Boursin cheese is a popular French cheese spread made from a blend of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Its smooth, creamy texture and tangy garlic flavor make it a favorite topping for crackers, baked potatoes, and crusty bread. While Boursin originated in France, some varieties of the famous cheese spread are now produced in the United States. So is Boursin cheese made in the USA? Let’s take a closer look.
History of Boursin
Boursin cheese was first created in 1957 by French dairy company Bel brands. It was named after the Boursin family, who owned a castle in Normandy, France. The original Boursin cheese was made from a mix of cream cheese, garlic, parsley, chives, black pepper, and salt. It quickly became popular across France and Europe for its versatility as both an appetizer and cooking ingredient.
In the 1960s, food company Unilever acquired Bel and began expanding distribution of Boursin to North America. It was an instant success stateside as an easy, flavorful spread for crackers, bread, and vegetables. Several different flavor varieties of Boursin were created over the years, including Fine Herbs, Garlic & Fine Herbs, Garlic & Chive, Pepper, and Shallot & Chive.
Boursin Production in France
Authentic Boursin cheese has always been produced in Normandy, France. The original factory opened in 1957 near the small village of Vimoutiers. Today, a facility operated by Bel Brands still crafts Boursin cheese in Normandy using the traditional recipe. Hundreds of tons of Boursin are exported from the French plant every year.
In order to be labeled as true Boursin, the cheese must be made in Normandy from quality ingredients like cream cheese, milk, garlic, salt, herbs, and spices. The paste is aged for seven days to allow the flavors to develop before being packaged. Rigorous quality control standards ensure each batch of French Boursin meets exact taste, texture and aroma specifications.
Introduction of Boursin Production in the United States
Boursin cheese grew steadily in popularity in the United States through the 1970s and 80s. By the early 1990s, food giant Kraft identified it as an ideal product to manufacture domestically to lower costs and meet high American demand. In 1993, Kraft opened a new factory in Missouri and began producing Boursin for the North American market.
The Kraft-made Boursin used a similar recipe of cream cheese, garlic and herbs. However, they did tweak the blend slightly to Americanize the flavor profile. Additional varieties were also created exclusively for the US market, including Bacon & Chive, Cracker Cuts, and a lower-fat option.
Comparison of French and American Boursin
There are some noticeable differences between the Boursin cheese made in France versus what is produced in America:
Ingredients
| French Boursin | American Boursin |
| Pasteurized milk and cream | Pasteurized part-skim milk and cream |
| Salt | Salt |
| Garlic | Garlic |
| White wine | No white wine |
| Herbs like parsley, chives, chervil, tarragon | Dried herbs like parsley, chives, basil, oregano |
The French Boursin contains a shorter ingredient list with fresh herbs and white wine, while the American version uses dried herbs and lower fat dairy.
Texture
The texture of French Boursin is lighter and more spreadable due to its higher fat content. American Boursin has a thicker, dense texture from using part-skim milk and cream cheese.
Flavor
French Boursin has a richer, more pronounced garlic, herb and spice flavor. The use of fresh ingredients gives it a fresher, more authentic taste. The American version has a more mild flavor with less garlic punch.
Appearance
French Boursin comes in a foil wrapper with traditional branding. American Boursin uses plastic tubs with bright new labeling. The French cheese often appears more rustic and homemade when compared side by side.
Availability of French Boursin in the US
Despite being manufactured domestically since the 1990s, original French-made Boursin is actually still available in the United States. It can be found at gourmet grocery stores like Whole Foods Market, specialty cheese shops, and online retailers.
The importing of Boursin from France allows American consumers to still enjoy the authentic version. However, it is typically priced higher than the Kraft-produced cheeses. French Boursin generally retails between $4-8 per package, while domestic Boursin can be found for $2-5.
Other Foreign Boursin-Style Cheeses
The popularity of Boursin has resulted in other brands producing their own versions of garlic and herb cheese spreads. These Boursin-style alternatives provide more options for consumers:
Alouette
This French cheese company makes several flavors of garlic & herb spreads similar to Boursin. Their products are also imported to the US for sale.
Trader Joe’s
The grocery store chain offers its own inexpensive “Garlic and Herb Spreadable Cheese” that mimics the Boursin experience.
Prestige
This Canadian brand produces various flavors of rich, creamy herb-flavored cheese spreads inspired by Boursin.
Milky’s Way
A Wisconsin-based company handcrafts small batch cheese creations similar to Boursin in flavors like garlic & chive.
Nutrition Facts
Here is a nutrition facts comparison between French Boursin and American Boursin:
French Boursin
| Serving Size | 15g (1/5 package) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 80 |
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sodium | 125mg |
American Boursin
| Serving Size | 15g (1/5 package) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 40 |
| Fat | 3.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sodium | 125mg |
The French Boursin has higher amounts of calories, fat, and cholesterol due to using whole milk and cream. The American version is lower in fat and calories by using 2% milk and low-fat cream cheese.
Where to Buy French Boursin in USA
Here are some places where you can purchase authentic, imported Boursin made in France:
Whole Foods Market
The natural grocery chain carries French Boursin in the cheese department at many locations. Flavors may include Garlic & Fine Herbs, Garlic & Chives, Fine Herbs, or Shallot & Chives.
World Market
This specialty store imports French and European foods, including foil-wrapped packs of classic Boursin cheese. Stock varies by location.
Cost Plus World Market
Similar to World Market, this international market chain retails imported cheeses like Boursin in the refrigerated section.
Trader Joe’s
Certain Trader Joe’s locations may carry French Boursin in the cheese area, though availability is often limited. Popular picks like Garlic & Herbs sell quickly.
Online Stores
Several online gourmet food retailers ship French Boursin nationwide, such as igourmet.com, amazon.com, cheese.com and gustiamo.com. Minimum orders and shipping fees apply.
How to Identify Authentic French Boursin
When shopping for real, French-made Boursin, look for these identifiers on the packaging:
– Foil packaging marked with the Boursin logo and colors
– Label stating “Fabriqué en France” or “Product of France”
– Listing French cities like Vimoutiers or Normandy
– Ingredients listing milk, cream, white wine
– Imported by European food distributors
– Shelved in cheese departments or gourmet sections
– Higher retail pricing like $4-$8 per package
– Limited flavors like Fine Herbs, Garlic & Herbs, Garlic & Chives
French Boursin can specifically say “Original Boursin” or “Boursin Garlic and Herbs French Cheese Spread” on the label as well. This helps differentiate from other brands.
Conclusion
While American-made Boursin aims to recreate the popular French original, there are noticeable differences in ingredients, texture, and flavor that distinction purists. Seeking out imported authentic Boursin cheese in the US may require a trip to a specialty grocer or ordering online, but provides the true experience of the classic French fromage fin creation. With its smooth, flavorful paste and versatile usability, it’s easy to see why Boursin has become a beloved icon within the cheese community on both side of the Atlantic.