Supermarket cheddar cheese named best in UK beating Cathedral City and Pilgrims Choice

A recent study has identified the finest supermarket cheddar cheese, with one retailer's own-brand product claiming top honours. Consumer group Which? carried out the test, enlisting cheese enthusiasts who sampled and evaluated cheddars from different supermarkets and brands. Mature cheddar ranks among Britain's most beloved cheeses, featuring in countless dishes from cheesy lasagne to delicious jacket potatoes or simple cheese on toast.

However, some mature cheddars outperform others, according to this latest study. The cheese tasters were instructed to assess each mature cheddar on taste, aroma, appearance and texture. Taste accounted for 50% of each cheese's overall score, whilst aroma represented 20%, and appearance and texture each contributed 15%.

The outcomes were decisive, with one supermarket producing the superior mature cheddar.

The victor was Waitrose's Davidstow Cornish Mature Cheddar, which achieved an overall score of 77%. The cheese sits at the premium end of the market, retailing at £5.75 for 550g.

Which? disclosed that the majority of tasters believed this cheese possessed "just the right smoothness and creaminess, as well as perfect saltiness.

"Two-thirds of our tasters said the strength of flavour was just right, and the same proportion were satisfied with this cheddar's crumbliness," they added. Waitrose triumphed over some formidable competition in this ranking.

Securing second place is M&S Cornish Cove Mature Cheddar (£6.50 for 550g), achieving a respectable 76%. Third position goes to Aldi Specially Selected West Country Mature Cheddar Cheese (£3.39 for 350g), scoring 74%.

The research also found: "None of the major cheese brands were at the top of the table, but Castello and Davidstow were the best of the runners-up. Cathedral City was the least enjoyed, while Pilgrims Choice was the joint-least liked."

Cheddar remains a staple in British households, particularly during the Christmas period when cheese features prominently in festive gatherings. The assessment involved blind tastings conducted in September 2025 at the consumer organisation's specialist testing facility.

Over 7kg of mature cheddar underwent evaluation by a panel of 64 participants. Tasters remained unaware of which brands they were sampling, ensuring completely impartial results.