When you're putting together a quick snack of cheese and crackers or assembling the perfect sandwich, the ingredients you choose make all the difference. Every bite should be enjoyable, packed with quality, and bursting with flavor.
With so many cheddar cheese options on the shelves, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to grab. To help you out, we taste-tested five popular options to find the standout choice. Here's our ranking, starting with the least favorite and finishing with the one we recommend you try next time you’re at the grocery store!
The Fresh Market Thin Sliced Mild Cheddar Cheese
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 7g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Carbs: 1g
- Protein: 5g
I’ve never been the biggest fan of this brand, especially their version of American cheese, which didn’t impress me in the past. That said, they do advertise no preservatives, binders, or fillers, which is a definite plus! Since cheddar is quite different from American, I decided to give this one a fair shot to see if it stands out.
The Look:
The small-batch mild cheddar has a glossy appearance that gives it a slightly plastic-like look. The slices are thickly cut and feel sturdy in texture.
The Taste:
Unfortunately, it shares a similar issue with their American cheese: it leaves an unpleasant aftertaste and is disappointingly bland. The flavor is so mild that it’s practically nonexistent. Sadly, this one didn’t win me over, and I wouldn’t purchase it again.
Sargento Creamery Sliced Cheddar Cheese
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 70
- Fat: 7g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Carbs: 0g
- Protein: 3g
Sargento Creamery is a brand known for doing cheese right, so I had to include their sliced cheddar in this taste test. It’s advertised as a great melting cheese, making it an enticing option if you’re considering swapping out American cheese for cheddar in your next grilled cheese sandwich.
The Look:
The slices aren’t as thick as some other brands but are thick enough to avoid sticking together, which is a plus. It has a slightly floppy texture, hinting at its creamy, melt-worthy quality. It also doesn’t have a strong smell, which suggests a mild flavor profile.
The Taste:
The creaminess factor delivers right away. The cheese is soft and begins to melt almost instantly in my mouth. The flavor starts mild but grows richer as I chew, making it a satisfying option for those who prefer a smooth, balanced cheddar.
Sargento Natural Sharp Cheddar Sliced Cheese
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 7g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Carbs: 0g
- Protein: 5g
I’m hoping the Sargento Sharp Cheddar delivers the same creamy texture as their mild cheddar, but with a bolder, sharper flavor. This brand is known for consistency and quality, so I have high expectations for this one.
The Look:
This variety is slightly thicker than their natural cheddar, giving it a firmer feel. It has a more noticeable aroma, though it’s not overwhelming or unpleasant—just enough to hint at its stronger flavor profile.
The Taste:
This cheese lives up to its "sharp" name in the best way. The flavor is bold and tangy, with just the right amount of bite, while still maintaining a creamy texture. I do wish it combined the thinner cut of the natural cheddar with the intense flavor of this sharp variety—that would be the ultimate slice. If you’re a fan of strong, flavorful cheeses, this is an excellent choice, especially for sandwiches.
Cabot Creamery Slices Vermont Sharp White Cheese
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 7g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Carbs: 1g
- Protein: 5g
Having visited Cabot in Vermont a few times, I’m already a fan of their cheeses. They consistently deliver high-quality products with great flavor, making them a favorite in our household. My fiancé and I often purchase their cheeses because they’re worth the price and rarely disappoint.
The Look:
The white cheddar has a slightly aged, dusted appearance that immediately hints at its quality. The slices are on the thicker side, making them ideal for cutting into smaller pieces to enjoy with crackers or apple slices.
The Taste:
Although advertised as sharp, the initial bite starts off creamy and smooth before the sharpness sets in. As it melts, the texture transitions from creamy to just slightly grainy, while the flavor intensifies. There’s a lot happening here, offering complexity and depth. While it’s undeniably good, it’s not my absolute favorite from Cabot’s lineup.
Cabot Creamery Slices Seriously Sharp White Cheese
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 7g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Carbs: 1g
- Protein: 5g
Here’s another offering from Cabot, and this one is advertised as seriously sharp. If you’re a fan of bold flavors, this premium, naturally aged cheese is a top-tier option. I’ve enjoyed it many times before, and it never disappoints—it’s perfect for elevating your sandwiches or snack boards.
The Look:
The slices are a bit thicker, with a texture that suggests it might be creamier than Cabot’s regular sharp cheddar. It has a mild aroma—nothing too overpowering or funky—which makes it even more inviting. I’m excited to dig in!
The Taste:
This cheese hits the mark with both texture and flavor. It’s smoother and creamier than expected, and the sharpness builds as you eat, delivering a rich, bold flavor that keeps getting better. A definite winner for anyone who loves a seriously sharp cheese!
When it comes to cheddar cheese slices for your next snack or sandwich, a great option to keep as backup in the fridge is the Cabot Creamery Seriously Sharp Cheddar.