Unexpected Cheddar is a cheese product by American grocery chain Trader Joe's. It was first introduced in 2011. It was inducted into the Product Hall of Fame in 2023.
Name The term "Unexpected Cheddar" comes from the "unexpectedness" of the cheese having several different tastes, including parmesan cheese, despite being technically a cheddar.
Variations Trader Joe's has created several variations of the popular product, including a cheese spread that is used for making mac and cheese,, shredded Unexpected Cheddar, Unexpected Cheddar chicken sausage, Unexpected Cheddar and turkey sausage egg bites, Unexpected Broccoli Cheddar Soup, and a spread with hatch chile.
Reviews Unexpected Cheddar has generally received positive reviews, while reviews of its variations are mixed. America's Test Kitchen positively reviewed Unexpected Cheddar, calling it "supercreamy and smooth with just a hint of crunch ... a delight." However, they had a more negative review of the spread variation, saying that it's almost like "frosting that’s been spread on a cake while it’s still hot." Alex Beggs of Bon Appétit wrote that the spread with hatch chile was "[his] platonic ideal of a bar cheese. Soft and creamy, with some cheddar bite and gentle green chile heat." Cheese: The word on culture acclaimed the original Unexpected Cheddar, but criticised the spread for being too dense and being made up of just cheese and butter.
References