7 Must-Have Cheeses To Grab At Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s has earned a reputation for offering incredible cheeses at prices that won’t empty your wallet. Walking through the cheese section feels like a treasure hunt, with wheels and wedges from around the world waiting to be discovered.
Whether you’re planning a fancy cheese board or just need something tasty to snack on, these seven cheeses deserve a spot in your cart every single time.
1. Unexpected Cheddar Cheese
What happens when Italian Parmesan meets American Cheddar?
You get this flavor bomb that’s been winning awards and stealing hearts since it hit the shelves.
Sharp and tangy with surprise pockets of crunch, it’s got those little crystals that make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Toss it on a sandwich, pair it with juicy pears, or just nibble it straight from the wrapper.
Trust me, once you try it, regular cheddar will feel like a distant memory.
2. Double Cream Brie
Rich doesn’t even begin to describe this buttery beauty.
The texture melts on your tongue like silk, and the mild flavor makes everyone at the party happy, even picky eaters.
Spread it on crackers, drizzle some honey on top, or let it get all gooey and warm in the oven.
Pro tip: let it sit at room temperature for about thirty minutes before serving.
Your guests will think you spent way more than you actually did!
3. Manchego
Spain’s gift to cheese lovers everywhere comes in a firm wedge with a zigzag pattern on the rind.
Made from sheep’s milk, it brings nutty and buttery notes that taste like a Mediterranean vacation.
You can enjoy it solo, slice it thin for sandwiches, or pair it with olives and marcona almonds for an instant tapas spread.
Fun fact: authentic Manchego must come from the La Mancha region, where Don Quixote once roamed.
Now that’s cheese with history!
4. English Cheddar with Caramelized Onions
Sweet meets savory in this genius combo that’ll make your taste buds sing.
The sharp cheddar brings the punch while those caramelized onions add a sticky-sweet balance that’s borderline addictive.
Melt it over a burger for instant gourmet vibes, or just eat it with crackers when you’re feeling fancy on a Tuesday night.
It’s the kind of cheese that makes you wonder why anyone would eat plain cheddar ever again.
Seriously, stock up before your neighbors discover it!
5. Chèvre with Honey
Goat cheese gets a sweet makeover with this honey-kissed version that’s dangerously good.
Tangy and creamy with just enough sweetness to keep things interesting, it’s basically spreadable happiness.
Slather it on warm bread, crumble it over a salad, or use it to fancy up your morning bagel.
The honey balances out that signature goat cheese tang perfectly, making it approachable even for people who usually wrinkle their nose at chèvre.
It’s a game-changer, plain and simple.
6. Italian Truffle Cheese
Feeling bougie on a budget?
This semi-soft cheese is studded with real black truffles that bring earthy, luxurious vibes to your cheese board without the fancy price tag.
The aroma alone will make you feel like you’re dining in a European bistro instead of your kitchen.
Pair it with a crisp white wine and some crusty bread for maximum sophistication.
Did you know truffles can cost thousands per pound?
Yeah, this cheese is basically a steal.
7. Blue Stilton Cheese
Bold, tangy, and unapologetically intense, this English blue cheese isn’t for the faint of heart.
Creamy texture meets sharp flavor in blue-veined perfection that makes salads instantly more interesting.
Crumble it over greens, pair it with a glass of port, or spread it on crackers with some fig jam.
Blue cheese lovers will recognize this as the real deal, not some wimpy impostor.
Warning: once you go Stilton, there’s no going back to boring cheese!
