Complete Guide to Trader Joe's Cheese Selection: Hidden Gems and Fan Favorites (2025)
Key Takeaways
- Unexpected Cheddar consistently ranks as Trader Joe's most popular cheese, offering a unique combination of cheddar and parmesan characteristics
- The Toscano cheese soaked in syrah was rated #1 in Business Insider's March 2025 comprehensive cheese review
- Cheddar Cheese with Caramelized Onions is considered the most underrated cheese in the selection
- Trader Joe's offers exceptional value for quality across various cheese categories, from soft brie to aged gouda
- An ideal Trader Joe's cheese board should feature 3-4 varieties with a mix of textures and flavor intensities
- The selection is constantly evolving with seasonal offerings and new additions
Introduction to Trader Joe's Cheese Selection
Trader Joe's has become a haven for cheese lovers, offering a selection that punches way above its weight in terms of quality, variety, and value. Their cheese department has turned into one of the main draws for shoppers who might otherwise head to more expensive specialty stores. From everyday sandwich fillers to fancy party-worthy options, TJ's cheese case covers all the bases without emptying your wallet.
What makes Trader Joe's cheese section special isn't just the number of options - it's the careful balance they've struck between familiar classics and unique discoveries. You'll find both traditional European styles and creative American interpretations, often at prices that make regular cheese exploration possible for most budgets. This guide cuts through the overwhelming options to highlight both the celebrated favorites and lesser-known treasures as of March 2025.
Fan Favorites and Award-Winning Cheeses
The Legendary Unexpected Cheddar
The Unexpected Cheddar Cheese sits firmly at the top of Trader Joe's cheese hierarchy, and for good reason. This cheese has won countless awards and earned a permanent spot in TJ's product hall of fame. What makes it "unexpected" is pretty simple - it starts out tasting like a really good sharp cheddar, then surprises you with parmesan-like qualities and those little crunchy flavor crystals that cheese snobs go crazy for.
The flavor hits different notes all at once - it's sharp but also kinda buttery, tangy yet a bit sweet. Sporked.com even pointed out that the shredded version actually manages to avoid that weird waxy texture that plagues most pre-shredded cheeses. Whether you crumble it on a fancy cheese board or melt it into mac and cheese, this versatile crowd-pleaser works in nearly any situation.
Syrah-Soaked Toscano: The New Champion
The creamy Toscano cheese soaked in syrah has emerged as another standout winner. In a Business Insider review from early March 2025, this cheese nabbed the top spot among 17 Trader Joe's cheeses. The reviewer described it as having a perfect balance of "creamy and granular, sharp and sweet, with only a breath of wine flavor." Both the reviewer and her spouse ranked it as the clear favorite, proving that sometimes wine-infused foods can be subtle and sophisticated rather than overwhelming.
New Zealand Cheddar: The Unsung Hero
Trader Joe's New Zealand Cheddar Cheese doesn't get as much hype as the Unexpected Cheddar, but it delivers serious quality. Sporked.com described it as "sharp—but not aggressive" with a slightly crumbly texture that avoids being too dry. The subtle flavor crystals mimic what you'd find in much more expensive aged cheeses. This white cheddar option works beautifully on sandwiches but has enough character to stand alone on a cheese board.
Hidden Gems You Might Have Missed
Cheddar Cheese with Caramelized Onions: The Ultimate Sleeper Hit
If there's one criminally overlooked cheese at Trader Joe's, it's gotta be the Cheddar Cheese with Caramelized Onions. EatingWell recently named this variety "The #1 Underrated Trader Joe's Cheese," with their food editor describing a first taste that completely changed their cheese game. The beauty of this cheese is how it balances the familiar comfort of cheddar with just enough onion flavor that enhances rather than overwhelms.
What's most telling is that even picky cheese snobs give it their approval. The EatingWell editor mentioned that their Italian relatives who normally turn their noses up at American cheeses declared it the "best cheddar" they'd ever tasted. Beyond just tasting good, it offers 6 grams of protein per serving and works magic in a grilled cheese sandwich, especially paired with French onion soup flavors for a decadent sweet-savory combo.
Cotswold Double Gloucester: The Loaded Baked Potato Experience
The Cotswold double Gloucester cheese with onions and chives is another hidden treasure with a personality all its own. Business Insider's 2025 review describes it as having "a smooth, almost Velveeta-like texture" but with bold onion and chive flavors that bring to mind a loaded baked potato. The reviewer noted that the flavor grows on you with each bite, making it addictively good. Not surprisingly, they suggest it would pair perfectly with actual baked potatoes.
Chiave d'Oro Raw Milk Hard Cheese: The Quiet Sophisticate
Trader Joe's Chiave d'Oro raw milk hard cheese doesn't get much attention, but it deserves more love. This Italian-named cheese (the name means "golden key") manages to be surprisingly creamy despite being classified as a hard cheese. With its "mild, nutty flavor and bitter rind," it works well in multiple settings - try it with honey on a cheese board or add it to salads with sweet vinaigrettes for a sophisticated flavor contrast.
Exploring Cheese Categories at Trader Joe's
The Cheddar Collection
Trader Joe's cheddar options alone could fill an entire cheese drawer. The Wisconsin Extra Sharp Cheddar, aged a minimum of nine months, offers a firmer texture that slices into perfect rectangles. For something different, their goat milk cheddar-style cheese combines familiar cheddar characteristics with that distinctive tangy kick you expect from goat's milk products. Despite its firm appearance, it offers surprising creaminess when you bite into it.
Soft Cheese Selections
The soft cheese category features several noteworthy Brie variations, including plain versions and specialty options like Brie Cheese with Wild Mushrooms. Trader Joe's brie selection has become a cheese board staple according to multiple sources. For the best experience, look for double or triple cream varieties - the creamier, the better. Try to choose symmetrical slices for visual appeal and consider garnishing with a rosemary sprig for an elegant touch. The French Brie might not always look perfect on your board, but its flavor more than makes up for any aesthetic shortcomings.
Gouda Varieties
Trader Joe's Gouda selection shows their commitment to covering both traditional and innovative options. Their Double Cream Gouda from Holland has a "rubbery, dense" texture but delivers "a tangier flavor than most cheeses," according to EatThis.com reviews. The flavor profile is described as "sharp but creamy, with a richness that coats your mouth."
For those who prefer more complexity, the store offers both "1000 Day Gouda" and "Old Amsterdam" varieties. These aged options develop smoky and sweet characteristics through extended aging processes, creating layers of flavor that evolve as you taste them.
Specialty and Mixed-Milk Cheeses
Trader Joe's really shines with their specialty cheeses that don't fit neatly into traditional categories. The Iberico cheese, aged four months and produced from a blend of cow, goat, and sheep's milk, delivers complex flavors described as "hard and sharp, like a buttery Parmigiano Reggiano." According to the Business Insider review, this Spanish cheese particularly appealed to "Parmesan-loving kids," showing how accessible it is despite its sophisticated flavor development.
Perfect Pairings and Creative Applications
Beyond the Cheese Board
Trader Joe's cheeses show remarkable versatility beyond simple snacking. The Wisconsin Extra Sharp Cheddar, though milder than its name suggests, melts beautifully in grilled cheese sandwiches. Reviewers recommend enhancing it with "something spicy or sweet to amp up the flavor."
The Cheddar Cheese with Caramelized Onions takes sandwich applications to another level. EatingWell specifically recommends it for grilled cheese, particularly paired with French onion soup flavors. Beyond sandwiches, this versatile cheese works well with simple crackers and fruit as a protein-rich vegetarian snack option.
Creating Complementary Combinations
For cheese board applications, specific pairings can enhance each cheese's distinctive characteristics. The creamy Toscano soaked in syrah shines when paired with sweet crackers, with the Business Insider reviewer specifically recommending "the Carr's whole-wheat variety or anything with dried fruit." The Chiave d'Oro raw milk hard cheese works particularly well with honey on charcuterie boards or as a salad addition with sweet vinaigrette.
Wine and spirit pairings can elevate your cheese experience even further. The cave-aged Le Gruyère specifically pairs beautifully with whiskey. Reviewers describe this cheese as having "hearty spiciness, earthiness, and delicately granular texture," requiring little more than "a simple cracker" to showcase its complex flavors. The Iberico cheese works wonderfully with red wine or fruit, especially sliced pears.
How to Create the Ultimate Trader Joe's Cheese Board
Building a Balanced Selection
Creating an impressive cheese board using exclusively Trader Joe's products has become something of an art form among entertaining enthusiasts. According to detailed guides, an ideal cheese board should feature "3-4 cheeses–a mix of hard and soft" varieties to provide textural and flavor diversity. This approach ensures options for various taste preferences while keeping things manageable.
The Unexpected Cheddar is a must-have, described as "the best Cheddar at TJ's." Try crumbling it rather than slicing to enhance visual appeal and make it easier for guests to serve themselves. For Brie selections, look for symmetrical slices for aesthetic reasons and consider garnishing with rosemary sprigs for a sophisticated presentation. Despite occasional messiness, the French Brie earns high marks for its superior flavor profile even if it sacrifices some visual appeal.
Creating Flavor Contrast
For an optimal balance of flavor profiles, include varying intensities and styles. Aged Gouda provides rich, complex flavors, with experts specifically recommending Trader Joe's "1000 Day Gouda" and "Old Amsterdam" varieties known for developing smoky sweetness through extended aging. These stronger-flavored options balance milder cheeses like brie, creating a well-rounded tasting experience.
Beyond the cheeses themselves, Trader Joe's offers complementary products that enhance cheese board presentations. Look for their charcuterie options, seasonal fruits, various cracker selections, and special accoutrements like honeys and jams. This comprehensive approach transforms simple cheese selections into sophisticated entertaining options through thoughtful accompaniments available from the same retailer.
Expert Reviews and Customer Feedback
Professional Assessments
Professional food writers and bloggers have extensively evaluated Trader Joe's cheese offerings, providing valuable guidance for consumers. Business Insider's March 2025 comprehensive review involved sampling 17 different cheese varieties, providing detailed assessments of each option's appearance, flavor profile, and recommended applications. This systematic approach highlights the diverse characteristics within Trader Joe's cheese department while identifying standout performers like the Toscano soaked in syrah and the cave-aged Le Gruyère.
Specialized food publications offer focused analyses of specific cheese categories. Sporked.com's evaluation specifically noted the exceptional quality of Trader Joe's cheese section compared to other departments, stating: "Trader Joe's is for cheese. It is the reason to go to Trader Joe's over another grocery store." This assessment reflects the particular strength of the retailer's cheese buying program compared to even their other well-regarded food departments.
Consumer Insights
Customer feedback provides another valuable information source, with several writers incorporating family and friend reactions into their assessments. The EatingWell editor shared that their Italian cheese-loving relatives enthusiastically endorsed the Cheddar Cheese with Caramelized Onions, with some declaring it the "best cheddar" they had experienced. Similarly, the Business Insider reviewer noted that the Iberico cheese particularly appealed to "Parmesan-loving kids," demonstrating its accessibility despite sophisticated flavor development.
Price considerations rarely appear explicitly in most reviews, suggesting that Trader Joe's cheeses generally provide satisfactory value regardless of specific cost points. Some guides do reference budget considerations in passing, noting available guides for creating cheese boards at various price points, including a "$65 Trader Joe's Board" and a "$35 Trader Joe's Board." This tiered approach acknowledges various budget requirements while maintaining Trader Joe's reputation for reasonable pricing compared to specialty cheese shops.
Seasonal Offerings and Limited Editions
The Evolving Selection
Trader Joe's cheese department demonstrates ongoing evolution through both seasonal offerings and new permanent additions. Writers specifically mention making seasonal trips to Trader Joe's, "filling my cart with new and enticing offerings" while maintaining certain staples as constant purchases. These references to seasonal shopping suggest Trader Joe's regularly introduces limited-time cheese options that correspond with different times of year.
Review updates indicate the dynamic nature of Trader Joe's cheese selection, with sites like Sporked.com specifically noting when they update their rankings by "removing some cheeses we couldn't track down—as well as a few that simply didn't taste as good as they once did—and added a few others." This acknowledgment reflects both the retailer's practice of discontinuing certain products and potential quality variations over time, highlighting the importance of current information when evaluating available options.
New Discoveries
New discoveries continue emerging even within established favorites. The Business Insider review, published in early March 2025, features selections like the bucheron, which surprised the reviewer with more intense flavor than anticipated: "Though Trader Joe's bucheron was the last cheese I tried, it was the one I ate the most of. The soft-ripened goat's milk cheese had an intense flavor that came on slowly." This ongoing discovery process demonstrates how even frequent Trader Joe's shoppers continue finding new favorites within the evolving cheese selection.
Product availability remains an important consideration when planning Trader Joe's cheese purchases. Reviews often specifically address this concern, advising readers to "run out and buy before they're inevitably discontinued." This warning reflects Trader Joe's known practice of rotating certain products, creating urgency around particularly exceptional offerings that may not remain permanently available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cheese at Trader Joe's?
According to multiple reviews and customer surveys, the Unexpected Cheddar consistently ranks as the most popular cheese at Trader Joe's. The Toscano cheese soaked in syrah was rated #1 in Business Insider's March 2025 review.
What's a good cheese combination for a Trader Joe's cheese board?
Experts recommend selecting 3-4 cheeses with different textures and flavor intensities. A winning combination includes Unexpected Cheddar, French Brie, aged Gouda (like 1000 Day Gouda), and something unique like the Cheddar with Caramelized Onions.
Are Trader Joe's cheeses a good value?
Yes, Trader Joe's cheeses are generally considered excellent value for their quality. They offer varieties comparable to specialty cheese shops but at significantly lower prices, making gourmet cheese more accessible.
Do Trader Joe's cheeses contain artificial ingredients?
Most Trader Joe's cheeses focus on natural ingredients and traditional production methods. Their product labels typically have short, recognizable ingredient lists compared to mass-market cheese brands.
How long do Trader Joe's cheeses last?
Storage life varies by cheese type. Harder cheeses like aged cheddar or Parmigiano Reggiano may last 3-4 weeks properly refrigerated, while soft cheeses like Brie or fresh goat cheese should be consumed within 1-2 weeks of purchase.
Does Trader Joe's offer lactose-free or dairy-free cheese alternatives?
Yes, Trader Joe's typically carries several plant-based cheese alternatives for those with dairy restrictions. Their selection usually includes options made from cashews, almond milk, or other plant sources.
How often does Trader Joe's change their cheese selection?
Trader Joe's is known for rotating certain products seasonally while maintaining a core selection of customer favorites. They typically introduce new cheese varieties several times per year, particularly around holiday seasons.
Can I sample cheeses at Trader Joe's before buying?
While policies vary by location and have changed since the pandemic, many Trader Joe's stores have returned to offering limited sampling. Ask a crew member if you're interested in trying a particular cheese before purchasing.