Top Best Shredded Cheese Brands Rated | US Picks
Shredded cheese is a favorite in many American homes. It’s loved for its ease and flexibility. This article will look at the top shredded cheese brands. We’ll focus on those that are highly rated for taste, quality, and customer happiness.
As people care more about their health, they’re looking for better shredded cheese. They want products that taste great, not just cheap ones.
A recent review tested 10 shredded cheddar cheese brands. They picked four favorites based on looks, feel, and taste1. Our research shows that people prefer brands with fewer additives and natural ingredients. It’s key to make smart choices.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to pick the best shredded cheese. We’ll cover mild, sharp, and all in between. Our tips will help you choose the right cheese for any dish. For more on avoiding additives, check out this informative article.
Key Takeaways
- Shredded cheese’s popularity is rising across American kitchens.
- Quality shredded cheese brands are gaining preference over cheaper alternatives.
- Product samples revealed noteworthy differences in flavor and texture among brands.
- Choosing natural and additive-free options enhances taste and healthfulness.
- The focus on health has driven consumers to select shredded cheese carefully.
Introduction to Shredded Cheese
Shredded cheese is a favorite in many American homes. It’s loved for its ease and flexibility. It makes classic dishes better and adds a quick topping to many meals. From quesadillas to mac and cheese, it brings flavor and texture to everyday food.
Many brands offer shredded cheese, but Kraft is a top choice. They have a wide range, including shredded mozzarella. This meets different tastes and needs2.
The vegan cheese market is also growing fast. It’s expected to hit over $4.7 billion worldwide3. Brands like Violife and Daiya offer vegan shredded cheese. Violife has four types, and Daiya has many, pleasing different palates3.
With so many shredded cheese options, knowing what to choose is key. Good shredded cheese can make a big difference in taste. Whether it’s pasta or salad, the right cheese can elevate it. Knowing the best brands and their offerings can make cooking better.
What to Look for in the Best Shredded Cheese
Choosing the right shredded cheese is key. Look for freshness, texture, flavor, and how well it melts. Freshness is crucial for taste and texture. Choose cheeses with a consistent shred size for better melting.
The flavor matters a lot. Cheeses can be mild or sharp, fitting different dishes. Knowing the types of cheeses helps find the best for your meals. For example, top shredded cheese options often come from well-known brands.
Check the ingredients too. Avoid cheeses with preservatives or anti-clumping agents. Cheeses from grass-fed cows are often better, with more vitamins and healthy fats4.
Understanding these points helps you choose well in the cheese market. Look for brands known for quality and flavor. This way, you’ll make a better choice.
Top Shredded Cheese Options for Every Recipe
Choosing the right shredded cheese is key for any dish. Mozzarella is perfect for pizza, melting beautifully. Trader Joe’s Mozzarella is a great choice because it’s 60% less fat but still tastes great5.
Cheddar is great for comfort foods like mac and cheese or chili. There’s a growing demand for dairy-free cheese. Daiya, Follow Your Heart, and Violife are top picks for vegan cheese lovers6.
Here’s a quick look at some top shredded cheese brands:
| Brand | Type | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tillamook | Mozerella | 9/10 | Thick cut, rich flavor |
| Sargento | Mozerella | 8/10 | Well-balanced and melts well |
| Daiya | Dairy-Free Cheddar | 7.5/10 | Popular vegan option |
| Follow Your Heart | Dairy-Free Cheddar | 7.7/10 | Highly rated for taste and texture |
| Good Planet | Dairy-Free Cheddar | 7.0/10 | Long shreds, good melt |
Aldi’s and Trader Joe’s offer great vegan cheese options7. These choices meet different dietary needs and add flavor to many recipes. For more info, check out this guide on shredded cheese brands.
Quality Shredded Cheese Brands: A Closer Look
Choosing the right shredded cheese is all about flavor, texture, and how well it works in recipes. Tillamook, Kraft, and Sargento are top picks for their quality. Tillamook’s cheddar, for example, has a rich, sharp taste perfect for many dishes.
People love these brands because their cheese melts well and tastes creamy. This is key for making lasagna and mac and cheese.
Sargento’s shredded cheese is great for different dishes, like tacos and omelets. The aging of the cheese affects its taste and texture. For example, cheddar cheese can be mild, sharp, or extra sharp, depending on how long it’s aged8.
Some cheeses, like Cabot’s, have a tangy taste, while others, like Kraft’s, are saltier8.
Looking at cheese also means considering its health benefits. Cheese from grass-fed cows has more vitamins A and D4. This makes cheeses like Kerrygold a good choice for those watching their health.
When choosing cheese blends, avoid those with anti-caking agents. Look for cheese that tastes pure and melts well. The best way to find this is by tasting it yourself and reading reviews.
In short, knowing what makes shredded cheese quality can make cooking better. It ensures a great taste for everyone. For more tips on picking the best cheese, check out this resource9.
Best Selling Shredded Cheese Options
The market for shredded cheese has many options to choose from. Kraft is known for its quality and variety. Brands like Land O’ Lakes and Trader Joe’s are also popular for their taste and convenience.
These brands are loved by both home cooks and professional chefs. They offer great texture and flavor.
Looking at the top shredded cheese brands, Kraft Finely Shredded Sharp Cheddar gets a perfect score of 10/10. Sargento Sharp Cheddar is a close second with a 9/10 rating for its fine shred. Tillamook Sharp White Cheddar Farmstyle Shreds gets a 9.5/10 for its strong taste10.
Cheddar cheese is also very popular, coming second only to mozzarella in the US11.
What makes these brands successful? It’s their taste, price, and how easy they are to use. Brands like Cracker Barrel and Borden are also well-liked for their quality and variety.
High-Rated Shredded Cheese Varieties
Choosing the right shredded cheese can be a bit tricky. Organic Valley stands out with ten organic shredded cheese options. You can pick from Cheddar, Feta, and Mozzarella, all from small organic farms12. Their Sharp Cheddar has 110 calories per 1/4 cup and 15% of your daily calcium12.
Miyoko’s Mozzarella is a top pick for vegan pizza lovers, known for its taste and texture13. Follow Your Heart’s cheddar-style shreds are easy to find at Walmart for about $513. Daiya’s vegan-friendly slices have also seen big improvements in the market13.
Supermarkets like Aldi and Coles have tested their shredded cheese for taste and nutrition14. Scores range from 23 to 82, with top choices rated 80% or higher14. These cheeses are great for nachos and salads.
Here’s a table comparing some top shredded cheese brands:
| Brand | Type | Calories (per 1/4 cup) | Calcium (% Daily Value) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic Valley | Sharp Cheddar | 110 | 15% | $4.99 |
| Miyoko’s | Mozzarella | N/A | N/A | $8.50 |
| Follow Your Heart | Cheddar-style Shreds | N/A | N/A | $5.00 |
| Daiya | Vegan Slices | N/A | N/A | $6.99 |
Best Shredded Cheese Brands: Expert Ratings
Expert ratings help us find the top shredded cheese brands. They focus on cheddar and mozzarella. People want cheese that tastes good and feels right in their mouths.
Most Popular Cheddar Choices
The Kraft Sharp Cheddar is loved for its fine cut and soft texture. It melts well, making it a hit at home1. Land O Lakes Sharp Cheddar Cheese Farmstyle Shreds are known for their bright orange color and thick shreds1.
Cracker Barrel’s Double Cheddar Bold Cut is praised for its creamy and sharp taste. It has a nutty flavor that people enjoy1. Good & Gather Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese is mild and creamy, perfect for kids1.
Top Mozzarella Picks
Sargento is known for its wide range of cheeses, including mozzarella that’s great for shredding2. Tillamook Farmstyle Thick Cut Mozzarella is creamy and perfect for pizza and pasta11. Mozzarella is the most made cheese in the US, showing its importance in cooking11.
Premium Shredded Cheese Choices for Gourmet Cooking
Choosing the right cheese can elevate your dishes. Mozzarella, Red Cheddar, and White Cheddar are top picks for their taste and texture. They’re perfect for gourmet cooking15. Use them in pizzas or mac and cheese for a delicious experience.
Brands like Cracker Barrel Double Cheddar and Land O Lakes Sharp Cheddar are highly recommended. They add quality and unique flavors to your dishes. Sprinkle them on top or blend into sauces for a creamy taste.
- Cracker Barrel Double Cheddar: A bold flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes.
- Land O Lakes Sharp Cheddar: Great for imparting a rich taste in gourmet mac and cheese.
- Vonk Cheese: Offers both standard and custom premium quality dairy products, including shredded varieties15.
Using these premium cheeses can make your meals more enjoyable. Try mixing classic Cheddar with Jalapeno for a spicy twist15. It’s perfect for cheese enthusiasts and those looking for something new.
Conclusion
Choosing the right shredded cheese brands is key to making great food. Top brands like Kraft, Sargento, Crystal Farms, and Tillamook stand out for their quality and taste. They also offer gluten-free options, using safe ingredients like potato starch and cellulose powder16.
These brands keep their flavors strong and meet many dietary needs. This makes them great for almost everyone.
Shredded cheese is super versatile in cooking. You can use it on pizzas or in casseroles. Brands like BelGioioso and Organic Valley make high-quality shredded mozzarella. They focus on using the best ingredients and being eco-friendly, adding a special touch to your meals17.
Trying out different types and top brands can really make your meals better. It’s all about finding the right texture, melting ability, and taste. With the best shredded cheese, you’re set to make amazing dishes that everyone will love.
