Which Supermarket Cheese Is Better?
Cheese lovers know that not all cheeses are created equal—especially when it comes to buying them at the supermarket. With shelves lined with dozens of options from various brands, regions, and price points, it can be overwhelming to determine which cheese is actually worth your money. So, which supermarket cheese is better? The answer depends on what you’re looking for—whether it’s flavor, quality, value, or versatility.
Understanding Cheese Categories
Before diving into specific brands or types, it helps to understand the main categories of cheese found in supermarkets:
- Processed Cheese: These are cheeses like American slices or cheese spreads, made with emulsifiers and preservatives. They melt well but lack strong flavor and authenticity.
- Pre-Shredded Cheese: Convenient, but often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting and texture.
- Block Cheese: Typically fresher and higher in quality than pre-shredded or processed cheeses.
- Specialty Cheese: These include imported varieties like Brie, Camembert, Manchego, and artisanal goat cheese, offering unique textures and complex flavors.
Best Everyday Cheeses
If you’re looking for solid everyday cheeses—like cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss—brands like Tillamook, Cabot, and Sargento consistently rank well in taste tests.
- Tillamook is often praised for its sharp cheddar, which has a bold flavor and creamy texture. It’s made with high-quality milk and aged for a more complex taste.
- Cabot offers an award-winning line of cheddars that are rich, crumbly, and come in various aging levels.
- Sargento is known for their sliced and shredded cheese, and while not artisanal, it’s a reliable option for sandwiches, tacos, and cooking.
For mozzarella, BelGioioso and Galbani stand out. Their fresh mozzarella balls and logs are ideal for Caprese salads or pizza toppings. These brands produce mozzarella with a clean, milky flavor and soft, moist texture.
Best Budget Cheeses
If you’re shopping on a budget, store brands like Kirkland (Costco), Trader Joe’s, and Aldi’s Happy Farms offer impressive quality for the price.
- Kirkland Signature cheeses are often sourced from reputable dairies and rebranded. Their Parmigiano Reggiano is real, aged cheese imported from Italy at a fraction of the price of gourmet shops.
- Trader Joe’s offers an excellent selection of both domestic and imported cheeses, such as English cheddar, unexpected cheddar (a customer favorite), and even truffle cheeses, often priced lower than competitors.
- Aldi’s cheese section is surprisingly good, with award-winning cheddar and gouda varieties. Their selection may be limited, but the quality is often comparable to name brands.
Best Specialty Cheese
When it comes to specialty cheese, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s often have the upper hand.
- Whole Foods 365 brand includes many organic and ethically sourced cheeses. Their cheese counters also include locally made and imported options, often with helpful staff to guide selections.
- Trader Joe’s surprises many with their range of unique and seasonal cheeses, such as blueberry goat cheese or Syrah-soaked Toscano.
Final Verdict
So, which supermarket cheese is better? For flavor and quality, brands like Tillamook and Cabot stand out. For budget-conscious shoppers, Aldi and Trader Joe’s provide excellent value. For specialty and gourmet selections, Whole Foods leads the pack.
Ultimately, the best supermarket cheese depends on your taste, budget, and intended use. Try a few brands and types to discover your favorites—your tastebuds will thank you.
