9. Marketside French Style Cheesecake
For those unfamiliar, Marketside is essentially a brand under Walmart. It began as a grocery store chain in 2008 but unfortunately went out of business by 2011. Nowadays, you can find Marketside ready-made meals and desserts in the deli section of your local Walmart. I must admit, I was initially attracted to this cheesecake because of its appealingly topped appearance. Additionally, the French-style cheesecake label piqued my curiosity. Would it be lighter, akin to a mousse? I decided to purchase a 16-ounce round for $6.98, which is a reasonably priced cheesecake.
However, the appearance of this cheesecake was quite misleading. Despite its tidy exterior, I found it nearly impossible to slice. The crust was simply a loose collection of crumbs beneath a mousse-like pudding layer. This made it resemble a parfait more than a cheesecake, with cookie crumbs separating layers of sweet filling. It was impossible to slice and serve. Beyond its looks, the taste was far from that of a cheesecake, featuring a soggy crust and a bland filling that leaned more towards whipped cream than the rich flavor of cheesecake. The takeaway? If your dessert has little in common with cheesecake, don’t label it as such.
8. Junior's Cheesecake
Junior's is a well-known restaurant chain in the greater New York City area, famous for its high-quality New York-style cheesecake, which has been served from its original Brooklyn location since 1950. While you can still order the classic cheesecake by mail for $55.95 directly from the restaurant, the brand has started offering more affordable versions at national grocery store chains, including my local Publix. Given this impressive background, I had high expectations for this tasting. I decided to try Junior's "Little Fella," a smaller version of the original cheesecake without the crust ($3.15), as an alternative to the full-size 6-inch cheesecake.
Unfortunately, I was let down from the very first bite. As I cut it in half, I noticed that the cheesecake's interior texture was mealy and crumbly — definitely not a good sign. It had a consistency reminiscent of crumbled cheese, similar to a softer version of feta, which felt quite off in my mouth. The flavor was even more disappointing, leaving an artificial aftertaste that prevented me from finishing even a third of the so-called "Little Fella." I have no doubt that Junior's restaurant in Brooklyn serves a delicious cheesecake, but this grocery store version is a pale imitation of the original.
7. Cotton Blues Original Cheesecake
Cotton Blues Cheesecake Company operates from a 15,000-square-foot facility in Waynesboro, Mississippi, where it produces just four signature flavors: original, salted caramel, strawberry, and blueberry. Their slogan proudly states, "Mississippi Made — New York Approved," suggesting that even New Yorkers appreciate this Southern delicacy. The company takes pride in the fact that their cheesecakes are free from common thickeners like cornstarch or flour. A single slice is priced at approximately $4.99, while a whole 4.5-pound cake costs around $32.99. This makes it a bit pricey, but still affordable.
As much as I wanted to enjoy this Southern cheesecake brand, it had a significant drawback: it was simply too sweet. The filling was pleasant, tangy, and sweet, with a smooth and creamy texture that felt delightful on the palate. However, things took a turn for the worse when I reached the crust. This crunchy base was excessively sweet, reminiscent of toasted sugar rather than graham cracker crumbs. When paired with the already sweet filling, the cheesecake became overwhelmingly sugary. If you enjoy a cheesecake with a pronounced sweetness, you might find Cotton Blues to be satisfactory. For everyone else, it’s best to keep searching.
6. Walmart Freshness Guaranteed Variety Cheesecake
Similar to the Marketside brand mentioned earlier, the Freshness Guaranteed Variety Cheesecake pack is available in the Walmart bakery section. Priced at just $7.98, it includes two small slices each of New York-style, strawberry swirl, chocolate marble, and brownie-flavored cheesecakes. My primary focus was on the classic New York-style cheesecake, so most of my review will center around those two slices. It’s a budget-friendly option, which is what I expect from Walmart. However, despite the appealing price and variety of flavors, was I satisfied with my purchase?
In hindsight, I might have been better off leaving this variety pack on the shelf. The cheesecake has a rather disappointing filling-to-crust ratio, resulting in a bite that felt overly dominated by graham cracker. It was also a bit sweeter than I prefer, though not so much that I couldn’t finish the small piece. Additionally, the filling was somewhat dense, lacking the creamy lightness I was hoping for. Overall, this cheesecake falls into a realm of mediocrity. It’s not bad, but it’s not great either. For me, that makes it unworthy of indulgence when cravings hit.
5. Sara Lee New York Style Cheesecake
You might recognize Sara Lee primarily for its assortment of buns and loaves found in the bread section, but the brand also has a solid presence in the frozen dessert market. They offer a variety of cheesecakes, including classic, strawberry-topped, French-style, and New York-style options. I opted for the New York-style cheesecake, as it appeared to have a more substantial filling compared to the plain, sour-cream topped classic. For $11.59, I bought a 6-inch (30-ounce) frozen cake, which is a generous serving for the price.
Before I could indulge in this cheesecake, it required at least an hour to thaw at room temperature. When I finally got to dig in, I was disappointed to discover a golf ball-sized blemish on the top. While mass-produced frozen foods often endure some bumps along the way, it was still a bit frustrating to see it marred before I even took a bite. The cheesecake filling itself was outstanding, boasting a creaminess that was quite remarkable for a frozen dessert. I also enjoyed the golden-baked top, which added a lovely caramelized flavor to the overall experience. However, my main issue was with the crust, which was crumbly and dry. I ended up with a large pile of crumbs on my plate that wouldn’t hold together for a tidy forkful. While the filling earned high praise, the crust nearly brought the whole experience down.
4. Belmont New York-Style Cheesecake
A first visit to Aldi can feel a bit daunting, but if you can navigate the quarter-based cart system, you'll discover some fantastic bargains. I was eager to find out if the Belmont New York-Style Cheesecake was one of those bargains. Belmont is Aldi's dairy brand for its budget-friendly products, and other Belmont items, like the ice cream, have garnered quite a following. For just $1.99, I snagged two slices of Belmont cheesecake, making it the best deal on this list in terms of price. It was also one of the few desserts that suggested keeping it frozen until ready to eat, which helped maintain its freshness.
In my opinion, this cheesecake offered a decent quality-to-price ratio. The crust-to-filling ratio was more balanced compared to some other brands, which prevented it from being overly sweet with each bite. There was a pleasant blend of tanginess, saltiness, and sweetness, but it didn't evoke overwhelming enthusiasm. While I found the cheesecake satisfactory and adequate in all aspects, it didn't leave me craving more, nor would I necessarily seek it out again.
3. Publix New York-Style Cheesecake
In Florida, where I currently reside, Publix is the undisputed favorite grocery store. The bakery section, in particular, features a selection of cult-favorite items that keep me returning, from the legendary Key lime pie to the surprisingly delightful sugar cookies. With these past favorites in mind, I was eager to sample Publix's New York-Style Cheesecake ($4.59 for two generous slices). When compared to the Belmont twin pack, it's clear that Publix's price is more than double that of Aldi's. But does the higher price reflect superior quality?
For me, the answer is a resounding yes. Unlike many other cheesecakes I've tried, the crust from Publix stood out, resembling a sugar cookie crust (which reminded me of Publix's amazing cookies) instead of the usual graham cracker crust. I also enjoyed the creamy yet light texture of the filling, which struck a perfect balance. Additionally, the cheesecake had just the right amount of tang to offset the sweetness of the crust. While it may not have extravagant toppings, I found this to be one of the most delicious cheesecakes on the list, all at a reasonably moderate price.
2. Cheesecake Factory Original Cheesecake
This is a brand that hardly needs an introduction. As a chain restaurant synonymous with its namesake dessert, The Cheesecake Factory has been delighting customers with its cheesecake since 1978, starting with its flagship location in Beverly Hills. The extensive cheesecake menu is legendary, but the restaurant's reputation is primarily built on the classic plain flavor. Nowadays, you don’t even have to dine in to satisfy your craving; you can find 6-inch whole cakes and generous quarter wedges ($10.79) in the refrigerated section of your local grocery store.
I consider this brand to embody the quintessential cheesecake. The filling is impressively tall and creamy, achieving a rich taste without feeling overly heavy. The crust is a standout feature, robust enough to support the substantial filling while delivering a delightful graham cracker flavor. I also appreciated the natural look of the cheesecake wedge, with its few golden bubbles giving the impression of being freshly baked. While it comes at a higher price than generic cheesecake brands, I found it to be well worth it in terms of flavor.
1. Kirkland Signature Cheesecake
I’m a proud Costco enthusiast. With the right shopping tips, I truly believe that membership pays for itself. So, it’s no surprise that I was eager to try the Kirkland Signature Cheesecake. Recently, Costco has introduced some exciting variations, like a mixed berry topped cheesecake and a newer mixed berry and streusel version, but I decided to start with the classic plain cheesecake ($18.99). While it was the priciest option on my list, it also offered the most cheesecake—double the size of the Sara Lee cheesecake, my second largest choice—making it a great value for the amount you get.
In terms of quality, this cheesecake exceeded my expectations. It features four delightful components: a salty, buttery graham cracker crust, a rich cream cheese filling, a thin layer of sour cream on top, and a decorative border of vanilla frosting. Each element blended beautifully, making every bite irresistible. If I had ordered this at a restaurant, I would have been just as satisfied and impressed by the chef’s ability to elevate a simple cheesecake into something truly special. If you’re looking for a cheesecake that will wow your guests, head to Costco!
How I selected and ranked store-bought cheesecakes
In my selection process, I focused on cheesecakes readily available at local grocery stores, including Walmart and Publix, and did not take into account any mail-order options. While there are numerous varieties of cheesecake, I concentrated on classic or New York-style cheesecake, as these are the most commonly found in stores. I also excluded whipped cheesecakes, which are often found in the freezer section, as their light texture makes them more akin to cream pies than traditional cheesecakes. Additionally, I chose not to include cheesecakes with various toppings, such as strawberries, chocolate, or streusel, to ensure I could assess the cheesecake itself.
I evaluated the taste and texture of both the crust and the cream cheese filling, the appearance of the exterior, and the overall size of the cheesecake in terms of value. All cheesecake slices were served straight from the refrigerator or shortly after being thawed from the freezer.
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