Meredith Dairy Marinated Cheese: The Cult-Favorite Jarred Cheese

A Love Letter to Meredith Dairy’s Marinated Cheese

Few cheeses have inspired the level of obsession and cult devotion as the little glass jars of Meredith Dairy Marinated Sheep and Goat Cheese from Australia. Creamy, tangy, and soaked in herb-infused oil, these luminous cubes have quietly infiltrated cheese counters, restaurant menus, and home kitchens around the world. More than just a cheese, Meredith’s marinated creation has become a globally beloved staple—one that continues to redefine our expectations of what a cheese can be.

How Meredith’s Cheese Became a Cult Classic

For many aficionados, discovering Meredith’s cheese feels like stumbling upon a secret treasure at a specialty shop. Early adopters recall finding the jars nestled next to artisanal brie or sheep’s milk cheeses, its brilliant golden oil shimmering around spongy, marshmallow-like blocks. The moment you spooned a piece onto a slice of bread—or simply ate a cube straight from the jar—its lush, tangy richness and the herby, aromatic oil revealed a product far greater than the sum of its simple ingredients.

Word spread rapidly: at first among professional cooks, then among food lovers and Reddit communities, and soon in broader culinary circles. Diners would exclaim, “Have you tried the cheese in the jar?” Posts on social platforms like Reddit shared creative uses and declarations of new-found love, calling it “the most delicious thing I’ve eaten all year.” It was clear: this cheese had transcended its regional roots to become a global cult favorite.

• First encountered in specialty shops, now found at mainstream grocers such as Whole Foods and even Costco.
• Adopted by restaurant chefs for menus—spread on flatbreads, crumbled into salads, or eaten by the spoonful.
• Thousands of fans on social media, many of whom refer to it as “Meredith feta,” regardless of the official name.

Meredith Dairy: From Rural Dream to International Icon

The story of Meredith Dairy is a testament to product innovation, resilience in agriculture, and a sincere dedication to good food. The farm’s journey begins with Sandy and Julie Cameron, a veterinarian and ICU nurse respectively, who bought a sheep farm in the rolling countryside west of Melbourne, Australia. The early 1990s were a difficult time for wool farmers—prices had collapsed, and the Camerons knew reinvention was necessary.

Taking the advice of a family friend, they tried milking their sheep and eventually added goats. Their first sheep provided just 200 milliliters of milk. Through steadfast work and genetic know-how—Sandy, with his background in animal genetics, developed their own breed of high-yield dairy sheep—they grew from these humble beginnings into Australia’s largest sheep-and-goat dairy farm.

• Founded in 1991; based near the small town of Meredith, which gave the dairy its name.
• Home to roughly 12,000 milking goats and 3,500 milking sheep on over 4,500 acres of land.
• International reach began in the United States in 2008; U.S. sales now represent a significant portion of their business.

The Rise of the Marinated Cheese Jar

After experimenting with blue cheese, yogurt, and private-label products, Meredith Dairy found its calling with marinated cheese—a fresh, soft cheese cubed and soaked in a blend of olive oil, canola oil, garlic, herbs, and peppercorns.

While often nicknamed “feta,” Meredith’s cheese does not strictly adhere to the European Union’s Protected Designation of Origin rules for Greek feta. This change forced the brand to re-label their product, and it is now officially called Meredith Dairy Marinated Sheep and Goat Cheese. However, the nickname “Meredith feta” endures among fans worldwide, just as one might refer to Bulgarian Sirene or French Feta-style cheeses.

What Makes Meredith Marinated Cheese So Special?

This cheese stands out for its approachability, versatility, and the way it redefines what marinated cheese can offer:

• Creamy and Spreadable: Unlike traditional feta (which is crumbly and preserved in brine), Meredith’s cheese is pillowy and spreadable—perfect for scooping, smearing, or folding into recipes.
• Balanced Flavor: Its tang is pronounced but not overpowering; salty, but not bracing. The oil marinade—infused with herbs, garlic, and pepper—adds layers of savory richness, and the cheese absorbs these flavors over time.
• Versatility: Equally at home on breakfast toast, tossed with pasta, or spooned over roasted vegetables, the cheese adapts to countless applications.
• Eco-Conscious Production: Meredith Dairy maintains a closed-loop, sustainably managed farm, focusing on animal welfare, soil health, and resource conservation.

How Meredith’s Cheese Differs from Greek Feta

How to Use Meredith Dairy’s Marinated Cheese

Ask any fan how they eat Meredith’s cheese and you’ll get an almost reverent litany of creative suggestions—testament to its versatility and the fact that every component of the jar is delicious.

• Spread on Warm Bread: The simplest and often most satisfying way—use a crusty loaf or flatbread, and don’t forget to drizzle the herbed oil.
• Tossed with Salads: Its creaminess offers rich contrast to crunchy greens or grains. Pair with arugula, heirloom tomatoes, roasted beets, or watermelon.
• Swirled into Pasta: Toss cubes and oil into warm, drained pasta; top with pepper and toasted nuts.
• Scooped onto Roasted Vegetables: Dollop over roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, or squash, then finish with the herby oil.
• Enriching Grain Bowls: Adds protein and decadence to quinoa, farro, or barley salads.
• Breakfast Boost: Spread on toast, layered with soft herbs or sliced avocado.
• Appetizer Boards: Serve as-is, accompanied by olives, radishes, or charcuterie; nothing else required.
• Baked Dishes: Use as a finishing touch on flatbread, savory tarts, or even as a surprise layer in lasagna.

Importantly: save the oil. This marinade is liquid gold: whisk it into salad dressings, fry eggs or potatoes in it, drizzle over cooked greens, or swirl into soups for instant richness.

The Sustainability Commitment of Meredith Dairy

Beyond the cheese itself, Meredith Dairy has become a model for sustainable and ethical farming. The Camerons have always placed a premium on animal welfare and environmental stewardship:

• All milk comes from animals raised on their own farm, ensuring traceability and consistency.
• Innovative breeding programs optimize animal health and milk yield.
• Regenerative agriculture practices maintain soil health and water conservation.
• The farm undergoes continuous improvement, regularly winning sustainability and food production awards.

This dedication is not just good for the planet—it’s evident in every spoonful of their cheese.

The Fan Community: Online and In Real Life

The rise of Meredith’s marinated cheese has cultivated a passionate fan base. Reddit threads pulse with enthusiasm, with users sharing personal rituals and favorite recipes—some simply reporting they “eat it straight from the jar.” Chefs, too, pay homage by incorporating Meredith cheese into seasonal menus, knowing diners will be delighted. Food writers describe its textural delights and urge newcomers to try every last drop of oil.

• Repeatedly featured on lists of “must-have cheeses.”
• Artisan grocers stock it as a flagship product.
• Its migration from specialty niche to mainstream grocery shelves is rare for a cheese of such unique style.

This democratization has not dulled its magic but made it more accessible to all who delight in unforgettable, joyful food.

Buying, Storing, and Serving Tips

• Where to Find: Meredith Dairy’s jarred cheese is widely available in specialty cheese shops, upscale grocers, and large retailers such as Whole Foods. Some online shops offer shipping directly to consumers.
• Storage: Always refrigerate after opening. Ensure the cubes stay submerged in oil to preserve their integrity and freshness.
• Usage Timeline: Once opened, use within one to two weeks for optimal freshness and flavor.
• Serving: Let come to room temperature before serving to appreciate full flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is Meredith Dairy’s cheese technically feta?

A: No. Due to EU rules, only cheese produced in Greece using traditional methods can be labeled ‘feta.’ Meredith Dairy’s product is officially ‘Marinated Sheep and Goat Cheese,’ but many fans refer to it as ‘Meredith feta.’

Q: What makes Meredith’s marinated cheese different from chevre or brined feta?

A: Meredith’s cheese is a fresh, relatively young cheese, cubed and marinated in oil with herbs, making it creamier and milder than salty, brined fetas, and more spreadable than dense chevre logs.

Q: Can you use the leftover oil from the jar?

A: Absolutely. The oil is packed with herby, cheesy flavor. Drizzle it over salads, use as a bread dip, cook eggs in it, or blend into dressings and dips.

Q: Does Meredith Dairy offer other cheeses?

A: Yes, though the marinated sheep and goat cheese is their flagship in many markets, they also make plain soft cheeses, yogurts, and blue cheeses, mostly available in Australia.

Q: Is Meredith cheese suitable for vegetarians?

A: Yes, Meredith dairy uses vegetarian rennet for their marinated cheese, making it suitable for most vegetarian diets.

Final Thoughts: Why Meredith’s Marinated Cheese Endures

In an era of fleeting fads and Instagrammable foods, Meredith Dairy’s marinated cheese stands out as a food whose appeal is both simple and enduring. From humble beginnings on an Australian farm to kitchen counters across the globe, it has achieved rare cult status for a reason: It is comforting, delicious, and good for the planet. A reminder that the best foods are often found where craft, care, and community come together—in a little glass jar of golden cubes, ready to be discovered anew.