Guided by heritage. Connected by culture. Honoring the flavors that travel with us.

El Viajero’s story begins in 1898, when Italian immigrant Phillip Sanna founded National Dairy in Brooklyn, NY. Bringing with him the cheese-making traditions of his homeland, Sanna crafted familiar favorites like mozzarella for the growing immigrant communities of New York. His knowledge, skill, and respect for authentic methods built the foundation for a brand rooted in craftsmanship and cultural connection.

As Puerto Rican migration to New York surged in the 1950s and 60s, many newcomers found work inside the National Dairy plant. It was there – through shared kitchens, shared stories, and shared pride – that a new chapter began. One employee suggested making queso blanco, a cherished staple in Puerto Rican cuisine. The idea resonated. Soon, the company was producing queso blanco using time-honored techniques and real ingredients, meeting a growing need among families seeking the flavors of home.

Demand grew, and the brand transformed. Traveler’s Cheese became El Viajero – the Spanish translation of its name, and a reflection of its purpose: to carry familiar flavors across borders, neighborhoods, and generations.

In the 1980s, Sabrosura Foods acquired El Viajero with a commitment to continue what the brand had always stood for: authentic cheeses and foods that honor the traditions of the people who love them. As Latin communities expanded across the United States, El Viajero expanded with them – continuing to bring beloved flavors into new kitchens and new homes.

Today, El Viajero is a proud member of the Sabrosura family, offering cheeses, meats, arroz con leche, and probiotic drinks inspired by many Hispanic countries. Though the portfolio has grown, the purpose remains unchanged. El Viajero embodies knowledge passed down, traditions carried forward, and flavors that connect us to where we come from.

Rooted in craft. Honoring culture. El Viajero brings a taste of home wherever the journey leads.