Patrick Oconnell
The concept of a best cheese is highly subjective and depends on individual preferences. However, various competitions and awards, such as the World Cheese Awards, attempt to crown the best cheese each year. In 2023, Norway's Nidelven Blå, a handmade, semi-solid blue cheese, took the top spot. In 2024, a soft, raw ewes' milk cheese from Portugal, Queijo de Ovelha Amanteigado, was named the best cheese. Other notable mentions include Humboldt Fog from North America, Rogue River Blue from Oregon, and Swiss Gruyère.
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What You'll Learn
Best cheese in the world in 2024
The title of the best cheese in the world is a highly coveted one, with the World Cheese Awards being one of the most prestigious competitions. In 2023, the award went to Norway's Nidelven Blå, a handmade, semi-solid blue cheese made just two hours from Trondheim, where the awards were held that year. The previous year, a Swiss Gruyère took the top prize.
In 2024, the World Cheese Awards were held in the Portuguese city of Viseu, with 4,786 cheeses from 47 countries being judged by 240 experts. The winner was a soft, raw ewes' milk cheese called Queijo de Ovelha Amanteigado, produced by the tiny Quinta do Pomar in Soalheira, Portugal. This cheese scored highest out of 14 finalists, which included five Swiss cheeses and entries from Brazil, the United States, Norway, Italy, Germany, and Spain.
The World Cheese Awards are typically held in a different European country each year, but the Guild of Fine Food hopes to stage it further afield in the future. The competition attracts entries from large and small producers from across the globe, with collection points established worldwide to enable small producers to enter their cheeses.
While the 2024 winner came from Portugal, it is worth noting that the United States has also been making its mark in the cheese world. In 2025, Rogue River Blue from Oregon was named the World's Best Cheese, becoming the first American cheese to achieve this title. This victory reflected the growing reputation of American artisan cheese and led to the pursuit of export opportunities worldwide.
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Best cheese in the world in 2023
With so many cheeses to choose from, it can be hard to pick a favourite. Sharp cheddar, for example, is versatile and can be used in many dishes and on charcuterie boards. Another contender is truffle gouda, which is also a good choice for a charcuterie board. For those who like blue cheese, Cambozola (a brie with a touch of blue) is heavenly.
According to the World Cheese Awards 2023, the best cheese in the world is Norway's Nidelven Blå, a handmade, semi-solid blue cheese made just two hours from Trondheim, where the awards were held. In second place was Belgium's Baliehof Houtlandse Asche Kaas, a hard, unpasteurised cow's milk cheese. Third place went to Eberle Würzig Seit 5 Generationen, a Swiss cheese, and fourth place was claimed by Eleftheria Brunost, a cheese from India.
While the UK and France are proudly cheesy nations, neither made the top 10 in 2023. However, British cheeses did have a strong presence on the list overall. Other cheeses that made the top 16 include an Austrian cheese called Kärntnermilch Mölltaler Almkäse Selektion 50% FiT, a German cheese called Michel from Rohmilchkäserei Backensholz, and Holland Delta, 1 Year Old from the Netherlands.
The World Cheese Awards are judged by experts, buyers, retailers, and food writers, and in 2023, they judged over 4,000 cheeses from around the world. While it's fun to crown a winner, the truth is that the best cheese is often the one you're eating or planning to eat that day.
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Best cheese in the world at the World Cheese Awards
The World Cheese Awards is an international cheese competition hosted by the Guild of Fine Food. The competition has been held annually for the last 30 years, with the judging panel comprising experts, buyers, retailers, journalists, chefs, producers, and other industry professionals. The host country determines the import legislation for entries each year.
In 2023, a Norwegian cheese was crowned the best in the world. The winning cheese, Nidelven Blå, is a handmade, semi-solid blue cheese made just two hours from Trondheim, where the awards were held. Belgium's Baliehof Houtlandse Asche Kaas, a hard, unpasteurized cow's milk cheese, came in second place, followed by Eberle Würzig Seit 5 Generationen, a Swiss cheese, and Eleftheria Brunost, a cheese from India, in third and fourth places, respectively.
In 2024, an Oregon cheese was named the world's best cheddar. Tillamook Creamery's Maker's Reserve 2014 Extra Sharp White Cheddar was awarded the title at the World Cheese Awards in Portugal. The Maker's Reserve cheeses are all white cheddars aged for at least three years. Oregon cheeses have won several national and international awards in recent years, with Rogue Creamery's Rogue River Blue becoming the first American cheese to win the World Cheese Awards in 2019.
While the best cheese is a matter of personal preference, some popular varieties include sharp cheddar, truffle gouda, Humboldt Fog, and Cambozola.
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Best cheeses by country
While the concept of the "best" cheese is subjective, there are several ways to determine which cheeses are superior. One way is through awards, such as the World Cheese Awards, where a panel of experts, buyers, retailers, and food writers judge thousands of cheeses from around the world. In 2023, Norway's Nidelven Blå cheese was crowned the best, with Belgium, Switzerland, and India placing second, third, and fourth, respectively.
Another way to determine the best cheeses is by looking at the most popular cheeses in each country or region. Here is a list of some of the best cheeses by country:
France
France is known for producing numerous varieties of cheese, from creamy Camembert to crumbly Cheddar. It is one of the top cheese-consuming countries in the world and is famous for its ability to stay slim while indulging in cheese. Some popular French cheeses include Brie, Camembert, and Roquefort.
United Kingdom
The UK is another cheese-loving country, with a particular fondness for Cheddar and Stilton. In fact, 70% of British consumers purchase Cheddar, and 36% buy regional British cheeses. Other popular British cheeses include Red Leicester, Wensleydale, and Cornish Kern.
United States
The US leads the world in cheese production, with Wisconsin being the top cheese-producing state. While the US produces a vast array of cheeses, some popular varieties include Sharp Cheddar, Klare Melk Truffle Gouda, and Beemster 4-month Goat Cheese.
Greece
Greece is known for its famous feta cheese, which is heavily salted and became popular due to its ability to withstand the hot Mediterranean climate. Other Greek cheeses include Halloumi, Kasseri, and Kefalotyri.
Netherlands
The Netherlands is one of the top importers of cheese, bringing in approximately 55 million kilograms of cheese per year. Some popular Dutch cheeses include Gouda, Edam, and Leyden.
Italy
Italy is known for its pizza and pasta, but it also boasts a wide variety of cheeses. Parmigiano Reggiano, Mozzarella, and Ricotta are just a few of the famous Italian cheeses enjoyed worldwide.
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Best cheeses by style
With nearly 2000 types of cheese in the world, it's hard to pick the best of the best. However, the World Cheese Awards, judged by experts, buyers, retailers, and food writers, has crowned Norway's Nidelven Blå cheese as the best cheese in the world for 2023. This cheese is a handmade, semi-solid blue cheese made just two hours from Trondheim, where the awards were held.
Hard Cheeses
Hard cheeses are cooked and aged for up to 42 months. Examples include:
- Parmigiano Reggiano: This Italian hard cheese is made from cow's milk and is one of the winners of the World Cheese Awards in previous years.
- Pecorino Sardo Maturo: This hard cheese is more intense and salty than its dolce counterpart.
Soft Cheeses
Soft cheeses are fresh and only a day old. Examples include:
- Mozzarella: This soft, fresh, and unripened cheese is made from buffalo or cow's milk. The best mozzarella is considered to be the mozzarella di bufala campana from central-southern Italy.
- Burrata: This cheese is tender and moist, with a thin exterior that can easily burst.
- Brie de Meaux AOC and Camembert de Normandie AOC: These French cheeses are hard to find and illegal to bring to the States, which may be why they are so coveted. They have a very intense flavor and a garlicky, rich, condensed flavor.
Goat Cheeses
Goat cheeses, or chèvre, tend to be tangy and earthy when young, and sweet and caramelly when aged. Examples include:
- Humboldt Fog: This may be the best North American goat cheese currently made.
- Beemster 4-month goat cheese: This is another excellent goat cheese.
Blue Cheeses
Blue cheeses have a distinctive appearance and strong flavor. Examples include:
- Bleu d'Auvergne: This French cheese has a white perimeter of un-blued cheese and is usually covered with white surface mold.
- Nidelven Blå: This Norwegian cheese is the World's Best Cheese for 2023.
Cheddar
Cheddar is a widely popular cheese in the U.S. and comes in many varieties, including mild, white, extra sharp, sharp, New York-style, and Vermont. It has a savory, salty, and rich creamy taste that is excellent for mac and cheese and nacho cheese sauce.
Other Notable Cheeses
- Époisses: This French cheese is known for its strong odor and salty, boozy, cured pork flavor.
- Gruyère: This Swiss cheese is known for its rich, creamy taste, which becomes stronger and earthier with age.
- Manchego: This Spanish cheese has a protected PDO status and can only be made in the La Mancha region from the milk of the Manchega sheep breed.
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Frequently asked questions
The best cheese in the world is subjective and depends on individual preferences. However, according to the World Cheese Awards 2023, Norway's Nidelven Blå, a handmade semi-solid blue cheese, was crowned the winner. In 2024, a soft, raw ewes' milk cheese from Portugal took the top spot.
The World Cheese Awards attract thousands of entries from around the world, and the winners vary each year. Some notable mentions from past competitions include:
- Rogue River Blue from Oregon, USA
- Humboldt Fog from North America
- Klare Melk truffle gouda
- Beemster 4-month goat cheese
- Belton Red Fox Red Leicester
The determination of the "best" cheese is highly subjective and depends on individual taste preferences, cultural influences, and availability. Some people may prefer harder cheeses, while others may enjoy softer, creamier varieties. Additionally, the quality and freshness of cheese can play a role in determining the best cheese, as well as the type of milk used and the production process.
