The demand for snacking products continues to surge throughout the fresh food world, and specialty cheeses are no exception.

Fitchburg, Wis.-based Emmi Roth sells its Roth Creamy Gouda and Roth Creamy Cheddar Snack Cheese in 6-pack bags at retail, said Amie Wentz, senior brand manager.

Both varieties are also sold as individual units at regional Kwik Trip convenience stores.

Emmi Roth is also working on offering a variety of new flavored snack cheeses, Wentz said.

Under the company’s Athenos brand banner, meanwhile, snacking options include the new Athenos Whipped Feta Dip & Spread, which Wentz said is “a perfect accompaniment” to pre-cut vegetables, chips and crackers.

It will initially be available exclusively at Walmart stores beginning this fall.

Roth Snack Cheeses are gluten-free and natural, Wentz said, which are both areas that continue to drive demand in the snacking market.

The company’s multi-pack bags are lunchbox compatible, she added, and offer easy portion control and on-the-go convenience. Roth Snack Cheese also features clear packaging, so consumers can easily see the finished product.

“With omnichannel distribution, Roth Snack Cheeses also are available where consumers shop – traditional grocery, grocery cooperatives, convenience stores and online food delivery services.”

Snacking in general is up and cheese snacks fit well into the trend, Wentz said. “Especially as a meal replacement, because cheese is filling and offers nutritional benefits.”

According to Circana data cited by Emmi Roth, 50% of consumers often eat snacks instead of a meal because they’re on the go, up 6% from 2021 to 2023.

Two-thirds of consumers snack to fuel up for the day, also up 6%.

This article is an excerpt from the November 2023 issue of Supermarket Perimeter. You can read the entire Snacking Cheese feature and more in the digital edition here.