PETALUMA, CALIF. — Marin French Cheese Co. added a new flavored cheese it dubbed Prospector to its California Originals line.

The cheesemakers behind the 8 oz black truffle triple crème brie created it to be generously studded with real black truffle, Marin French Cheese Co. brand manager Bonnie Kaufman shared, adding that Prospector is earthy, aromatic and rich on every level.

“Truffle is often seen as a seasonal flavor, but we think it’s worth celebrating year-round,” Kaufman said. “Prospector is gorgeous on-shelf and pairs nicely with bubbles, a martini, or a drizzle of floral honey.”

It’s the second year in a row Marin French Cheese added a flavored cheese to its product roster. In 2024, the company introduced Petite Garlic & Pepper, a 4 oz Triple Crème Brie infused with savory garlic and fresh cracked pepper.

“While these flavors are well known, the combination is unique and completely new to soft-ripened cheese,” Kaufman said. “Customers and consumers like that they get to try something completely new that’s approachable rather than intimidating. It’s also super savory and delicious, making it great on a cheese board or in culinary applications.”

And then there’s what Kaufman calls the “staff favorite” — Petite Jalapeno.

“While we always work to keep the flavors of the cheese and the ingredients in balance, this one packs a punch. We figure if you’re looking for heat, we should provide it, and the milky paste of the triple crème is the perfect counterpoint to that spicy bite.”

These and other “comforting culinary flavors” combine to create unique flavored cheeses that are greater than the sum of its parts, she added.

Marin French Cheese Co. has a long history of making flavored cheeses. Other experiments over the company’s 160-year history include fruit-filled fresh cheeses, pesto-flavored brie and many more.

Those flavorful excursions were largely enabled, Kaufman said, by the company’s 4 oz petites, “the perfect example of our playful approach to soft-ripened cheeses.” The small size means consumers can try something new at a lower price point.

The company plans to launch new flavored cheeses later this year, Kaufman said. While consumers will have to wait to find out what those are, there is no mystery to the trends in flavored cheeses Marin French Cheese Co. is tracking.

“Currently, I’m reading a lot about global flavors, as well as elevated takes on nostalgic comfort foods,” Kaufman said.” And trending ingredients include mushrooms, dates and high-protein or probiotic additives.”