The 6 Best Trader Joe’s Cheese Selections, According to Chee…

As fans know well, one of the highlights of a trip to Trader Joe’s is the cult grocer’s cheese section, which offers a comprehensive mix of imported and domestic cheeses, plus limited-run flavors and spreads. But, between hot-button seasonal releases and endless iterations of white cheddar, the selection can be a little overwhelming. 

To help you navigate the cheese case with confidence, we asked three cheese experts to share what they stock up on at Trader Joe’s. 

Parmigiano Reggiano

Erika Kubick, former cheesemonger and author of Cheese Sex Death: A Bible for the Cheese Obsessed, calls out Trader Joe’s Parmigiano Reggiano, which is imported from Italy and aged for three years. She recommends keeping this pleasantly nutty cheese at room temperature to experience its full complexities, since refrigeration can dull the flavors. Grate it over your favorite pasta, or add a rind to soup for umami depth.

Cheddar With Caramelized Onion

A mild English Farmhouse white cheddar, this Trader Joe’s selection includes spiced caramelized onions in each bite. The semi-firm cheese is a favorite of Kyra James, certified cheese professional and founder of educational platform Own Your Funk. Swap it for Gruyère in French onion soup, add it to grilled cheese, or simply keep on hand for snacking — this savory pick is unmissable in any format, James says.

Double Cream Gouda

This gouda, a product of Holland, is gooey and rich, thanks to the addition of supplementary cream during the production process. With an ultra-high buttercream content (60%), it is unlike any other double-cream version James has tasted. “This stood out to me as an easygoing cheese that’s easy to snack on,” says James. “It’s approachable for all cheese lovers.”

Délice de Bourgogne Triple Cream Soft Ripened Cheese

All the experts we consulted gave a resounding “oui!” to this ultra-creamy French cheese, which is similar to Brie but nuttier in flavor. Cheesemonger Madelyn Varela, who shares her favorite Trader Joe’s picks on social media, says it is one of her favorites. “It’s like butter but better,” she says. “It’s mushroom-y, but with the texture of butter — very whipped, creamy, and luscious.” 

Creamy Toscano

Varela, who recently stumbled upon this semi-soft Toscano made in Wisconsin, describes its flavor as a “cross between a Parmesan and a cheddar,” with a distinctly nutty quality. You can find it in several variations, including rubbed in black pepper, soaked in Syrah, and dusted with cinnamon. Varela adds that it is especially delicious when served with prosciutto and a dollop of fig jam.

1,000 Day Gouda

If you’re looking to round out a cheese board, reach for this mature gouda from the Netherlands. Aged for three years, it is a low-moisture cheese with a balanced saltiness, a slightly caramelized flavor, and noticeable crystallization throughout. Kubick says she likes to serve it with other Trader Joe’s items like mini peanut butter cups, spicy pecans, and candied gingersnaps.