How to take a piece of Gouda home

Which cheeses are best for travel?

Not all cheeses travel equally well. Especially younger, softer cheeses are more delicate and spoil faster—particularly if you’re traveling for a long time or through warmer climates. Fortunately, Gouda cheese is available in various stages of aging, and the more mature varieties are ideal for transport.

Aged Gouda (24 months or more)

This cheese has a rich, robust flavor with crunchy salt crystals and a firm, crumbly texture. Thanks to its low moisture content, it’s naturally long-lasting and more resistant to temperature changes. Even without refrigeration, it will stay good for weeks if vacuum-packed. Perfect for long journeys and a cherished gift for true cheese lovers.

Semi-aged Gouda

This cheese offers the best of both worlds: softer than aged cheese but still firm enough to travel well. The flavor is rich yet approachable, making it suitable for almost everyone. It’s perfect for daily enjoyment—serve it on bread, in recipes, or with a glass of wine.

Smoked and flavored varieties

If you’re looking for something special, Gouda also comes with added flavorings like mustard seeds, cumin, truffle, or a subtle smoky touch. These variations bring a unique twist to the classic Gouda profile and make excellent gifts. Thanks to their firmer texture, these cheeses also travel well, especially when vacuum-packed.

How to safely take your cheese home

Bringing home a piece of cheese is easier than you might think—if you know how to pack and store it. Here are some practical tips to help keep your cheese in top condition whether you’re traveling by plane, car, or train.

Choose vacuum packaging

At the Gouda Cheese Experience, you can have your favorite cheeses vacuum-packed. This is the safest way to transport cheese: it seals the cheese airtight, prevents mold growth, and significantly extends its shelf life. Vacuum-packed cheese doesn’t need to be refrigerated during your journey, as long as you don’t leave it in direct sunlight for days. Spending a weekend in Gouda? No worries—your freshly bought cheese will still taste just as good when you get home next week!

Check the customs regulations of your destination

Planning to take some Gouda abroad? Most countries allow you to bring in hard, vacuum-packed cheeses for personal use. However, rules can vary by country. Travelers heading to the U.S., Canada, Australia, or Asia should check the current import rules before traveling. Not sure? Feel free to ask our shop staff.

Store It smartly once you’re home

When you get home, it’s best to remove the cheese from its vacuum packaging. Wrap it in cheese paper or baking paper and store it in a closed container in the fridge. This allows the cheese to breathe and helps retain its flavor and texture. Avoid plastic wrap or foil, as these trap too much moisture, which can lead to mold or make the cheese sweat.

Freezing is possible, but not ideal

Yes, you can freeze hard cheese, but it will affect the texture. It often becomes crumbly and loses some of its creaminess. Only freeze cheese if you really can’t finish it in time. Storing it in the fridge and consuming it within a few weeks is by far the best option.

Take a piece of the Netherlands with you

Want to really relive your Gouda visit at home? Consider a matching accessory like a traditional cheese board, a cheese slicer, or a set of local mustard or chutney. In our shop, you’ll find everything you need to create a complete cheese moment at home—or to gift someone a bit of Dutch pride.

Taste, choose, and pack

At the Gouda Cheese Experience, it’s not just about watching, it’s about experiencing. See how real Gouda cheese is made, taste different stages of aging, and discover which flavor suits you best. And you can take your favorite one home right away, so you can continue enjoying this special experience after your trip!

Be surprised by the versatility of Gouda during our interactive journey. Taste the difference between young, aged, and classic varieties. Our staff will gladly help you pick the cheese that matches your taste and make sure it’s packed safely and stylishly.

Book your tickets now and start your cheese journey… and take it with you across the world!