From casual cheese boards to weeknight dinners, not all store-bought cheeses are created equal.
We’ve rounded up 20 of the most talked-about cheeses—15 must-buys and 5 to skip—based on what shoppers, Redditors, and taste-testers consistently rave about.
Whether you’re melting, spreading, or snacking, these picks deliver top flavor and value from trusted grocery favorites like Costco, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods
Tillamook Extra Sharp Cheddar, 8 oz — ~$4.39
Where to get: Target, Kroger, Safeway, Whole Foods, Sprouts, many regional grocery chains
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Taste test: bold, clean cheddar with creamy melt
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Takeaway: very dependable sharp cheddar you can find almost everywhere
Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar, 8 oz — ~$2.87–$3.28
Where to get: Costco, Hannaford, Shaw’s, Stop & Shop, many New England/Northeast grocers
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Taste test: tangy and slightly salty, solid for snacking or cooking
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Takeaway: great value and flavor, especially in bulk formats
Kerrygold Dubliner, 7 oz — ~$6.19
Where to get: Trader Joe’s, Kroger, Publix, Meijer
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Taste test: nutty, slightly sweet, good chew
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Takeaway: gives that upscale board feel without being exotic
Kirkland Signature Coastal (English) Cheddar, 2 lb — ~$10–$10.49
Where to get: Costco warehouses
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Taste test: aged ~15 months, with crystals and strong savory profile
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Takeaway: excellent per-ounce for parties or shredding
Trader Joe’s Buffalo Blue Unexpected Cheddar Spread, 9 oz — $4.99
Where to get: Trader Joe’s stores
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Taste test: creamy, spicy-blue punch
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Takeaway: perfect for dips, sandwiches, charcuterie boards
BelGioioso Burrata, 16 oz — ~$8.84
Where to get: Costco, specialty cheese shops, some grocery delis
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Taste test: silky shell, creamy inside, milky fresh flavor
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Takeaway: use fresh on salads, pizzas, or appetizers; treat like delicate cheese
Galbani Whole-Milk Mozzarella, 16 oz — ~$5.99
Where to get: Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons, general grocery chains
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Taste test: melts well, soft dairy taste
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Takeaway: go whole-milk for better texture and melt
Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs, 5.2 oz — ~$5.79
Where to get: Costco (larger packages), Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Target
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Taste test: creamy, garlicky, well balanced herbs
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Takeaway: very crowd-pleasing soft cheese for spreads
Kirkland Signature Fresh Goat Cheese, 2×10.5 oz — ~$8.96
Where to get: Costco
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Taste test: bright, tangy, crumbly
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Takeaway: good for salads, crostini, or blending into dishes
Castello Danish Blue, 4.4 oz — ~$4.27–$5.99
Where to get: Walmart, Aldi (select stores), specialty cheese shelves
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Taste test: approachable blue, nice tang, smooth butter note
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Takeaway: friendly blue cheese for folks new to blue
Roth Grand Cru (Alpine-style), 6 oz — ~$8.00–$8.99
Where to get: Whole Foods, specialty gourmet shops, some Whole Foods 365 shelves
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Taste test: nutty, mellow, elegant melt
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Takeaway: good substitute for Gruyère in melts and fondue
Beemster Aged Gouda (Classic 18 mo) — ~$17.59/lb
Where to get: Costco (sometimes), specialty cheese counters, Whole Foods
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Taste test: caramel, toffee notes, crunchy crystals
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Takeaway: excellent for cheese boards, pairing with apples or nuts
Président Soft-Ripened Brie, 8 oz — ~$5.46
Where to get: Walmart, Costco, major grocery chains with gourmet cheese sections
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Taste test: mild, creamy when warmed
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Takeaway: best baked or softened; less exciting cold
Mini Babybel Original, 6-ct (4.2 oz) — ~$3.99
Where to get: Target, Walmart, Kroger, many supermarkets
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Taste test: mild, creamy, semi-smooth
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Takeaway: super convenient snack format for lunchboxes or travel
BelGioioso Mascarpone, 8 oz — ~$4.42–$4.69
Where to get: Costco, major grocery chains with Italian/dessert sections
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Taste test: rich, velvety cream
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Takeaway: essential for tiramisu, cream desserts, or luxe frosting
5 Most-Repeated “Skip (or Use with Caution)” Cheeses
Kraft Grated “Parmesan” (Green Can), 8 oz — ~$4.44
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Why it’s flagged: not Parmigiano-Reggiano; often cited for additives and flat flavor vs. real Reggiano.
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Better move: buy a wedge labeled Parmigiano-Reggiano and grate fresh.
Pre-shredded Bagged Cheese (most brands), 8 oz — ~$2.67–$4.39
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Why it’s flagged: anti-caking agents (e.g., cellulose) can hinder melting and texture.
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Better move: buy blocks and shred—especially for sauces and pizza
Trader Joe’s Double-Cream Brie — $8.49
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Why it’s flagged: repeatedly ranked dull/mushy by tasters; lacks brie complexity.
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Better move: use Président (above) for baked brie or seek “triple-cream” wheels from a cheesemonger.
Generic “Parmesan Blend” Shakers (Parmesan/Romano, etc.), 8 oz — ~$4.44
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Why it’s flagged: even more processed; flavor often dusty/salty vs. nutty.
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Better move: real Reggiano or domestic grating cheeses you shred yourself.
Ultra-mild Commodity Brie (various store brands), 8 oz — ~$4–$6
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Why it’s flagged: frequent complaints of rubbery rind and bland paste when eaten cold.
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Better move: warm/bake it, or step up to higher-quality brie or soft-ripened goat (Humboldt Fog).
