Cheddar, the king of the cheeseboard, has a new champion according to a recent Which? survey, which may just leave cheese aficionados wide-eyed in surprise. Forget the big labels – this time around, an own-brand supermarket cheddar has claimed the crown over the renowned Cathedral City. In the ultimate covert taste test, judges sifted through the cheesy contenders considering aroma, look, feel and, ultimately, the most essential – taste.

Cheddar's nutrient profile is impressive in moderation, boasting hefty amounts of protein, vital minerals like iodine and phosphorus, plus a good helping of vitamins B2, B5, and B12. But it's wise to balance joy with health, as cheddar also carries a wallop of saturated fat and salt.

A smorgasbord of mature cheddars from store shelves, including Aldi, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and the cream of the crop brands, were put through their paces, with Tesco's Finest Mature English Cheddar emerging as the top dog, as reported by The Express, reports the Mirror.

Scoring a robust 78%, this Tesco delight wowed with its firm yet yielding texture and was hailed as a sublime option for cheese seekers. Retailing at £3.80 for a 350g slab, this winner can be snagged off the shelves of your nearest Tesco.

Critics were charmed by its inviting appearance and praised its creamy, crumbly delights. "Our testers loved the look of this cheese and highly rated its first, smooth texture. Most also thought its salt level and strength of flavour were just right. People found it pleasingly crumbly and creamy, too."

Securing the runner-up spot was MandS Cornish Cove Mature Cheddar Cheese, hailed as a "good all-rounder" by the judges and earning a commendable 73%. Priced at £4.25 for 350g, it impressed the panel.

"The majority of our tastes said the salt level was right, and they were also impressed by the smooth, firm texture," the review noted. "Its flavour and crumbliness satisfied most tasters, too."

Aldi's Specially Selected West Country Mature Cheddar emerged as the budget-friendly choice, retailing at just £2.99 for 350g. However, its flavour didn't hit the mark, being labelled "bland" and its texture failed to win over the taste testers.

In an unexpected twist, the household name Cathedral City didn't climb to the top ranks, settling for a score of 70%. Despite its affordability (and clinching the winning title), the cheese's taste left the tasters wanting more. Cathedral City Our Mature Cheddar cheese is widely available across UK supermarkets, with a 350g pack costing £3.50.