The wholesome taste of natural ingredients that is preservative, and additive free.
Article found in the August 2025 Friends of Evanston Farmers Markets Newsletter
Gene Glas, pictured here, is a cheese spread maker. He has been making cheese spreads since 1974, mostly for other companies. He founded Glas All Naturals 10 years ago in July 2015. He believes Glas All Naturals is the only spreadable cheese company left that makes an all natural product.
What does 'all natural' mean in the world of spreadable cheeses? Glas All Naturals uses Wisconsin dairy cheddar and salt-free butter from local dairy farms. He does not add additives, preservatives or chemicals, nor does he cook the cheese spread or modify it in any way. The cheddar he uses has ripened for two years so the cheddar flavor really pops.
"Most manufacturers do not use aged cheese because it's too expensive. We take a position of making a product that is second to none. We're not bashful about using expensive ingredients, because what happens is you have a superior product with all the natural flavors of cheese. For example, we just processed today, jalapeño peppers that were picked yesterday morning. We clean them and prepare them, and use these fresh ingredients in our cheese spread," said Glas.
Why use expensive, high quality ingredients when Glas could probably get away with using less expensive ones? For one, that's not his style. Gene is a man of faith, and truth and trust are concepts he believes wholeheartedly. He won't deceive consumers by offering them less than the best. Also, he wants his customers to have the experience of tasting a truly great cheese spread. A really great one, like their top selling Jalapeño Cheese Spread, will "make your taste buds dance." (We love that description!)
On days that he makes cheese spread, the entire production area -- floors, walls, equipment, packing area -- is thoroughly washed and sanitized. They repeat the process after they are finished. They have 10 products so far. Gene is always thinking about new flavors and ideas. If he doesn't like it, it doesn't get made.
This is the company's first year at the Evanston Farmers Market. Chris Saucerman, shown here with the beard, is the Evanston contact. So far Evanston's shoppers haven't been captivated by Glas All Naturals cheese spreads, but Gene hopes that will change soon. They love offering customers free tastes of all their products.
Gene encourages everyone to stop by on Saturday to try a sample or two. If your taste buds dance, maybe you'll buy a jar to take home. Look for them on the East side of the market.
