Grocery

The Most Underrated Section at Trader Joe's

Grocery-store whisperer Katie Workman here, reporting for duty.

December 23, 2019
Photo by James Ransom

We've written many a Trader Joe's love letter here at Food52. The freezer aisle has all of the best goodies, and don't get me started on the snack selection (!). But there's one part of the store people underestimate and don't laud enough: the cheese section.

Trader Joe’s has a fairly compact, but thoughtful, selection of excellent cheeses. So while the choices might not be as varied as those of a cheese shop, you can be assured that they’ve done a lot of the thinking and culling for you.

Not to mention their prices are quite reasonable if you’re a quality cheese lover (and know that good cheeses can quickly soar to $20 or $30 per pound, even higher). But at Trader Joe's? Low prices, high quality. This quality is ensured not least because TJ’s inventory turnover is so high—which means that what you’re getting is fresh or ripe or aptly aged, depending on which cheese we’re talking about.

So the next time you're at Trader Joe's, consider my picks for the most underrated aisle:


Best Trader Joe’s Cheese

1. Brie

You just can’t go wrong with Brie: It’s a mild-tasting classic and everyone loves it. You can choose the Trader Joe’s Double Cream, or the richer (higher-butterfat) Triple Creme version from France ($7.89 a pound). If you like yours by the slice, pick up a pack of their block-shaped Brie. For a less traditional option, go for the Triple Creme German Brie with Wild Mushrooms for $10.49 a pound, or the goat’s milk Brie (only $2.99 for a little 4.4-ounce round).

Recipes: Baked Brie en Croute With Raspberry Jam, Pasta Shells in a Creamy, Cheesy Sauce, Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

2. Camembert

I had an uncle who loved this cheese so much, we called him Uncle Camembert. The slightly funkier cousin of Brie you can get at TJ’s for $7.99 a pound, or if you’re a fan of the cute, archetypal little wooden container it comes in, the Le Rustique variety for $10.99 a pound.

3. Port Salut

Also from France, this semi-soft cheese is very delicate in flavor (so a good mild offering for the less cheese-curious in your life), and available at Trader Joe’s under their own label for $9.99 a pound.

4. Parmesan Reggiano

The Crown Jewel of cheeses, for a few reasons: TJ’s hawks it for $12.99 a pound, which is a darn good price for real Italian Parm (and there are a lot of cheeses labeled Parmesan out there, which are not the real deal). Parmesan is DOP/PDO classified, which means it can only be called Parm if it comes from Italy, from a particular type of cow, grazing solely on grass and hay, made using specific practices. Looking for Parm shavings? You can get them for $17.57; they’re pricier but irresistible additions to salads and pastas (not to mention terrific for snacking while you are cooking).

Recipes: Best Parmesan-Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Parmesan Mashed Potatoes, Creamed Kale With Parmesan, Green Salad With Pears, Parmesan & Puff Pastry Croutons

5. Grana Padano

Another hard, crumbly raw cow’s milk cheese that you can add to a cheese board in chunks, or use in cooking much the way you would use Parmesan. Grana comes from Latin for “grain” and Padano indicates it is “of the Po River.” It has a nuttiness, butteriness, and salty-sweetness to it, with a dense, granular texture. Like Parmesan, it’s DOP/PDO-classified—though more affordable.

6. Gruyère

Yet another raw milk cheese, Gruyère is from Switzerland and probably one of the most famous cheeses from one of the most famous cheese-producing countries. It’s nutty and firm, but not as hard or crumbly as Parmesan or Grana Padano, and AOC-protected (another type of government protection for individual foods produced in specific ways in specific places). Trader Joe’s carries a few varieties which start at $13.99 a pound, which is really reasonable. Not all Gruyères are created equal (the producer and the age of the cheese affect price), but I have seen it sold at near $30 a pound.

Recipes: Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Classic Swiss Fondue

7. Manchego

A DOP Spanish sheep’s milk cheese, aged for 6 months, Manchego is another crowd-pleaser and cheese-plate favorite. TJ’s sells it at $9.99 a pound (again, a great price, as I’ve seen 6-month Manchego selling for way north of $20). The flavor is nutty, grassy, sheepy, and kind of caramelized. It’s hard yet still creamy and holds together when you slice it.

Recipe: Spanish Lamb Burgers With Manchego

8. Cheddar

A classic you’re sure to be acquainted with. Trader Joe’s has lots of cheddars, but one special pick is the Tillamook Kosher Cheddar for $7.58 a pound. Tillamook Creamery makes some terrific cheeses out of Oregon, and this is a super solid cheese with all of the flavor and texture you look for in a “good” cheddar. It’s vegetarian as well (did you know that lots of cheeses contain rennet, which is not a vegetarian ingredient?).

Recipes: Cheesy Beef & Hash Brown Casserole, Pimento Cheese Spread, Stovetop Macaroni & 4 Cheeses

9. Harbison Cave-Aged Cheese

This cheese from Jasper Hill Farm in Vermont has become a cult-favorite amongst cheese lovers. It’s wrapped in a spruce band that ages and flavors the cheese in a particular way; it was also named 2018’s Best of Show by the American Cheese Society. TJ’s sells the 9-ounce round for $12.99 (but it sells for $20 elsewhere).

10. Mascarpone

Spoonable (with a texture like sour cream), silky, sweet, buttery, and slightly tangy, mascarpone features in many dessert preparations, perhaps most famously tiramisu. You can get it for a very attractive $5.98 a pound at TJ’s.

11. Crème Fraîche

The French cousin of Italian Mascarpone, crème fraîche is a tangy, velvety mixture of heavy cream and buttermilk, sour cream, or yogurt. You can use it to garnish savory foods like soups, but it also appears often on desserts as a richer version of whipped cream, sometimes sweetened with a bit of honey or sugar. It’s nicely priced at $8.09 a pound.

Recipes: Smoked Salmon & Crème Fraiche Puff Pastry Tartlets, Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

12. Goat Cheese

Trader Joe’s carries many choices of goat cheese, many clearly geared for a festive cheese board twist. I’m more of a classicist and head for the plainer variety, but if you’re game for something different, you can try the fig, blueberry, and cranberry versions, all around $4.49 for an 8-ounce log. Or there are 5-ounce plain, honey goat’s milk, or fine herb-crusted logs for $2.99. They also carry Silver Goat Chèvre for $4.99 for an 11-ounce log, which is a steal.

Recipes: Bistro Salad With Warm Goat Cheese, Leek, Mushroom & Goat Cheese Quiche, Creamy Goat Cheese & Spinach Linguine

13. Gouda

They have a couple of versions of this rich, tangy, creamy-but-firm cheese, made in the Netherlands (the home of Gouda). One is aged for 1,000 days ($11.99 a pound) and is briny and sharp (like a cheddar, but amped up); another is an interesting double cream version ($7.99 a pound). Fun fact: Gouda apparently accounts for about half of the cheese eaten in the world today!

14. Blue Cheeses

Trader Joe’s carries Stilton, one of the most loved blue cheeses of them all, selling at $11.99 a pound (compared to $22 or more at other shops). You can also pick up a 60-day cave-aged blue at a really affordable $6.99 a pound, or a 90-day aged crumbly cow and sheep milk–blend gorgonzola (another core blue cheese) for a delightful $5.99 a pound. Or how about white Stilton with cranberries or apricots for a serious dose of holiday cheesiness? Both are from England, for $9.99 and $10.99 a pound, respectively.

Recipes: Blue Cheese Dip, Roasted Winter Vegetables With Blue Cheese, Prosciutto, Asian Pear & Blue Cheese Crostini

15. Truffle Cheeses

When it comes to adding truffle flavor, there are a few choices! Pick up an Italian Truffle Cheese, a cow’s milk cheese speckled with black truffles for a layer for added earthy flavor. It’s $11.99 a pound, which is quite good for something that has the word “truffle” attached. There is also a cute little hexagonal Brie with truffles for $15.04 a pound and a hard sheep’s milk cheese with truffles, Moliterno al Tartufo—which won some prestigious World Cheese Awards—for $22.99 a pound.

What's your favorite thing to buy in the Trader Joe's cheese section? Let us know in the comments below.

See what other Food52 readers are saying.

  • Beattitude
    Beattitude
  • judy
    judy
  • SeaBass56
    SeaBass56
  • Fred Gardner
    Fred Gardner
  • Cathymann
    Cathymann
Author of The Mom 100 Cookbook and themom100.com blog. A New Yorker, cook, and mom, I don't sit still very much.

68 Comments

Beattitude June 1, 2023
I'm a little disappointed that you didn't name raclette. It is the best melting cheese I've ever had. "Raclette" is not just a cheese, but an experience. Like fondue, it's a Swiss cheese and event, that is a cool weather essential for gatherings of friends and family. I'd love to see you do an article on just raclette!
 
judy April 27, 2021
Tj's cheese selections are indeed excellent. But, in the Puget sound area of Washington State we have a grocery chain called Grocery Outlet. Kind of a place where not so successful foods go to be sold. some not first rate but mostly excellent food products of familiar brands. Used to call them "seconds". Anyway. I went into one a number of years back out of curiosity. And found a HUGE number of interesting foods from around the world. But what kept me coming back was their selection of cheeses from AOUND the WORLD , and the price of those cheeses (and butters). Danish, Swedish, French, Dutch, German, British, Australian, New Zealand , Spain, Portugal, Ireland and on and on...and American too, from all over the country. Vary by season and availability, I have certainly noticed a decrease since the beginning of the pandemic. But some amazing memorable cheeses from so many countries, and many varieties from those countries. Also from some very good American cheese makers. I go in about 2x/month and peruse and buy. I am never out of an interesting chess. But some are completely astounding. One, I think it was a gouda that was flavored with lavender--outstanding! Cheddars so sharp from Australia, melty fontina and jack cheeses with herbs and spices and garlic that are amazing for grilled cheese sandwiches. I could go on and on...Check them out if you get a chance. Oh? and the Prices? a fraction of TJ's. I buy an Amish blue cheese crumble that is the best for my "Roquefort" cheese dressing. Varieties to make amazing Mac and cheese. They have all the specialty delimits and charcuterie that one may want to make a lovely flight. Then head over to the beer and wine section for another amazing selection to round out your party, or Friday night-date in during this pandemic. Don't forget to check out the ice cream section for a sweet treat to round out the evening. All the variety on all The areas that TJ's offers at a fraction of the price. some dud's for sure, and some really are just about past date and not fresh. But the Cheese? Always excellent.
 
SeaBass56 March 11, 2021
Yes, I've stopped to shop a little more in the trader joe's cheese section, when I realized the 1000 day aged Gouda for $11.99 a pound has the same great taste and crumbly crunch burst of flavor as the 'Robusto Gouda' sold at Whole Foods' for $19.99 per lb! I remember shopping at the original Joe's on Arroyo Parkway, in Pasadena when I was about 7 or 8yrs. old with my Mother, when I was eye level with the heaps of coffee beans, and fresh roasted nuts! Keep up the good job, Trader Joe's!
 
Fred G. February 21, 2021
You forgot/neglected to mention what I consider the best of the creamy cheeses, Delice de Bourgogne (sp) at $12 per pound
 
Cathymann February 18, 2021
The frozen Cacio y Pepe pasta is amazing!
 
Cherie S. February 11, 2021
Try the carmelized onion cheddar. Fantastic
 
cosmiccook March 26, 2021
The Hatch Chili Gouda is superb! When it comes out in August time frame I stock up and freeze it for winter chili!
 
Lorraine A. February 10, 2021
Trader Joe’s cheese offering is amazing. Great variety and so well priced. Around holidays they offer a small, square Brie-type cheese (but way better) called Fromage Pave.
 
ED February 22, 2020
I think they have a great cheese dept. The problem is they have the cheese for a month and then it never reappears again such as Morbier, Tomme de Savoir and many others.
Also they have discontinued horseraddish and the jars of Hot and Sweet Cherry Peppers. It seems every time I find a product that I love, It is discontinued
 
Debbie S. February 3, 2020
I have a soft spot for Trader Joe's, having grown up in an area where their 2nd store was installed. This wonderful store is part of my DNA, it's always been quirky wonderful shopping experience. Wine and cheese was really a cornerstone of these stores, Joe saw an opportunity in the 60's-70's where American tastes were changing due to people travelling more Internationally and being interested in these types of products. They were not overpriced or elitist. "Cheese, the most under-rated section" - I think not, that's how their business was built.
 
cosmiccook February 3, 2020
WOW--TJ's sells Marscapone by the POUND?? Ours only sells 8 oz. Creme Fraiche as well--$3.69 for 8 oz. Ours also doesn't carry the Jasper Hill either. I wish all TJ's were created equal--ours in Louisiana (Metairie)!
 
Deb K. February 2, 2020
I'm a huge fan of Tillamook co-op cheeses and ice cream but I thought the Tillamook cheddar sold at TJ's is rather bland.
 
Patricia C. January 31, 2020
I am not a fan of Trade Joe’s. Going back to the 1970’s. Have read well researched articles and references in books on their sourcing. May not apply to their Cheese sourcing but certainly on all their canned and processed foods. Their success is based on clever advertising and promotions.
 
marack February 9, 2021
You are one of few.
Going back to 1970s. Really?
Wow.
 
Patricia C. February 9, 2021
Yes. My parents visited us in early 70’s and brought us a “gourmet cheese” she had purchased at TJ’s. It was a small bargain basement version of Brie. We lived in Berkeley and had access to the finest. In recent years I have gone to the store but walked out empty handed. All I saw was pre-packaged food (same products as in large supermarkets but renamed for them in a way to promote their superiority) and all produce pre-packaged — could not just pick one or two apples. Honestly it is the same as Safeway or Lucky — they just have clever marketing ploys. I know I am in the minority.
 
Anna January 30, 2020
I am in love with Cave De Templars Roquefort from France. Absolutely delicious!
 
Toddie January 30, 2020
The cheese board pictured at the top seems to have Humboldt Fog. Has anyone ever seen that at TJs? That is one of the best cheeses I've ever had. I love Harbison. I'll have to see if my TJs carries it. Always happy to add both Unexpected Cheddar and Cambozola to my cheese board.
 
cosmiccook February 3, 2020
The one in New Orleans (Metairie actually) does.
 
Pam January 30, 2020
Unexpected Cheddar. A delicious melding of white cheddar and Parmesan.
 
M S. January 30, 2020
You forgot Roquefort. A real bargain if you are a fan. On a Thomas English Muffin for breakfast.
 
BBonamici January 30, 2020
Another TJ find is the English Coastal Cheddar at $7.99/lb.
 
Debby S. January 30, 2020
Also, how about their wonderful Mascarpone?
 
cdesousa5 January 30, 2020
She did mention Mascarpone.
 
Debby S. January 30, 2020
Thank you Trader Joe's for the Tillamook Kosher cheddar. We Love the Kosher and vegetarian cheeses!
 
Debbie S. February 3, 2020
I've noticed that good sharp cheeses like the Black label Tillamook always contains rennet. My guess is that since it's rennet free, it would affect the flavor profile and make it bland.
 
AnnV January 30, 2020
Not underrated by me! Love their cheese.
 
Dyane S. January 30, 2020
Agreed. I never underrated it, either. And it's my best cheese source since i don't live in NYC, where there are amazing cheesemongers who don't have inflated prices