Mesophilic Starter Culture (5-Pack)
Mesophilic culture by New England Cheesemaking · Mesophilic
5 single-use packets · 1 packet per batch, up to 2 gallons at New England Cheesemaking · checked October 23, 2026
Check current price at New England Cheesemaking Work out my dose
Our take
The simplest way to start. Each packet is pre-measured for a home batch, so there is nothing to weigh or split. If you are making your first cheddar, gouda or farmhouse cheese, start here — then graduate to the bulk Choozit packs below when you know you will keep making cheese.
Details & dosage
| Culture family | Mesophilic |
| Made by | New England Cheesemaking |
| Strains / contents | Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis + subsp. cremoris |
| Pack | 5 single-use packets · 1 packet per batch, up to 2 gallons |
| Typical dose | 1 packet per batch (up to 2 gal), added at the temperature your recipe specifies |
| Storage | Store in the freezer |
| Sold by | New England Cheesemaking |
| Price checked | $9.95 on October 23, 2026 |
Doses are the retailer's or manufacturer's stated figures for this product. Culture strength is measured in activity units (DCU/CXU), not weight alone — a teaspoon of one brand is not a teaspoon of another. When in doubt, follow the packet.
Best for these cheeses
- Cheddar
- Gouda
- Edam
- Colby
- Monterey Jack
- Blue cheese
- Stilton
Good to know
- Pre-measured packets: no scale or splitting needed
- Covers the widest range of everyday home cheeses
- Freeze-dried direct-set culture: sprinkle on warm milk, let it rehydrate briefly, stir in
Not sure this is your culture?
Tell the Culture Finder which cheese you are making and it will point you to the starter, the adjuncts, and anything you can skip.
Related: Choozit MA 11 Mesophilic Culture · Choozit MM 100 Mesophilic Culture · Flora Danica Mesophilic Culture ·