Cheddar cheese is popular due to its creamy taste and salty flavor that instantly complements or enhances any dish. It is simple yet delicious, that is why it is used in a lot of recipes like grilled cheese, mac n' cheese, and even cheese sauces. It is something that can be easily enjoyed without much fussーcomfort food!
There are lots of cheese brands in the Philippines, so, to aid you in your search for cheddar cheese, we’ve listed the 10 best ones you can purchase now! We even have a buying guide fact-checked and reviewed by registered nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales to help you with all there is to know about choosing the best cheddar cheese.
Quick List - Top Cheddar Cheese
Real California Milk
Has a Versatile and Balanced Flavor That Matches With Anything
Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Cheddar cheese is made like any other cheese-making processーby adding rennets or enzymes to the milk, causing it to curdle. Some makers dye the cheese with annatto powder, which gives it that orange color without affecting its taste. When solids or curds form, they’re cut into smaller pieces to get rid of excess liquid or whey.
The smaller they’re cut, the more liquid drains and the firmer the cheese will be. But, cheddar undergoes “cheddaring,” which is when curds are cut up and stacked together to further drain excess whey. It is repeated until a lot of whey is removed and then placed into molds to age. This results in a cheese with a crumbly, compact, and layered texture.
Here are some key points to consider:
Natural cheddar is made without using any preservatives save for the rennets added to the milk to jump-start its culturing process, helping it solidify. However, it can be prone to spoilage as it does not have preservatives to prolong its shelf life. But, this allows you to fully savor its flavor, making it ideal for charcuterie boards and sandwiches.
Processed cheese, on the other hand, has a creamier, milder, and more consistent flavor. It is also not aged, so it does not have the “tang” associated with aged cheddar cheeses, which suits most Filipinos’ palates. That is why cheddar cheese brands in the Philippines mostly consist of processed cheese.
Cheddar is graded according to its sharpness - mild, sharp, and extra sharp. This indicates how long it was aged. Sharpness is also best described as the acidity or sourness and bitterness present in the cheese, which becomes more prominent the more the cheese ages.
This is aged for the shortest period of time at around 2-3 months. Most cheddar cheeses in groceries are of the mild variety. It has a subtle and mellow taste that isn’t too overpowering, making it a versatile staple in the kitchen. In terms of texture, it is creamy and does not crumble easily, making it perfect for slicing.
It is great in grilled cheese sandwiches and cheese dips, such as for nachos, as it melts easily. This is because these dishes focus more on their gooey consistency and do not require much potent flavor. If you’re not used to eating other variants of cheddar cheese, then we recommend starting with mild.
Sharp cheddar is aged for a longer period of time at 6-9 months. This variety is where you will notice the cheese’s texture go from creamy to a bit more crumbly. This is because as cheese ages, the drier it gets.
It has a nutty and tangy taste, which only becomes more pronounced as the level of sharpness increases. So, it packs more flavor than the mild variety. It is also handy for sandwiches and macaroni and cheese. It can still be melted, though keep in mind that it would take a bit longer.
This particular variety has been aged from a period of 1 ½ to 2 years. It can be characterized by its rather pungent aroma, and its tanginess is also much more noticeable, which some would describe as reminiscent of vinegar or citrus fruits, which may be off-putting, especially if you’re partial to mild and creamy cheeses.
It is not really ideal for melting or slicing as it has a crumbly texture, so don’t be surprised if you can’t get a clean cut. In this regard, it bears a resemblance to how you’d use Parmesan cheese, which is mainly for adding that extra oomph of flavor, whether in salads, grilled cheese, or charcuterie boards.
Depending on the amount you need or how you will use the cheddar cheese in your cooking, the packaging of the cheese that you will buy will vary. Below, we explore the different options.
Shredded cheese is one that has already been pre-grated or shredded before being packaged. It is generally used as an ingredient for salads and soups for added texture and flavor!
This makes it easy to use as you can just sprinkle them on top of your dish of choice, such as pasta, pizza, nachos, or baked potato. It comes in handy when you need cheese in a pinch, as you don’t have to bother with grating them, and they are convenient to store as well since most come in resealable bags.
Also known as cheese singles, this packaging features individual cheese slices that can be packaged together or wrapped individuallyーno slicing needed!
This comes in handy when you need individual portions for dishes like burgers and sandwiches, as each piece is also one serving. Come merienda, these also make great snacks for those who are fond of making papak, for picnics, or baon for those who are on the go.
Most households usually carry a bar or block of cheese in their fridge from their go-to brand. This consists of a single, solid piece of cheese shaped in a rectangle or even a wedge. It is eaten during breakfast or as a midnight snack sometimes.
This is the most versatile option as you can use it for cooking and baking. This is also the most commonly used form for pasta, ulam, and palaman. It is also easy to slice, grate, or portion according to your needs.
Groceries are the default option as it is the most accessible and affordable. Cheddar cheese prices can cost less than 100 pesos, especially for tingi packs. However, they don’t have an extensive array of options to choose from, and a majority of the type of cheese sold is the processed kind. So, the cheese brands may be quite limited.
If you want fresh cheese or if you’d like a wider range to choose from, deli shops or specialized food shops are worth checking out. They carry hard-to-find imported ingredients and food products that aren’t available in most groceries. So, give them a virtual visit and see if they carry any of your favorite brand of cheese!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Real California Milk California Orange Cheddar Cheese | ![]() | Has a Versatile and Balanced Flavor That Matches With Anything | |
2 | Fiscalini Farmstead Old World Aged Cheddar | ![]() | Robust Yet Buttery Flavor to Pair With Fruits and Wine | |
3 | Kerrygold Aged Cheddar Cheese | ![]() | Enhance Any Dish With Its Full-Bodied Flavor | |
4 | Arla Cheddar Sliced Cheese | ![]() | Natural Cheese Slices for a Hassle-Free Food Preparation | |
5 | Emborg Cheddar Topping Shredded Cheese | ![]() | Comes in a Shredded Form for Easy Sprinkling | |
6 | American Heritage Sharp Cheddar Cheese | ![]() | A Budget-Friendly Premium Cheddar Cheese for Grilled Cheese Sandwiches | |
7 | Rogue Creamery Rogue’s Mary Cheddar | ![]() | Mild Cheddar With a Lemony and Herby Kick for Pasta Dishes | |
8 | Anchor Processed Cheddar Cheese|12 Pcs | ![]() | Individually-Wrapped Cheese Slices to Ensure Freshness | |
9 | Mainland Vintage Cheese Block | ![]() | Complex, Vintage-Aged Cheddar That Makes a Great Addition to Your Cheeseboard | |
10 | Kraft Cheddar Filled Cheese | ![]() | An Economical Household Staple for Gatherings |
Good cheese at an affordable priceーthis product checks all the boxes in what we look for in cheese! Real California Milk prides itself on using only 100% California milk as well as salt and enzymes. Their cheddar cheese is decked out in the iconic orange color, making it easily recognizable from the shelves and giving it a more consistent look.
Being of the mild variety means it has a balanced creaminess and saltiness. This makes it perfect for sandwiches, burgers, and sauces as it packs enough flavor for it not to taste bland. It's also versatile for everyday cooking and baking yet flavorful enough to warrant a spot on your cheese boards or for snacking!
Fiscalini Farmstead’s Old World Aged Cheddar follows the traditional English way of producing their cheddar cheese. For one thing, it is made from unpasteurized cow’s milk, giving it a buttery taste. It is then aged for 14 months while it is wrapped in cheesecloth to allow the flavors to develop.
Its aging process allows it to achieve a robust and earthy taste that would pair well with fruits or your go-to white wine. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even eat this with crackers for a simple yet delicious treat. Its balanced flavor also makes it a great choice for those looking to ease their tastebuds into aged cheddar cheeses.
Kerrygold proudly sources its milk from grass-fed cows. And, this practice extends itself to their other dairy products, including cheddar cheese. Their cheese only consists of pasteurized cow’s milk, salt, and cultures. It is then aged for a year, which gives it that full-bodied flavor.
Its strong flavor adds a zesty kick and sophistication to any dish but without the 'bite' associated with mature cheeses. It is still creamy enough to enjoy on sandwiches or as a topping. This is ideal for charcuterie boards as well as wine, making this the perfect companion for picnics or wine and cheese nights.
We have to admit; cheese is always a great addition to the food that we eat. It easily complements our dishes, whether it is to add a subtle hint of saltiness or creaminess. Arla's cheese slices offer handy portions of cheese, eliminating the need for slicing and chopping, which can be a hassle for some.
These have been ripened for at least 5 weeks, enough to give it flavor while still maintaining that creaminess we love about cheese. Pre-sliced cheeses also provide a more convenient method of food preparation, which is handy for those in a rush. You can add it to sandwiches and burgers for a hassle-free baon or merienda!
Emborg is well known for its wide range of dairy products. It has been a rising brand for years, and we all know why! Their products are delectable without having to break the bank. You can surely vouch for their cheddar cheese! It has a spiced tang that gives the perfect kick to your dishes.
It is also pre-shredded, which means worrying about grating and slicing will become a thing of the past! Due to its smaller nature, the cheese melts instantly when placed on top of piping hot meals for your convenience. The flavor mixes well with tacos, grilled cheese sandwiches, mac and cheese, and baked potatoes!
For those who want a stronger flavor of cheddar, this sharp variety might be the one for you. It has a crumblier texture and tangier profile that will definitely enhance your dishes if you need more oomph. Its prominent taste will surely make a difference to your grilled cheese sandwiches!
You can also eat it on its own or pair it with crackers for merienda. This block is just the right size for households that consume cheese on the regular as it is not too big that you would take months to finish it. Its price tag is also a bonus as you can upgrade your dishes without being too harsh on your wallet!
Rogue Creamery is proudly USDA certified as they only use certified organic pasteurized cow’s milk to make their cheese. This cheddar is hand-cut and hand-milled, after which it is aged for a minimum of 30 days, which gives it a sweet and mellow flavor.
But, what sets it apart is that it is mixed with organic rosemary leaves, giving it a lemony and herby twist. This makes it ideal for incorporating into your oil-based pasta dishes as its slightly tangy flavor will add that subtle oomph, thereby elevating its taste. Plus, you can also pair it with a nice, crusty loaf or with meat.
Anchor’s cheese slices are individually packed to ensure freshness in every slice. It will also reduce breaking or tearing your cheese when taking them out. These slices are perfect for sandwiches and burgers. Simply place them on your patty or bread, and you can easily enjoy your meal!
Moreover, having individually sealed cheese slices helps maintain its quality. This also reduces the frequency of discoloration present in cheese blocks as a result of oxidation whenever it is not sealed properly after use. Though, keep in mind that one slice may not be enough, so remember to stock your fridge!
As Mainland says, good things take time. That's how you'll know that their cheese is good. Their Vintage Aged Cheddar is made from farm-fresh milk that's been aged for 24 months to ensure its pungent aroma and flavor. As the name suggests, it has an extra-sharp taste, which may be too strong for some.
It has a more robust and complex flavor with a mix of tanginess, saltiness, and bitterness. Plus, the cheese provides a great flavor that can elevate simple salads and bring charcuterie boards to life. If you're not used to eating aged cheese, then we suggest you nibble on a little bit first to get used to the flavor.
This brand of cheese is ideal for parties and gatherings. It can be nibbled on its own and added to appetizers and desserts. Delicious and good cheddar cheese need not be extremely expensiveーand Kraft’s cheddar cheese will provide you with cheesy goodness, all without costing you less!
Cheddar cheese is one of the popular types of cheese that almost anyone can identify. This block is great for household use as it can be added to several of your everyday dishes, like omelets, sandwiches, and pasta. It has a creamier flavor that is not too salty and easily caters to children’s palates.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
The price of cheese in the Philippines ranges from 45 pesos to 500 pesos. Now, the cost would depend on the brand of cheese and whether the cheese is natural or processed. This is because processed cheddar tends to be more affordable while natural cheddar cheeses are on the more expensive side.
Cheddar cheese can be an excellent source of calcium and protein. However, cheddar is also high in saturated fat and calories, which can put you at risk of heart disease if consumed in excess. So, even if you stand to gain nutrients from cheddar cheese, remember to eat it in moderation.
It would depend on the sharpness of the cheddar cheese. Mild cheddar cheese is relatively easy to melt along with the processed kind like shredded cheddar. But, sharp and extra sharp cheddar types are not easy to melt because they only contain a small amount of liquid, so they might not completely melt the way you want them to.
Can't get enough cheese? These cheesy picks will fulfill your cravings whether you are looking for chirchirya to munch on or a palaman for merienda. Go ahead and satisfy the cheese lover in you!
Author: J. Cuizon
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Real California Milk|California Orange Cheddar Cheese
No. 2: Fiscalini Farmstead|Old World Aged Cheddar
No. 3: Kerrygold|Aged Cheddar Cheese
No. 4: Arla|Cheddar Sliced Cheese
No. 5: Emborg|Cheddar Topping Shredded Cheese
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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