With three square meals a thing of the past for many consumers, particularly younger ones, snacking cheeses are a perfect way to fill the gaps with protein and other nutrition — and, of course, flavor.

The latest snacking innovation from Schuman Cheese are Delve branded dips and spreads.

Made with award-winning cheese, Delve offers a deeper, more indulgent experience for cheese lovers, said Walshe Birney, director of marketing and merchandising.

Each Delve dip is made using award-winning Cello Mascarpone as the base, ensuring an ultra-smooth, decadent texture, complemented by the other world-class cheeses that are part of the Schuman Cheese portfolio, Birney said.

“By pairing these cheeses with the freshest, all-natural ingredients, Delve delivers a craveable yet guilt-free snacking experience with a homemade taste and feel.”

Delve comes in three flavors:

• Basil Pesto Parm — A fresh and vibrant blend of basil and Cello’s award-winning Copper Kettle Parmesan Cheese.

• Garlic Herb Asiago — A bold and savory mix of garlic, fresh herbs, and Cello’s award-winning Asiago Cheese.

• Whipped Feta — A rich and smooth take on this Mediterranean classic with the standout integration of award-winning Dodoni Feta Cheese made from 100% Greek, pasteurized sheep’s and goat’s milk.

“We are thrilled to introduce Delve dips and spreads, a product that reflects our dedication to quality, innovation and craftsmanship,” said Allison Schuman, Schuman’s chief business development officer. “By combining the finest ingredients with our exceptional cheeses, we’ve created a truly indulgent snackable offering that elevates any occasion. Delve is more than just a dip — it’s a celebration of flavor, texture and the rich heritage that defines Schuman Cheese.”

Even before hitting the shelves, Delve made waves, Schuman said, earning two awards at the 2024 World Dairy Expo Championship Dairy Product Contest.

Delve 16 oz tubs are available now at Costco in Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and Texas (Dallas) regions, with more regions nationally coming soon. Meanwhile, 6 oz tubs are sold at Wakefern (ShopRite) locations.

A full roster

Other snacking cheeses from Schuman include Croc Bites Sharp Cheddar Cheese Snacks from the company’s new brand, Old Croc. Aged 9 months, “these tasty snacks pack a rich, bold, and irresistible taste,” Birney said. Individually wrapped and ready to go, Croc Bites are only 90 calories each, making them the perfect portion-controlled snack choice.

Another snacking option from Schuman is Old Amsterdam Aged Gouda Cheese, imported from Holland and portioned in bites with only 60 calories per serving.

Over the years, Schuman’s snacking portfolio has evolved to include more innovative, unique varieties, such as individually wrapped cheese portions, flavored cheeses, and higher-end options that appeal to health-conscious consumers and those seeking gourmet or artisanal snacks, Birney said.

Demand for snacking cheeses remains strong and is expected to continue growing, he added. Several factors are driving the trend:

• Increased consumer focus on convenience — Busy lifestyles mean more people are seeking on-the-go snacks that are both nutritious and easy to eat.

• Health-conscious choices — Snacking cheeses provide a high-protein, lower-carb alternative to traditional snacks, which appeals to fitness-minded consumers and those following keto or paleo diets.

• Innovation in flavors and formats — Consumers are also drawn to the variety of snacking cheeses available, from flavored options to single-serve packages.

Schuman supports all of its snacking and other products through digital and social media efforts by promoting them via online channels, including social media campaigns, influencer partnerships, and targeted ads to drive consumer interest, boost in-store purchases, and turn one-time customers into repeat customers.

On-the-go made delicious

BelGioioso Cheese markets several cheeses as snacking cheese, said the company’s Sofia Krans.

They include Fresh Mozzarella, Fontina, Provolone, Parmesan, American Grana, Asiago Fresco, Artigiano Balsamic Cipolline, Artigiano Vino Rosso, Mild Provolone Salame Roll, Fontina Pepperoni Roll.

“We started with one cheese, Fresh Mozzarella, and the line extended as retailers gained sales and asked for additional options for their customers,” Krans said.

Newest on BelGioioso’s snacking lineup are Fontina Pepperoni Rolls, which Krans characterized as a great on-the-go protein snack with a little spice.

“They’re also perfect for entertaining or adding to a grilled cheese sandwich and other foods.”

Fresh Mozzarella, meanwhile, is the most popular snacking cheese the company produces and has the widest appeal for its fresh, milky flavor. Kids, Krans said, love them in their lunch boxes.

BelGioioso and other shippers can look forward to increased demand for snacking cheeses going forward.

“On-the-go protein snacks are extremely popular, and everyone seems to love cheese for its clean label, three simple ingredients — milk, salt, enzymes — and satisfying flavor,” Krans said.

Consumers also love convenience, she added, and BelGioioso’s variety of snacking cheeses offers them a high level of quality for a snack option. BelGioioso’s sales and broker teams are in stores regularly, speaking with deli managers and their teams, to make sure BelGioioso snacking cheeses are merchandised correctly, Krans said.

“We also offer BelGioioso branded shelf sleeves to keep the small bags in order on the retailers’ shelves.”