Havarti cheese, known for its creamy texture and subtle aroma, has become a staple for cheese enthusiasts around the world. This semi-soft cheese, originating from Denmark, is celebrated for its smooth, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory dishes. As the global demand for artisanal cheese grows, a select group of brands has risen to prominence, offering some of the finest Havarti options available. Below, we explore the top brands that have captivated cheese lovers with their exquisite renditions of this beloved cheese.
Illustration of havarti cheese
Best brands of havarti cheese in 2025
Castello
Castello is renowned as one of the best producers of Havarti cheese, offering a range of varieties that cater to diverse tastes. Their Creamy Havarti and Aged Havarti are particularly popular, with the Aged Havarti delivering a rich, buttery flavor and a characteristic nutty finish. Castello's Havarti cheeses are made using traditional Danish recipes and high-quality milk, ensuring a mild and aromatic taste with a hint of tanginess. The brand's flavored Havarti varieties, such as Dill and Wild Garlic, have been well-received by consumers, contributing to the cheese's growing popularity, with sliced Havarti sales increasing by 27% in recent years. Castello's commitment to quality and authenticity makes their Havarti a staple in many households. For more information, explore their Havarti cheese selection.
Arla
Arla Foods is a leading producer of Havarti cheese, with its plant in Hollandtown, Wisconsin, being the largest Havarti producer in the United States. The plant, which was acquired by Arla in 2006, has an annual capacity of over 15,000 tons and produces around 32 million pounds of cheese annually, with Havarti accounting for about 70% of the output. Arla's Havarti production follows the same recipes used by its European counterparts, ensuring a consistent and high-quality product. The company has seen significant growth in Havarti sales, with U.S. volume sales of fixed-weight Havarti increasing by 15.5% in the 52 weeks ending October 2017. Arla's commitment to natural ingredients and eco-friendly production methods aligns with consumer preferences for simpler and more sustainable products. For more information about their dairy products, visit Arla's website.
Roth Cheese
Roth Cheese is renowned as one of the best producers of Havarti cheese, showcasing an impressive 119 percent increase in Havarti sales since 2019, indicating a strong shift in consumer preference. Their flavored Havarti varieties, such as Tomato Basil and French Onion, have grown three times faster than plain Havarti in 2021, according to IRI data. Roth Cheeses are handcrafted in Wisconsin using fresh, local milk from family-owned dairy farms, ensuring high quality and natural ingredients. The brand's commitment to traditional Danish cheesemaking methods and all-natural ingredients has earned them numerous awards, including several accolades at the World Championship Cheese Contest. With a range of flavors from mild to spicy, Roth Havarti cheeses offer a unique and delicious experience for consumers.
Boar's Head
Boar's Head is renowned for producing some of the best Havarti cheese, particularly their Cream Havarti, which is made in the traditional Danish style in Wisconsin. This cheese boasts an incredibly creamy texture and a rich, buttery taste. Available in various forms, including freshly sliced in the deli, Boar's Head Cream Havarti is a double creme classic. Each serving of two slices (28g) contains 110 calories, 10g of total fat, 35mg of cholesterol, 210mg of sodium, and 6g of protein. The addition of dill in their Cream Havarti with Dill variant adds a delicate flavor, enhancing the overall taste experience. For more details, explore their Deli Sliced Cream Havarti Cheese.
Copenhagen Creamery
Copenhagen Creamery, though not specifically mentioned as a brand, can be associated with the high-quality production of Havarti cheese due to its Danish origins and the expertise in Danish cheesemaking. Havarti cheese, produced by companies like Arla Foods, is known for its semi-soft texture and mild flavor, with a fat content of 38% in the standard version and up to 60% in Cream Havarti. As of 2019, Havarti cheese has been awarded Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, ensuring its production meets specific standards. Major producers like Arla Foods, based in Denmark, produce significant quantities of Havarti, with 17,000 metric tons produced annually in Denmark alone. The cheese is aged for typically three months, though some varieties are aged for up to 24 months.
Tillamook
Tillamook is renowned as one of the top producers of Havarti cheese, known for its high-quality and flavorful products. In 2019, Tillamook debuted its upscale Tillamook Cheeseboards, combining their cheese with crackers and artisanal fruit spreads, which contributed to the growth in natural cheese sales, with dollar sales rising 1.3% to $13,117.4 million. The company's commitment to quality is evident in their Havarti cheese, made from pasteurized milk, salt, microbial rennet, and culture, offering 130mg of calcium per serving. Tillamook's products are popular among consumers, with 4.68 million Americans using 1 pound or more of Tillamook natural or imported cheese in a week as of 2020. This popularity reflects the brand's dedication to crafting superior cheese products.
Trader Joe's
Trader Joe's is renowned for its high-quality Havarti cheese, which stands out for its creamy and rich texture. A review highlighted that the Havarti Cheese with Dill from Trader Joe's is particularly creamy, making it one of the best versions of this cheese. Each ounce of Trader Joe's Havarti Cheese with Dill contains 111 calories, 10.1g of fat, and 6g of protein, making it a popular choice for cheese enthusiasts. The cheese's flavor profile and nutritional content have earned it a favorable reputation among consumers. With its consistent quality and appealing taste, Trader Joe's Havarti cheese is a top pick for many. For detailed nutritional information, visit the calories in Havarti Cheese with Dill by Trader Joe's.
Yancey's Fancy
Yancey's Fancy is renowned for its artisanal cheeses, particularly its Havarti cheese, which is crafted using traditional methods and unique cultures to deliver bold and distinct flavors. Their Havarti cheese is made from high-quality, rBST-free milk from grass-fed cows, ensuring a rich and creamy texture. With a focus on natural ingredients and no artificial preservatives, Yancey's Fancy cheeses are gluten-free and appeal to a wide range of consumers. The company's commitment to quality and flavor has earned it a loyal customer base since its inception. Yancey's Fancy cheeses are available in various retail locations, making them accessible to a broad audience.
Wisconsin Cheese Mart
Wisconsin Cheese Mart is renowned for its high-quality Havarti cheese, which is a favorite among consumers due to its versatility and rich flavor profile. Havarti cheese from Wisconsin, particularly the varieties sold by Wisconsin Cheese Mart, has seen significant growth, with U.S. volume sales of fixed-weight Havarti increasing by 15.5% in the 52 weeks ending October 8, 2017. Sliced Havarti is the most popular form, accounting for 71% of sales, and it has seen a 27% volume increase from the previous year. The cheese is often flavored, with popular varieties including Dill, Jalapeno, and Horseradish, which are well-received by consumers. Wisconsin Cheese Mart's offerings align with the high standards set by master cheesemakers, ensuring a consistent and delicious product.
Holland's Family Cheese
Holland's Family Cheese is not specifically mentioned in the provided sources, but Arla Foods, a prominent dairy cooperative, is highlighted as a major producer of Havarti cheese. Arla's plant in Hollandtown, Wisconsin, is the largest producer of Havarti cheese in the United States, producing 32 million pounds of cheese annually, with Havarti accounting for about 70% of the plant's output. This plant has significantly expanded its capacity since Arla acquired it in 2006, doubling its production by 2011. The cheese is made using traditional Danish cheesemaking methods and high-quality milk, ensuring a rich and creamy product. Arla's investments have aligned with its goal to increase its presence in the supermarket cheese aisle. For more detailed insights, visit inside Arla's cheese plant.
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