Alana Pedalino for culture: the word on cheese

Give the Gift of Cheese on Valentine’s Day

Alana Pedalino — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 16:07:00 +0000

Whether you want to surprise your beloved or treat yourself, we've rounded up specials from a few of our favorite cheese and butter businesses so that you can declare your love with artisanal panache.

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We Tested Umyum Plant-Based Cheese So You Don’t Have To

Alana Pedalino — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 16:45:33 +0000

Our thoughts may surprise you Plant-based cheese is likely reaching its apex in 2026. Vegans and faux-cheese enthusiasts alike are finding it increasingly difficult to distinguish these products from dairy-based cheeses, thanks to refinements in the production process. One of the latest brands of plant-based cheeses shaking up supermarkets is Umyum. Umyum’s offerings are made […]

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The Best British Cheese and Tea Pairings for Watching Bridgerton

Alana Pedalino — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:58:00 +0000

Dearest gentle reader, Bridgerton is returning for its highly anticipated fourth season in which Ton-favorite Benedict Bridgerton may indeed meet his match. There’s only one genteel way to celebrate the return of Shonda Rhimes’ sexy period drama: with a piping hot cuppa accompanied by some of culture’s favorite British cheeses and a gaggle of friends.

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A Look at Canadian Cheesemaking Through the Years

Alana Pedalino — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 12:49:00 +0000

At the 2025 American Cheese Society Annual Judging & Competition, a hush fell over the ballroom full of cheese professionals. Who would win Best of Show? It turned out that Quebec-based Fromagerie La Station’s raw-milk farmstead cheese won First—for the second year in a row—with Vermont’s Jasper Hill Farm placing Second Best of Show, and Ontario’s Stonetown Artisan Cheese taking Third. The results mirrored those from 2024, when the top three winners hailed from two Canadian makers and one American maker. So the new question on everyone’s mind is: What’s up with Canadian cheese?

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CEO Sean Moore Ushers Jarlsberg Cheese into a New Age

Alana Pedalino — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 00:59:08 +0000

At Norseland, Inc.—the Scandinavian company behind mild, nutty, and utterly snackable Jarlsberg—you’ll find Irishman Sean Moore at the helm.

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The Best Cheeses of 2026: culture’s Annual List

Alana Pedalino — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 14:38:19 +0000

The ultimate list of cheeses that should stay on your radar all year long Welcome to our Best Cheeses issue—a curated selection of our favorite cheeses around the globe. Featured competitions include the 2025 American Cheese Society Judging & Competition (ACS), the 2025 Good Food Awards (GFA), the 2025 Great Taste Awards (GTA), the 2024 […]

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How to Elevate Your Snacking Game in 2026

Alana Pedalino — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 05:11:45 +0000

A new year means new noshes to pair with cheese Ready to elevate your snacking game in 2026? Then adaptogenic sparkling tea, a swicy condiment, and garlicky charcuterie are just what you need. Scroll for five products that’ll keep your energy up in the new year. Black Salt Potato Chips by Keya’s Snacks View […]

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A Cheese Shop’s Role in the Community

Alana Pedalino — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:07:52 +0000

Meet three cheese shop owners and remember to #shoplocal this holiday season ALYSSA GILBERT Ollie’s American Cheese + Provisions, Oakland, California Tell us about your shop’s all-American cheese focus. I was super inspired by Anne Saxelby and everything she did. I’m also really passionate about local food and supporting our local food economy, so it […]

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Our Cheese + Talk Show Pairing Guide

Alana Pedalino — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 21:30:20 +0000

Sharp commentary calls for sharp cheddar In case you missed it, Kelly Clarkson interviewed America’s world champion cheesemongers Emilia D’Albero and Courtney Johnson about all things Mondial du Fromage/competitive cheesemongering on her talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show. The three even had a virtual tasting with Clarkson featuring a 24-month Parmigiano Reggiano and Hofkaserei Kraus’ […]

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These Winter Cheese Pairings Bring Après-Ski Energy to Your Table

Alana Pedalino — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 21:13:58 +0000

THESE ALL-AMERICAN PAIRINGS ARE FRESH OFF THE LIFT AND TURNING TRICKS Photographed by Nina Gallant • Styled by Madison Trapkin This season’s Alpine-style cheese plate is inspired by hitting the slopes, but it’s actually perfect for après-ski: when athletes and amateurs sip and socialize at the lodge after a day on the mountain. Not just […]

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