Gouda cheese is mainly intended for direct consumption as a snack and as an ingredient in sandwiches, salads, toast, burgers and tortillas. It is suitable for shredding, grating and slicing. It is a valuable ingredient in the production of high quality ready meals and snacks such as pizzas, cheese-based sauces and dips, soup premixes, flavored crackers and French fries. Gouda cheese is also used in the confectionery and bakery segments, where its melting ability is sought after.