National Goat Cheese Month – August 1, 2026

National Goat Cheese Month
Categories:
Tags:
CheeseFoodHealthy Food
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every August
Holiday emoji:
🧀

National Goat Cheese Month dedicates the entire month of August to the fluffy, tangy, and creamy dairy product. Whether crumbled on salads, spread on toast, or baked into tarts, goat cheese elevates any dish. Explore new recipes, visit local creameries, and share your favorite chèvre creations.

Want to sponsor National Goat Cheese Month? Learn how

Expected National Goat Cheese Month Deals

Throughout National Goat Cheese Month in August 2026, expect specialty food stores and cheese shops to feature promotions on various chèvre products. Retailers like Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s often highlight artisan cheeses, while online purveyors such as Murray’s Cheese may offer discounts on curated goat cheese selections. Smaller, local creameries might host tasting events or special bundle deals. Keep an eye out for restaurant specials incorporating goat cheese into seasonal menus. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as August approaches.

Platform Guide for National Goat Cheese Month

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalGoatCheeseMonth. Share vibrant photos of your favorite goat cheese dishes, from salads to desserts.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalGoatCheeseMonth. Film quick recipe videos, taste tests, or ‘day in the life’ content from a goat farm.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalGoatCheeseMonth. Share your best goat cheese pairing ideas or local cheese shop finds.

Social Media Tips for National Goat Cheese Month

Individuals

Experiment with new goat cheese recipes, host a tasting party with friends, or visit a local farmer's market to discover artisan chèvre varieties.

Creators

Produce engaging content showcasing the versatility of goat cheese, such as a '30 Days of Goat Cheese' recipe series or a guide to pairing chèvre with wines.

Brands

Run a month-long campaign featuring goat cheese in new products or recipes, collaborate with influencers, or offer special discounts on chèvre-centric items.

Top Brands for National Goat Cheese Month

  1. Cypress Grove

    Founded in 1983 by Mary Keehn in Humboldt County, California, Cypress Grove is renowned for its award-winning American goat cheeses, including the iconic Humboldt Fog. The company focuses on sustainable farming practices and artisanal quality.

  2. Vermont Creamery

    Founded in 1984 by Allison Hooper and Bob Reese, Vermont Creamery produces fresh and aged goat cheeses, butter, and cultured dairy products. Known for its commitment to high-quality, fresh ingredients and supporting local dairy farms.

  3. Laura Chenel's Chèvre

    Established in 1979 by Laura Chenel in Sonoma, California, this creamery was one of the first to produce artisanal goat cheese in the United States. They are celebrated for their traditional French-style chèvre.

  4. Cheesemongers of Santa Fe

    A specialty cheese shop founded in 2008 by Rob and Nora Mintz, Cheesemongers of Santa Fe offers a curated selection of domestic and imported cheeses, including a wide array of goat cheeses. They host tastings and educational events.

  5. Whole Foods Market

    Founded in 1978 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market is a leading natural and organic food retailer. They feature an extensive cheese department, often highlighting artisanal goat cheeses from various producers.

  6. Trader Joe's

    Founded in 1967 in Pasadena, California, Trader Joe's is a popular grocery chain known for its unique and affordable private label products. They offer a diverse selection of goat cheeses, including flavored varieties and logs.

  7. Rogue Creamery

    Founded in 1933 in Central Point, Oregon, Rogue Creamery is famous for its organic, handcrafted blue cheeses, but also produces excellent goat and mixed-milk cheeses. They are a certified B Corp and prioritize sustainable practices.

National Goat Cheese Month Hero

Laura Chenel

Laura Chenel is a pioneering figure in American artisanal cheesemaking, credited with establishing one of the first goat cheese dairies in the United States in the late 1970s. Her dedication to crafting high-quality chèvre helped popularize goat cheese in American cuisine. Chenel's innovative spirit and commitment to traditional French methods set a benchmark for the burgeoning American artisan cheese movement.

History of National Goat Cheese Month

National Goat Cheese Month came into existence in August of 1998. It was started by the American Cheese Society (ACS), which aimed to open the eyes of the country to the wonders and benefits of goat cheese. ACS was founded by Frank Kosikowski, a professor at Cornell University, in 1983. Kosikowski had penned several research articles and books on the subject of cheese. His expertise in and enthusiasm for the field led him to establish ACS. Initially, much of the members and staff at the organization were voluntary. However, a few years down the line, the society grew with the growing cheese industry in the country. Today, ACS is a nonprofit, and its goals are to educate and unite cheese lovers all over America. It offers networking events and opportunities by hosting conferences, conventions, and membership tests.

Goat cheese was first made some 9,000 years ago when the first goats were domesticated by humans. Often called the poor man’s ‘cow,’ goats were much easier to raise and take care of. These animals are natural grazers and can survive on their own in the toughest and roughest of environments. The Moors are said to have brought goats to France in 8 A.D., and that is where chèvre, which is french for goat cheese, was made. Goat cheese has similar fat content to cow cheese, but it is healthier and can be eaten by people who have a low lactose tolerance. Its essence and aroma rely on its aging, density, moisture, and any additional flavoring. Goat cheese’s taste will also differ according to a goat’s diet. For example, the best time to have goat cheese is during August as the goats would have been feasting on berries all summer long. As a result, the goat cheese can have a fruity and somewhat sweet flavor. Goat cheese’s tart and creamy texture also makes it ideal to have as dessert. Additionally, many people enjoy it with olive oil or in salads. It also goes great with roast dinners and burgers.

National Goat Cheese Month timeline

9000 Years Ago
First Goats Domesticated

Humans domesticate the first herd of goats for their milk, meat, and skin.

349 B.C.
Early Goat Cheese Records in Greece

Xenophon, a Greek historian and military leader, records goat cheese being consumed in Peloponnesus.

8 A.D.
Moors Bring Goats to France

The Moors bring goats to France, and the tradition of making chèvre (goat cheese) begins.

2006
Best Cheese in the World

A spicy Dutch goat cheese wins the title of “Best Cheese of the World” at England’s Nantwich International Cheese Show.

National Goat Cheese Month FAQs

When is National Goat Cheese Month?

National Goat Cheese Month runs throughout August 2026, offering a full 31 days to celebrate this versatile dairy product.

What is the difference between goat cheese and chèvre?

There is no difference; ‘chèvre’ is simply the French word for goat, and in the culinary world, it is commonly used to refer to goat cheese. It often implies a fresh, tangy style of goat cheese.

How popular is goat cheese?

Goat cheese has seen a significant rise in popularity in recent years, with its distinct tangy flavor and versatility appealing to a growing number of consumers. The global goat cheese market is projected to continue expanding.

What are the health benefits of goat cheese?

Goat cheese is often easier to digest for some individuals due to its lower lactose content and different protein structure compared to cow’s milk cheese. It’s also a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics.

How To Celebrate National Goat Cheese Month

  1. Eat some goat cheese

    Goat cheese is a great addition to many recipes. It only works to further enhance the taste of a food item. You can have it with salads, but if you are feeling adventurous you can also have it grilled or roasted as goat cheese doesn’t melt as cow cheese does. While you are at it, try the cheese as is to really appreciate its dense and rich flavors.

  2. Have it as dessert

    Dessert and cheese, need we say more? We are going to say just a little bit more. Because of its tangy and tart taste, you can have it to satisfy your sweet cravings. Honey and chocolate will complement the flavors immensely.

  3. Make goat cheese at home

    Making goat cheese is quite simple. You just have to allow raw goat milk to naturally curdle. If you want, you can use acid, like vinegar, to get the curdling effect. Once the curdling is done, you can separate the curds through draining, and then press the curds to get a shape.

5 Facts About Goats That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. Goats are social animals

    As goats are social animals, they can start feeling lonely if you do not give them enough attention and care.

  2. Goat meat is the most consumed

    Goats’ are eaten the most worldwide per capita.

  3. Goat kids are easily recognized by mothers

    Goat mothers can easily recognize their goat kids since the latter has a unique call and scent.

  4. Rectangular pupils for better vision

    Goats have rectangular pupils that afford them 320 to 340 degrees of vision, and this means that they can see without having to move their heads or necks much.

  5. Goats are like dogs

    As if they weren’t adorable enough, goats are also very similar to dogs in their behavioral patterns, like responding when their name is being called or seeking a human’s help when faced with a difficult task.

Why We Love National Goat Cheese Month

  1. It’s a celebration of goat cheese

    Goat cheese can easily make it to the list of the greatest human inventions in the food industry. It can be soft, hard, and fluffy. It can also be salted, brined, tangy, tart, and so many other flavors. Half of goat cheese’s greatness lies in its versatility that allows it to shift between savory and sweet dishes.

  2. It’s a celebration of goats

    Did you know that a goat giving birth is called ‘kidding’? Yep, a goat baby is called a kid, and it was brought into this world through kidding. Their origins are super adorkable, and if you take them under your care, they will vow to see you through thick and thin by upholding their end of the friendship bargain.

  3. It’s a celebration of different flavors

    While goat cheese has been around for quite a while now, it is the way the countries of the world have adopted it into their cultures that is interesting. Spicy and savory goat cheese can be found in Europe, but if you have a sweet tooth to take care of, then head over to America to have it in your pies or cheese boards.

National Goat Cheese Month dates

Year Date Day
2026 August 1 Saturday
2027 August 1 Sunday
2028 August 1 Tuesday
2029 August 1 Wednesday
2030 August 1 Thursday