Supermarket own-brand cheese has been crowned the best in the UK, outperforming well-known names like Cathedral City in a blind taste test conducted by consumer experts at Which?. The winner, Tesco Finest Mature English Cheddar, scored 78% and was praised for its balanced flavor and firm, smooth texture.
How the Taste Test Was Conducted
A panel of 76 regular cheddar buyers, diverse in age and gender, sampled nine cheeses in private booths during September 2024. Each cheese was rated on taste (50%), aroma (20%), appearance (15%), and texture (15%). The test aimed to eliminate brand bias and focus purely on sensory qualities.
Top Rankings and Prices
Tesco Finest Mature English Cheddar (350g, £4) took first place with a score of 78%. Testers described it as 'pleasingly crumbly and creamy' with ideal salt levels and strength. Davidstow Classic Cheddar (350g, £4.75) came second at 75%, earning a 'best buy' recommendation despite its higher price. M&S Cornish Cove Mature Cheddar (350g, £4.25) ranked third with 73%, followed by Castello Tickler Mature Cheddar (300g, £4.75) at 71%.
Cathedral City Mature Cheddar (350g, £3.50) and Pilgrims Choice Mature Cheddar (350g, £4.20) tied for fifth place with 70%. Sainsbury's Barber's Mature Cruncher (350g, £4) scored 69%, Aldi Specially Selected West Country Mature Cheddar (350g, £2.99) got 68%, and Co-op Irresistible Somerset Mature Cheddar (340g, £4.50) finished last at 66%, with critics noting a lack of crumble and overly smooth texture.
Key Takeaways for Shoppers
The test proves that price does not always indicate quality. While Tesco's winner is mid-priced, Davidstow—the second-place cheese—is one of the most expensive options. Which? advises shoppers to look for deals on premium brands. The results also show that supermarket own-brands can rival or surpass established names in flavor and texture.
