Supermarket own-brand cheddar cheeses have been outperforming big-name brands in blind taste tests conducted by consumer watchdog Which?. The latest trial evaluated cheddar cheeses from major supermarkets against established brands such as Cathedral City and Davidstow, with Tesco emerging as the overall favourite.
Tesco Finest Takes Top Spot
Tesco Finest Mature English Cheddar Cheese scored 78% in the test, earning praise for its flavour and 'firm, smooth' texture. Testers commended the salt content and intensity of flavour, describing it as 'pleasingly crumbly and creamy'. Despite being an own-brand product, the cheese is priced at £4 for 350g, which is roughly average compared to other options.
Davidstow and Cathedral City Trail Behind
In second place was Davidstow Classic Cheddar, achieving a 75% score. However, it was among the most expensive cheeses in the comparison at £4.75 for 350g (£1.36 per 100g). Nonetheless, it received a 'best buy' award from Which?. Cathedral City, a household name, was not among the top performers.
Supermarkets Also Triumph in Coffee Taste Test
In a separate blind taste trial earlier this year, Which? tested instant coffees. Supermarket own-brands from Marks and Spencer and Waitrose outperformed established brands like Nescafé, Kenco, and Douwe Egberts. M&S Gold Instant Coffee and Waitrose Gold Roast shared top honours with a 70% customer rating, scoring highly on flavour, aroma, appearance, and mouthfeel. The supermarket offerings were also cheaper, though tasters were unaware of prices during the blind test.
These results demonstrate that sticking with household names does not always guarantee superior quality, as supermarket own-label products consistently deliver excellent taste and value.
