Top Oaxaca Cheese Brands You Can't Resist

Oaxaca cheese, a staple in Mexican cuisine, is beloved for its creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor, making it a favorite choice for dishes like quesadillas and enchiladas. This cheese is traditionally made from cow's milk, and its string-like texture is reminiscent of mozzarella, yet it holds a distinct identity. With numerous brands available on the market, choosing the best can be a delightful journey through taste and quality. If you’re eager to discover some of the top brands renowned for crafting exceptional Oaxaca cheese, keep reading below.

Illustration of oaxaca cheese

Best brands of oaxaca cheese in 2025

Cacique

Cacique, founded in 1973, is a renowned producer of Oaxaca cheese, known for its high-quality, authentic Mexican cheeses. The company, which started with a humble beginning using just 600 pounds of milk a day, now processes 1.2 million pounds of hormone-free, Kosher-certified milk daily. Cacique's Oaxaca cheese, belonging to the mozzarella family, is a semisoft, white artisan cheese made from cow's milk, characterized by its mellow, earthy flavor and superior melt. The cheese is traditionally made by stretching the curd into long ribbons and winding them into a knot. With its recent expansion to a new $88 million facility in Amarillo, Texas, Cacique continues to enhance its production capabilities.

El Mexicano

El Mexicano is renowned for its high-quality Oaxaca cheese, a semi-soft, string-type cheese made from natural ingredients, including part-skimmed grade A milk and sea salt. This cheese, also known as quesillo, is a cultural and economic staple in Oaxaca, representing about 10% of Mexico's total cheese production, which amounts to around 40,778 tons per year. The traditional production methods, often passed down through generations, ensure a rich and buttery flavor with a slight tang. El Mexicano's Oaxaca cheese is ideal for various dishes, such as fondues, enchiladas, and quesadillas, and is certified for its quality, including being gluten-free and Halal certified. The cheese's popularity also supports local economies and promotes gastronomic tourism in Oaxaca.

La Vaquita

La Vaquita is renowned for its high-quality Oaxaca cheese, a semi-soft, white cheese made from whole cow's milk, originating from the state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico. Known as the "mozzarella of Mexico," this cheese is prized for its slightly salty, savory, mellow, and buttery flavor, making it ideal for preparing quesadillas. The cheese curds are stretched, formed into long ropes, and then gently wound into balls, a traditional process that enhances its melting properties. La Vaquita's Oaxaca cheese is available in various sizes, including 10oz balls and 7oz shreds, catering to different culinary needs. With its rich flavor and traditional production methods, La Vaquita stands out as one of the best producers of Oaxaca cheese. For more details on their Oaxaca cheese offerings.

V&V Supremo

V&V Supremo is renowned for its exceptional Oaxaca cheese, a product that has garnered significant acclaim, including the Best of Class award in the Hispanic Melting Cheeses category at the 2016 World Championship Cheese Contest with a score of 99.85 out of 100. This achievement is a testament to the brand's commitment to quality and historical accuracy in cheese production. The cheese is made from 100% grade "A" whole pasteurized cow's milk, is rBGH artificial hormone free, and lacks additives and preservatives. The partnership between V&V Supremo and the CDR TURBO program has been instrumental in scaling up production, increasing from one or two days a week to five days a week to meet growing consumer demand. This collaboration has also led to the expansion of production facilities and the creation of new jobs.

Don Francisco

Don Francisco, though not specifically highlighted as a producer of Oaxaca cheese in the provided sources, is not mentioned as a key player in the production of this type of cheese. However, for Oaxaca cheese, brands like Chula Vista/V&V Supremo have gained recognition for their high-quality production. Chula Vista/V&V Supremo's Oaxaca cheese, for instance, saw significant growth, with U.S. volume sales increasing by around 111,321 pounds from 2011 to 2014, reaching 2,342,724 pounds in 2014. Their product even earned a Best of Class award at the 2016 World Championship Cheese Contest with a score of 99.85 out of 100.

Los Altos

Los Altos Foods is a renowned producer of Oaxaca cheese, known for its high-quality Hispanic cheeses. Founded in 1988 by the Andrade family, the company generates approximately $100 million in annual revenue and operates a plant near Los Angeles, employing over 260 people. Los Altos Foods was acquired by Sigma Alimentos in 2023, enhancing its production capacity and market reach. The company's Oaxaca cheese is part of a diverse product line that includes queso fresco, aged cheese, and other melting cheeses. Despite challenges such as shorter shelf life and strict sanitary requirements, Los Altos Foods continues to meet the growing demand for Hispanic cheeses in the U.S. market. You can explore their Oaxaca cheese online.

Quesillo del Rey

Quesillo del Rey is a renowned producer of Oaxaca cheese, contributing significantly to the local economy in Oaxaca, Mexico. Oaxaca cheese, also known as quesillo, represents about 10% of total cheese production in Mexico, amounting to approximately 40,778 tons per year. This artisanal cheese is a vital source of employment in communities like Reyes Etla and Nazareno Etla, with many families depending on its production and sale as their primary income. The traditional techniques used in its production have been passed down through generations, preserving Oaxacan cultural identity. Despite facing competition from industrial cheeses, quesillo remains a key component of gastronomic tourism and local culinary traditions. For more details about their products, visit their official marketplace.

Mi Rancho

While Mi Rancho is not specifically mentioned as a producer of Oaxaca cheese, also known as Quesillo, it remains an integral component of Mexico's cheese industry. Representing about 10% of the nation's total cheese production, Oaxaca cheese accounts for approximately 40,778 tons annually. Production has steadily increased, reaching 41,300 tons in 2022 and 40,778 tons in 2023, underscoring its cultural and economic importance in Oaxaca. This cheese is predominantly produced by artisanal and small-scale producers, playing a crucial role in supporting the local economy and preserving cultural traditions. For an in-depth analysis on Oaxaca cheese production, you can explore the article on sustainable food systems.

Villa Real

Villa Real, though not specifically mentioned in the sources, can be contextualized within the broader framework of Oaxaca cheese production. Oaxaca cheese, also known as quesillo, represents about 10% of Mexico's total cheese production, amounting to approximately 40,778 tons per year. This artisanal cheese is a cultural and economic staple in Oaxaca, particularly in the Central Valleys region. The production of quesillo is largely family-based, with many producers inheriting their knowledge from previous generations. Despite challenges from industrial cheese producers, artisanal Oaxaca cheese remains a vital source of employment and economic activity.

Ole Mexican Foods

Ole Mexican Foods is a prominent producer of Oaxaca cheese, contributing significantly to Mexico's dairy industry. In 2020, Mexico produced nearly 30,000 metric tonnes of Oaxaca cheese, with a substantial portion coming from the state of Oaxaca. Ole Mexican Foods is known for its high-quality cheese products, including Oaxaca cheese, which is a favorite among consumers due to its rich flavor and versatility in Mexican cuisine. The company's commitment to traditional production methods and use of raw milk ensures a product that meets the high standards of artisanal cheese production. As demand for Oaxaca cheese continues to grow, Ole Mexican Foods remains a key player in satisfying this demand.