The refrigerated aisle stretches endlessly, packed from floor to ceiling with more cheese than most people would dare to try. However, for me, it’s a familiar scene. Towering rounds of Parmesan sit beside tubs of something suspiciously gooey, labels filled with words I can barely pronounce. I have always been fascinated by cheese, the endless options of this delicacy and the way the flavor changes with age. After 15 years of trial, error and a little overindulgence, I have prepared the best ranking order for fellow cheese lovers who suffer from indecision. 

5. Havarti with dill (“Dill-lightful Delight”)

Havarti with dill has a fresh, tangy flavor that I find enjoyable. Its creamy and slightly buttery texture, combined with bits of dill, makes each bite refreshing because the herbs add a burst of brightness to the base Havarti. I still remember the first time I picked the cheese up at Trader Joe’s a few months ago. At the time, I second-guessed my decision because its pale yellow color with flecks of green herbs awkwardly stood out compared to the more uniformly-colored cheeses I was used to. I decided to give it a chance, and the first bite of the cheese made me realize that many people avoid certain cheeses because of their appearance. That said, I cannot fathom eating this on anything besides a cracker because of its unique taste.

4. Gouda (“Goudalicious Goodness”)

Smooth, slightly sweet and nutty, Gouda is full of flavor and holds a special place in my heart. It instantly reminds me of my grandpa bringing it back from the farmers’ market, and opening those boxes felt like opening a treasure box of rich goodness. Likewise, cutting a piece of Gouda cheese from a new block always feels like an adventure. Each one offers its own twist as some Goudas are well-balanced, while others can have a milder flavor. Havarti with dill is not versatile, but Gouda is the opposite. Whether melted on a sandwich, cubed or paired with apples, every bite of Gouda tastes great, even though it can be a little overpowering if you eat too much at once.

3. Parmesan (“The Basic Bite”)

Parmesan takes the third spot because it’s the quiet hero of cheeses — always there to elevate dishes without stealing the spotlight. Hard, crumbly and packed with savory flavor, it adds so much depth to casual foods like salads and pizzas. Unlike sharper cheeses, Parmesan does not dominate a dish, but when it’s added, it subtly enhances the flavor. As a kid who went to Olive Garden frequently, that fancy parmesan grater never failed to amaze me. Suddenly, my pasta tasted richer and more delectable all because of the sprinkles of cheese. Something about watching the fluffy shavings of the beautiful cheese melt at first touch to my steaming marinara pasta tasted special, sharp and savory. This “basic bite” may not be flashy, but its dependability is the reason why it shreds the competition.

2. Pepper jack (“The Spicy Kick”)

Each speck of spice in pepper jack is a burst of flavor waiting to explode in your mouth. Every bite keeps my taste buds guessing — sometimes a hint, sometimes a bold statement — but the flavor is never overpowering. One of my favorite dishes that includes pepper jack is Chick-fil-A’s spicy chicken sandwich. Melted on top of the patty, the pepper jack adds that extra flavor layer to the juicy chicken. I love how it pairs with different flavors because even a mini piece of pepper jack is like a reward. Perfectly melted on a sandwich, folded in a quesadilla or straight from the block, pepper jack really knows how to spice up your life.

1. Brie (“The Queen of Cheeses”)

Brie is a delicate and soft indulgence that feels like luxury in every bite. Paired with a cracker and a dollop of fig jam, its earthy undertones combine with the sweet spread, creating a flavor that I yearn for. The beautiful pale yellow interior wrapped in a bright white mold rind gives this cheese a different elegance compared to others. Brie carries more than well-crafted flavor; it carries memories of family and happiness, of my mom always bringing a large triangular block from Whole Foods to every family gathering. The first slice of Brie marked the start of laughter and fun conversations with my friends because she always provides it as an appetizer for these events. Of all the cheeses I have tasted, this one leaves an un-brie-lievably long-lasting impression after the last bite, claiming the crown in my heart.