Cheddar cheese is one of the most common types of cheese on the market today. But even choosing the most readily available type of cheese can be confusing, especially when you have to choose between sharp and mild cheddar. Are they the same? This article will discuss the difference between sharp and mild cheddar cheese.

Summary Table

Sharp Cheddar	Mild Cheddar
Aged for approximately one year	Aged for two to three months
Dry and crumbly; can be hard to melt	Softer, smooth; easier to melt
Powerful tangy flavor which some may consider unpleasant	Mild flavor with a note of tanginess

Descriptions

Sharp cheddar cheese is simply cheddar cheese that has been aged for about a year. Since aging causes the cheese to lose moisture, sharp cheddar cheese is dry and has a crumbly texture. Sharp cheddar cheese can be difficult to melt because of its low moisture content. As the name suggests, it has a sharp, acidic, tangy flavor which may be undesirable to some people. Many people say sharp cheddar cheese is an acquired taste.

As the cheddar cheese ages, naturally occurring bacteria produce more enzymes that break down the cheese proteins and fats. This process sometimes gives sharp cheddar cheese its nutty flavor. However, some types of cheddar cheese can have a hint of bitterness or sweetness too, as the source of the milk used to process the cheese is also a factor that affects the flavor of the cheese.

Mild cheddar cheese is cheddar cheese that is aged for 2 to 3 months. As the name suggests, mild cheddar cheese has a mild flavor but it does still have a note of tanginess.

Since mild cheddar is not aged for a very long time, it is moist enough to give a smooth and soft texture. It also melts easily and is gentle on the palate, even to those who are new to cheddar.

Sharp vs Mild Cheddar

What, then, is the difference between sharp and mild cheddar?

The most obvious differences between sharp and mild cheddar cheese are their texture and taste. Aging causes the water to evaporate from sharp cheddar so it is dry and crumbly. It can be hard to melt as well. As it ages, the naturally occurring bacteria in it also causes the protein and fats to break down, resulting in an intense tangy flavor. Mild cheddar cheese, on the other hand, is softer, smoother, and easier to melt. It also has a milder taste but still has a note of tanginess.

The greatest difference (also one that most people do not know) between sharp and mild cheddar cheese, however, is how long they are aged. Sharp cheddar cheese is aged for approximately twelve months, whereas mild cheese is aged in two to three months.

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