Gjetost (Cheese Caramel)

About this item

Is it cheese? Is it not cheese? Yes...to both.

This is not cheese in the traditional sense, but rather a whey-based caramel. The whey is reduced down slowly, with cream added to make a caramelized brick. Gjetost has no sugar added, so any sweetness you’re tasting comes from the milk itself. Products like this were crucial in the mountain communities in Scandanavia, where every calorie counted in the fight to survive bitter winters.

Nowadays, gjetost is enjoyed for breakfast. Simply shave into thin strips with a peeler and serve on toast, waffles, or pancakes. It can also be melted as an easy dip for sliced fruit and graham crackers. This calorically dense cheese caramel is beloved by Scandinavian winter athletes to refuel after skiing. 

Sold By: The piece. Each brick is approximately 8 ounces. 

Milk Type: Pasteurized Goat Whey and Cow Cream.

Origin: Gudbrandsdalen, Norway

Pairings: Black coffee, breakfast pastries, Granny Smith apples, hard cider.