, then select "Add to Home Screen" to get instant access.
Log In
Explore
Cheeses
Cheesemakers
Types
Pairings
Cheese Map
Free Tools
Cheddar Cheese vs Wensleydale Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Wensleydale Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cheddar Cheese and Wensleydale Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Cheddar Cheese and Wensleydale Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese and Wensleydale Cheese the same?"
- "How does Cheddar Cheese compare to Wensleydale Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Cheddar Cheese compare to Wensleydale Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese or Wensleydale Cheese better?"
Cheddar Cheese Overview
Cheddar cheese, perhaps the most famous cheese from England, originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. It ranges from mild to extra sharp, with aging times that can extend several years. Cheddar has a firm texture and a deep, nutty flavor that becomes increasingly complex as it matures.
Wensleydale Cheese Overview
Wensleydale is a crumbly, moist cheese originally from the town of Wensleydale in Yorkshire. It can be young or matured, with the younger cheese being mild and creamy, and the aged cheese developing a more pronounced, honeyed flavor. It's often combined with fruits like cranberries or apricots.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Wensleydale Cheese originated from United Kingdom.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Cheddar is not a protected cheese. Wensleydale Cheese has a .
Milk Type and Treatment
Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized. Wensleydale Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically other.
Composition and Texture
Cheddar Cheese has a fat content of at least 50% fat in dry matter and a moisture content of up to 39%. Cheddar's texture can be described as "varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)". Wensleydale's texture can be described as "firm and crumbly".
Taste and Aroma
Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies". Wensleydale Cheese has a fresh, lemony tang taste.
Appearance and Aging
Cheddar Cheese's appearance is colored natural or dyed orange , is available in tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks and is aged a few months to several years . Wensleydale Cheese has a color of creamy white and has an aging period of 1 to 4 months old .
Rind and Rennet Type
Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) .
Ranking
Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views. Wensleydale is ranked #132 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Cheddar | Wensleydale | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Cheddar and Wensleydale pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Cheddar Cheese | Wensleydale Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Yorkshire Dales |
| Certification | Not Specified | |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow’s milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Pressed |
| Fat Content | At least 50% fat in dry matter | Not Specified |
| Moisture Content | Up to 39% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Not Specified |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Firm and crumbly |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Fresh, lemony tang |
| Aroma | Varies | Not Specified |
| Colors | Natural or dyed orange | Creamy white |
| Forms | Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks | Not Specified |
| Age | A few months to several years | 1 to 4 months old |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go for Cheddar. But if you enjoy a firm and crumbly consistency, Wensleydale might be the better pick. Cheddar has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Wensleydale offers a fresh, lemony tang profile, ideal for different meals.
