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Kerrygold is the recurring cheddar brand in a March 2026 article that asked four food professionals for their preferences—but the article does not establish that all four chose the same cheese. It says Adam Gallagher typically reaches for either Kerrygold or Tillamook, and the chefs mention different Kerrygold varieties. Treat the recommendations as attributed opinions, not the result of a documented taste test.
What the four chefs were reported to prefer
The March 27, 2026 article names Jess Rice and Jennie Alley of Budget Bytes, Cheryl McColgan of Heal Nourish Grow, and Adam Gallagher of Inspired Taste. It presents Kerrygold as a recurring favorite, but its own details complicate the headline: Gallagher is quoted as saying he typically reaches for “either Kerrygold or Tillamook,” while the article also identifies more than one Kerrygold variety. The article does not link to original interviews or describe how the preferences were gathered, so these are reported opinions rather than a unanimous, independently verified result.
The article attributes to Alley this description of Kerrygold: “I love Kerrygold cheese because the quality and taste are extraordinary, with its unique combination of savory, sharp, and sweet flavors,” she said. “You’ll even get a hint of butterscotch!” That is a sensory impression attributed to Alley by the article, not a standardized tasting result.
What Kerrygold Aged Cheddar is
Kerrygold USA describes its Aged Cheddar as pasteurized grass-fed cow’s milk cheese aged for one year, with a rich, full-bodied flavor and smooth finish. The manufacturer lists the ingredients as “pasteurized milk, salt, cheese cultures, and enzymes,” and says the cheese is made for snacking and cooking. These are the manufacturer’s descriptions; check the package where you shop because labels and formulations can vary. Kerrygold USA’s Aged Cheddar product page
#1 Best Overall
- KERRYGOLD AGED CHEDDAR: Made on family farms from all-natural ingredients, milk from grass-fed cows, & aged over 12 months, our Aged Cheddar is full flavored & creamy, made with the artistry learned over generations.
- DISTINCTIVEY FLAVORFUL AGED CHEDDAR CHEESE: Our aged cheddar tastes divine, with a rich, round flavor & distinctive creamy taste with a healthy, tangy bite at the finish. Enjoy it as a snack or in cooking.
- KERRYGOLD CHEESE: From our sharp cheddar, to sweet and nutty Swiss, to mild and smooth Blarney Castle, or Cashel Blue Farmhouse, our cheeses are all-natural, made with milk from grass-fed cows.
- KERRYGOLD BUTTER: We put the same care, quality, and craft into our all-natural cheeses as our beloved, richly flavorful, pure Irish butter. Kerrygold butter or cheese elevates any dish.
- TASTE THE DIFFERENCE: Kerrygold butter & cheese are made with milk from grass-fed cows not treated with rBST or other growth hormones* & raised on Irish family dairy farms. This all-natural milk is what makes our products so flavorful & creamy.
The article says Rice favors a short ingredient list, giving milk, salt, cultures, and rennet as examples. Kerrygold’s listed ingredients are similar in broad terms, but the label says “enzymes,” not “rennet.” Ingredient wording matters when comparing packages or checking for a particular ingredient.
Choosing among Kerrygold varieties
Kerrygold USA lists Aged Cheddar, Reserve Cheddar, Dubliner, Skellig, and Blarney in its cheese range. The manufacturer describes Reserve as having a sharp, strong flavor associated with an extra year of aging. The article reports that Gallagher likes Aged Cheddar and Dubliner, and that Alley prefers Reserve; those preferences are reported by the article, not confirmed by the product pages. Kerrygold USA’s cheese range
Rank #2
- KERRYGOLD AGED CHEDDAR CHEESE SNACKS: Signature Kerrygold flavor in a convenient cheese bites format. These cheese snacks deliver a complex yet balanced taste that’s bold, refined, and deeply satisfying
- RICH ROUNDED FLAVOR: Beat mid-day cravings with the rich and creamy flavor of Kerrygold cheese snack. Thanks to the natural aging process of one year, it delivers depth in every bite
- GRASS FED CHEESE: Crafted from the milk of grass-fed cows, our cheddar cheese has a firm texture and extraordinary taste rooted in Ireland’s exquisite dairy tradition
- REAL, SIMPLE INGREDIENTS: Made with pasteurized milk, salt, cheese cultures, and enzymes, Kerrygold delivers thoughtfully crafted pure Irish cheese
- PERFECT FOR ON-THE-GO SNACKING: These individually wrapped cheese snacks travel well; making them ideal for on the go snacks or in lunch bags. Anytime you want a satisfying quick snack, Kerrygold has you covered
For a grocery-store choice, start with the flavor intensity you enjoy and how you plan to use the cheese. Aged Cheddar is described by its maker for both snacking and cooking; the article suggests Aged Cheddar or Reserve for cheese boards, grilled cheese, and mac and cheese. Those are practical suggestions, not evidence that one variety performs best in every dish.
- For a familiar aged-cheddar profile: consider Aged Cheddar, using the manufacturer’s description as a guide.
- For a sharper, stronger flavor: consider Reserve, which Kerrygold describes as having those characteristics.
- If you want another style: Dubliner and the other listed varieties are distinct options; compare their package descriptions and ingredient labels rather than assuming they are interchangeable.
- For any use: let local availability, price, listed ingredients, and your own taste decide. The cited article does not establish a single best choice across cheese boards, sandwiches, and cooked dishes.
Block versus pre-shredded cheddar
The article says pre-shredded cheese may contain anti-caking agents such as cellulose or potato starch, and attributes this comment to McColgan: “It takes 30 seconds to grate, and the difference is noticeable.” It also claims that block cheese melts more smoothly, stays fresher longer, and costs less per ounce. Those comparisons are not backed in the article by a documented test, so treat them as the article’s advice rather than guaranteed outcomes. If you are comparing value, check the unit price on the packages available to you; if you are comparing ingredients, read each label. Grating a block is an option, not a requirement.
Rank #3
- KERRYGOLD DUBLINER CHEESE: With complex flavors that are easy to enjoy, Dubliner is our best selling cheese for a reason. This aged Irish cheese is made on family farms from the milk of grass-fed cows that graze on lush Irish pastures.
- ALL-NATURAL IRISH CHEESE: A bit sweet & nutty like a Swiss or cheddar, but with a hint Parmesan sharpness, Kerrygold Dubliner is a robust aged cheese that pairs as well with a Cabernet as a stout.
- KERRYGOLD CHEESE: From our sharp cheddar, to sweet and nutty Swiss, to mild and smooth Blarney Castle, or Cashel Blue Farmhouse, our cheeses are all-natural, made with milk from grass-fed cows.
- KERRYGOLD BUTTER: We put the same care, quality, and craft into our all-natural cheeses as our beloved, richly flavorful, pure Irish butter. Kerrygold butter or cheese elevates any dish.
- TASTE THE DIFFERENCE: Kerrygold butter & cheese are made with milk from grass-fed cows not treated with rBST or other growth hormones* & raised on Irish family dairy farms. This all-natural milk is what makes our products so flavorful & creamy.
What the article does—and does not—establish
The recommendation is useful as a starting point if you are curious about Kerrygold, but it is not a controlled comparison of cheddar brands. The article does not explain the sample or method, and it gives no original interview links. Its descriptions of flavor and chef preferences should therefore remain attributed to the article and the named speakers.
The article also makes claims about grass-fed dairy, omega-3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), heart health, inflammation, and calorie intake without citing a named study or figure on the page. Those claims are not established by the cited material and should not be treated as nutrition guidance. For the cheese itself, the manufacturer’s product description and the package label are the more direct sources for stated aging, ingredients, and intended uses.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Distinctive, rounded flavor of a mature cheddar, with sweet nutty tones of a Swiss and a piquant bite of aged Parmesan. Kerrygold Dubliner is the #1 specialty cheddar in the US market, offering a unique flavor profile.
Rank #4
- Rich, rounded flavor, distinctive, creamy taste and firm, smooth body. Kerrygold Aged Cheddar appeals to those looking for a milder taste while keeping a full flavor profile. The creamy consistency of Aged Cheddar makes it ideal for both snacking and cooking
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
