Quick Answer: Our top Trader Joe's cheese for a charcuterie board is Unexpected Cheddar (4.7 out of 5). 1000 Day Gouda and Creamy Toscano Soaked in Syrah tie it on score. For a three-cheese board, buy Unexpected Cheddar, Triple Crème Brie and either the 1000 Day Gouda or the Cave Aged Blue.
Trader Joe's is one of the easiest places to build a cheese board: the cheese case is small, cheap and full of own-label cheeses you can't buy anywhere else. These are the ten that work best on a board, from crowd-pleasers to one or two with a twist.
How we ranked these: these are researched picks, not a side-by-side tasting. We scored each product on published taste tests, awards and shopper ratings, its ingredients, price and how easy it is to find, plus how it behaves on a board. Store stock changes, especially for seasonal items, so check your local store. Sources are listed at the end, and the full method is on our buying guides hub. Prices and stock last checked October 2026.
Our picks at a glance
| Pick | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best overall: Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar ($) | ★★★★½ 4.7 |
| Best aged cheese: Trader Joe's 1000 Day Gouda ($) | ★★★★½ 4.7 |
| Something different: Trader Joe's White Stilton with Apricots ($$) | ★★★★☆ 3.9 |
The full ranking
| Product | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar ($) | ★★★★½ 4.7 | Everyone at the table |
| 2. Trader Joe's 1000 Day Gouda ($) | ★★★★½ 4.7 | Very aged, low price |
| 3. Trader Joe's Creamy Toscano Cheese Soaked in Syrah ($) | ★★★★½ 4.7 | A cheese that needs nothing with it |
| 4. Trader Joe's Triple Crème Brie ($) | ★★★★½ 4.3 | The soft, spreadable cheese |
| 5. Trader Joe's Goat Milk Gouda ($) | ★★★★☆ 4.2 | Something different |
| 6. Trader Joe's Cave Aged Blue ($) | ★★★★☆ 4.2 | The blue cheese |
| 7. Trader Joe's White Stilton with Apricots ($$) | ★★★★☆ 3.9 | Sweet and fruity |
| 8. Trader Joe's Manchego ($) | ★★★★☆ 3.9 | A Spanish board |
| 9. Trader Joe's Chèvre ($) | ★★★★☆ 3.9 | Spreading on crackers |
| 10. Trader Joe's Port Salut ($$) | ★★★½☆ 3.6 | Guests who like mild cheese |
1. Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar
★★★★½ 4.7 out of 5 · Best overall · Best for: Everyone at the table · $ budget
A cheddar with a nutty, parmesan-like edge and small crunchy crystals. Sporked gave it 9 out of 10, and Tasting Table says it's flavorful enough to eat on its own but neutral enough to go with everything else on the board.
- Why we like it: Liked by almost everyone, and about $4 a block.
- Keep in mind: Cheapism was less excited and called it fine rather than special.
- Where to find it: Trader Joe's cheese case, about $3.99 for 7 oz.
2. Trader Joe's 1000 Day Gouda
★★★★½ 4.7 out of 5 · Best aged cheese · Best for: Very aged, low price · $ budget
Aged about 2.7 years, with butterscotch flavor and plenty of crystals. Tasting Table ranked it second in its grocery-store Gouda test for its nutty notes, subtle sweetness and crystals.
- Why we like it: Tastes like a much more expensive aged Gouda.
- Keep in mind: Hard and crumbly, so cut it into rough shards, not neat slices.
- Where to find it: Trader Joe's cheese case.
3. Trader Joe's Creamy Toscano Cheese Soaked in Syrah
★★★★½ 4.7 out of 5 · Best for: A cheese that needs nothing with it · $ budget
A firm Italian cow's milk cheese with a rind soaked in Syrah wine. Sporked gave it 10 out of 10 for its complex flavor and crunchy crystals, and Cheapism ranked it second of 15, praising the wine-soaked rind.
- Why we like it: Two separate taste tests put it near the top.
- Keep in mind: The wine flavor is gentle and mostly in the rind.
- Where to find it: Trader Joe's cheese case, about $4.80 a piece.
4. Trader Joe's Triple Crème Brie
★★★★½ 4.3 out of 5 · Best for: The soft, spreadable cheese · $ budget
Very rich and soft. Sporked rated it 8 out of 10 and called it almost liquid, with a funky, Camembert-like flavor. Tasting Table recommends the version with wild mushrooms for an earthier board.
- Why we like it: Every board needs one soft cheese, and this is a cheap, rich one.
- Keep in mind: Runs when warm. Take it out of the fridge 20 to 30 minutes before serving, not longer.
- Where to find it: Trader Joe's cheese case.
5. Trader Joe's Goat Milk Gouda
★★★★☆ 4.2 out of 5 · Best for: Something different · $ budget
A Gouda-style cheese made from goat's milk. Sporked gave it 10 out of 10, and Cheapism called it a beginner-friendly goat cheese without much of the goaty tang.
- Why we like it: A top score in Sporked's test, and an easy way to add a goat cheese guests will actually eat.
- Keep in mind: Milder and softer than an aged cow's milk Gouda.
- Where to find it: Trader Joe's cheese case.
6. Trader Joe's Cave Aged Blue
★★★★☆ 4.2 out of 5 · Best for: The blue cheese · $ budget
A creamy, tangy blue with a nutty finish, rated 7.5 out of 10 by Sporked.
- Why we like it: A good-value blue that isn't too sharp.
- Keep in mind: Blue cheese is strong for some guests. One small wedge is enough.
- Where to find it: Trader Joe's cheese case.
7. Trader Joe's White Stilton with Apricots
★★★★☆ 3.9 out of 5 · Something different · Best for: Sweet and fruity · $$ mid-range
A mild, crumbly white Stilton studded with dried apricot. Cheapism ranked it first of 15 Trader Joe's cheeses: fruit-forward, but not too sweet.
- Why we like it: Doubles as a dessert cheese.
- Keep in mind: Sweet, so it suits a dessert or holiday board more than a meaty one. Sold by weight, around $12.99 a pound.
- Where to find it: Trader Joe's cheese case. Stock varies by store.
8. Trader Joe's Manchego
★★★★☆ 3.9 out of 5 · Best for: A Spanish board · $ budget
Spanish sheep's milk cheese that Tasting Table describes as salty, buttery and nutty, with enough flavor to stand on its own.
- Why we like it: A real Spanish Manchego at a low price.
- Keep in mind: Costs more per ounce than most cheeses here.
- Where to find it: Trader Joe's cheese case, wedge or sliced.
9. Trader Joe's Chèvre
★★★★☆ 3.9 out of 5 · Best for: Spreading on crackers · $ budget
Soft, fresh goat cheese for about $3. Tasting Table suggests the herbed Chèvre with Fine Herbs for a board, while Cheapism's taster found the plain one too goaty.
- Why we like it: The cheapest way to add a fresh, tangy cheese.
- Keep in mind: Plain chèvre can taste strong to some guests. The herbed log is easier.
- Where to find it: Trader Joe's cheese case, about $2.99 for 5 oz.
10. Trader Joe's Port Salut
★★★½☆ 3.6 out of 5 · Best for: Guests who like mild cheese · $$ mid-range
A French semi-soft cheese that Cheapism described as mild, smooth and velvety.
- Why we like it: Mild enough for kids and cautious eaters.
- Keep in mind: Not much flavor next to the aged cheeses.
- Where to find it: Trader Joe's cheese case, sold by weight.
How the scores break down
Each product is scored 1 to 5 on five things, then weighted: how it works on a board (30%), published taste tests, awards and shopper ratings (25%), ingredients (15%), value (15%) and how easy it is to find (15%).
| Product | On the board | Reviews and awards | Ingredients | Value | Easy to find | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4.7 |
| Trader Joe's 1000 Day Gouda | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4.7 |
| Trader Joe's Creamy Toscano Cheese Soaked in Syrah | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4.7 |
| Trader Joe's Triple Crème Brie | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4.3 |
| Trader Joe's Goat Milk Gouda | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4.2 |
| Trader Joe's Cave Aged Blue | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4.2 |
| Trader Joe's White Stilton with Apricots | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.9 |
| Trader Joe's Manchego | 4 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3.9 |
| Trader Joe's Chèvre | 4 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3.9 |
| Trader Joe's Port Salut | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.6 |
Building a board from these
Three cheeses cover a board for 6 to 10 people. Pick one from each line:
- Firm and aged: Unexpected Cheddar or 1000 Day Gouda.
- Soft: Triple Crème Brie or Chèvre.
- With a twist: Toscano Soaked in Syrah, Cave Aged Blue or White Stilton with Apricots.
Plan on about 3 oz of cheese per guest in total when the board is the party food, or 2 oz before a meal. Take the aged cheeses out of the fridge 45 to 60 minutes before serving and the brie 20 to 30 minutes before.
For the full cart, including meats, crackers and extras with prices, see our Trader Joe's charcuterie board shopping list.
What to skip
In Cheapism's test, the Toscano with Black Pepper had little pepper flavor, the burrata was bland and the Laura Chenel goat brie was underripe. The Toscano Soaked in Syrah and fresh mozzarella are better buys.
For more picks by cheese type, see our rankings of Gouda, cheddar and brie, or every guide on our charcuterie buying guides page.
Trader Joe's cheese questions
What is the best Trader Joe's cheese for a charcuterie board?
Unexpected Cheddar. It scored 9 out of 10 in Sporked's test, it suits almost everyone and it costs about $4. 1000 Day Gouda and Toscano Soaked in Syrah are close behind.
How many Trader Joe's cheeses do I need for a board?
Three is plenty for 6 to 10 people: one aged cheese, one soft cheese and one with a twist. Plan on about 3 oz of cheese per guest in total when the board is the party food.
Are Trader Joe's cheeses available all year?
Most of the cheeses here are regulars, but Trader Joe's rotates its cheese case and flavored cheeses come and go. If one is missing, our Gouda, cheddar and brie guides list alternatives.
Sources
- Tasting Table: 12 Trader Joe's Cheeses You Should Add To Your Charcuterie Board
- Sporked: Best Trader Joe's Cheese
- Cheapism: 15 Best Trader Joe's Cheeses, Ranked in Our Taste Test
- Tasting Table: Grocery Store Gouda Cheeses, Ranked
Get one board idea a week, plus the free charcuterie cheat sheet, when you join the Charcuterie Lab newsletter.
