Cheddar cheese is one of the world’s most beloved cheeses — creamy, sharp, and versatile in countless recipes. Though cheddar cheese originated in Somerset, England, it has become a Canadian specialty, with brands like Balderson, Black Diamond, Saputo, and St. Albert leading the way in quality production.
This guide explores everything about cheddar cheese nutrition, health benefits, recipes, and the best Canadian cheddar cheese brands to try in 2025.
🧀 What is Cheddar Cheese?
- Origin: England (12th century) – matured in caves with perfect humidity.
- Canadian Legacy: Today, Canada is globally recognized for producing some of the best cheddar cheeses, from aged cheddar to white cheddar varieties.
- Aging & Sharpness:
- Mild Cheddar – 2–3 months
- Medium Cheddar – 4–6 months
- Sharp Cheddar – 9 months+
- Extra Old Cheddar – 12 months–5 years
👉 Did you know? All cheddar starts white, but many are colored with annatto extract, creating the familiar “orange cheddar.”
💪 Health Benefits of Cheddar Cheese
Despite its reputation as “comfort food,” cheddar provides surprising health perks when eaten in moderation:
- Supports Bone Health – High calcium (72% DV per 100g) helps prevent osteoporosis.
- Builds Muscle – 25g protein per 100g aids repair and growth.
- Rich in Vitamins – Vitamin A for vision & immunity, Vitamin B12 for energy.
- Gut Health – Aged cheddar contains probiotics that may improve digestion.
- Keto & Low-Carb Friendly – Almost zero carbs, making it ideal for keto diets.
- Low Lactose – Easier to digest than soft cheeses, often tolerated by lactose-sensitive individuals.
May Help With Weight Loss
Despite what you may have heard about cheese causing weight gain, there’s a phenomenon known as the full-fat dairy paradox that’s turning this belief on its head. Research now suggests removing fat from dairy products may make them more likely to cause weight gain, making full-fat the better choice for weight management.
⚠️ Note: Cheddar cheese is calorie-dense (~400 kcal per 100g) and relatively high in sodium, so enjoy it in moderation.
📊 Cheddar Cheese Nutrition Facts (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~400 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Fat | 33 g |
| Saturated Fat | 19 g |
| Carbohydrates | 1–2 g |
| Calcium | 72% DV |
| Vitamin A | 20% DV |
🥇 Best Canadian Cheddar Cheese Brands (2025)
Canada is home to world-class cheddar production. Here are the top Canadian cheddar cheese brands to try:
- Armstrong – Smooth cheddar blocks & snack cheese.
- Balderson (Fromage Balderson) – Famous for aged cheddar, from medium to sharp extra old.
- Black Diamond – Known for affordable, widely available cheddar.
- Saputo – One of Canada’s largest dairy brands, offering cheddar for every taste.
- St. Albert – Heritage brand with artisanal cheddars over a century old.
- Salerno – Authentic Italian-inspired cheddar blends.
- Santa Lucia – Creamy, flavorful cheddar products.
- Lact – Budget-friendly Canadian cheddar.
🍴 Delicious Cheddar Cheese Recipes
- Classic Cheddar Mac & Cheese – Comfort food perfection.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Best with aged cheddar and sourdough.
- Cheddar & Broccoli Soup – Creamy, wholesome, and nutritious.
- Cheddar Biscuits – Buttery, cheesy side dish.
- Cheddar & Apple Pairing – A sweet-savory combo with white cheddar.
👉 Perfect pairings: apples, grapes, jalapeño cheddar, sourdough bread, and Canadian wines.
🔮 The Future of Canadian Cheddar
- Growth in organic and artisanal cheddar.
- Rising exports of aged cheddar to Europe & Asia.
- Increased innovation with flavored cheddar (jalapeño cheddar cheese, applewood smoked cheddar, chilli cheddar).
Canadian cheddar is no longer just a pantry staple — it’s becoming a gourmet, globally respected product.
🧀 Types of Cheddar & Related Products
Cheddar cheese isn’t just one flavor — it comes in many forms, styles, and flavors to suit every taste:
- Aged Cheddar – Popular in Canada, especially Balderson aged cheddar and St. Albert cheddar, known for sharp, crumbly textures.
- White Cheddar Cheese – The natural form of cheddar before annatto coloring is added. Found in products like white cheddar Cheetos and white cheddar Velveeta.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Bolder and tangier, often used in grilled cheese sandwiches or as sliced cheddar cheese for burgers.
- Processed Cheddar Cheese – A softer, meltable option, common in Subway processed cheddar and fast-food recipes.
- Powdered Cheddar Cheese – Used in snacks like jalapeño Cheetos, Combos cheddar cheese, or pasta mixes for instant cheesy flavor.
- Jalapeño Cheddar Cheese – A spicy twist perfect for nachos, dips, or stuffed bread.
- Smoked & Flavored Cheddar – Variants like applewood smoked cheddar, chilli cheddar, rattlesnake cheddar, and seriously strong cheddar bring unique aromas and heat.
- Specialty Cheddars – International and artisanal favorites such as Irish cheddar, Cabot clothbound cheddar, coastal cheddar, and Black Bomber cheddar.
- Shredded & Sliced Cheddar Cheese – Everyday essentials for tacos, pizzas, and sandwiches. Options include shredded Monterey cheddar, light shredded cheese, low-fat grated cheese, and sliced cheddar.
✅ Conclusion
Cheddar cheese isn’t just a kitchen staple — it’s a tradition of taste that continues to evolve with every variety and every recipe. Whether enjoyed in its mild form or aged to perfection, it remains one of the most loved cheeses worldwide.
At Dairy Max, we take pride in being a trusted distributor of premium Canadian cheddar cheese. From mild to extra sharp, white to flavoured cheddar, we supply restaurants, retailers, and foodservice businesses with consistent quality and reliable delivery. Our partnerships with leading brands such as Balderson, Saputo, Armstrong, and St. Albert ensure that our clients always receive the very best in Canadian dairy. If you’re looking for a dependable cheddar cheese distributor, Dairy Max is here to serve you.
❓ FAQ Section
1. Is cheddar cheese healthy?
Yes — it’s high in calcium and protein, but best consumed in moderation due to fat and sodium.
2. What’s the difference between mild and aged cheddar?
Mild cheddar is creamy and soft, while aged cheddar is sharp, crumbly, and more flavorful.
3. Which Canadian brand makes the best cheddar cheese?
Top choices include Balderson, Saputo, and St. Albert.
4. How many calories are in 100g of cheddar cheese?
About 400 calories.
5. Is white cheddar different from yellow cheddar?
No — both are the same cheese; the yellow color comes from annatto coloring.
