I tested three different cheddar cheeses from Sainsbury's to see if spending more money actually delivers better flavour. The cheapest option, Stamford Street Cheddar at £2.49 for a 400g block, emerged as the clear winner, scoring a perfect 5/5 in my taste test.
The Taste Test Setup
I purchased three blocks of mature cheddar from Sainsbury's, each at a different price point: the organic SO Organic Mature Cheddar (£3.50 for 270g), the mid-range Sainsbury's Mature British Cheddar (£2.50 for 220g), and the budget Stamford Street Cheddar (£2.49 for 400g). All were labelled as mature cheddar, and I sampled them on crackers to let the flavours speak for themselves.
According to the packaging, the organic cheddar is produced by Wyke Farms in Somerset using British organic milk, which accounts for its premium pricing. The mid-range and budget options are also British cheddars.
SO Organic Mature Cheddar - £3.50
The organic cheddar had a pleasing, sharp aroma that enhanced its overall impression. It sliced easily without being rubbery, a common drawback of some cheddars. The taste was wonderfully creamy with a nice sharpness, making it feel more premium than it actually was. There was no unpleasant aftertaste, another plus. However, it was slightly dry and lacked a bit of flavour depth. I rated it 3.5/5 and would purchase it again.
Sainsbury's Mature British Cheddar - £2.50
The mid-priced cheddar was my least favourite. It was very potent, but not in a positive way. It failed to balance tanginess and creaminess, and had a quite bitter aftertaste that lingered. All three cheeses looked and smelled nearly identical when placed on crackers. While it might work well in cooking, such as in a toastie or macaroni cheese, it wasn't impressive on its own. I gave it 3/5.
Stamford Street Cheddar - £2.49
The budget option came in the biggest block at 400g and cost just £2.49, only one penny less than the mid-range cheese but nearly double the weight. It sliced cleanly and tasted superb. It was by far the creamiest of the three, with no rubbery or plasticky texture. There was a satisfying burst of sharpness, and even plain on a cracker, it tasted wonderful. I rated it 5/5 and would definitely recommend buying it.
Verdict
The clear winner was the Stamford Street Cheddar, proving that you don't need to spend more for better flavour. The organic cheddar was a close second, while the mid-range option disappointed. For everyday use, the budget cheddar offers the best value and taste.
