All About Gardner’s String Cheese Whips

Key Takeaways

• Ideal for on-the-go lifestyles: String cheese whips are perfect for lunchboxes, road trips, and casual entertaining, with individually wrapped sticks offering ultimate convenience.

• Storage is straightforward: Refrigerate between 34°F and 40°F, use bags within about 20 days, and freeze sealed packages for extended shelf life.

• Award-winning options exist: Farmstead-style string cheese from Wisconsin offers premium quality, with some products earning recognition at the World Championship Cheese Contest and American Cheese Society competitions.

• This guide covers it all: You’ll learn how to choose, store, and serve different string cheese packages, plus find answers to common questions.

What Are String Cheese Whips?

String cheese whips are made from mild, creamy mozzarella using the traditional pasta filata process that creates that familiar pull-apart texture. Instead of forming thick sticks, the cheese is drawn into thinner, whip-like strands that are easy to snack on straight from the bag.

Gardner’s draw-string cheese whips deliver the classic mozzarella flavor people love: soft, mild, and lightly salty, while offering a different shape that’s especially fun for kids, parties, and grazing boards. They’re not aged or blended with other cheeses; the focus is on clean dairy flavor and satisfying texture.

What Makes Gardner’s Cheese Whips Different?

Gardner’s cheese whips are made in Wisconsin and reflect the state’s long-standing cheesemaking tradition. The ingredient list stays simple, letting the quality of the mozzarella shine through without unnecessary additives.

Key characteristics include:

• Mild, creamy mozzarella flavor
  

• Thin whip shape instead of traditional sticks
  

• Naturally gluten free
  

• Extremely keto-friendly
  

• Portable, snackable format for all ages

Because they’re unflavored and unbreaded, the cheese itself is the star: no coatings, seasonings, or fillers to distract from the dairy.

Packaging and Storage

Gardner’s draw-string cheese whips are packaged for convenience and freshness, making them easy to keep on hand for everyday snacking.

For best results, store cheese whips refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C). When kept sealed and properly refrigerated, they stay fresh through the date listed on the package. Once opened, they’re best enjoyed within several days to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

While cheese whips can be frozen if needed, freezing may slightly change the texture after thawing. Thawed cheese is still safe to eat but is often better suited for cooking rather than pulling and snacking.

How to Enjoy String Cheese Whips

Cheese whips are incredibly versatile and easy to enjoy in a variety of settings. Straight from the fridge, they make a satisfying snack with just the right amount of saltiness, but they also work well as a casual appetizer or addition to grazing boards. They’re easy to pack in lunchboxes or enjoy as an after-school snack, travel well on road trips when kept in a cooler or with an ice pack, and look great on party platters or charcuterie boards. Pair them with fruit, vegetables, or gluten-free crackers for a balanced snack. Their thin shape makes them easy to portion, pull apart, or arrange for visual interest on snack trays.

Dietary Considerations

Gardner’s draw-string cheese whips are gluten free and contain no wheat, barley, or rye. They’re suitable for gluten-free diets and naturally fit into keto and low-carb eating plans. As with all dairy products, they’re not appropriate for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance unless otherwise noted on the label.

Because the ingredient list is simple and free of added sugars or coatings, these cheese whips are a reliable option for shoppers looking for a clean, protein-forward snack.

Who Are Cheese Whips Best For?

Cheese whips are ideal for families, busy households, and anyone who loves classic string cheese but wants something a little different. They’re a great fit for kids who enjoy fun, pullable snacks, adults looking for a quick, keto-friendly bite, and hosts putting together casual or kid-friendly charcuterie boards. They’re also a solid option for anyone who wants simple, gluten-free snacking without compromise.

Shipping, Storage & Handling of String Cheese Packages

Proper shipping and storage preserve the texture, flavor, and safety of your string cheese packages. A little attention to detail goes a long way.

To ensure your cheese arrives in excellent condition, Gardner’s uses insulated packaging with ice packs, carefully timed delivery windows, and temperature-aware handling throughout transit to keep everything properly chilled. Once your order arrives, it’s important to refrigerate the cheese promptly. For best results, store it at an ideal temperature range of 34°F to 40°F (1°C to 4°C), which most standard home refrigerators naturally maintain, helping the cheese stay fresh and enjoyable.

You can freeze unopened or tightly sealed string cheese to extend shelf life significantly. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature for best texture results.

Handling tips:

• Never leave sticks at room temperature for more than 2 hours

• Always reseal zipper bags to prevent drying out

• Store away from strong-smelling foods (cheese absorbs odors)

For more detailed instructions on cheese storage, check out our blog post Cheese Storage 101!

Reading Ingredient and Storage Labels

Reading and understanding labels is an important step when choosing quality string cheese. Ingredient lists are usually short and straightforward, typically including milk, cultures, enzymes, and salt with minimal additives, which is a good indicator of quality. Labels should also provide clear storage guidance, such as instructions to keep the cheese refrigerated, how many days it should be used after opening, and whether the product is suitable for freezing. 

Some premium snack sticks may also note specific aging times, such as an 8-year cheddar. It’s also important to understand date labels: a “sell by” date tells the store when to remove the product from shelves, while a “use by” date indicates the recommended deadline for consumption. Following the storage and date guidance helps ensure the best flavor, texture, and safety.

Serving Ideas for String Cheese Whips

String cheese whips are incredibly versatile. They work as grab-and-go snacks, lunchbox staples, and even cooking ingredients. Let’s explore the possibilities.

Simple snacking pairings:

• Apple slices or grapes

• Cherry tomatoes or baby carrots

• Whole-grain crackers

• Pretzel sticks or breadsticks

• Sliced cucumbers with hummus

Recipe inspiration:

• Stuffed pizza rolls (wrap dough around cheese sticks)

• Baked casseroles with melted cheese topping

• Flatbread pizzas with pulled cheese

• Cheese-stuffed breadsticks

• Caprese salad skewers

FAQ

How long can an unopened string cheese whips package stay fresh in the refrigerator?

Most unopened retail packs stay fresh for several weeks past purchase when kept properly refrigerated. Always follow the printed “use by” date on the package for the most accurate guidance specific to that product.

Is there a difference between string cheese sticks and aged snack sticks?

Absolutely. Classic string cheese is usually mild, peelable mozzarella-style cheese with a creamy, approachable flavor. Aged snack sticks—such as 8-year cheddar or parmesan varieties—have stronger, more complex flavors, firmer texture, and typically command higher price points. Both come in convenient stick form, but they offer very different taste experiences.

What is the best package type for school lunches?

Individually wrapped string cheese sticks in standard or 2-pack bags are the most practical choice for school lunches. They’re portion-controlled, easy for kids to peel open independently, and stay fresher than loose pieces when packed in lunchboxes alongside other foods. The individual wrapping also prevents flavor transfer from other lunch items.