while soft cheeses can be packed in a Tupperware-like box and wrapped in aluminum foil. A cooling bag is also recommended to contain the smell. It is also a good idea to invest in a cheese suitcase, which will keep your cheese safe and sound while on the go.

When travelling with cheese, it is recommended to store it in your checked luggage, as the baggage hold is colder than the cabin. It is also important to consider the duration of your journey and the likelihood of delays. Hard cheeses tend to travel better than soft cheeses.

Now that you know the rules and how to pack your cheese, what are some of the best cheeses to bring back from your travels? Here are some recommendations:

• Croatia: Pag Island hard sheep's milk cheese.
• Germany: Alp cheeses from the south of the country.
• Italy: Five to seven-month Pecorino or Bitto, an Italian DOP cheese from Lombardy.
• France: Beaufort d'Alpage or a three-month-old Franco-Basque sheep's milk cheese.
• Netherlands: Farmhouse cheeses or Leidse kaas, a semi-hard cheese with cumin seeds.
• Spain: Roncal for spicy cheese lovers, and real Cabrales cheese that's not too aged.
• Switzerland: Vacherin Mont D'Ora, one of the most sought-after cheeses in the world, and Swiss Monlesi.
• United Kingdom: Kirkham's Lancashire or Duckett's Caerphilly.

Frequently asked questions