Best Cheddar Cheese of 2026

Ashley Abels Avatar
Ashley Abels
Last Updated: Jan 22, 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Cheddar cheese is a popular type of cheese that originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England. It is a hard, smooth, and creamy cheese that is often used in sandwiches, burgers, and as a topping for baked potatoes. Cheddar cheese is made from cow's milk and comes in a variety of flavors, ranging from mild to sharp. It is a versatile cheese that can be sliced, grated, or melted and used in a wide range of recipes. Some popular variations of cheddar cheese include smoked cheddar, white cheddar, and sharp cheddar.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Amazon Grocery Sharp Cheddar Cheese Shredded 8 Oz Cover #TOP 1
Amazon Grocery Sharp Cheddar Cheese Shredded 8 Oz
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Amazon Grocery Sharp Cheddar Cheese 8 Oz Cover #TOP 2
Amazon Grocery Sharp Cheddar Cheese 8 Oz
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Amazon Grocery Medium Cheddar Cheese 8 Oz Cover #TOP 3
Amazon Grocery Medium Cheddar Cheese 8 Oz
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 8 Cheddar Cheese

#TOP 1

Amazon Grocery Sharp Cheddar Cheese Shredded 8 Oz

Amazon Grocery
8 oz
Amazon Grocery Sharp Cheddar Cheese Shredded 8 Oz Cover
Amazon Grocery, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Shredded, 8 Oz (Previously Happy Belly, Packaging May Vary)

The Amazon Grocery Shredded Cheddar offers an 8-ounce pack of sharp cheddar cheese that’s perfect for adding rich flavor to your meals. This cheese is a great source of protein and calcium, which supports your daily nutritional needs. It’s made from natural ingredients without any artificial additives, ensuring you get a wholesome product. Plus, even though the packaging might look different as the brand transitions, the quality and ingredients you trust remain the same. This cheese is convenient for quick cooking and enhances dishes like salads, sandwiches, and casseroles with ease.

What We Like
Sharp cheddar flavor
Smooth, creamy melt
Convenient pre-shredded
Stays fresh longer
Good for cooking and snacking
What We Don't Like
Slightly altered texture
Contains anti-caking agents
#TOP 2

Amazon Grocery Sharp Cheddar Cheese 8 Oz

Amazon Grocery
8 Ounce
Amazon Grocery Sharp Cheddar Cheese 8 Oz Cover
Amazon Grocery, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, 8 Oz (Previously Happy Belly, Packaging May Vary)

The Amazon Grocery Cheddar Cheese comes in an 8-ounce block, making it easy to use for your cooking or snacking needs. This cheese is a great source of protein and calcium, which are important for maintaining your energy and strong bones. It’s made from milk sourced from cows that weren’t treated with rBST, so you can feel good about the quality of the ingredients. Although the packaging may look different during the changeover from Happy Belly to Amazon Grocery, the cheese inside remains the same trusted product you enjoy. This makes it a convenient and reliable choice for your grocery list.

What We Like
Great value for price
Balanced sharp cheddar flavor
Fresh and quality texture
Reliable delivery service
Versatile for various uses
What We Don't Like
Not the absolute best cheddar
Some improvement over earlier versions
#TOP 3

Amazon Grocery Medium Cheddar Cheese 8 Oz

Amazon Grocery
8 Ounce
Amazon Grocery Medium Cheddar Cheese 8 Oz Cover
Amazon Grocery, Medium Cheddar Cheese, 8 Oz (Previously Happy Belly, Packaging May Vary)

The Amazon Grocery Cheddar Cheese offers an 8-ounce block of medium cheddar, perfect for adding rich flavor to your meals. This cheese comes from cows not treated with rBST, ensuring a more natural product for your family. It’s a good source of protein and calcium, helping you maintain a balanced diet with essential nutrients. Although the packaging may change during the brand transition from Happy Belly, the quality and ingredients remain consistent, so you can trust the product you enjoy. This cheese is a convenient and tasty way to enhance your everyday cooking.

What We Like
Good flavor
Creamy texture
Great value
Versatile for sandwiches
Melts well
What We Don't Like
Smaller than expected
#TOP 4

Kraft Triple Cheddar Shredded Cheese 8 oz

10021000055347
8 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Kraft Triple Cheddar Shredded Cheese 8 oz Cover
Kraft Finely Shredded Natural Triple Cheddar Shredded Cheese (8 oz Pouch)

Kraft Triple Cheddar Cheese comes in an 8-ounce bag, perfect for adding just the right amount of cheese to your meals. With Kraft’s long history of cheese-making, you can trust the quality and flavor in every shred. This cheese offers a rich and delicious taste that you and your family will enjoy, making your dishes more satisfying. The finely shredded texture spreads evenly and melts quickly, so you can easily enhance your recipes without any hassle. Whether you’re topping pasta, salads, or casseroles, this cheese makes mealtime better and more convenient.

What We Like
great cheese blend
convenient for recipes
melts well when heated
good for mashed potatoes
no need to grate
#TOP 5

Hoosier Hill Farm Cheddar Cheese Powder

853881004878
Orange
1 Pound (Pack of 1)
Hoosier Hill Farm Cheddar Cheese Powder Cover
Hoosier Hill Farm Cheddar Cheese Powder, 1LB (Pack of 1)

Hoosier Hill Farm Cheddar Cheese Powder is a versatile and flavorful addition to any snack or meal. Sprinkle it on popcorn, pretzels, or any snack for an instant cheesy flavor. Use it to make delicious cheddar cheese sauces, marinades, and casseroles. This cheese powder is easy to use and store, and is made in the USA. Please note that it contains milk and is packaged in a facility that processes dairy, soy, peanuts, and wheat products.

What We Like
Strong cheddar flavor
Versatile for many dishes
Sticks well to popcorn
Rich color and smooth texture
Economical alternative to boxed products
What We Don't Like
Slight sweetness for some tastes
Not very sharp cheddar flavor
#TOP 6

Kerrygold Dubliner Aged Irish Cheddar 7oz

KG IRISH DUB
7 Ounce
Kerrygold Dubliner Aged Irish Cheddar 7oz Cover
Kerrygold Dubliner Parchment, Packaged-cheddar-cheeses, 7 Ounce

The Kerrygold Dubliner Cheese offers a rich and complex flavor that’s easy to enjoy, making it a top choice for cheese lovers. This aged Irish cheese comes from family farms where cows graze on lush pastures, ensuring high-quality milk. With a unique blend of sweet, nutty, and sharp Parmesan-like notes, this cheese pairs wonderfully with wines or stouts, adding versatility to your meals or snacks. Kerrygold takes pride in using all-natural ingredients from grass-fed cows, so you get a wholesome, flavorful cheese that brings a touch of Irish tradition to your table.

What We Like
Rich, complex flavor
Smooth, firm texture
Eco-friendly parchment packaging
Made from grass-fed cows
Highly versatile usage
#TOP 7

Cracker Barrel Vermont Sharp White Cheddar Cheese 8oz

10021000005250
cheese blocks
8 OZ
Cracker Barrel Vermont Sharp White Cheddar Cheese 8oz Cover
Cracker Barrel Vermont Sharp White Cheddar Cheese Chunk, 8 Oz

The Cracker Barrel Sharp White Cheddar is a flavorful East Coast cheese that offers a rich and complex taste. This 8-ounce block is easy to slice, making it convenient for serving at gatherings or enjoying as a snack. Whether you're hosting friends or just want a tasty treat, this cheddar is a great choice. Plus, the block provides multiple servings, so you can easily share or save it for later. With this cheese, you get a versatile and delicious option that fits well into your snacking or entertaining needs.

What We Like
Sharp cheddar flavor
Good value for price
Versatile for recipes
Great texture and quality
What We Don't Like
Small portion size
Won't win awards
#TOP 8

Organic Valley Sharp Cheddar Cheese 8oz Pack of 12

30102004
Cheese Blocks
8 Ounce
Organic Valley Sharp Cheddar Cheese 8oz Pack of 12 Cover
Organic Valley Cheddar Cheese, Sharp, Made with Raw Milk, Non GMO, RBST Free, Does Not Contain Antibiotic, 8 Ounces (Pack of 12)

The Organic Valley Sharp Cheddar is a great choice if you want cheese made from natural ingredients. This cheese is crafted using raw milk, which helps preserve its rich, authentic flavor that you can enjoy in your meals. It is also Non-GMO, so you can feel confident that it doesn’t contain genetically modified ingredients. Plus, it’s free from rBST, a hormone some farmers use, ensuring a more natural product. With Organic Valley Sharp Cheddar, you get a tasty, wholesome cheese that fits well in your healthy lifestyle.

What We Like
Rich, fresh flavor
Good for lactose intolerance
Melts well on burgers
Organic, unprocessed ingredients
Smooth, pleasant texture
What We Don't Like
A little mild for extra sharp fans
Sharpness may vary
Buying Guide Image

The Definitive Cheddar Cheese Buying Guide

Understanding the Different Types of Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a versatile and popular type of cheese that originated in the English village of Cheddar in Somerset. It is known for its firm, dense texture and tangy, slightly sharp flavor. Cheddar is made from cow's milk and is typically aged for several months to a few years to develop its characteristic flavor and texture.

Choosing the Right Cheddar for Your Needs

When choosing a cheddar cheese, there are several factors to consider. First, think about how you will be using the cheese. Are you looking for a sharp, tangy cheddar to add flavor to a sandwich or salad? Or do you want a more mellow, creamy cheddar to melt on top of a casserole or burger? The age of the cheese can also affect its flavor and texture, so consider whether you want a young, mild cheddar or an aged, sharp cheddar.

Selecting the Best Quality Cheddar

When it comes to selecting the best quality cheddar, there are a few key things to look for. First, choose a cheese that has a smooth, even texture and a uniform color. Avoid cheeses that have cracks, wrinkles, or mottled patches on the surface. The cheese should also have a consistent, pleasant aroma and a tangy, sharp flavor.

Purchasing Cheddar Cheese

When purchasing cheddar cheese, there are a few different options to consider. You can buy cheddar cheese in blocks, slices, or shredded. Block cheddar is the most versatile option, as you can cut it into slices, shred it, or cube it for snacking. Sliced cheddar is convenient for sandwiches, while shredded cheddar is great for melting on top of dishes or adding to recipes.

Storing Cheddar Cheese

Once you have purchased your cheddar cheese, it is important to store it properly to maintain its flavor and texture. Cheddar cheese should be wrapped in wax paper or plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator. Avoid storing the cheese in the door of the refrigerator, as this can cause it to dry out. Cheddar cheese will last for several weeks in the refrigerator, but it can also be frozen for longer storage.

Enjoying Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Use it to add flavor to sandwiches, salads, and casseroles, or enjoy it on its own as a snack. Cheddar is also great for melting, so try using it to make grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, or mac and cheese. Experiment with different ages and styles of cheddar to find the one that best suits your tastes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is cheddar cheese different from other cheese?

Cheddar cheese is distinct from other cheeses because it is often industrially made in block form and matured quickly in warmer temperatures. This process produces moister cheeses with a sharp tang but less complexity compared to traditionally made cheeses.

2. What's the difference between cheddar and original cheese?

Cheddar cheese is a hard English cheese, while American cheese is a smooth and creamy processed cheese. Cheddar cheese has more flavor, whereas American cheese is less expensive as it is artificially processed instead of naturally aged.

3. Why is cheddar cheese so cheap?

Cheddar cheese may be relatively inexpensive due to a surplus of dairy and other food products in the United States agriculture industry. This surplus has led to lower prices for cheddar cheese and other food items.

4. What are the two types of cheddar cheese?

There are two main types of cheddar cheese. Young cheddar is mild, creamy, and smooth with a slightly buttery and melty texture. Aged cheddar becomes more nutty, crumbly, and sharp in flavor. Both types have their own unique characteristics and are enjoyed by different preferences.

5. Is cheddar cheese healthier than normal cheese?

Cheddar cheese has higher levels of saturated fat compared to other dairy products. Consuming foods high in saturated fats can increase cholesterol levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is important to consume cheddar cheese in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

6. What is the difference between cheddar and New York cheddar?

Extra sharp cheddar cheese requires a longer aging period of 18 months to two years. It offers an assertive flavor with a sharp bitterness and crumbles or breaks when cut. New York cheddar cheese, on the other hand, is much sharper and has a hint of smoke for additional flavor.

Editor's Notes

During our cheddar cheese research, we found 24 cheddar cheese products and shortlisted 8 quality products. We collected and analyzed 318,439 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cheddar cheese list. We found that most customers choose cheddar cheese with an average price of $3.98.

The cheddar cheese are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cheddar cheese, including Kraft, Hoosier Hill Farm, kerrygold, Cracker Barrel, Organic Valley. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Ashley Abels Avatar

Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!

Cheddar Cheese Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
Brand Amazon Grocery Amazon Grocery Amazon Grocery Kraft Hoosier Hill Farm kerrygold Cracker Barrel Organic Valley
Unit Count 8 Ounce 8 Ounce 8 Ounce 8.0 Ounce 16.0 Ounce 7.0 Ounce 8 Ounce 8.0 Ounce
Variety Cheddar Cheddar Cheddar Cheddar Cheddar Cheddar Cheddar Cheddar
Item Form Shred Bar Bar Shred Powder Bar Barrel Bar
Units 8 Ounce 8 Ounce 8 Ounce 8.0 Ounce - 7.0 Ounce 8 Ounce 8.0 Ounce
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
Where to Buy