Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Mature cheddar cheese remains a kitchen staple, celebrated for its adaptability and ability to enhance the taste of diverse dishes, from sandwiches to salads. While popular brands like Cathedral City and Pilgrim’s Choice often dominate shopping lists, consumer experts at Which? recently conducted a taste examination revealing that premium branding does not always equate to superior flavour in cheddar cheese.
Top Mature Cheddar Crowned in Supermarket Taste Test
Experts rigorously evaluated a selection of supermarket own-brand mature cheddar cheeses from retailers including Aldi, Tesco, and Sainsbury’s, comparing them directly against established market leaders.
The results of the impartial assessment indicated that Tesco’s Finest Mature English Cheddar Cheese emerged as the unequivocal winner. Priced at £3.80 for a 350g block, this mature cheddar received high praise for its firm, refined texture. Tasters consistently highlighted its balanced salt content and flavour intensity as ‘just right’, applauding its pleasant crumbliness and creamy mouthfeel.
Other Strong Performers in the Cheddar Category
M&S Cornish Cove Mature Cheddar Cheese also achieved a favourable position in the taste rankings. Retailing at £4.25 per 350g, it was designated a ‘good all-rounder’ by the panel of judges.
The cheese’s smooth, robust texture was a key factor in its positive reception, alongside its agreeable salt levels and appealing crumbly nature, rendering it particularly suitable for pairing with crackers.
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Varied Reception for Remaining Cheddar Selections
Conversely, not every mature cheddar in the taste test achieved uniform acclaim.
Less Favourable Cheddar Reviews
Aldi Specially Selected West Country Mature Cheddar, the most economical option at £2.99 for 350g, was characterised as ‘bland,’ with numerous tasters expressing dissatisfaction with its texture.
Co-Op’s Irresistible Somerset Mature Cheddar Cheese, priced slightly higher at £4.50 for 340g, was similarly criticised for lacking flavour depth and the desirable crumbly attributes typically associated with high-quality cheddar cheese.
Interestingly, Cathedral City, a prominent brand, elicited polarised opinions concerning its taste profile. While some participants praised its flavour, others found it to be underwhelming.