A comprehensive blind taste test conducted by the consumer watchdog Which? has definitively identified the finest supermarket cheddar cheese available to British shoppers, with a premium own-label product from Waitrose securing the top position.
Waitrose Davidstow Cheddar Emerges Victorious
The rigorous assessment enlisted a panel of 64 cheese enthusiasts to sample and evaluate a variety of mature cheddars from leading supermarkets and well-known brands. Each cheese was judged on four critical criteria: taste, aroma, appearance, and texture. Flavour constituted 50% of the total score, while smell accounted for 20%, and both looks and texture contributed 15% each.
Waitrose's Davidstow Cornish Mature Cheddar emerged as the clear winner, achieving an impressive overall score of 77%. This premium cheese, retailing at £5.75 for a 550g block, was praised by the majority of tasters for its ideal balance of smoothness, creaminess, and perfect saltiness.
Detailed Feedback from the Panel
Which? revealed that two-thirds of participants found the flavour strength of the Waitrose cheddar to be precisely right, and an equal proportion were satisfied with its crumbliness. The consumer group noted that the cheese demonstrated "just the right smoothness and creaminess, as well as perfect saltiness," setting it apart from the competition.
Rankings and Rival Products
The taste test produced a definitive ranking of supermarket cheddars:
- Waitrose Davidstow Cornish Mature Cheddar (£5.75/550g) - 77%
- M&S Cornish Cove Mature Cheddar (£6.50/550g) - 76%
- Aldi Specially Selected West Country Mature Cheddar Cheese (£3.39/350g) - 74%
Notably, the research highlighted that none of the major dedicated cheese brands managed to reach the top of the table. While Castello and Davidstow performed respectably as runners-up, Cathedral City was identified as the least enjoyed cheddar in the test, with Pilgrims Choice sharing the joint-bottom position.
Methodology and Impartiality
The study maintained strict scientific integrity throughout the process. Over 7kg of mature cheddar underwent scrutiny from the expert panel, with testers remaining completely unaware of which brands they were evaluating. This blind methodology ensured that all findings were entirely impartial and based solely on the sensory qualities of each product.
The Cultural Significance of Cheddar
Mature cheddar remains an essential staple in British kitchens, featuring prominently in everything from indulgent lasagnes and loaded jacket potatoes to the classic cheese on toast. Particularly during festive seasons, cheddar plays a significant role in countless household celebrations and daily meals across the nation.
This latest research from Which? provides valuable guidance for consumers seeking quality cheddar, demonstrating that supermarket own-brand offerings can indeed surpass established national brands in blind taste evaluations when it comes to flavour, texture, and overall satisfaction.
