Sustainability
At The Cheese List
At The Cheese List, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, from the cheeses we source to the way we serve them. Our love for Canadian cheese runs deep. We believe that Canadian-made cheese is world-class—yet often overlooked. That's why we’ve made it our mission to shine a spotlight on the artisanal cheeses crafted by producers who share our passion for the land and animals that make it all possible. These producers understand that when there are so few ingredients in cheese, the quality of the milk is everything. The care they take in preserving the land, the animals, and the environment creates a beautiful, sustainable cycle that resonates with us.
We’re also committed to reducing our carbon footprint by sourcing locally made products and minimizing transportation. Being based in Saskatoon, we ensure that the cheeses we bring in are sourced as close to home as possible (Canada), reducing the environmental impact of travel and shipping.
As a cut-to-order cheese shop, we understand that cheese is a living, breathing product. By cutting cheese to order, we ensure that you get the freshest, most flavorful product. To maintain the integrity of the cheese, we wrap it in special cheese paper that allows it to breathe and maintain optimal moisture levels, extending its shelf life and reducing waste.
Before we opened our doors, we knew that food waste would be a key focus for us. Our training and experience in the food and beverage industry taught us the importance of minimizing waste. We use every part of the cheese and charcuterie products, turning ends and bits into delicious housemade products. Anything we can’t use gets composted or recycled. Our composting process at home transforms waste into organic humus, which we use to nourish our garden. This allows us to grow nutrient-rich produce for our jams, preserves, and pickles, capturing carbon and enriching the soil in a truly sustainable way.
In everything we do, we aim to honour the land, the animals, and the cheese that we’re so lucky to work with, all while contributing to a healthier planet.
Kathryn & Bret
ALL ABOUT US
The Cheese List is a specialty food retail store focusing on providing Saskatoon and area with high quality, cut to order, artisan cheese’s and locally made charcuterie and accompaniments.
Company Philosophy and Vision
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We strive to give our community another option for shopping locally and providing customers with products of the highest quality.
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The cut to order ensures the highest quality, with highly knowledgeable staff to be able to provide an exceptional experience.
Bret Eldstrom – Co-Owner
Bret has been working in the food and hospitality business for over 20 years. He began his career as a dishwasher at a locally owned restaurant. Over the years he has worked his way up through the ranks of kitchens. In 2012 he graduated from the Culinary Institute of Canada’s Culinary Arts program. During that time, he was fortunate enough to be able to go work at an agriturismo in Italy. Bret was also chosen to be on team Prince Edward Island that competed at the culinary Olympics in Erfurt, Germany in 2012. He obtained his Red Seal Certification for a cook in 2013.
Kathryn MacDonald – Co-Owner
Kathryn has been working in the food and hospitality industry for over 10 years. Graduating from the Culinary Institute of Canada Culinary Arts in 2012 and Pastry Arts in 2013. During Kathryn’s career she has worked in kitchens across Canada, eventually moving to the front of house gaining invaluable management and leadership skills. Kathryn loves connecting people to food through experiences. She has also completed her WEST level 2.