Good And Gather Cheese

Whether you’re a cheese connoisseur or just looking for an affordable option to keep stocked in your fridge, Good & Gather cheese deserves a spot on your grocery list. As Target’s new food brand focused on simplicity, transparency and affordability, Good & Gather aims to make high-quality ingredients accessible to everyone.

I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first about a big box retailer launching their own line of artisanal cheeses. But after tasting my way through the Good & Gather cheese offerings, I was impressed by the quality and value. In this buying guide, I’ll give you the inside scoop on what types of cheese Good & Gather sells, where to find them, cost comparison, ingredients, nutrition info, and most importantly – how they taste!

An Overview of Good & Gather Cheese Varieties

From aged cheddars to creamy bries, tangy feta to melty mozzarella, Good & Gather offers a diverse lineup of cheese styles. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect to find:

• Cheddar: Available in mild, sharp, extra sharp, and aged 2-year varieties, their cheddars strike a nice balance between creamy and crumbly textures. The extra sharp has a pleasant bite.
• Mozzarella: You can buy it shredded or in snack-size balls, perfect for caprese salads. It has that soft, milky fresh mozzarella flavor.
• Swiss: Ridiculously affordable at less than $4 per pound, it has those distinctive eyes and mellow nuttiness you expect from a classic Swiss.
• Provolone: With its firm, smooth texture and mild tang, it’s ideal for sandwiches and cheese plates.
• Feta: Pleasantly salty and crumbly, it adds a tasty punch to salads and pasta dishes.
• Brie: Buttery and rich, it develops an oozing creaminess as it ripens. Elegant enough for a party platter.
• Gouda: The smoked gouda has a deep caramel color and pronounced smoky flavor that pairs nicely with nuts and charcuterie.
• Blue Cheese: It offers just the right amount of funky, bold blue cheese flavor.
• Monterey Jack: With its melty, mildly tangy flavor, it’s a go-to for quesadillas and Tex-Mex dishes.
• Queso Fresco: Crumbles nicely with a salty, milky taste. A fresh, budget-friendly sub for pricier crumbling cheeses.

The Lowdown on Organic, Ingredients & Allergens

Good & Gather cheeses are not organic, which allows them to keep prices affordable. Some varieties use milk from cows not treated with the artificial growth hormone rBST.

Ingredients are simple, with most cheeses containing just milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes. The revolutionary thing about Good & Gather cheese is the transparency. Each package clearly lists where the milk came from, down to the actual dairy farms. It’s reassuring to know exactly where your food is sourced.

Those with dairy allergies should note that all Good & Gather cheeses contain milk, and some varieties also contain soy. Always carefully read labels for allergen information.

For vegetarians, Good & Gather cheeses make a versatile addition to any diet, as they do not contain any meat products. However, they are not certified vegetarian and some may be produced on shared equipment alongside other dairy products.

Where to Buy and Cost Comparison

The number one place to find Good & Gather cheese is at any Target store location. The product line was created specifically for Target, so you won’t see it anywhere else.

Target offers an impressive variety of Good & Gather cheeses. Different locations and formats (such as the smaller Target Express stores) will have slightly different selections, but most carry the core cheeses outlined above.

You can also order many Good & Gather cheeses online through Target’s website or apps for delivery or in-store pickup. One thing I love is that Target’s everyday low prices are consistent whether you shop in-store or online.

Speaking of price, Good & Gather cheeses offer fantastic value. To give you an idea:

• Good & Gather Aged Cheddar: $3.99 per pound
• Similar Aged Cheddar: $6.99 per pound at Whole Foods
• Good & Gather Swiss Cheese Slices: $3.99 per 10oz
• Comparable Swiss Slices: $6.49 per 10oz at Kroger

Across the board, Good & Gather cheese prices are about 30-40% less than branded equivalents. You’re getting impressive quality for the cost.

Does it Stand Up to the Dairy Aisle Competition?

But how does Good & Gather cheese fare when it comes to taste? I sampled all of the varieties side-by-side with my usual artisanal cheeses. Here are some of my thoughts:

• The extra sharp cheddar has a sharpness that bites back and complexes flavor that evolves as you eat. Holds its own against my favorite Irish cheddar.
• The Good & Gather Swiss impresses with its smooth, melty texture. One of the best affordable Swiss options out there.
• The feta is pleasantly briny and tangy. While not as complex as a good French feta, it’s considerably better than many major brands.
• The brie boasts a lush, buttery interior that oozes elegantly. Might be my new go-to budget brie!

While some nuanced flavors get lost at this affordable price point, the everyday enjoyment factor is still there. For family meals, weeknight cooking, and snacking, Good & Gather cheese delivers on quality and taste.

Get Creative with Recipes Using Good & Gather Cheese

Part of the fun of trying new cheeses is discovering how to use them! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy Good & Gather cheese:

• Baked Brie with Walnuts and Honey – The rind gets beautifully brown and crackly.
• Smoked Gouda and Apple Panini – Sweet and smoky flavor combination.
• Cheddar and Broccoli Quiche – A breakfast classic taken up a notch.
• Mozzarella Caprese Salad – Tomato, basil, and fresh mozzarella is a perfect summer combo.
• Provolone and Salami Stromboli – Cheesy and satisfying handheld meal.
• Blue Cheese Dressing – Creamy and pungent, it takes a salad from boring to bold.
• Cheesy Queso Fundido – Ooey-gooey Mexican cheese dip, so easy in the slow cooker.
• Feta and Spinach Stuffed Shells – Kid-friendly meal with veggies hidden inside.

Let your creativity run wild! Good & Gather’s diverse cheese selection lends itself to endless possibilities in the kitchen.

Packaging and Storage Tips

You’ll find Good & Gather cheese packaged in a few different forms:

• Pre-wrapped blocks for cheeses like cheddar and Swiss.
• Clear plastic containers for crumbled cheeses like feta and queso fresco.
• Deli slices for Swiss, cheddar, provolone and more. So convenient!
• Shredded bags for fast meal prep.

No matter the style, look for packages without broken seals or signs of moisture – this can indicate drying out or spoilage.

Once opened, pour any leftover shredded cheese into an airtight container or seal opened blocks in plastic wrap. Expiration dates will vary, but most cheeses last about 1-2 weeks refrigerated.

Soft cheeses like brie and mozzarella have shorter shelf lives of around 5-7 days once cut into. Enjoy those fast! Hard cheeses generally keep longer – aged cheddar can last from 2-4 weeks refrigerated.

If mold develops on hard cheeses, just cut 1 inch around it and enjoy the rest. For soft cheeses, discard the whole thing.

**Nutrition Profile, Ingredients & Sourcing Transparency **

Good & Gather emphasizes transparency, which I appreciate. Their clear labeling makes it easy to see exactly what goes into each cheese:

• Ingredients are typically just milk, salt, cheese cultures, and enzymes. No artificial additives or fillers.
• Milk sources are clearly identified, so you know the actual dairy farms contributing to each batch.
• Allergen info is easy to spot for major food allergens like dairy and soy. Always read carefully!
• Nutrition varies by cheese variety, but most offer a healthy balance of protein and calcium.
• No antibiotics or artificial growth hormones are used, except in the mozzarella cheese. Look for the special “No rBST” label for rBST-free varieties.

This level of transparency helps you make informed choices about what you want from your cheese. Personally, I don’t mind foregoing organic to support local dairy farms. But ingredients and sourcing info allows you to decide what’s important for your family.

The Verdict on Lactose Content

Many people avoid dairy due to lactose intolerance. But some naturally lower-lactose cheeses may be easier to digest. Here is how Good & Gather cheeses stack up:

• Aged cheddar is very low in lactose, under 0.5g per ounce. Opt for extra sharp.
• Swiss also has less than 0.5g lactose per ounce. A possibly better choice for lactose-sensitive diets.
• Mozzarella has about 1g lactose per ounce. Fresh mozz has more carbs and lactose than aged versions.
• Soft cheeses like brie and goat cheese tend to be higher in lactose at around 2g per ounce.

Of course, lactose content can vary by individual batches. So always consume carefully if lactose intolerant. Generally, firmer, aged cheeses are easier to digest for sensitive stomachs.

Customer Reviews: What Real People Are Saying

Curious about how Good & Gather cheese is going over with real-world shoppers? Check out these glowing customer reviews:

• “Was skeptical of Target brand cheeses, but these exceeded expectations. Perfect amount of sharpness in the cheddar.”
• “I usually buy the fancy gouda from the deli counter, but this tastes just as good at half the price. Nice strong smoky flavor.”
• “Kids devour the mozzarella string cheese. So much more affordable than the name brand version.”
• “Brie is super creamy and melts beautifully. Can’t tell the difference from the $15 bries I used to buy for entertaining.”
• “Feta makes any salad feel gourmet. Love knowing exactly what farm it came from too.”

The consensus seems to be that Good & Gather cheeses deliver serious gourmet quality at budget prices. Sign me up!

Flavored Options to Spice Up Your Routine

While traditional cheeses like cheddar and Swiss form the core lineup, keep an eye out for limited-time flavors to bring fun twists to familiar favorites.

Recent specialty offerings have included:

• Everything Bagel Cheddar – Rolled in a blend of sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, poppy seeds and salt.
• Cranberry Horseradish Cheddar – Cheddar kicked up with a double hit of zesty fruit and spice.
• Chive & Onion Jack Cheese – Monterey Jack with a lively blend of fresh chives and onion.
• Blue Cheese with Honeycomb – Sweet honey and tangy blue cheese make a gourmet combo.

Seasonal flavors like Pumpkin Spice cheese are also rolled out for the fall. And for the holidays, you can find specialty cheeses like Cranberry Cheddar and Sage Derby (a cheddar blended with sage).

Part of the fun is seeing what limited batches Target dreams up. Follow along on social media or ask at your local store to find out about the newest arrivals.

Is Good & Gather Cheese Gluten Free?

For anyone following a gluten-free diet, Good & Gather cheeses are a tasty option to enjoy freely.

All Good & Gather cheese varieties are certified gluten-free, containing no detectable gluten. However, they are produced in facilities that also process other dairy products containing gluten.

Always verify packaging for the official “gluten-free” badge. Individual ingredients should also be checked since recipes can change over time. Thankfully Target makes it easy to identify gluten-free foods for a little extra assurance.

Where to Find Good & Gather Cheese In-Store

Now that you’re tempted to try Good & Gather cheese, where exactly should you look for it at Target?

Good & Gather cheeses are located in the refrigerated dairy section. Typically you’ll find them grouped together on shelves intermixed with other national brands. Refrigerated shredded cheese bags are nearby too.

The specialty cheese selections are usually merchandised in a separate Open Market section highlighting premium and imported cheeses. Poke around to uncover artisanal-looking options like honey-drizzled goat cheese and cranberry-studded cheddar.

You can always ask a Target employee for assistance finding their store’s Good & Gather cheese assortment. Some locations also have dedicated Good & Gather shop-in-shops showcasing the brand’s extensive grocery offerings.

Does Good & Gather Offer Vegan Cheese?

Vegans will be disappointed to learn that all current Good & Gather cheeses contain dairy. So far, no vegan cheese alternatives are offered under the brand.

Hopefully vegan cheese will be on the horizon down the line as Target expands the Good & Gather line. Until then, vegans can find an increasing selection of plant-based cheese options from other brands at Target stores. Popular picks include Daiya, Follow Your Heart, Violife and Field Roast.

For the tastiest vegan “cheese,” I recommend seeking out ones made from cashews, coconut, or fermented nuts like almond. They melt and stretch better than soy or starch-based kinds. And blend them for best results!

The Final Verdict on Good & Gather Cheese

After thoroughly taste-testing my way through the Good & Gather cheese selection, my verdict is overwhelmingly positive. While boutique cheese snobs may turn up their noses, the everyday quality far exceeds the affordable price tags.

The cheeses deliver on the basics – pleasing textures, accurate flavors, and reliable performance when cooking. And the clear labeling gives you confidence about ingredients and sourcing.

For anyone looking to cut their grocery bill without sacrificing flavor, Good & Gather deserves a permanent spot in your shopping cart. Their constantly rotating flavors ensure you’ll never get bored.

Next time you shop Target, grab a block of that extra sharp cheddar or smoked gouda. Your sandwiches, salads, pasta, and cheese boards are about to get a seriously tasty upgrade. Because when it comes to quality and value, you can feel good choosing Good & Gather.