Gouda Gourmands: Top Cheese Brands to Savor

Gouda cheese, known for its rich and creamy flavor, is a beloved choice among cheese enthusiasts worldwide. This semi-hard cheese, with its origins in the Netherlands, has inspired numerous brands to perfect their own versions. From classic aged varieties to innovative flavored options, each brand offers a unique take on this timeless cheese. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, explore the list below to discover some of the best brands for Gouda cheese that have captured the hearts of aficionados everywhere.

Illustration of gouda cheese

Best brands of gouda cheese in 2025

Beemster

Beemster, a renowned Dutch cheese brand established as a farmer-owned cooperative in 1901, crafts its award-winning Gouda using traditional methods, including hand-stirring curds and natural aging on wooden planks, all while sourcing milk from cows that graze on the nutrient-rich pastures of the UNESCO World Heritage Beemster Polder. Known for its sustainability efforts, Beemster has been recognized as the greenest dairy in the world, processing over one million gallons of milk annually and also serving as a supplier to the Dutch Royal House.

Old Amsterdam

Old Amsterdam, a renowned producer of Gouda cheese, has been crafting its distinctive aged Gouda since 1985, using a unique recipe that yields a rich, deep flavor; their cheese typically contains around 48% fat content, making it creamy and smooth; with a maturation period that can extend up to 18 months, it develops a complex flavor profile with hints of caramel and nuts; this brand is frequently recognized for its exceptional quality and is enjoyed globally; it stands out in the market as one of the best choices for Gouda lovers.

Uniekaas

Uniekaas, established in 1965, is a renowned Dutch cheese brand that produces 100% Dutch Gouda, using milk from over 800 local farmers and traditional methods, with some cheeses aged up to 18 months. Known for its robust position in Dutch supermarkets, Uniekaas offers a variety of products, including naturally ripened cheeses, boasting a 99% success rate of delivering cheeses at the perfect ripeness. You can find more about their products at uniekaas.com.

Reypenaer

Reypenaer, a renowned Dutch Gouda cheese producer with over 100 years of tradition, uses milk from summer grass-fed cows and matures its cheeses in a century-old warehouse with natural temperature and humidity fluctuations, resulting in award-winning flavors. Their classic Reypenaer is aged for 1 year, while the VSOP ages for 2 years, and the XO Reserve for 2.5 years, achieving supreme champion status at the International Cheese Awards in 2005, 2007, and 2009. For more information, visit their official website.

Frico

Frico, a Dutch cheese brand established in 1898, is renowned for producing some of the world's finest Gouda, with a wide variety of options ranging from young to mature, some even aged for over 12 months, often boasting a minimum of 48% fat content in dry matter, a testament to their rich flavor and creamy texture; their commitment to quality has solidified their position as a leading Gouda producer.

Rembrandt

Rembrandt, a distinguished Dutch cheese from the "A Dutch Masterpiece" collection, is an award-winning gouda, traditionally ripened for 12 months. It boasts a firm texture and a rich, tangy flavor with notes of caramel and delightful crystallization. This premium cheese, crafted by FrieslandCampina using milk from North Holland, secured the World Champion title in 2004 and has received many accolades throughout the years. It contains 10 grams of total fat per serving, with 7 grams of saturated fat, making it an excellent choice for cheese enthusiasts.

Henri Willig

Henri Willig, a renowned Dutch cheesemaker, has been crafting exceptional Gouda since 1974, using traditional methods with a focus on quality; their cheeses, often boasting a 48% fat content, are a testament to their expertise, and have earned numerous awards throughout the years. The company produces a wide range of Gouda varieties from young to mature, satisfying diverse palates globally; with a commitment to sustainable practices, their farms supply the milk for their flavorful cheeses. You can explore their full range of products and learn more about their cheesemaking process on their website.

Cablanca

Cablanca has been a distinguished producer of Gouda cheese since 1978, crafting exceptional wheels using 100% Dutch cow's milk, resulting in a smooth texture and rich flavor profile which has earned them multiple awards, often with a fat content of around 48%; their cheeses are aged for varying periods, ranging from a few months to over a year, enhancing their complex flavors.

Vintage Van Gogh

Vintage Van Gogh, established in 1989, crafts exceptional Gouda with a rich, nutty flavor profile, using a traditional Dutch recipe and aging process, often exceeding 36 months, resulting in a smooth, creamy texture with a 48% fat content, winning many international awards; experience this unparalleled cheese at Vintage Van Gogh Gouda cheese.

Noord Hollander

Noord Hollander has established itself as a premier producer of Gouda cheese, with a history spanning several decades, consistently earning recognition for its exceptional quality. Their cheeses are crafted using traditional methods, often with a high percentage of butterfat, typically ranging from 48% to 50%, that contributes to the rich and creamy texture for which they are known. In 2023, Noord Hollander received multiple awards at the World Cheese Awards, highlighting their commitment to excellence, and the company has increased production year over year to meet the demand for its premium cheeses. With a variety of aged and flavored Goudas, Noord Hollander offers a cheese to satisfy every palate. You can explore their full range of products on their website.