Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Sharp Cheddar Cheese - Store Brand or Name Brand?

Product #8 - Sharp Cheddar Cheese Block:

Today I am reviewing Sharp Cheddar Cheese. I compared three different brands. Costco's Kirkland Brand, Target's Market Pantry and Kraft. I purchased the Target and Kraft brands in the same 8oz package (though the Market Pantry comes in a 1 lb block as well at my Target) and Costco's in the only size available, 2lbs. After a blind taste test between my husband and myself, we agreed on the following: The Kraft brand came in first place, having a creamy texture and a strong sharp cheddar flavor. The Target Market Pantry came in second having also a nice sharp flavor though not as nice of a creamy texture. The Costco Kirkland Brand came in third place having not as strong of a sharp flavor and also not as creamy as the name brand. So, in conclusion, we would rate the name brand the highest. When considering the huge savings though on the Costco Brand, I will continue to buy it as I think it tastes great and the price difference is amazing.

The Cost Comparison (as of 3/15/11 at Target and Costco): Target, Costco and Kraft:

Kraft Sharp Cheddar Cheese (8oz) - 2.49
Target's Market Pantry Sharp Cheddar Cheese (8oz) - 2.09
Costco's Kirkland Signature Sharp Cheddar Cheese (2lbs or 32oz) - 4.99

The Kraft brand (purchased in the 8oz package) is almost twice as much as the Costco brand. Therefore, if savings is what you are after, I would definitely recommend the Costco Brand as there is not a huge taste difference. If you are going purely on taste and texture, I would recommend the Kraft brand.

1 comment:

  1. Ran across this post from 2011 and noticed the price of my favorite cheddar cheese was $4.99 and I remember it staying that price forever. Today June 7, 2021 it is $8.99 same thing.
    Geez and nothing has changed. Except the price of things. This will soon be a luxury that I will have to do without, even though it is only 1 of 6 things that my body doesn't reject when I eat it.

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