Award-Winning Dairy Products to Try from New York
New York has long been a powerhouse in the dairy industry, with a rich heritage that stretches across generations of dedicated farmers and producers. The annual New York State Dairy Products Competition celebrates this legacy by highlighting the finest dairy products from across the state. Each year, this prestigious event showcases not only the quality but also the innovation and craftsmanship behind New York's dairy products. From creamy cheeses to fresh milk and indulgent ice creams, the competition showcases the state's commitment to producing world-class dairy.
Now, let's dive into this year's standout winners, each proving why New York remains a leader in the dairy industry.
Stewart's Shops took home multiple wins in the fluid milk, chocolate milk, and flavored milk categories, proving their commitment to quality and freshness. Their milk is sourced from local, family-owned farms and delivered to stores within 48 hours for the ultimate farm-fresh taste. But it's their flavored milk, like their creamy strawberry milk, that truly steals the show. Whether it's the smooth chocolate or other irresistible flavors, Stewart's dedication to farm-fresh ingredients makes every sip a delicious reminder of why they're award winners.
2. Byrne Dairy
Byrne Dairy has once again proven itself a leader in New York's dairy scene with its wins in the chocolate ice cream and open-class ice cream categories. Known for blending tradition with innovation, Byrne Dairy has been crafting exceptional ice cream since 1980, using fresh milk and cream from local family farms. Their Grasshopper Pie ice cream, a minty delight with chocolate cookie pieces and a rich fudge swirl, is a standout, offering a refreshing twist on a classic flavor. For over 90 years, Byrne Dairy has remained committed to quality and community, sourcing only the finest ingredients from farms within 35 miles of their plants, ensuring that their ice cream remains a favorite across generations.
Churchtown Dairy earned the prestigious title of Grand Champion for their Coperthwaite cheese, which also secured Gold in the Farmstead Open Class category. Known for their artisanal approach to cheesemaking, Churchtown Dairy crafts their award-winning cheeses using biodynamic principles that respect the natural ecosystem and support sustainable farming. The Coperthwaite, with its bold, funky flavor profile, develops deep umami notes through a carefully managed aging process in their underground cheese cave. This dedication to craftsmanship and sustainable practices has earned Churchtown Dairy top honors and a loyal following in the community, solidifying their place among New York's best dairy producers.
4. Dygert Farms
Dygert Farms earned a well-deserved silver medal in the fluid milk category, reflecting their commitment to producing some of New York's finest milk. As a 13th-generation family farm located in the Mohawk Valley, Dygert Farms has upheld community values and sustainable farming practices since 1723. They proudly offer milk that is fresh, rich, and free of artificial hormones and antibiotics, with the farm processing its own milk since 2021. While they earned silver, their long-standing tradition of excellence and consistent high standards make them a standout in the competition, proudly upholding New York's rich dairy heritage.
5. HP Hood
HP Hood excelled at this year's Dairy Products Competition, securing 13 medals, including top honors in the cottage cheese, sour cream, and yogurt categories. With a history dating back to 1846, HP Hood has built a reputation for producing high-quality, reliable dairy products that are staples in households across the country. Their wide range of offerings, from milk and ice cream to sour cream and cottage cheese, showcases their versatility. HP Hood's products are crafted with milk from farms that adhere to high standards of animal care and are free from artificial growth hormones, ensuring that families can enjoy nutritious, delicious dairy every day.
Great Lakes Cheese demonstrated their expertise at this year's competition, taking home eight awards, including gold and silver medals in both the Super Aged Cheddar and Low Moisture Mozzarella categories. Known for their expertise in aging cheeses to perfection, Great Lakes Cheese offers a versatile selection of natural, processed, and organic cheeses, available in many types of formats such as bulk, shredded, and sliced formats. Their range also includes convenient snack options like cheese cubes, sticks, and string cheese, making their products perfect for everyday meals, on-the-go snacking, or even special occasions.
BelGioioso Cheese has established itself as a standout in the dairy world, winning top honors in categories like mozzarella, ricotta, and flavored natural cheese. Specializing in Italian-style cheeses, BelGioioso has made these traditional cheeses a household favorite across New York. With a commitment to crafting authentic, flavorful cheeses using recipes passed down through generations, they ensure an unmatched taste experience. BelGioioso uses locally sourced milk, maintaining their dedication to quality while preserving the rich, artisanal methods that make their cheeses truly exceptional.
Agri-Mark, Inc. made a strong impression at this year's competition, securing wins in the Sharp Cheddar, Aged Cheddar, and Cold Pack/Process Cheese categories. Known for producing intense, bold flavors, Agri-Mark's cheeses are perfect for cheese enthusiasts seeking a rich and sharp taste. Their aged and sharp cheddars are a hit on cheese boards and pair beautifully with wines and other New York products, making them ideal for any gathering. As a dairy farmer cooperative, Agri-Mark focuses on quality, sourcing premium milk from their member farms, ensuring that every product meets the highest standards.
9. Kraft Heinz
Kraft Heinz earned all three awards in the Cream Cheese/Neufchatel category this year, winning Gold for their TempTee Cream Cheese, Silver for their Blueberry Cream Cheese, and the prestigious Award of Excellence for their Chive and Onion Cream Cheese. Known for its smooth texture and rich flavor, Kraft Heinz's cream cheese has become a household favorite, perfect for spreading on bagels or incorporating into recipes. These awards highlight Kraft Heinz's unwavering commitment to quality and nutrition, ensuring their cream cheese remains a trusted choice for families and chefs alike.
As you explore these award-winning dairy products, remember that behind each one are the hardworking farmers and companies dedicated to bringing the best of New York's dairy to your table. Supporting these local producers not only means enjoying world-class cheeses, ice creams, and milk but also helping sustain the communities and traditions that make New York's dairy industry thrive. So, the next time you're at the store, keep an eye out for these exceptional products, and don't forget to share your favorites with friends and family.