Top Shredded Cheese Brands You Can't Resist

Shredded cheese has become a staple ingredient in many households, elevating dishes with its rich flavors and convenient use. With a wide array of brands available on the market, choosing the right one can greatly enhance your culinary experience. Whether you prefer mild or sharp flavors, or a blend that melts perfectly, there is a brand out there to suit your taste preferences. Discover the top-rated brands for shredded cheese that cheese lovers are raving about below.

Illustration of shredded cheese

Best brands of shredded cheese in 2025

Tillamook

Tillamook, a renowned brand from the Tillamook County Creamery Association, is celebrated for its high-quality shredded cheese products. The cooperative, which includes nearly 60 dairy farms, produces over 170,000 pounds of cheese daily and packages approximately one million pounds each week. Tillamook's Medium Cheddar cheese won the gold medal in the 2010 World Cheese Championship, scoring 99.6 out of 100 points. The brand is particularly strong in the West but sells in all 50 states, with notable products like Parmesan Fine Cut Shredded Cheese. Tillamook's commitment to quality has earned it numerous awards from the American Cheese Society.

Sargento

Sargento Foods is a pioneering leader in the shredded cheese market, having introduced prepackaged shredded cheese in 1958 and revolutionizing the dairy industry with innovative packaging solutions like zipper-lock bags and peg bar displays. The company, with over 2,000 employees and $1.5 billion in net sales, has been a driving force in the cheese category, contributing to a 5% annual growth in the $8.8 billion cheese market in the late 1990s. Sargento's products, made from 100% real, natural cheese, offer a range of flavors and textures, including their Creamery Shredded Cheeses with added real cream for enhanced meltiness. The company's commitment to quality and innovation has made it a staple in many American households. With a history spanning over 65 years, Sargento continues to innovate and expand its product lines.

Kraft

Kraft is a leading producer of shredded cheese, commanding a 31% share of the total cheese market. The popularity of Kraft's shredded cheese has driven category growth, with sales increasing by about 5% annually in the late 1990s. As of 2023, Kraft Heinz's global net sales from cheese and dairy products amounted to $5.7 billion, highlighting the brand's strong market presence. Kraft's innovative packaging, such as the "Taste Lock" package, has enhanced the convenience and appeal of their shredded cheese products. With products like Kraft Natural Cheese and Kraft Cheddar Cheese Blocks, the brand continues to dominate the shredded cheese segment.

Cabot

Cabot Cheese, renowned for its high-quality products, is a notable player in the cheese market, although it is not specifically highlighted as a top producer for shredded cheese in recent sales data. However, Cabot is known for its award-winning cheddar, which is naturally lactose-free and has been produced by a cooperative of farm families since 1919. The brand has received top honors at the American Cheese Society Awards and the International Cheese and Dairy Awards competitions. While specific sales figures for Cabot's shredded cheese are not provided, the brand's commitment to quality and natural production processes makes it a favorite among consumers. Cabot's products are free from artificial growth hormones and contain no animal rennet, adding to their appeal.

Crystal Farms

Crystal Farms is a renowned producer of high-quality shredded cheese, sourcing 99% of its dairy from Midwest farms to minimize carbon footprint and ensure product excellence. The company, which has been in operation for over 40 years, converts bulk cheese blocks into various products, including shredded cheese, block cheese, and specialty cheeses like feta and ricotta. Known for its commitment to "Farm and Family," Crystal Farms supports local dairy farmers and sustainability efforts, such as working with the FFA to promote sustainable farming practices. The company's products are widely available in the upper Midwest and are distributed through a fleet of direct store delivery trucks and other freight carriers. Crystal Farms' dedication to quality and safety is reflected in its rigorous quality testing and daily plant sanitization.

Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's is renowned for its exceptional shredded cheese selection, offering a variety that stands out in the market. The Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Shreds, for instance, are a highlight, made from New Zealand cheddar that is sharp but not aggressive and features flavor crystals typical of well-aged cheese. This product is particularly praised for its unique flavor profile and crumbly texture, making it a standout on cheese boards and in sandwiches. With a wide range of cheese options, including other popular choices like Wisconsin Extra Sharp cheddar, Trader Joe's caters to diverse tastes. The quality and variety of their cheeses have made them a favorite among cheese enthusiasts. Discover more about the best Trader Joe's cheese on Sporked.

Boar's Head

Boar's Head has emerged as a leading brand in the shredded cheese market, boasting an impressive 89.9% sales growth for the 12 weeks ended April 21, 2024, significantly outpacing other brands like La Morenita, which saw only a 3.9% growth. This remarkable growth underscores Boar's Head's strong market presence and consumer preference. In the natural shredded cheese category, Boar's Head also stood out, contributing to the overall 3% year-over-year (YoY) increase in dollar sales to $6.95 billion and a 2% rise in unit sales to 1.9 billion. The brand's success is further highlighted by its robust performance in various cheese subcategories, including refrigerated grated cheese, where it saw substantial sales increases. Boar's Head's commitment to quality and its hand-selected blend of rich, savory cheddars have been key factors in its success. For more information about their products, explore their Yellow American Cheese selection.

Organic Valley

Organic Valley is a leading producer of high-quality shredded cheese, introducing the first organic thick-cut off-the-block shredded cheeses in 2020. Their shredded cheese line includes five organic varieties such as mozzarella, 3 Cheese Italian, 3 Cheese Mexican, mild cheddar, and sharp cheddar, offering a cheesier flavor, better cheese pull, and a gooier melt. These cheeses are crafted from organic, non-homogenized, pasteurized milk and are free from antibiotics, synthetic hormones, toxic pesticides, and GMOs. Available in 6-ounce bags with a suggested retail price of $5.49, Organic Valley's shredded cheeses are ideal for various dishes like pizzas, lasagnas, and casseroles. The brand continues to innovate with new flavor profiles, such as the recently introduced Flavor Favorites line, which includes Italian Herb Mozzarella Shreds and Spicy Cheddar Shreds.

Lucerne

Lucerne Dairy Farms is a notable producer of shredded cheese, particularly its Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, which is highly regarded for its quality and nutritional value. In the U.S. market, Lucerne competes with other top brands like Belgioioso and Sartori, with Belgioioso leading in grated cheese sales with about $8.75 million for the 12 weeks ended April 21, 2024. Lucerne's products are evaluated based on nutrition, ingredient concerns, and the degree of processing, ensuring a high standard for consumers. The U.S. cheese market, dominated by Wisconsin with over three million metric tons of cheese produced annually, sees Lucerne as a significant player in the shredded cheese segment. Lucerne's commitment to quality and consumer health makes it a preferred choice among shredded cheese brands.

Whole Foods 365

Whole Foods 365 brand is renowned for its high-quality shredded cheese products, such as the Organic Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, which is certified by accredited Organic-certifying agencies and contains no added sugars, making it a sugar-conscious option with less than 4g of sugar per serving. This product is made from organic cultured pasteurized milk, salt, and microbial enzymes, ensuring minimal processing and maximum nutritional value. The 365 by Whole Foods Market range also includes a Shredded 3 Cheese Blend and Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese, all of which are vegetarian and free from meat, poultry, and seafood. These products are part of Whole Foods Market's commitment to providing organic and sustainable food options. With a 90-day return policy, customers can trust the quality and satisfaction of these products.