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Best Supermarket Cheddars for 2026
Alice Reynolds tested eight mature cheddars from leading supermarkets. The results were surprising: a wide range of tastes and textures emerged. From tangy to creamy, budget to organic, here are the top picks.
1. Tesco Finest Mature English Cheddar Cheese
Best supermarket cheddar overall - Price per 100g: £1.14. This cheddar offers a satisfying texture and great depth of flavour. Made at the Davidstow Creamery in Cornwall and matured for 12 months, it balances tang and creaminess perfectly. Despite a comparable price, it tastes high-quality.
2. Aldi Emporium British Mature Cheddar Cheese
Best budget supermarket cheddar - Price per 100g: 60p. This creamy cheddar has a smooth texture and a subtle tang. At just 62p per 100g, it's excellent value. Ideal for grating or for those who prefer a milder mature cheddar.
3. Sainsbury's British Mature Cheddar Cheese
Best supermarket cheddar for versatility - Price per 100g: £1.14. A crowd-pleaser with a subtle tang, this cheddar is smooth and works well in sandwiches, omelettes, or grated into dishes. It's a great option for families.
4. Waitrose Duchy Organic Mature Cheddar Cheese
Best organic supermarket cheddar - Price per 100g: £1.36. Made by cheesemakers at Taw Valley creamery in Devon, this organic cheddar is full-bodied, rich, and creamy with a slight crumb. It delivers on taste and responsible practices, though it's pricier.
5. Aldi Specially Selected West Country Vintage Cheddar Cheese
Best supermarket cheddar for cheeseboards - Price per 100g: £1.13. This super-tangy, crumbly cheddar is a curveball. It has an almost crunchy texture and a sharp flavour that stands up to other strong cheeses. Well-priced for its quality.
6. M&S British Mature Cheddar Cheese
Best crowd-pleasing supermarket cheddar - Price per 100g: 80p. Made at Taw Valley Creamery, this cheddar is creamy and milky rather than tangy. It feels high quality and works well in toasties or on a cheese platter. Great value.
7. Waitrose Essential Mature Cheddar Cheese Strength 4
Best mellow supermarket cheddar - Price per 100g: 70p. From Waitrose's essentials range, this is surprisingly the second cheapest. It's creamy, smooth, and mild, making it easy for both adults and kids. Less rich than the organic version.
8. Tesco Mature Cheddar
Best supermarket cheddar for cooking - Price per 100g: 80p. This cheddar is pale in colour but cuts with decent crumbliness. It's milky and not too punchy, making it ideal for kids' sandwiches or cooking. Great value.
How We Tested
Alice Reynolds tested eight mature cheddars, focusing on taste (richness, sharpness, balance), texture (crumbly or smooth), farming practices (British milk, grass-fed, traditional methods), and value for money. Each cheese was tasted plain and with crackers and apples.
Why Trust IndyBest Reviews
Alice Reynolds is a writer at IndyBest who has tested supermarket foods including pizza and dark chocolate. The IndyBest team taste-tests supermarket buys in real-life settings, assessing quality, value, and price. Only truly worthwhile products are recommended.
