The cheese currently used in the event is 7-9 lb. Double Gloucester, a hard cheese traditionally made in a wheel shape.[10] Each is protected for the rolling by a wooden casing round the side and is decorated with ribbons at the start of the race. Formerly, three cheeses were presented by parishioners, and the cheeses were usually rolled by them. A collection is usually made now to purchase them as well as sweets and also to provide prize money.[5] The current supplier is local cheesemaker Diana Smart and her son Rod,[4] who have supplied the cheese since 1988.[11]
At one time, hessian covers were put on the cheeses. During the Second World War rationing was introduced, preventing the use of a cheese in the event. Consequently, from 1941 to 1954 a wooden "cheese" was used instead with a piece of cheese in a hollow space in the centre of the wooden replica.[citation needed]
In May, 2013, a police inspector warned the 86 year-old cheese maker, Diana Smart, that she could be held responsible for injuries.[4] Chief Superintendent Nigel Avron of Gloucestershire Police also made these comments: "If you are an organiser in some way or some capacity you could potentially be held liable for something that took place at that event".