How to Travel With Cheese and Keep It Fresh

Imagine you’ve traveled by various means to the French Alps, explored a cheese cave, and savored a delicious slice of aged cow’s milk cheese. Perhaps it’s the best cheese you’ve ever had. Can you bring some home to share the joy?

Travel moments like this, whether you’re a cheese enthusiast or casual fan, are what make traveling, especially abroad, so special. While bringing back gourmet items like Buerre Bordier butter is common, cheese presents a different challenge. Is it even allowed to travel with cheese?

The answer is technically yes. You can bring cheese from most countries as long as it doesn’t contain meat and isn’t pourable (note: ricotta is considered pourable). Make sure to check the US Customs & Border Protection list of prohibited items to ensure you comply with regulations. Also, declare any food items when re-entering the country.

As for whether you should bring cheese back, that’s another matter. We sought the advice of Anaïs Saint-André Loughran, a certified cheese professional and owner of Chantal’s Cheese Shop in Pittsburgh, on the pros and cons of transporting cheese home.

Loughran strongly advises against bringing back soft cheeses, as they continue to ripen and change in flavor during travel. She recommends asking the cheese shop to vacuum-pack the cheese for the best preservation. While cheese paper is usually safe for storing less pungent cheeses, be sure to follow customs regulations to avoid fines or confiscation.

If possible, pack the cheese in your checked luggage, as it will be kept in a cooler environment than the cabin. Loughran suggests refrigerating hard cheese upon arrival and consuming it within a few days. Freezing artisan cheese is a big no-no as it alters the taste and texture.

If you can’t bring a particular cheese back, Loughran emphasizes the importance of savoring the local experience and flavors. Taking notes on the cheese’s characteristics can help you find a similar variety at your local shop. The essence of travel is curiosity, so why not continue exploring new tastes at home?

Whether you’ve brought cheese back from your travels or bought some locally, get creative in the kitchen with these recipes for more cheesy inspiration.