Adore cheddar cheese? Here's which supermarket sells the best

HOW WE CONDUCTED OUR TASTE TEST

IT'S FREE AND FAIR!

We know that taste is a subjective thing and what’s good for one may not be for someone else. But it is interesting that, when a group of tasters come together, the results are usually consistent — there’s always a favourite and least-favoured item.

For this taste test, we invited a group of mothers to attend a blind-tasting of supermarket products in Johannesburg.

To ensure the taste test was free and fair, food expert Jenny Kaye was in the kitchen to supervise as products were removed from their packaging, numbered and, where necessary, cooked or reheated according to package instructions.

Auditor Jade Craig oversaw the entire process: she checked the products in the kitchen, sat in on the tasting, and collated the scores. 

THE RESULTS

FIRST PLACE: PICK N PAY

Mature Cheddar

Price: R84.99 for 500g

What our judges said:

• Joy: Flavourful, enjoyed the crumbliness of the cheese.
• Maureen: Looks good, nice texture and real cheddar taste.
• Megan: Good texture, good colour and somewhat cheesy.

SECOND PLACE: FOOD LOVER'S MARKET

Cheddar

Price: R33.33 for 400g

What our judges said:

• Alex: Loved the texture and taste but not strong enough for me.
• Misha: Smooth with a good bite.
• Simone: Quite enjoyed it, has cheddar bite without being overpowering. Texture good.

THIRD PLACE: CHECKERS

Simple Truth Cheddar, Lactose Free

Price: R39.99 for 300g

What our judges said:

• Caren: Mild cheddar taste.
• Misha: Enjoyed it but little or no bite of a true cheddar.
• Simone: Palatable and creamy.

FOURTH PLACE: SPAR

Cheddar Cheese

Price: R35.99 for 240g

What our judges said:

• Megan: Appearance not bad but didn't know I was eating cheese. No taste.
• Caren: Tastes like a gouda, not cheddar.
• Misha: Creamy but no bite and a bit bland.

FIFTH PLACE: WOOLWORTHS

Cheddar Cheese

Price: R42.95 for 240g

What our judges said:

• Alex: Soft without a bite.
• Maureen: Tastes a bit like processed cheese.
• Sue: Rubbery, no taste and bit like eating plastic.