Supermarket own-label cheddars have outperformed big-name brands in a blind taste test by Which?, with Tesco Finest Mature English Cheddar taking the top spot. The cheese scored 78% and was praised for its 'firm, smooth' texture, balanced salt levels, and depth of flavour, described as 'pleasingly crumbly and creamy'.
Tesco's winning cheese retails at £4 for 350g, which testers considered about average in price. It beat Davidstow Classic Cheddar, which scored 75% but was among the priciest at £4.75 for 350g, though it still received a 'best buy' recommendation from Which?.
M&S Cornish Cove Mature Cheddar took third place (£4.25 for 350g), followed by Castello Tickler Mature Cheddar (£4.75 for 300g) in fourth. Cathedral City Mature Cheddar (£3.50 for 350g) could only manage joint-fifth alongside Pilgrims Choice Mature Cheddar (£4.20 for 350g).
Sainsbury's Barber's Mature Cruncher Cheese (£4 for 350g) and Aldi's Specially Selected West Country Mature Cheddar (£2.99 for 350g) came sixth. At the bottom was Co-op's Irresistible Somerset Mature Cheddar Cheese (£4.50 for 340g).
