Putting out a good cheese selection is perfect for any occasion if you’re entertaining or just wanting a classic cheese and crackers kind of snack. The growing market for artisan products has led to a rise in demand for world-class cheese and locally sourced produce.
True cheese lovers have never had it better! Delicious cheeses delivered to your doorstep and supporting independent cheesemakers, what more could you ask for?
Subscription boxes have seen a huge spike in demand as many people want to receive the things they love from the convenience of their homes.
When it comes to choosing the right subscription box for you, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting value for money as well as receiving some tasty cheese.
This can be an overwhelming prospect, but don’t worry as here we have created the ultimate guide to suit all your cheesy needs.
According to our research, these are the best cheese subscription boxes on the market. We’ve taken into account different needs, dietary requirements, and price ranges so there is something for everyone.
1. The Rare Cheese Club
Price: $58.95/month
Best For: Best Rare Cheeses
The Rare Cheese Club is a monthly subscription service bringing customers the opportunity to sample rare, hand-crafted, artisanal cheeses from around the world. These award-winning cheeses are made in Italy, France, Germany, the UK, the U.S as well as the countries you’d least expect. Each month is a journey to discover rare cheese from all over the world.
In each box, three different hand-made kinds of cheese come from only the most interesting and respected cheesemakers, who use the finest quality ingredients. Traditional, age-old recipes are at the heart of this subscription box, giving the customer something truly special and unique.
The cheeses featured each month are handpicked in partnership with Zingermans, a highly-rated partner who has been selling artisan cheeses since 1982. A five-point cheese selection process ensures that customers receive only the best quality and taste.
Monthly newsletters can be expected in each box that contains detailed tasting notes, cheese profiles, the histories of the talented cheesemakers, and of course the all important serving suggestions.
Pros
- You receive rare, aged cheeses that can’t be found elsewhere
- Subscriptions can be customized, so you can choose how frequently you want to receive your boxes
- Easy for a one-time gift subscription
Cons
- Only receive three kinds of cheese which are around half a pound each, other subscriptions offer more
2. Curdbox
Price: $49.95/month plus shipping
Best For: Best Cheese Gift Boxes
Curdbox is a great subscription box to give to a friend or family member, but if it sounds too good to give away then we won’t tell anyone. Each month Curdbox creates a new theme to surround their delicious cheeses so no two boxes are ever the same.
For your monthly subscription, you will receive three artisan kinds of cheese, three food pairings, and wine suggestions (see also ‘10 Best Monthly Alcohol Subscription Boxes‘). Other features that make this subscription so special is the information that comes with it, from blog posts to podcasts you’ll have all the essential information at your cheesy fingertips.
A relatively new feature from the company is their ‘curdboxflex’ subscription, which tailors to gluten-free (see also ‘18 Best Monthly Gluten Free Subscription Boxes‘), nut-free, and vegetarian diets. This ensures you can buy a great gift for any cheese lover, regardless of dietary restrictions.
There are many different subscription options available, which means you choose how frequently you’d like to receive your curdbox. When gifting, you can only select from a three or six-month subscription so bear that in mind if you’re on a limited budget.
Pros
- Great value for money with accompanying foods to pair with the cheeses
- You can alter the subscription service to come how often you’d like
- Takes many dietary requirements into account
Cons
- When gifting you can’t buy a one-off subscription which can impact your budget
3. Harry & David
Price: $44.99/month with a minimum of three months
Best For: Best Cheese And Fruit Subscription
Cheese and fruit have always been the perfect pairing. The Harry & David fruit and cheese subscription box explore the unique combinations possible with seasonal fruit at peak ripeness alongside artisanal cheese that is specifically matched. Each subscription will bring about new possibilities.
The cheeses included in the subscription are crafted by artisan cheesemakers from across the globe and well-respected brand names. Fruits selected to accompany the cheese are also highly reputable and of excellent quality.
What is interesting about this subscription service is that you are aware of the upcoming pairings ahead of time. Their website allows you to scroll through the future boxes which means you can adjust your subscription length as you desire, if you don’t like the look of the next few months you can simply unsubscribe.
It is also possible to choose which month you’d like to start receiving your subscription. However, a minimum subscription length of three months is required.
Pros
- Great quality products and exciting new combinations of cheese and fruit each month
- You can choose which month you start your subscription
- There are frequent deals and offers of free shipping on their website
Cons
- Only receive one type of cheese in each box
- A minimum of three months is required to qualify for the subscription which can be more than people are willing to pay
4. iGourmet
Price: $55.00/month
Best For: Best international Cheese Subscription
iGourmet’s international cheese subscription box is perfect for the adventurous cheese connoisseur. Highly quality cheeses are hand-picked by experts every month to provide recipients with a unique selection of artisan cheeses. This allows you to explore cheese from around the world from the comfort of your own home.
Each month, three unique kinds of cheese are hand cut and served in half-pound portions and accompanied by a newsletter. The newsletter is packed full of helpful information about each of the cheeses such as their origins, a flavor profile, and some suggested wine pairings which are guaranteed to enrich your experience.
The themes featured in the boxes may be by country or even by a specific cheesemaker. With something different each month, there is plenty to chew over! If you’re looking for a specific region or country to sample cheese from, iGourmet also offers a number of other subscriptions such as ‘French Cheeses’ or ‘Italian Cheeses’.
Subscription plans vary from 3, 6, and 12-month options to a monthly plan that can be canceled anytime. Each subscription plan comes with shipping included in the price. Please note that prices vary depending on the type of cheese subscription you like.
Pros
- Expertly picked artisan cheeses from around the world are selected each month, you can try a variety of cheeses you wouldn’t normally pick
- You can choose your subscription length and change it flexibly
- Shipping is included in the price of the subscription
Cons
- Doesn’t come with any accompaniments such as crackers, spreads, or fruit
5. Rebel Cheese
Price: $50.00/month
Best For: Best Vegan Cheese Subscription Box
A vegan cheese subscription? It’s real I promise! Those that adhere to vegan diets or our lactose intolerant friends can revel in the cheesy goodness once more. Straight from the heart of Texas, Rebel Cheese has created a vegan revolution.
Similarly to the dairy based cheese clubs, Rebel Cheese offers batches of small plant-based artisan cheeses to satisfy your cravings on a monthly basis. The cheeses featured are hand-picked by the company and often feature guest-pairings from renowned plant-based cheesemakers. It’s safe to say you’ll be in good hands.
There are three different plans to choose from: the rebel, the cheesemonger and the fromagier. The difference is in the size, the cheesemonger’s plan gives you four full-wheels of cheese which weigh between 5-8 ounces each whereas the rebel provides you with four half-wheels of cheese.
Lastly, the fromagier gives you the same four full-wheels of cheese as the middle subscription but with two added extras which can be from new launches or guest imports.
Subscriptions to Rebel Cheese are based on 1, 3 or 6 month plans which can also be gifted to friends and family. There is a flat shipping fee of $27.00 with each monthly delivery. Please also note that the different plans vary in price.
Pros
- One of the only vegan cheese subscription boxes on the market
- You receive a wide range of cheeses for your money with good portion sizes
- High in protein and are ideal for those with lactose intolerance
Cons
- The cheeses are nut-based and therefore aren’t suitable for those with nut allergies
- On the expensive side of the scale
6. Cheese Grotto
Price: $44.00/month
Best For: Best American Cheese Subscription
The Cheese Grotto ensures that every customer has a personalized experience, curating different artisan cheeses to try every month. Did we mention that they are all American cheeses? America isn’t exactly the first point of call when you think of hand-crafted cheese, but some excellent artisan cheesemakers have perfected their craft.
The monthly artisan cheese subscription is available in two formats; one with two cheeses and another with three cheeses delivered to your door each month. Each cheese weighs half a pound. The cheeses are made using a variety of different kinds of milk which can be adjusted to suit the individual’s tastes.
All the essential information you need on how to store, serve, and pair the cheese comes in the box. Along with this, a highlight of the cheesemaker themselves helps to connect the customer with the cheese. Cheese Preference Surveys are filled out by the customer to tweak and personalize each and every delivery.
All orders work on a recurring monthly basis unless canceled or paused by the customer. Shipping will cost between $20-35 as the Cheese Grotto uses express shipping to ensure that the cheeses arrive in good quality.
Pros
- Affordable monthly subscription compared to many of the others
- Free shipping on large orders
- Orders are continually tailored to the individual’s preferences
Cons
- Shipping can be expensive if you’re paying on a monthly basis ($44.00 + $20.00 = $64.00)
7. Murray’s Cheese
Price: $63.00/month
Best For: Best Overall Cheese Subscription
Murray’s Classic Cheese of the Month Club includes three to four classic and delicious cheeses each month. Regardless of your knowledge of cheese, there will be something you’ll love as each cheese is hand-picked from a selection of international and domestic cheesemakers.
For those who are wanting a more adventurous monthly delivery, there are other options available with Murray’s. The Cheesemonger’s Picks Cheese subscription tends to focus on more bold and unique cheeses that open up your palette to discover new flavors.
Why not give the Cheese Board of the month a go as well, this is perfect for those that love to entertain. Grab some foodie friends and invite them over for a cheese and wine night to sample a collection of 3-5 cheeses, 1-2 charcuterie items, and 1-3 accompaniments. Learn how to properly cut and serve your cheese to wow your guests.
The monthly club deliveries also come with a detailed guide which tells you about the products inside if you’re looking to expand your knowledge or impress your guests. Learn about the origins and flavors you’re tasting with each cheese alongside which beverages to best pair them with.
With all Murray’s subscription boxes, there is a choice of a month-to-month payment plan or a 3, 6, or 12 month subscription. When you sign up to receive newsletters, you’ll be given a 10% off code with your first order which might make it all that more delicious.
Pros
- Lots of variety of cheese included with 3-4 cheeses coming in a delivery, this is more than most
- Multiple plans to choose from for different levels of cheese lover
- Great choice of options regarding subscription frequency and duration
Cons
- No customization options available for the cheeses themselves
Buyers Guide
Please take a look through our buyer’s guide to make sure that you have all the essential information before you purchase a cheese subscription box.
Variety Of Cheese
Arguably the most important element of your subscription is the variety of cheese you receive each month. Certain subscriptions might be quite samey, which is highly disappointing. Be sure to check how many cheeses are offered in the subscription box of your choice before you place an order.
Typically, the majority of the subscription providers feature around three different kinds of cheese in their boxes each month. Those that create different themes for each delivery tend to offer more variety giving customers a chance to try a wider selection of cheese than those that stick to the basics.
Minimum Subscription Limitations
When you’re buying a cheese subscription box, you might not want to commit right away as how will you know if it’s the right fit for you? Some companies require you to order a minimum of three months of their service which doesn’t offer much flexibility.
If you’re reinstating a subscription you’ve previously had and enjoyed, this won’t matter too much. However, if you’re thinking of ordering a subscription box for the first time then it may put you off.
For those that are wanting to buy a subscription as a gift, this can dramatically increase the cost of your gift. Although many companies offer slight discounts of around 5-10% when you purchase a lengthy subscription it may still exceed how much you’re willing to spend on an individual.
Subscription Accompaniments
A key component to consider is whether or not you want your subscription to come with edible accompaniments. Don’t automatically assume that all cheese subscription boxes come with food items (see also ‘26 Best Food Subscription Boxes‘), as unfortunately, you might need to pay a little more for these extras.
Luckily, there are so many different subscriptions on the market you can find the perfect box for you. As cheese pairs well with many foods there are plenty of options to choose from such as charcuterie, fruit, wine, and bread. The best subscription to go for if you’re looking for a variety each month is Curdbox.
Price
The cost of the subscription box can more often than not be the deciding factor of whether or not a customer goes through with a purchase. Nearly every subscription featured here offers the choice of paying in monthly installments or as a one-off payment for longer or single subscriptions.
As with many online retailers these days, you’ll usually be asked to sign up to receive newsletters or emails from the company which comes with a discount code you can use with your first order. The majority of the subscriptions listed here have some sort of deal, whether that be free shipping, 10% off or your first month free.
Dietary Requirements
A final factor that needs to be considered before you buy a cheese subscription box is dietary requirements. Some of the cheeses may contain nuts, gluten or animal products which makes them unsuitable for certain customers. Always check with the company before making a purchase to ensure that the products are safe to eat.
The best option here is to go for the ‘Curdboxflex’ or Rebel Cheese subscription as they are able tailor their subscriptions to meet these requirements. Other subscription options do not display allergy information on their websites.
Storing Your Cheese Correctly
After agonizing over which cheese subscription to get, finally getting it delivered and getting to sample that tasty cheese the last thing you’d want is to store it incorrectly. If cheese isn’t properly stored you won’t be able to enjoy it for as long.
Firstly, ensure that you’ve got enough space in the fridge, ideally in the vegetable drawer in the refrigerator where the temperature is cold and stable. Ideally, use a fresh piece of wax paper to wrap the cheese after each use. Plastic wrap is also acceptable to use but this can depend on the type of cheese. Researching what’s best for your type of cheese is advised.
Final Thoughts
There are vast numbers of different cheese subscription options on the market. Finding the right one for you depends on your needs and preferences. On the whole they are a great way to support independent cheesemakers and businesses as well having a little fun doing it.
Lastly, don’t forget to make your subscription work for you! If you don’t like it, don’t be afraid to cancel, pause or even just mention to the providers that the cheeses aren’t working for you. When you’re spending your hard earned money on a treat, make sure it’s actually a treat you want. There are plenty of options out there, don’t settle for the first one you see.
We hope you found this article interesting and informative, finding the perfect cheese subscription box for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do You Get With A Cheese Subscription Box?
The contents of a cheese subscription box depend on the company and specific order. Many companies will have a variety of different subscriptions for their customers to choose from, some with more and some with less.
What you can expect from most manufacturers is a few different artisan cheeses along with some information about the contents, suggested pairings, and maybe a history of the cheesemaker.
More expensive and elaborate cheese subscriptions come with accompanying foods that pair well with the cheese such as fruit, crackers, or some kind of jam or chutney. If you’re looking for more than just cheese then try Curdbox or the Harry & David fruit and cheese subscriptions.
Are Cheese Subscriptions Worth It?
Deciding on whether a cheese subscription box is ‘worth it’ is completely in the hands of the individual. If you are a big foodie who is always looking to try new produce and loves buying from small-scale artisan producers, then a cheese subscription box will be ideal for you.
Many of these subscriptions offer the chance to learn about a wide variety of hand-crafted and traditional ways of making cheese from all over the world. Unless you are a keen traveler (and have the money to do so) you may not even come across half the cheeses hand-selected in these boxes.
Another factor to consider is whether or not you have an abundance of fantastic cheeses on your doorstep, whether that be from a deli or a local cheesemaker. Those that live in rural locations may not have access to a wide range of choices when it comes to cheese. A subscription box is a perfect solution to this!
What Is A Cheese Subscription Box?
A cheese subscription box refers to a monthly or annual subscription which you receive in the mail. As with most subscription services, it allows you to try new products from brands and in this case it is cheese.
There are many different plans, payment methods, delivery options and frequencies that can all be personalized to the individual. At the end of the day, a cheese subscription isn’t necessary but it’s a lot of fun and is ideal for the foodie.
- 15 Traditional Greek Breads - July 31, 2023
- 30 Delicious And Gluten-Free Cookie Recipes - July 29, 2023
- 30 Of The Best European Desserts - July 29, 2023