Shopping for cheese? Whether you’re building a cheese platter or preparing a hearty Italian dish, knowing how to spot high-quality cheese can make all the difference. With so many options available at your local cheese shop in Singapore, it’s easy to feel unsure about which to choose.

In this guide, we’ll share five simple ways to help you recognise quality cheese before you make a purchase—so you can shop with confidence and enjoy better flavour, texture, and value.

1. Read the Ingredients Label

A good place to start is by checking the ingredients. High-quality cheese should only contain a few natural components: milk, salt, enzymes, and cultures. That’s it.

Avoid cheeses that list artificial flavours, preservatives, or vegetable oils. These extra ingredients often suggest a processed or lower-quality product. In contrast, raw milk cheeses (unpasteurised) are often a sign of traditional, small-batch production, though they may not be suitable for everyone due to food safety concerns.

2. Observe the Appearance and Texture

Before you even taste the cheese, its appearance can tell you a lot. Quality cheese should look fresh and clean, with no slimy or cracked surfaces. It shouldn’t appear overly shiny or have any unnatural coating.

If there’s a rind, it should look natural, slightly dusty, or waxy, depending on the type—not plastic or artificial. The texture should also match the cheese type. For example, a cheddar should feel firm but slightly crumbly, while a brie should be soft and creamy inside.

3. Smell the Cheese (If You Can)

Smell is one of the best ways to assess a cheese’s freshness and flavour. If the shop allows it, give the cheese a gentle sniff. You’re looking for a mild, pleasant aroma that reflects the cheese type—fruity, nutty, or earthy are all good signs.

If the cheese smells overly ammonia-like, sour, or mouldy, that could indicate it’s past its best or has not been stored properly. Trust your nose—if it doesn’t smell good, it probably won’t taste good either.

4. Check the Origin and Maturation

Many high-quality cheeses come from specific regions known for their cheesemaking traditions, such as Italy, France, or Switzerland. Labels that include PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) or DOP (Denominazione d’Origine Protetta) status mean the cheese was made using traditional methods in a specific location.

Also, take note of how long the cheese has been aged. A cheese like Parmigiano Reggiano aged 24 months will have a much richer flavour and firmer texture than a younger version. Ageing enhances the depth and complexity of the cheese—something that truly sets premium cheese apart.

5. Ask Questions or Request a Sample

A trustworthy cheese shop will welcome your questions. Don’t be shy to ask how the cheese has been stored, what it pairs well with, or how long it has been aged. Some cheese shops in Singapore even offer free samples, so you can taste before buying.

Engaged, knowledgeable staff are a good sign that the shop cares about quality and customer satisfaction. If they can’t answer your questions or rush you along, you might want to consider buying elsewhere.

Carecci’s Final Tip: Choose Cheese With Confidence

At Carecci, we believe great cheese starts with great knowledge. Whether you’re shopping for a dinner party, a gift, or simply treating yourself, our team is here to help you find high-quality cheese that suits your taste.

As a trusted cheese supplier in Singapore, we carefully source our selection from some of the best cheesemakers in Italy and across Europe, offering only cheeses that meet our high standards for flavour, authenticity, and freshness.

Visit our cheese shop in Singapore or explore our online store to discover a world of delicious, high-quality cheeses—chosen with care, served with passion.