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Top 100 Hard Cheeses in the World

Last update: Fri Feb 14 2025
Top 100 Hard Cheeses in the World
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Hard Cheese Producers in the World

01

Cheese

ROESELARE, Belgium
5.0
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Kaasboerderij 't Groendal is a cheese producer located in Belgium, specifically in the region of West Flanders. The dairy farm focuses on producing artisanal cheeses using milk from their own herd of cows. Their product range includes several types of Gouda, including unique varieties infused with herbs and other flavors.


The farm is operated by the family Desmet.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2023, 2021

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2023, 2021

BEST Groendal Cheeses
02

Cheese

CASTIGLION FIORENTINO, Italy
5.0
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De' Magi Formaggi , based in Castiglion Fiorentino, specializes in producing artisanal cheeses using traditional methods. They source their milk exclusively from local herds to ensure the quality and terroir of their cheese selection. De Magi offers a variety of pecorino cheeses, each aged for different lengths to develop unique flavors and textures.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2022

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2023, 2022, 2021

Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best

2023

BEST De' Magi Formaggi Cheeses
03

Cheese

GUARROMÁN, Spain
5.0
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Quesos & Besos is a charming artisanal cheese company known for its commitment to quality and tradition. Based in Spain, this company specializes in handcrafted cheeses that celebrate the rich flavors and diverse textures of Spanish cheese-making heritage.


Their product range includes a variety of cheeses made from both cow's and goat's milk, often featuring unique flavor profiles that highlight local ingredients and traditional techniques. Each cheese is crafted with care, ensuring high quality and exceptional taste.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2021

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2023, 2021

BEST Quesos & Besos Cheeses
04

Cheese

LOTENHULLE, Belgium
5.0
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Little Cheese Farm is a family-owned artisanal cheese producer located in Belgium. They focus on creating high-quality, handcrafted cheeses using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients. Their range of products includes a variety of cheeses made from cow, goat, and sheep milk, all crafted with a passion for sustainability and authenticity.


Known for their dedication to preserving the unique flavors of the region, Little Cheese Farm emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity, delivering exceptional cheeses that reflect the rich culinary heritage of Belgium.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2022, 2021

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2021

BEST Little Cheese Farm Cheeses
05

Cheese

PRINGY, Switzerland
5.0
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Interprofession du Gruyère, located in Pringy, Switzerland, is responsible for the protection and quality control of Gruyère cheese, ensuring compliance with AOP (Appellation d'Origine Protégée) specifications. The organization plays a key role in promoting Gruyère cheese internationally and supports the local cheese-making industry through technical and marketing assistance.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2022

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2022

06

Cheese

PASSENDALE, Belgium
5.0
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AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2023, 2022, 2021

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2023

BEST Kaasmakerij Passendale Cheeses
07

Cheese

RISELEY, England
5.0
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Village Maid Cheese, based in Reading, England, was established by Anne Wigmore in 1986 after a decade of experience at the National Institute for Research in Dairying. The company is renowned for its artisanal cheeses, including the award-winning Wigmore, Waterloo, and Spenwood, which are all produced using traditional methods and milk from local farms committed to sustainability and animal welfare.


The cheese production at Village Maid emphasizes minimal changes to traditional methods over the years, focusing on handmade processes and environmental sustainability. For instance, they innovated by replacing disposable cheese cloths with a more sustainable alternative to reduce waste. 
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2023, 2022, 2021

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars

2024, 2023, 2022

Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best

2023

BEST Village Maid Cheese Cheeses
08

Cheese

BODEGRAVEN, Netherlands
5.0
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Van der Heiden Kaas is a cheese producer based in the Netherlands, specialized in the production and wholesale of various types of Dutch cheeses. The company is involved in both the domestic market and international exports, catering to a range of preferences and requirements.


They focus on maintaining traditional cheese-making processes, ensuring a consistent quality in their cheese offerings.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2023, 2021

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2023, 2022, 2021

International Cheese Awards - Gold

2022

BEST Van Der Heiden Kaas Cheeses
09

Cheese

WHITCHURCH, England
5.0
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Belton Farm is a British cheese producer. The farm has been producing cheese since the 1920s, leveraging traditional methods to craft its products. They specialize in making British territorial cheeses, including Cheshire, Red Leicester, and Double Gloucester.


Belton Farm has won numerous awards for their cheeses, indicating a high standard of quality in their production processes.
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Gold

2023, 2021, 2019, 2018

International Cheese Awards - Gold

2023, 2022, 2019

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2022

BEST Belton Farm Cheeses
10

Cheese

SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN, Germany
5.0
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Rohmilchkäserei Backensholz is a cheese producer located in Germany, specializing in organic cheeses made from raw milk. The company is situated in Oster-Ohrstedt, Schleswig-Holstein, and operates with a focus on sustainability and natural cheese production methods.


They offer a variety of cheeses, including both cow's milk and goat's milk options, manufactured under strict organic standards.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2023, 2022

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2023, 2022

BEST Rohmilchkäserei Backensholz Cheeses
11
12
Cheese
LUCERNE, Switzerland
5.0
13
Cheese
UINTAH, United States of America
5.0
14
Cheese
GREENSBORO, United States of America
5.0
15
Cheese
OBERVELLACH, Austria
5.0
16
Cheese
MAISHOFEN, Austria
5.0
17
Cheese
READING, United States of America
5.0
18
Cheese
CHICAGO, United States of America
5.0
19
Cheese
BRUTON, England
5.0
20
Cheese
KELSTON, England
5.0
21
22
23
Cheese
DÜDINGEN, Switzerland
5.0
24
Cheese
VESTBYGDA, Norway
5.0
25
Cheese
SPITTAL AN DER DRAU, Austria
5.0
26
27
Cheese
COATESVILLE, United States of America
5.0
28
Cheese
HEERENVEEN, Netherlands
5.0
29
Cheese
MACAYE, France
5.0
30
31
Cheese
CANTON OF THURGAU, Switzerland
5.0
32
33
34
Cheese
ISIGNY-SUR-MER, France
5.0
35
Cheese
REGGIO EMILIA1, Italy
5.0
36
Cheese
LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, United States of America
5.0
37
Cheese
MILLERSBURG, United States of America
5.0
38
Cheese
TURTLE LAKE, United States of America
5.0
39
Cheese
SHEPTON MALLET, England
5.0
40
41
Cheese
BUXTON, England
5.0
42
43
Cheese
BLESKENSGRAAF, Netherlands
5.0
44
45
Cheese
FRESNO DE LA RIBERA, Spain
5.0
46
47
48
Cheese
BERGAMO, Italy
5.0
49
Cheese
CORK, Ireland
5.0
50
Cheese
HAWES, United Kingdom
5.0
51
52
Cheese
NAXOS, Greece
5.0
53
Cheese
PONSANOOTH, England
4.9
54
Cheese
FRIBOURG, Switzerland
4.9
55
Cheese
NEW JERSEY, United States of America
4.9
56
Cheese
HÖRBRANZ, Austria
4.9
57
58
Cheese
LÜTISBURG, Switzerland
4.9
59
Cheese
FELDKIRCH, Austria
4.9
60
61
Cheese
WESTBEEMSTER, Netherlands
4.9
62
Cheese
BITSCH, Switzerland
4.9
63
Cheese
TYROL, Austria
4.9
64
Cheese
HÉLETTE, France
4.9
65
Cheese
WELS, Austria
4.9
66
67
Cheese
MÜSTAIR, Switzerland
4.9
68
Cheese
SANTA CRISTINA DE LA POLVOROSA, Spain
4.9
69
Cheese
LINDENBERG IM ALLGÄU, Germany
4.9
70
Cheese
MARUM, Netherlands
4.9
71
Cheese
SOUTH TYROL, Italy
4.9
72
Cheese
NAMSSKOGAN, Norway
4.9
73
Cheese
GHEORGHENI, Romania
4.9
74
75
Cheese
ISTRIA, Croatia
4.9
76
Cheese
LOWER SILESIAN VOIVODESHIP, Poland
4.9
77
Cheese
SOUTH HOLLAND, Netherlands
4.9
78
79
80
Cheese
ST. JOHNS, United States of America
4.8
81
Cheese
FERNDALE, United States of America
4.8
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Hard Cheeses in the World

01
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Glocknergold is a renowned hard cheese produced by Pinzgau Milch in Austria, distinguished for its rich flavor and exceptional quality. The Glocknerkönig cheese is characterized by its fine texture and a yellowish-creamy color. The careful cultivation process employs a red culture, which imparts a spicy and robust flavor to this cheese specialty.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2023, 2022

02
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Spenwood cheese, produced by Village Maid Cheese in Berkshire, England, is a distinguished artisanal cheese crafted from unpasteurised ewe's milk using vegetarian rennet. This firm cheese is matured for about 7-8 months, developing a thin, natural rind during the process.


Its flavor profile is rich and nutty with sweet and savory notes, and it becomes more piquant and slightly crumbly as it ages, making it a great substitute for Parmesan in various dishes. Spenwood is often compared to Mediterranean cheeses like Pecorino and Manchego due to its texture and taste. 
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2022, 2021

Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best

2023

03
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The Black Truffle Vintage Organic Cheddar by Godminster is a unique and luxurious cheese known for its rich, earthy flavor profile, enhanced by the addition of black truffle. This organic cheddar is crafted using traditional methods and high-quality organic milk.


Aged to perfection, it combines the robust sharpness of vintage cheddar with the distinctive and aromatic essence of black truffles, creating a complex and unforgettable taste experience. Packaged in an elegant black wax coating, it is not only a treat for the palate but also visually appealing, making it an excellent choice for gourmet cheese boards or as a special gift for cheese enthusiasts.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2022

International Cheese Awards - Gold

2019

Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best

2023

04
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Vorarlberger Bergkäse is a product made by Dorfsennerei Schlins-Röns und Umgebung. It is a type of mountain cheese from the Vorarlberg region in Austria and is known for its robust and aromatic flavor, which develops during the aging process that exceeds 10 months.


The cheese is produced using traditional methods with raw cow's milk from local farms, contributing to its distinct character and high quality.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2021

05
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Postel Reserve is a premium Belgian cheese, characterized by its firm texture and rich, complex flavors that develop as it matures. This cheese boasts a slightly crumbly consistency and a well-balanced, nutty taste. Ideal for cheese platters, it pairs excellently with robust wines and artisanal breads.


Postel Reserve is a great choice for those seeking a high-quality, flavorful cheese experience.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2023, 2021

06
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AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2021

07
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AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2023

08
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AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2023

09
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The Glockner-Taler cheese, made from hay milk, matures for over nine months. Its strong, aromatic taste and crumbly, creamy texture with crystalline inclusions is reminiscent of Parmesan. Made from pasteurized cow's milk with animal rennet, at least 45% fat in dry matter.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2021

10
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The Venediger-Taler is an organic mountain cheese from Carinthia, Austria, produced by Malko Käsemanufaktur. Made from organic hay milk, it is aged for 6–9 months, developing a firm texture and a rich, savory flavor. This cheese is certified organic and holds the EU’s Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) seal, emphasizing its high quality and traditional Carinthian origin.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2021

11
12
13
14
15
Cheese
LUCERNE, Switzerland
5.0
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
Cheese
GREENSBORO, United States of America
5.0
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
Cheese
FRIBOURG, Switzerland
4.9
50
51
Cheese
COATESVILLE, United States of America
4.9
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
Cheese
CASTIGLION FIORENTINO, Italy
4.9
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
Cheese
SHEPTON MALLET, England
4.9
69
Cheese
CHICAGO, United States of America
4.9
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
Cheese
LINDENBERG IM ALLGÄU, Germany
4.9
77
Cheese
WESTBEEMSTER, Netherlands
4.9
78
79
80
Cheese
TURTLE LAKE, United States of America
4.9
81
82
83
84
Cheese
LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, United States of America
4.9
85
86
87
88
89
Cheese
LOWER SILESIAN VOIVODESHIP, Poland
4.9
90
91
92
Cheese
SOUTH HOLLAND, Netherlands
4.9
93
94
95
96
97
Cheese
NEW JERSEY, United States of America
4.9
98
99
100

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 Hard Cheeses in the World” list until February 14, 2025, 11,845 ratings were recorded, of which 7,391 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.