Tasting Trader Joe's Cheese: My Rankings and Favorites

With an overwhelming selection of cheeses, Trader Joe's is a paradise for cheese lovers, yet choosing just one can be daunting.

To help cheese enthusiasts navigate their way, I ventured into a New York City store and sampled 17 different varieties.

Below is my comprehensive ranking and the cheeses I'd be eager to buy again.

Least Favorite: White Stilton with Apricots

White Stilton with apricots from Trader Joe's left much to be desired. Its overwhelmingly fruity taste rendered it overly sweet.

While it might pair decently with breakfast pastries, I'd rather turn to butter or jam.

Comté: A Strong, Earthy Experience

The Comté cheese presented a robust earthiness that didn't sit well with my palate.

Perhaps an interesting addition to a cheese board, its intensity can be mellowed with fig jam.

Cotswold Double Gloucester: Like a Loaded Baked Potato

Sporting a texture akin to Velveeta, this double Gloucester infused with onions and chives evoked memories of a fully loaded baked potato.

It shines when topping a steaming spud, whether or not sour cream is included.

New Zealand Sharp Cheddar: A Complex Aftertaste

Trader Joe's New Zealand sharp cheddar delivered a subtle aftertaste that echoed Swiss cheese.

Though not my first choice solo, it complemented pepperoni quite nicely.

Forgettable Fontina

With its mild flavor, the fontina proved to be ordinary and easily forgotten. Its soft consistency and red-wax exterior harkened back to childhood Babybel snacks.

Nonetheless, it contributed to a particularly indulgent mac and cheese that my family relished.

Pleasantly Mild Manchego

The Manchego offered a gentle, buttery profile enhanced by a subtle sweetness, evoking a refined Monterey Jack.

Though not extraordinary, it would likely enhance a burger.

Spicy Cheddar with Scotch Bonnet and Peppers

This cheddar, coupled with scotch bonnet chilies and red peppers, packed a substantial punch. Combining sweetness, spice, and a soft texture reminiscent of pimento cheese, it's perfect as a spicy dip base.

Versatile Danish Havarti

Creamy and gentle, this Danish Havarti lends itself well to numerous dishes.

It's particularly suited for sandwiches due to its excellent melting properties.

Tangy Goat Milk Cheddar

Trader Joe's goat milk cheddar-style cheese surprised me with its sharp, cheddar-like flavor and a pleasant tang.

Its creaminess, for a firm cheese, makes it ideal for a turkey sandwich with cranberry mayo.

Silky Smooth Camembert

Silky Camembert with mild earthiness pairs well with bold tastes like salami or chorizo.

A smear on a fresh baguette is another delightful option.

Unexpected Cheddar: A Delightful Surprise

Contrary to its name, Unexpected Cheddar won me over with its dry, grainy texture and sharp, tangy essence.

It's a must-have topping when next I prepare chili.

Chiave d' Oro: A Mild, Nutty Indulgence

Chiave d' Oro, translating to 'golden key,' amazed me with a mild, nutty flavor and had a bitter edge, complemented by its creamy texture.

It pairs well with honey on a charcuterie board or enhances a salad drizzled with sweet vinaigrette.

Gentle Goat's Milk Gouda

Despite my high expectations, this goat's milk Gouda was subtle, but still had an earthy undertone with a creamy finish.

It elevated a cracker, especially with a slice of spicy soppressata.

Kid-Approved Iberico Cheese

This four-month-aged Spanish cheese, made with multiple milks, boasted a sharpness reminiscent of buttery Parmesan.

It pairs wonderfully with wines or fruits, such as pears, making it a family favorite.

Savory Cave-Aged Le Gruyère

Cave-aged Le Gruyère stood out with its spicy and earthy character, featuring a fine-grained texture.

Serve it simply on a cracker, potentially alongside a fine whiskey.

Flavorful Bucheron

Though the last cheese sampled, the bucheron was a favorite. Its goat's milk origin lent an intense yet gradually unfolding flavor.

With a creamy consistency and tang, it's a decadent salad component.

Favorite: Toscano Cheese Infused with Syrah

My ultimate choice was the creamy Toscano infused with syrah, flaunting a granular texture and a sweet-sharp flair with a hint of wine.

It excellently paired with sweet crackers like those from Carr's or those featuring dried fruit.