Cheddar cheese serves as a versatile staple in countless recipes, from simple toasties and sandwiches to hearty lasagnas and macaroni dishes. A recent blind taste test by consumer watchdog Which? evaluated various supermarket cheddars on flavor, aroma, appearance, and texture. Expert panelists crowned Waitrose Davidstow Cornish Mature Cheddar the top performer, scoring it 77% and earning it a “best buy” recommendation.
Blind Taste Test Highlights
Panelists praised the Waitrose cheddar for its ideal smoothness and creaminess, along with perfect saltiness. Two-thirds of tasters noted the flavor strength hit just the right level, while the same proportion appreciated its desirable crumbliness.
Price Comparison
The Waitrose Davidstow Cornish Mature Cheddar retails at £3.18 for a 350g block, undercutting leading brands. Cathedral City Mature Cheddar costs £4.25 for the same size, and Pilgrims Choice Mature Cheddar is £3.30 at Waitrose.
Hands-On Taste Test
As a cheese enthusiast who favors mature varieties for baked potatoes and toasties, I compared the Waitrose option directly with Cathedral City. Upon opening, the Waitrose cheese released a noticeably stronger aroma.
Slicing revealed Cathedral City’s smooth cut, while the Waitrose cheddar crumbled more authentically for a mature cheese. Tasting both plain, Cathedral City felt mild with a smooth, salty profile. In contrast, Waitrose Davidstow delivered richer, creamier notes that lingered longer on the palate.
Performance in Toasties
To test melting, I prepared cheese toasties with each. Both melted evenly to a similar golden hue, but the bolder flavor of Waitrose Davidstow made it the standout winner. Its superior taste and lower price make it a clear choice for switching.
Full Rankings from the Taste Test
| Cheese | Score |
|---|---|
| Waitrose Davidstow Cornish Mature Cheddar | 77% |
| M&S Cornish Cove Mature Cheddar | 76% |
| Aldi Specially Selected West Country Mature Cheddar | 74% |
| Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Barber’s Mature Cruncher | 74% |
| Tesco Finest Mature English Cheddar | 73% |
| Morrisons The Best Somerset Cheddar Crunch | 72% |
| Cathedral City Our Mature Cheddar | 71% |
| Co-op Irresistible Somerset Mature Cheddar | 68% |
| Pilgrims Choice Mature Cheddar | 68% |
