9 Store-Bought Swiss Cheeses, Ranked Worst To Best - Tasting Table

"When you want a little funky and nutty flavor in your sandwich, there's one cheese that's going to deliver almost every time: Swiss cheese. Its firm, waxy texture, its tendency to melt oh-so-beautifully, its eyes (which are the holes you find in this kind of cheese) - all of these qualities make Swiss cheese one of my absolute favorites. It's so distinct that it can transform a dish: Think about a standard burger vs. a mushroom Swiss number."

"But if you're trying to buy Swiss cheese from the grocery store, which brand should you choose? If you're like me, then your local grocery store carries many different brands of Swiss cheese. I've tasted my way through nine different brands to help you decide which varieties are worth putting on your sandwich. I evaluated these cheeses based on flavor (I generally tend to prefer funkier, more complex notes) and texture (with the less plasticky-feeling varieties ranking toward the top of the list)."

"I'm sorry to say that Tillamook Swiss came in the very lowest-ranked spot on this list. Although I tend to like Tillamook cheese generally, I was pretty disappointed with this offering. The first thing I noticed when I took a slice out of the package was the fact that the texture of this cheese is very, very waxy. I expect that from Swiss cheese to some extent, but this was really over the top - it felt like I was handling especially pliable plastic."

"And unfortunately, after actually taking a bite, I realized that this unfortunate texture is noticeable on the palate, not just on the fingers. Flavor-wise, I wouldn't say this cheese is bad, per se, but it's not very flavorful either. It's not"

Swiss cheese provides a distinct funky, nutty flavor and melts well, transforming simple sandwiches into more elevated meals. Its firm, waxy texture and characteristic holes contribute to its appeal, including on burgers and chicken sandwiches. When buying Swiss cheese, brand selection matters because texture and flavor vary widely. Flavor preference leans toward funkier, more complex notes, while texture quality favors less plasticky-feeling varieties. One evaluated option, Tillamook Swiss, ranked lowest due to an extremely waxy, pliable-plastic texture that carried through to the palate, along with relatively low flavor impact.

Read at Tasting Table