For those seeking to find the perfect mature cheddar at their local supermarket, a recent tasting session of various offerings has identified some of the best options available. This staple of British kitchens, often marketed as a low-cost option, can vary widely in quality and flavour, making the search for the perfect block a task for cheese enthusiasts.
Top Recommendations for Mature Cheddar
Overall Best
The M&S British mature cheddar, priced at £4.25 for 550g through Ocado (77p/100g), emerged as the top choice. Produced by Taw Valley Creamery in Devon, this block is characterised by its rich, sharp profile with a lactic-sour edge and a buttery texture embedded with crystals, rating a strength of four.
Best Value
Sainsbury’s West Country farmhouse mature cheddar offers excellent value at £2.95 for 400g (74p/100g). Crafted by Barber’s dairy in Somerset, it delivers a savoury richness paired with a crumbly yet creamy texture, also holding a strength rating of four.
Additional Noteworthy Mentions
Godminster’s Mighty Middlewick Witch Cheddar
Priced at £3.80 for 200g (equating to £1.90/100g), this Somerset cheese presents a small but impactful presentation with a strength rating of five. It is deeply flavoursome and crystalline, delivering tangy and sweet umami notes.
Valley Spire British Mature Cheddar
Available only at Lidl for £2.45 for 400g (61p/100g), this cheddar is noted for its sharp aroma and creamy mouthfeel. With its complex buttery and savoury notes, it maintains a strength rating of four.
Aldi Specially Selected West Country Mature Cheddar
This offering, at £2.99 for 350g (85p/100g), features a classic crumbly yet buttery texture with embedded calcium crystals. Produced by Barber’s and matured for 12 months, it boasts a strong, tangy taste with a cow-like flavour and a strength of four.
Other Selections
Some other widely available cheddars include Tesco’s Finest mature cheddar (£4 for 350g, £1.14/100g) and Davidstow’s Cornwall classic 12 months mature cheddar, both achieving a strength of two. Cathedral City mature cheddar is offered at £3.24 for 550g at Asda or £5.45 for 550g at Tesco, holding a strength rating of three. Morrisons provides its own British mature cheddar at £2.95 for 400g (74p/100g), while Asda presents a small block option at £2.74 for 250g (£1.10/100g), both rated with a strength of three.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theguardian.com.