TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Swiss Cheese Types
Gruyère is a cooked and pressed cheese made from raw cow's milk. On the exterior, the cheese has a grainy yellow to brown rind, while the interior is ivory to pale yellow in color. The Swiss version (AOP), a hard cheese with a salty and nutty flavor usually has no holes, while the French version (IGP) is required to have them, ranging in size from a pea to a cherry.
Gruyère must mature for at least 120 days in cellars so that it develops delicate aromas of caramelized apples, hazelnuts, and brown butter. It melts well, making it ideal for classic fondues, or, alternatively, sliced and consumed on its own and paired with a glass of light red wine.
THE BEST Gruyère Cheeses


Tête de moine (lit. monk’s head) is a cylindrical, semi-hard Swiss cheese made from cow’s milk. The cheese is kept on spruce wood boards for at least 2,5 months before consumption. It is believed that the cheese was first made by monks in the Bellelay monastery in the community of Saicourt.
In the past, they used it as a means of payment. Interestingly, tête de moine is not cut, but scraped or shaved with a special tool called a girolle. During the process, the surface of the cheese comes into direct contact with air, which alters the structure of the paste and helps to release the aromas.
L'Etivaz is a traditional cheese produced in Canton Vaud. It is said that l'Etivaz is made just as Gruyère was made a long time ago, without compromising its original flavor profile. The cheese is made from raw cow's milk from the summer months.
It is heated in copper vats over an open wood fire, and some of the ashes might fall into the open vats, resulting in just a hint of smokiness when eating the cheese. L'Etivaz is very fragrant and its texture is dense and creamy, while the flavors are fruity and nutty with a hint of smokiness.
Pair with
Appenzeller is a Swiss cheese from Appenzell. It's made from raw cow's milk, and while the cheese is maturing, it's regularly washed with a secret herbal brine. After 3 months, it's ready for consumption, and the longer it matures, the spicier it will become.
This hard cheese has a firm, open, and smooth texture, while the flavors are tangy, spicy, and fruity. There are three types of Appenzeller: Classic, aged 3 to 4 months, Surchoix, aged 4 to 6 months, and Extra, aged 6 months or longer.
THE BEST Appenzeller Cheeses
Sbrinz is a Swiss extra-hard cheese made from raw cow's milk. The cheese has a natural rind, and it's texture is dense and flaky. The aromas are slightly spicy, while the flavors are full, intense, tangy, spicy, and nutty, with notes of butterscotch.
Sbrinz is traditionally aged for at least 18 months, and the more it ages, the more aromatic it becomes. It can be consumed in 3 ways: when it's aged for 18 months, it is sliced or shaved into thin rolls, from 24 months and up it's broken into smaller pieces called möckli, and finally, it can be grated and used in a wide array of dishes.
Pair with
Vacherin Mont d'Or is a traditional cheese hailing from the area on the border of France near the mountain d'Or. The cheese is made from thermalized cow's milk, and it's available only from October until April, making it highly seasonal and somewhat rare.
It shouldn't be confused with Vacherin du Haut-Doubs or just Mont d'Or cheese – that one is made exclusively with raw cow's milk in France. Vacherin Mont d'Or is wrapped in spruce in order to contain the slightly liquid and melting interior.
Due to its mild flavor and melting and creamy texture, it's recommended to eat the cheese with a spoon when it's at room temperature.
THE BEST Vacherin Mont d'Or Cheeses
Vacherin Fribourgeois is a traditional semi-soft cheese. It's made from raw cow's milk in Bulle and Fribourg. The cows graze only on grass and summer hay on the Alpine meadows. The rind is washed and has a pungent aroma. The interior hides an open, firm, and buttery texture.
The aromas are grassy and strong, while the flavors are buttery, nutty, milky, and acidic. It's difficult to find the cheese because it's produced only by a handful of local artisanal cheese makers. There are 6 varieties of Vacherin Fribourgeois: Classic (6-12 weeks), Extra (at least 12 weeks), Rustic (at least 12 weeks and up to 25 weeks), Alpage (12-25 weeks), Mountain (9-25 weeks), and Organic (at least 9 weeks).
Pair with
Berner Alpkäse is a traditional cheese originating from the Bernese Oberland. This hard cheese is made during summer from full-fat raw cow's milk that's flavored with Alpine herbs on which the cows graze. It's usually left to age from 6 to 18 months before consumption.
Underneath its washed rind, the texture of this cheese is hard, brittle, and with no eyes (holes) that are typical for Swiss cheeses. The flavors can be mild or strong, depending on the maturation period. The cheese is usually planed into thin rolls or crumbled into smaller pieces because its brittle texture makes it unsuitable for cutting with a knife.
Emmentaler is a semi-hard Swiss cheese made from unpasteurized cow’s milk. It must be matured for a minimum of 4 months, though some varieties can be aged longer. The cheese is characterized by its pale yellow color, smooth texture, and marble-sized holes (eyes), which appear during maturation.
Although the final flavor profile depends on maturation, the cheese is usually nutty and tangy, with aromas that are reminiscent of fresh hay. Emmentaler is traditionally served sliced or cut into cubes, but it also incorporates well into various dishes, and it is one of the most common cheese varieties used in fondue.
Pair with
VARIATIONS OF Emmentaler
THE BEST Emmentaler Cheeses



Edelweiss Creamery
Emmentaler
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place 2017, 2016, 2010, 2008
Tomme Vaudoise is a traditional cheese hailing from Switzerland. The cheese is made from raw cow's milk and it's left to mature for 8 weeks. Underneath its highly aromatic bloomy rind that's marked with tiny indentations from aging on racks, the texture is rich, yielding, and oozy.
The aromas are fresh, while the flavors are fresh, grassy, and slightly tangy. It's recommended to pan-fry the cheese and place it on top of a salad, use it in pasta dishes, and pair it with a glass of dry white wine.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Swiss Cheese Producers
is a Swiss specialist in raw milk cheese, dedicated to the craft of creating exceptional cheese with a rich, Alpine flavor. Based in Switzerland, the company is known for its high-quality cheeses that combine traditional methods with innovative aging techniques.
Affineur Walo works closely with nature to produce cheeses that reflect the authenticity and purity of Swiss dairy. Their products highlight their commitment to sustainable practices, using raw milk from cows that graze on rich, natural pastures. Each cheese from Affineur Walo is a unique creation, designed to offer a diverse range of textures and flavors, from creamy to firm, often with a characteristic aromatic finish.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019
BEST Walo Von Mühlenen Cheeses
Güntensperger Käse is a family-owned Swiss cheese producer with over 130 years of tradition, located in the Bütschwil, Switzerland. Known for its dedication to quality, the company blends time-honored recipes with innovative methods. They offer a wide range of award-winning cheeses, produced from the finest milk sourced from local small farms.
Their commitment to animal welfare and sustainable practices ensures top-quality products. Güntensperger Käse’s selection includes both classic and modern creations, with products available worldwide and in their factory store. Their expertise in the craft is reflected in the consistently high standards of their cheeses, backed by modern aging techniques and regular quality control.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2021

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022
BEST Güntensperger Käse Cheeses
Fromagerie Moléson is a renowned Swiss dairy located in Orsonnens, in the Fribourg canton, producing a wide range of traditional and innovative dairy products. It was founded with the mission to preserve and enhance Swiss dairy traditions while providing high-quality products that meet modern standards.
Fromagerie Moléson offers a broad assortment of premium dairy products that cater to various tastes and consumer needs. In addition to producing highly valued dairy products, Fromagerie Moléson is also involved in retail through its Crèmerie du Gibloux, where customers can enjoy a rich selection of fresh products.
AWARDS

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2018, 2014
BEST Fromagerie Moléson Cheeses
L'Etivaz is a traditional Swiss cheese produced exclusively in the high Alpine regions of the Vaud canton, following strictly defined methods that have been passed down for generations. The uniqueness of L'Etivaz AOP lies in its artisanal production process – the milk is heated exclusively over a wood fire in copper cauldrons, giving the cheese its distinctive rich aroma, subtle smoky notes, and full, nutty flavor.
After shaping, the cheeses are aged for at least five months, allowing them to develop complex aromas and a firm yet melt-in-the-mouth texture. L'Etivaz AOP is produced in limited quantities, with an annual production of around 400 tons, making it one of the most exclusive Swiss cheeses.
AWARDS

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024
BEST L'Etivaz Cheeses
Jumi is a renowned Swiss cheese manufacturer based in Vechigen, in the Canton of Bern, Switzerland. The company specializes in producing high-quality cheeses using traditional methods passed down through generations. Jumi is known for its cheeses made from raw milk, preserving the authentic taste and character of its products.
Through careful selection of ingredients and aging techniques, Jumi creates cheeses that stand out with rich flavors, textures, and aromas, ranging from soft to hard, including blue cheeses. In addition to premium cheeses, Jumi takes pride in its sustainable production approach, where livestock is fed on natural pastures, and milk is processed according to the highest quality standards.
BEST Jumi Cheeses
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024, 2023

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019
BEST Lustenberger & Dürst Cheeses
AWARDS

World Championship Cheese Contest - WORLD CHAMPION
2014

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2014
BEST Käserei Sinnesberger Cheeses
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2023

Global Cheese Awards - Best
2023
BEST New Roots Ag Cheeses
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Swiss Cheeses
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022, 2021

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2022

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2022
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022
Jura Mountain cheese is a product created by Walo von Mühlenen, a company renowned for its expertise in aging and refining cheeses. The cheese is made from cow's milk and reflects the rich traditions of Swiss cheesemaking. It is aged to develop a complex flavor profile, with creamy and nutty undertones and a smooth texture.
The aging process takes place in specialized facilities to ensure the cheese attains its characteristic depth of flavor and unique aroma.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024
Roter Teufel Extra is a distinctive and highly regarded hard cheese produced by Güntensperger Käse in Switzerland. This cheese is known for its intense aroma, which results from a long aging process and high-quality ingredients. Roter Teufel Extra is very intense and spicy, with a rich, creamy texture.
Over time, as it ages, its flavor becomes more pronounced and stronger. It is a cheese for those who enjoy stronger, spicier varieties. The cheese is firm and dense, but it has a slightly crumbly structure, which is characteristic of longer-aged cheeses.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2021

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2022
Le Poya au lait du pays de Fribourg is a cheese made by Affineur Walo von Muhlenen, a renowned cheese affineur with a long-standing tradition in cheese aging and refinement. This product is known for its exceptional quality, attributed to the rich milk sourced from the region of Fribourg in Switzerland.
Affineur Walo von Muhlenen is distinguished for upholding Swiss cheese-making traditions and producing cheeses with distinct flavors and textures that reflect the terroir of the area.
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2019
Le Gruyere AOP is a premium Swiss cheese with a rich history and distinct character. Produced from raw cow's milk sourced from the high altitudes of the Swiss Jura, this cheese undergoes a unique maturation process that begins in a natural sandstone cave and finishes in a traditional cellar.
The result is a strong yet creamy cheese with an exceptional flavor profile, marked by a balance of intensity and smoothness. Aged for 14 months, it boasts a mature, spicy flavor complemented by a creamy texture. With small holes scattered throughout its smooth, flexible paste, this cheese stands out as a perfect choice for both dessert and savory dishes.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2019

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 Swiss Cheeses” list until April 09, 2025, 1,566 ratings were recorded, of which 1,269 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.