Plastic vs. Paper: What’s the Best Packaging for Artisan Cheese?

When it comes to preserving the flavor, texture, and longevity of artisan cheese, packaging plays a surprisingly big role. Whether you're a dedicated cheese lover or just getting into the world of wedges and wheels, understanding the difference between plastic and paper for cheese storage can elevate your tasting experience — and help reduce waste.

Why Packaging Matters for Cheese

Cheese is alive — literally! Many artisan cheeses continue to age and develop flavor even after they’ve been purchased. That means they need to breathe, stay moist (but not wet), and be protected from contaminants and odors. The wrong packaging can dry out cheese, make it slimy, or even accelerate spoilage.

Plastic Wrap: Convenient, But Problematic

Plastic wrap is everywhere — and while it’s easy to use, it’s not ideal for cheese.

Pros:

• Airtight seal keeps out strong fridge odors

• Widely available and inexpensive

Cons:

• Traps too much moisture, which can cause sliminess or unwanted mold

• Prevents airflow, making cheese “suffocate” over time

• Often single-use and non-recyclable — not great for the planet

Plastic essentially blocks your cheese from breathing, which can flatten its flavor and ruin its texture. Yikes.

Cheese Paper: A Better Balance

Cheese paper is designed with cheese in mind. Typically made from a two-ply structure (perforated plastic on the inside and paper on the outside), it strikes a balance between breathability and moisture retention.

Pros:

• Allows cheese to breathe while retaining moisture

• Maintains texture and flavor better than plastic

• Usually reusable and recyclable

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive

• Not as widely available in typical households

For those serious about cheese, investing in cheese paper can make a real difference in keeping those wheels and wedges in peak condition.

Ditch the Disposable: Upgrade to a Smarter Cheese Storage Solution

Still wrapping your cheese in plastic or paper? There’s a better, more sustainable way to keep your cheese in top shape — the Cheese Grotto.

Think of it as a miniature cheese cave for your kitchen — a thoughtfully designed, reusable storage system that extends the life of your cheese while enhancing its flavor and texture. No more soggy wedges or dried-out rinds.

Here’s why cheese lovers are switching to the Grotto:

• ? Keeps cheese fresher for longer

• ?️ Maintains ideal humidity and airflow naturally

• ? Eliminates single-use plastic waste

• ✨ Looks elegant on your counter or in the fridge

Inspired by traditional aging methods, the Cheese Grotto creates the perfect microclimate for storing artisan cheeses the way cheesemakers intended. It's not just storage — it’s a better way to savor cheese, sustainably.

Ready to give your cheese the treatment it deserves? Discover your perfect storage solution at Cheese Grotto.

Final Thoughts

So, plastic or paper? If you must choose between the two, paper wins for breathability and flavor preservation. But if you're truly passionate about cheese and want to do both your wedges and the planet a favor, the Cheese Grotto is the ultimate upgrade.