California Shopper Discovers Trader Joe’s New French Cheese Is Made With ‘Cheese Mites,’ Sparking Viral Debate

LOS ANGELES — A California shopper’s cheese discovery has gone viral after she revealed that Trader Joe’s new Mimolette cheese — a bright orange French favorite — is aged using microscopic “cheese mites.” While some viewers were horrified, cheese experts say the process is completely normal — and centuries old.

TikTok Sparks Curiosity (and Disgust)

Food content creator Meg Quinn (@ainttooproudtomeg) introduced the cheese in a viral TikTok that has been viewed over 550,000 times, describing Mimolette as “delicious but made with bugs.”
“There is a new cheese at Trader Joe’s,” Quinn says in her video. “And it has bugs in it — like, actual bugs living on the rind of this cheese. But it is delicious, so hear me out.”

She explains that tiny mites are intentionally added to the rind during the aging process. Known as “cheese mites” or “flour mites,” they burrow into the rind, creating small holes that help aerate and flavor the cheese as it matures.

Why the Mites Are There

While the idea of insects on cheese might alarm some shoppers, the mites are not contaminants — they’re part of traditional cheesemaking. The mites help develop Mimolette’s signature nutty flavor and its smooth, bright orange rind.
“These mites are microscopic and harmless,” Quinn says, adding that their presence enhances both the texture and aroma of the finished product.

According to Cabin Crew 24, the technique dates back hundreds of years in France and is used in other aged cheeses, including Stilton and clothbound cheddar. The mites are later removed by brushing or compressed air before packaging — though a few may remain.

Mimolette’s Journey to Trader Joe’s

Quinn, who runs a cheese-focused food blog, said she typically buys Mimolette from Whole Foods, but this is the first time she’s seen it stocked at Trader Joe’s. “It’s a limited run,” she said. “Grab it while you can.”
She also suggested it’s perfect for fall entertaining: “The orange color makes it great for Halloween or Thanksgiving cheese boards.”

@ainttooproudtomeg

…And it’s actually GOOD! This is Mimolette & I’ve been a fan for years BUT this is the first time I’ve seen it at TraderJoes. Assuming it’s a limited run, so grab it while you can. Head to my bio for my French Cheese Board Guide, featuring Mimolette, as well as my Trader Joe’s Budget Board Guide so you can build a beautiful spread this holiday season. #AintTooProudToCheese

♬ original sound – Meg Quinn

The Cheese’s Controversial Past

Mimolette’s mite-filled rind has been controversial before. In 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) temporarily blocked imports of Mimolette, citing concerns that high mite levels could cause allergic reactions.
At the time, Benoit de Vitton, a representative of French producer Isigny, told NPR that the FDA’s informal limit of “no more than six mites per square inch” was almost impossible to meet. “They said the product was not proper for human consumption,” de Vitton said.

The ban sparked backlash from cheese enthusiasts and importers, many of whom argued that mite exposure from aged cheeses is minimal and harmless. Harvard microbiologist Rachel Dutton later confirmed that cheese mites play a beneficial role, saying, “Cheese is absolutely alive. Molds, bacteria, yeasts, and mites all help make cheese what it is.”

The FDA eventually lifted its restrictions in 2014, allowing Mimolette to return to American shelves.

Public Reactions Online

Quinn’s revelation quickly spread across TikTok and Instagram, where users reacted with a mix of fascination and disgust.

“If I go to a party and find out I’m eating bug cheese, I’m calling the cops,” one commenter joked.
“They’re microscopic, y’all — you’ve probably eaten them before,” another wrote.
“Don’t look up Casu Martzu if you think this is bad,” one user warned, referring to a Sardinian cheese made with live larvae.

Despite the divisive reactions, Quinn stood by her endorsement, saying, “You may just wanna forget this fun fact and go ahead and enjoy it — because it’s really delicious.”

A Delicious Tradition, Not a Defect

Cheese experts emphasize that Mimolette’s production process is completely safe and that the mites are key to its unique, nutty flavor. They’re not visible to the naked eye, and by the time the cheese is sold, only trace remnants remain.

For adventurous cheese lovers, Mimolette offers a taste of history — and a reminder that some of the best foods come from unexpected places.

Would you try a cheese aged with “cheese mites,” or is that a dealbreaker? Share your thoughts and follow more trending food stories at NapervilleLocal.com.