Supermarket own-brand cheese crowned best in the UK — better than Cathedral City

At one point or another this Christmas, it’s likely you’ll crack out a cheeseboard – it’s traditional.

But if you’re still in the process of working out what’s going to make it onto your board, then we have a solid contender when it comes to cheddar.

That’s because the consumer experts at Which? recently conducted a big cheese taste test, pitting supermarket own-brand ones from the likes of Aldi and Sainsbury’s against big names.

And the winner might surprise you, as it was Tesco’s product that beat out the likes of Cathedral City, Pilgrims Choice and Davidstow to come out on top.

Tesco Finest Mature English Cheddar Cheese garnered a score of 78%, being praised for its taste and ‘firm, smooth’ texture. 

Testers thought the salt level and strength of flavour were just right, and it was found to be ‘pleasingly crumbly and creamy’ too.

The cheese is said to be ‘about average price-wise’ compared with other cheeses in the test, costing £4 for 350g (£1.14 per 100g), but interestingly, it’s not actually cheaper than all of the bigger brands.

Davidstow Classic Cheddar came in second place, with a score of 75%. It was also awarded a ‘best buy’ accolade, despite being one of the priciest cheddars on the list at £4.75 for 350g (£1.36 per 100g).

The panel thought it was a ‘solid choice’ and shoppers were urged to look out for deals and special offers so they could nab a block while it was cheaper. 

The Cornish Cove Mature Cheddar Cheese from M&S came in third place (£4.25 for 350g), while Castello Tickler Mature Cheddar Cheese (£4.75 for 300g) came in fourth.

Cathedral City Mature Cheddar (£3.50 for 350g) was in joint-fifth place with Pilgrims Choice Mature Cheddar (£4.20 for 350g), followed by Sainsbury’s Barber’s Mature Cruncher Cheese (£4 for 350g) and Aldi’s Specially Selected West Country Mature Cheddar (£2.99 for 350g).

Co-op’s Irresistible Somerset Mature Cheddar Cheese (£4.50 for 340g) took last place in the test, as those who tried it said it ‘lacked the crumble of a good cheese’, was ‘too smooth’, and the flavour was also criticised.

How was the cheese tested?

A panel of 76 people tested the cheeses in a blind taste test, which took place in September 2024.

The group consisted of people who regularly buy and eat cheddar and were a mix of various ages and genders. 

Each of the cheeses was tried in a private booth, so no one could discuss their thoughts or be influenced by anyone else.

All of the cheddars were then rated on taste, texture, aroma and appearance, with each person sharing what they liked and didn’t like.

The final scores were based on 50% flavour, 20% aroma, 15% appearance and 15% texture.

This story was first published on April 22, 2025.

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