It’s that time of year again—the battle of the cheeses is back! For the next four weeks, we’re putting our top cheese curd flavors against our best block cheeses in a friendly (but fierce) competition. Will the squeaky, snackable curds hold onto their crown, or will the rich and creamy block cheeses claim victory this year? That’s for you to decide!

How to Join the Fun

Ready to cast your vote and help crown this year’s Cheese Champion? Here’s how you can get in on the action:

🧀 Taste & Decide: Visit our Ellsworth or Menomonie retail stores to sample all the competing cheeses. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering a new favorite, this is your chance to savor each delicious bite before making your pick. (Not near a store? No problem! You can still vote online!)

🧀 Vote for Your Favorite: After tasting, make your voice heard! Cast your vote either in-store or online to help push your favorite cheese to the next round. Every vote counts, and only one cheese will come out on top!

🧀 Follow the Showdown: Stay tuned to our social media pages and website for battle updates, surprising upsets, and behind-the-scenes cheese insights. We’ll be sharing highlights, fun facts, and of course, the results of each round!

Who Will Take the Title?

Will our classic cheese curds defend their title, or will a bold, flavorful block cheese rise to the occasion? Only time (and your votes) will tell! One thing’s for sure—it’s going to be an epic, cheese-filled showdown from start to finish.

Get Involved Now!

Don’t sit on the sidelines—grab your fellow cheese lovers and jump into the challenge! Whether you’re a fan of mild and melty, sharp and tangy, or a spicy kick, there’s a cheese for everyone in this friendly fight for flavor dominance.

Let the battle begin! 🏆🧀

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news about our recent success at the 2024 American Cheese Society (ACS) Judging & Competition! This prestigious event, held annually, is one of the largest and most respected cheese competitions in North America, showcasing the craftsmanship and dedication of American cheesemakers.

This year, our Red Rind Muenster took home the top honor, winning 1st Place in the Muenster category. This win is a testament to our commitment to maintaining the highest standards in cheesemaking, ensuring that each wheel is aged to perfection, with just the right balance of flavor and texture that sets our Muenster apart.

But that’s not all! Our Dill Pickle Cheese Curds also earned a 3rd Place award in the Flavored Cheese Curds category. These curds are a fan favorite, combining the classic squeaky texture with the tangy, zesty flavor of dill pickles. It’s a unique creation that we’re proud to see recognized at such a high level.

The ACS Judging & Competition is renowned for its rigorous standards, with over 1,400 entries from across the country being evaluated this year. Winning here is not just about taste—entries are judged on a variety of factors, including texture, appearance, and overall balance. The competition is fierce, and we’re honored to have our products stand out among so many incredible cheeses.

As we celebrate these victories, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our team, who pour their passion into every batch, and to our loyal customers who support us year-round. We’re excited to continue bringing you the best in artisanal cheese, and we can’t wait for you to taste these award-winning products if you haven’t already.

 

 

Starting now and running for the next four weeks, we’re pitting our top cheese curd flavors against our best block cheese flavors in the ultimate battle for supremacy. It’s a clash of titans as 8 delectable cheese curds and 8 irresistible block cheese flavors compete for the prestigious championship title.

How to Participate

Are you ready to be a part of this cheese extravaganza? Here’s how you can join in the fun:

  1. Sample the Cheeses: Head to either of our retail stores in Ellsworth or Menomonie and indulge in a cheese-tasting experience like no other. We’ve got samples of all the competing cheeses available in-store, so you can savor each flavor and pick your favorites. (Can’t make it to a store to sample? No worries! You can still join in the fun by voting online!)
  2. Cast Your Vote: Once you’ve tried all the cheeses, it’s time to make your voice heard! You can vote for your preferred cheese varieties either in-store or online. Every vote counts, so don’t miss your chance to support your favorite cheeses.
  3. Follow the Action: Stay tuned to our social media channels and website for updates on the Cheese Challenge. We’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, highlighting standout flavors, and keeping you informed about the latest developments in the competition.

The Cheese Champion Awaits

Who will emerge victorious in this epic showdown of cheese flavors? Will it be the squeaky goodness of our top cheese curds, or will the classic appeal of our block cheeses steal the spotlight? Only time will tell as the competition heats up and the votes roll in.

Get Involved Today!

Don’t miss out on the chance to be a part of our Cheese Challenge. Gather your fellow cheese enthusiasts, gather your taste buds, and join us as we celebrate the irresistible allure of cheese. Whether you’re a fan of sharp cheddar, spicy jack, or something a little more adventurous, there’s something for everyone in this cheese-tastic event.

For us in Wisconsin, cheese curds are a staple. Those who were practically born with a cheese curd in their mouth are often surprised to learn that for many across the country, cheese curds aren’t well known. Here in the Cheese Curd Capital, we believe cheese curds are too good to keep them secret and so we’ve been working to change that.

That’s why it was fun to see our signature product mentioned in a recent article on Restaurant Business Online. Cheese curds have been popular on Midwest restaurant menus for decades, and the rest of the country is finally catching on! Cheese Curds are finding their way into the hearts (and stomachs) of food lovers everywhere. We couldn’t be prouder!

To get the full scoop on how cheese curds are winning over taste buds from coast to coast, check out the article on Restaurant Business Online here.

At Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, we’re dedicated to producing top-quality cheese products that people love. Thanks to your support, our curds continue to become a nationwide sensation.

If you haven’t tried our famous cheese curds yet, now’s the perfect time to experience the cheesy magic. Watch for Ellsworth Cooperative Cheese Curds to be mentioned by name on the menu at your favorite restaurant. Your taste buds will thank you!

October is National Cooperative Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the impact we, as cooperatives, make in our communities. A recent article published in the Pierce County Journal highlighted Ellsworth area cooperatives, including Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery.

St. Croix Economic Development Corporation and Pierce County Economic Development Corporation acknowledged both Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery and Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services for exceptional contributions to our region and how we have demonstrated our commitment to the seventh Cooperative Principle, “Concern for Community,” by actively engaging in various community projects and initiatives. You can find the full article here.

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery and our staff take our “Concern for Community” seriously. In addition to supporting local organizations like the Chambers of Commerce and various civic groups, we support our regional higher education institutions such as Chippewa Valley Technical College and the Universities of Wisconsin, as well as educational opportunities for local youth. We also lend our leadership and support to local projects by serving on committees to problem-solve community challenges.

We’re proud to be part of communities that value cooperation, leadership, and community engagement. Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery is committed to continuing our role in making each of our communities a better place for everyone.

This observance isn’t just about us—Instead, we celebrate National Cooperative Month with everyone in the communities we serve. Let’s celebrate the positive changes we’re making together as we look forward for how we can make our communities even stronger in the days to come.