Top Cheddar Cheese Brands That Are a Cut Above the Rest

Cheddar cheese is a staple in many households, beloved for its rich flavor and versatility in numerous culinary applications. With numerous brands on the market, each offering unique textures and taste profiles, finding the best cheddar cheese can be an enticing journey for cheese enthusiasts. From sharp and tangy to creamy and mild, there is a cheddar to suit every palate. To explore some of the top-rated cheddar cheese brands that consistently deliver on quality and taste, read on below.

Illustration of cheddar cheese

Best brands of cheddar cheese in 2025

Tillamook

Tillamook County Creamery Association is a renowned producer of high-quality cheddar cheese, with its Medium Cheddar winning the gold medal in the 2010 World Cheese Championship, scoring 99.6 out of 100 points. The cooperative, headquartered in Tillamook County, Oregon, produces over 170,000 pounds of cheese daily and packages approximately one million pounds each week. Tillamook is the 44th largest dairy processor in North America, posting $1 billion in sales in 2021, and employs nearly 900 people. The brand is strongest on the West Coast but sells in all 50 states, and it routinely wins awards from the American Cheese Society. Tillamook's cheesemaking capabilities were doubled with the addition of the Columbia River Processing facility in Boardman, Oregon, in 2001.

Cabot

Cabot Creamery is renowned as one of the best producers of cheddar cheese, with a history spanning over 100 years and a cooperative of 1,200 dairy farmers in New England and New York. The company produces 3.1 billion pounds of milk annually, which is converted into various dairy products, including their award-winning cheddar cheese. Cabot's cheddar production involves traditional methods and a natural aging process, with some cheeses aged for at least six months to a year, resulting in a premium flavor profile. In 2014, retail sales of Cabot's cheddar cheese contributed significantly to the $3.9 billion cheddar cheese market, with per capita consumption of cheddar at 9.68 pounds. To delve deeper into their cheese-making process, visit their Cheese Culture blog.

Kerrygold

Kerrygold is renowned as one of the best producers of cheddar cheese, particularly noted for its high-quality products made from the milk of grass-fed cows. In 2015, Kerrygold's butter and cheese sales saw significant growth, with butter revenue increasing by over 60% and the brand achieving the number three position in the US market. Their Aged Cheddar Cheese is aged for one year and undergoes a stringent grading process, resulting in a rich and full-bodied flavor. Kerrygold's Dubliner Cheese, another popular product, offers a diverse range of flavors from nutty to sharp to sweet and has become the number one specialty cheese in dollar sales in the US. The brand's emphasis on sustainably produced, grass-fed products has resonated strongly with consumers.

Sargento

Sargento is a renowned brand in the cheese industry, particularly celebrated for its high-quality cheddar cheese. As a third-generation, family-owned company, Sargento has established itself as a leading producer, with its shredded cheddar cheese generating significant sales, such as $400 million in 2022, a 4.5% year-over-year increase. Their 4 State Cheddar, sourced from Wisconsin, New York, California, and Vermont, offers a rich and depthful flavor profile, making it a favorite for various recipes. Sargento's commitment to using 100% real, natural cheese ensures a smooth and delicious taste in every product. The brand's products, including shredded cheese, slices, and snack sticks, are widely appreciated for their freshness and convenience.

Black Diamond

Black Diamond Cheese, a renowned brand in the cheese industry, has been a leading producer of high-quality cheddar cheese since its establishment in 1933. Originally known as Belleville Cheddar Cheese Limited, the company was the first to export aged Canadian cheddar to the British market. Now owned by Parmalat Canada (Lactalis Canada) since 1998, Black Diamond employs approximately 470 people at its factory in Belleville, Ontario, and its products are widely available at major retailers in Canada. In the U.S., the brand is licensed to DCI Cheese in Wisconsin. Black Diamond's commitment to quality has made it a staple in the cheese market. For more detailed information, visit Black Diamond Cheese's Wikipedia page.

Organic Valley

Organic Valley is renowned as one of the best producers of cheddar cheese, particularly with its Grassmilk line, which features cheese made from the milk of 100% grass-fed cows. Introduced in 2013 to celebrate the company's 25th anniversary, Organic Valley's Grassmilk Raw Cheddar and Raw Sharp Cheddar are aged for a minimum of 60 days and 6 months, respectively, to enhance their rich, umami flavors. These cheeses are free from antibiotics, synthetic hormones, toxic pesticides, and GMOs, making them a healthy option for consumers. The milk used is sourced from pasture-raised cows in northern California's Humboldt County, ensuring high nutritional value and a distinct flavor profile. Organic Valley's commitment to organic and non-pasteurized milk production sets its cheddar cheeses apart in the market.

Boar's Head

Boar's Head is renowned for its high-quality cheddar cheese, offering a range of products that cater to diverse tastes. Their Irish Cheddar, for instance, is made from milk of cows grazing on Ireland's coastline and is aged for 9 months, resulting in a rich, smooth flavor with a hint of sweetness. In the U.S. market, which is expected to grow at a 3.7% CAGR from 2022 to 2032, Boar's Head cheeses are highly sought after due to their premium quality and versatility in various culinary applications. The brand's commitment to using 100% USA-produced pasteurized cow's milk, as seen in their Vermont Yellow Cheddar, ensures a classic cheddar taste aged to perfection. With a strong presence in the deli section, Boar's Head cheeses are freshly sliced to maintain uncompromising flavor.

Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel is renowned as one of the best producers of cheddar cheese, introduced by Kraft in 1954 with a rich history rooted in quality and tradition. The brand uses proprietary heirloom starter cultures for over half a century, ensuring a consistently rich and full-flavored cheddar. Cracker Barrel cheeses are meticulously aged and graded multiple times, with only the finest cheese making it to the iconic foil packaging. Their products come in various forms, including blocks, slices, cracker cuts, and cubes, catering to diverse consumer preferences. With high standards and decades of expertise, Cracker Barrel cheese remains a favorite among cheese enthusiasts. For more details, explore Cracker Barrel's range of cheese products.

Président

While President may not be specifically highlighted as a leading cheddar cheese producer, it is a distinguished name in the cheese industry, particularly known for its Brie and other soft cheeses. For cheddar cheese, brands such as Kraft, Sargento, and Tillamook are more frequently mentioned, with Kraft reporting $948 million in dollar sales for shredded cheese and Sargento experiencing a 4.5% growth in the same category. The U.S. cheddar cheese production market remains robust, with around 3.96 billion pounds produced in 2023. Demand for high-quality cheese, including cheddar, continues to rise, fueled by consumer preferences for premium and artisanal offerings. Private-label cheeses also maintain a stronghold across various subcategories. For more information on President's range of cheeses, visit their official website.

Hook's Cheese Company

Hook's Cheese Company is renowned for its exceptional cheddar cheeses, having more than doubled its annual sales from $2 million in 1999 to nearly $5 million in 2024. Despite producing about one quarter of the total amount of cheese compared to 25 years ago, the company now manufactures around 450,000 pounds annually, all under its own brand label. Notably, Hook's releases rare batches, such as its 20-year-cheddar, with only 1,000 pounds produced in 2023. The company's commitment to quality and aging has earned it numerous awards and recognition, including Julie Hook being named a top female maker of Colby cheese in 1982. With 70 varieties of cheeses, Hook's Cheese is a favorite among high-end chefs and specialty grocers. Discover more about their outstanding cheddar varieties on their official website.