20 Different Cheese Types Available in Kenya

Cheese is a bit of a niche product in Kenya, and there are several reasons for that. First, it’s not part of traditional Kenyan or African cuisine, and second, it tends to be pricier compared to other dairy products. In fact, cheese sits in a league of its own when it comes to cost.

Because of this, you won’t find cheese everywhere—it’s mainly available in bigger cities and select places like hypermarkets or large supermarkets. And when it comes to cheese, quality really does matter for your final dish.

You might get away with using lower-quality cooking oil without too much fuss, but with cheese, any drop in quality is immediately noticeable. Speaking of cooking oil you might wanna check this out: Is Elianto Oil Healthier than Normal Vegetable Oils?

So before diving into a ranking of cheese brands, let’s first define what makes a good cheese.

Table of Contents

What Makes Good Cheese?

When you stroll through the dairy section in Kenya, you’re likely to encounter 10 or more cheese brands, which can feel a bit overwhelming if you’re unsure what to look for.

A good cheese should melt easily. I’ve had instances where the cheese refused to melt and instead turned into a plasticky, hard mess. So, the melt factor is important.

And as a rule of thumb, avoid pre-shredded cheese. Shredded cheese often contains additives to keep it from clumping, which can mess with how it melts. It’s better to buy a block and grate it yourself.

Traditional vs. Processed Cheese

It’s also important to understand the difference between traditional and processed cheese. Traditional cheese is made directly from milk, while processed cheese is essentially cheese that has other ingredients, like emulsifiers, added to give it a longer shelf life or make it easier to melt.

Think of those sandwich slices used in burgers—that’s processed cheese. Traditional cheeses, on the other hand, have different stages: fresh, mild, or aged. Processed cheese tends to be more affordable, but keep in mind it’s often a fresh cheese with a bit of help from additives.

Types of Cheese Available in Kenya

In Kenyan supermarkets, you’ll come across the common types of cheese, such as:

Mozzarella
Cheddar
Gouda
Halloumi
Paneer
Cream Cheese
Colby Jack
Emmental
Havarti
Swiss Cheese
American Cheese
Edam
Feta

For those looking for something more artisanal, specialty and aged cheeses are available at gourmet stores like Greenspoon or Artcaffe Market. Here, you’ll find Italian classics such as:

Parmigiano Reggiano
Pecorino Romano
Pecorino Dolce Smeraldo
Scamorza

Also Read: Review: The 7 Best Green Groceries in Nairobi

These specialty cheeses are usually aged and come with a higher price tag. Parmigiano Reggiano is often hailed as the king of cheeses, and it’s a must for Italian dishes. If you’re diving into Italian cuisine, check out these gourmet pasta brands for the best results.

Read: The Best Pasta Brands in Kenya

It’s definitely not as salty or sharp as pecorino, but that’s intentional. Parm has a deeper, more complex flavor and is a classic example of umami. And yes, there’s a difference between parmesan and Parmigiano Reggiano—by law, the latter can only be made in certain regions of Italy.

Pecorino is made from sheep’s milk, which gives it a saltier, nuttier taste, while Parmigiano Reggiano comes from cow’s milk. I personally love Parm for everyday use, but when I want something with a bit more punch, pecorino is my go-to.

How to Know What Type of Cheese is Right For You

Cheese can have over 1,000 different flavors, with even slight tweaks in how it’s made, the bacteria used, or the aging process making a big difference in taste. To find your favorite, I’d recommend sampling different kinds of cheese—most cheese shops especially specialty greengrocers offer free samples, so take advantage of that

If you need to grate cheese, stick to hard or semi-hard varieties.

When it comes to sandwiches, semi-hard cheeses like cheddar and Swiss (which could be Jarlsberg, Gruyere, etc.) are popular picks. Havarti, gouda, and even provolone also work great.

For recipes, they usually tell you which cheese to use, so just follow the instructions