In a head-to-head tasting of three Sainsbury's own-brand mature cheddars, the supermarket's most budget-friendly option emerged as the clear winner. The Stamford Street Cheddar, priced at £2.49, outperformed both the mid-range Mature British Cheddar at £2.50 and the premium SO Organic Mature Cheddar at £3.50, according to a taste test conducted by writer Nicola Roy for the Express.
The test was designed to determine whether price truly reflects quality in supermarket cheddar. All three cheeses were sampled at 'mature' strength on plain crackers, allowing the flavour of each to be assessed without interference. The results challenge the assumption that higher cost equates to superior taste.
Premium Organic Option Falls Short
The first cheese tested was Sainsbury's SO Organic Mature Cheddar, a 270g block retailing at £3.50. Made using British organic milk and reportedly produced by Wyke Farms in Somerset, it represents the top end of Sainsbury's own-brand range. The cheese presented a strong, sharp aroma and a creamy texture that immediately felt more premium. It sliced well and avoided the rubbery texture often found in cheaper cheddars, delivering a clean, pleasant taste with no unpleasant aftertaste.
However, despite these positive attributes, it was slightly lacking in punch compared with expectations. A touch of dryness was noted, and while it performed well overall, it did not fully justify its premium positioning. Nicola Roy awarded it a rating of 3.5 out of 5.
Mid-Range Option Disappoints
The second contender was Sainsbury's standard Mature British Cheddar, a 220g block priced at £2.50. Although slightly cheaper and smaller than the organic option, it remains relatively competitive on a per-kilogram basis. On tasting, it proved to be the least impressive of the three. While its appearance and aroma were similar to the others, the flavour was noticeably harsher, with a strong tang that failed to balance with creaminess. A slightly bitter aftertaste lingered longer than expected.
Nicola Roy noted that while this cheddar might perform better when melted into cooking—such as in toasties, pasta bakes, or lasagne—it did not stand out as a table cheese. It received a rating of 3 out of 5.
Budget Cheddar Takes the Crown
The final cheese tested was the Stamford Street Cheddar, Sainsbury's most budget-friendly option at £2.49. Despite being the cheapest, it also offered the largest block of the three. It sliced neatly, had a creamy texture, and delivered a surprisingly strong, enjoyable flavour. Rather than tasting processed or rubbery, it offered a good level of sharpness and worked well even when eaten simply on a cracker.
It was noticeably creamier than the others, with a good balance of sharpness without being overpowering. For price, texture, and taste combined, it stood out clearly as the best of the three, earning a rating of 5 out of 5 from Nicola Roy.
The results indicate that for shoppers seeking quality cheddar at a reasonable price, the Stamford Street option offers the best value, outperforming more expensive alternatives in Sainsbury's own-brand range.
