The best value imported cheeses — quality European and international cheeses that offer great flavor for the price, and how to find them.
Imported cheeses can seem pricey, but many offer excellent quality and flavor at a reasonable cost — real value once you know what to look for. Here's a guide to the best value imported cheeses.
Imported Cheese Can Be Affordable
While some imported cheeses are expensive luxuries, many high-quality imported cheeses are surprisingly affordable, offering genuine, characterful European and international flavor for a fair price. The key is knowing which imported cheeses deliver the most quality per dollar. Often, buying a real imported cheese (rather than a domestic imitation) gives you superior flavor for not much more — and sometimes the same — money. Here are imported cheeses that consistently offer great value, providing authentic taste without a luxury price.
Value Hard and Aged Cheeses
Many imported hard cheeses offer excellent value. Genuine Grana Padano (a more affordable cousin of Parmigiano-Reggiano) gives real Italian hard-cheese flavor for less. A wedge of real Parmigiano-Reggiano, while not cheap, offers great value for its quality and concentrated flavor (a little goes a long way). Imported aged Gouda, Manchego, and Pecorino can be reasonably priced for their depth. These hard, aged imported cheeses pack a lot of flavor per ounce and keep well, making them smart value buys with authentic character.
Value Everyday European Cheeses
Several everyday European cheeses are both affordable and excellent. Imported Emmental and Jarlsberg offer nutty, crowd-pleasing flavor at reasonable prices. Edam and young Gouda are inexpensive, mild Dutch classics. Imported feta (genuine Greek) is affordable and far better than domestic imitations. Brie is often surprisingly cheap for the elegance it adds. These everyday imports deliver authentic European flavor without a premium price, making them great value staples for sandwiches, boards, and cooking.
Genuine vs. Imitation
A key value insight is that buying the genuine imported cheese is often better value than a domestic imitation, even if it costs a little more. Real imported feta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or Manchego delivers authentic, superior flavor, while domestic "feta-style" or generic "parmesan" imitations are cheaper but disappointing — poor value despite the low price. Paying slightly more for the real, protected imported cheese gives you genuine quality and flavor, which is the better deal. Don't assume the cheapest imitation is the best value; the real import often wins.
Where to Find Value Imports
To find value imported cheeses: check supermarkets, which often carry genuine imported cheeses (including protected ones) at fair prices; explore warehouse stores, which offer imported premium cheeses at low per-unit costs; look for own-brand imported cheeses, which can be great value; and watch for deals. Buying hard imported cheeses in larger pieces (and using them over time, or freezing for cooking) maximizes value. With a discerning eye, you can enjoy authentic imported cheese affordably from everyday shops.
Getting the Best Value
To get the best value from imported cheeses: choose genuine imports over domestic imitations for authentic flavor; favor hard and aged imports (great flavor per ounce, keep well); seek affordable everyday European cheeses (Emmental, Edam, feta, brie); buy in sensible larger pieces for hard cheeses; and shop supermarkets and warehouse stores for good prices. The best value imported cheeses give you real European character and quality without overspending. Knowing which imports deliver lets you eat authentically and well on a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best value imported cheeses?
Genuine Grana Padano, real Parmigiano-Reggiano (great per-ounce value), imported aged Gouda, Manchego, Pecorino, Emmental, Jarlsberg, Edam, genuine feta, and brie all offer quality for the price.
Is genuine imported cheese better value than imitations?
Often yes — real imported feta, Parmesan, or Manchego delivers authentic, superior flavor, while cheaper domestic imitations are disappointing, making the genuine import the better deal.
Where can I find affordable imported cheese?
Supermarkets (which carry genuine imports, including protected cheeses, at fair prices), warehouse stores (premium imports at low per-unit costs), and own-brand imported ranges.