Whey too expensive: New Zealand cheese lovers forced to eke out supplies as prices jump

Range of issues blamed for spike in cost to $20 a block, including inflation, Covid-related supply issues and high milk prices

Facing decades-high cheese prices, cheddar-loving New Zealanders are being forced to chase specials, downgrade their flavour expectations, or abandon the blocks entirely in favour of grated substitutes.

A mixture of inflation, Covid-19 supply pressures and high milk prices was sending prices for hunks of cheddar through the roof, with blocks ranging from $11 to over $20 a block.