Popular Cheese Brands in Kenya Ranked Worst to Best

Cheese has been around for over 7,000 years, so naturally, the best cheese brands you can get in Kenya come from where they’ve been making it forever—Europe. Since cheese wasn’t exactly a staple in traditional Kenyan or African cuisine (shockingly, we weren’t out here crafting brie), it’s no surprise that European brands are miles ahead. They’ve practiced for centuries, while our local cheese makers are still warming up.

Now, Kenyan brands? They’re fine. Decent even. Not excellent by any stretch, but hey, unlike their European counterparts, you won’t need to sell your organs to buy them.

So here’s my highly scientific ranking, purely based on quality and my deep love for cheese. The lower-tier brands are at the bottom, naturally, while the best brands sit at the top.

This list only includes what you can buy at the supermarket—nothing fancy or artisanal here. All of these cheeses are the fresh, semi-hard kind that needs refrigeration.

As for the hard hitters like Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano Reggiano? That’s a story for another post.

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9. Teama

Teama cheeses come from Egypt, but honestly, calling them cheese feels generous. Most of their offerings taste like something that’s definitely not cheese, just dyed orange or yellow and sold as “cheese” with a bunch of random flavors thrown in.

It’s so mediocre that I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone, except maybe for their sandwich slices—mainly because they’re the cheapest option around.

If you need any more proof that Teama isn’t great, just notice how it’s always on sale, usually with a “buy one, get one free” deal. That says it all.

8. Happy Cow

It’s not that I don’t have a soft spot for Happy Cow; it’s just that their cheeses don’t exactly scream “cheese.” They’re not strong enough for even a basic cheese board or a decent mac and cheese.

The taste? Kind of plasticky, honestly. But hey, if you’re new to cheese and just want to dip your toes in, Happy Cow works as an entry-level option.

They’ve got the usual suspects, though mozzarella seems to be the only thing I ever find, and a couple of processed cheese slices. On the plus side, they’re one of the cheapest brands out there, so if your budget’s tight, it’s a workable option.

I’d definitely recommend Happy Cow over Teama, which barely qualifies as cheese anyway in my book.

7. KCC

KCC is a Kenyan government parastatal dairy plant, and yes, they do make cheese—but only cheddar.

Don’t expect any fancy varieties here. It’s usually rindless cheddar, and good luck actually finding it in stock. The quality? Average at best, so honestly, you’re not missing out on much.

6. Raka

Raka is a decent cheese maker from Nyeri, and unlike KCC, they’ve got a variety—cheddar, paneer, mozzarella, feta, halloumi, you name it. But honestly, their cheeses aren’t exactly thrilling. They’re just… okay. But hey, for the price, they get the job done, I guess?

5. Sirimon

Sirimon is basically the go-to cheese brand in Kenya—you’ll see it everywhere that stocks cheese and it’s always in stock, which means people are actually buying it.

Taste-wise though, I find it pretty bland. They even have this “Everyday Cheese” that doesn’t really commit to being any specific type of cheese, just an all-purpose option.

Still, they’re the biggest local cheese maker around, and while the texture can be a bit rubbery for my liking, at least they’re offering real, non-processed cheeses.

4. Bio

What I love about Bio is that their cheeses are often infused with extras like peppers, which makes them way more exciting. That said, some flavors can be a bit gross. Plus, the downside of having non-cheese stuff mixed in is that you’re technically getting less actual cheese compared to brands that stick to pure cheeses.

But, on the flip side, Bio cheeses pack a lot of flavor and have more depth in taste. They usually come in triangular shapes and are reasonably priced, so I’d say Bio is one of the few brands I genuinely like and buy regularly. Oh, and they make the best cheddar among the local options, hands down.

3. Browns

Browns is, in my opinion, the best local cheese brand in Kenya. Sure, they’re overpriced for what you’re getting, but if we’re talking purely about quality, they top the list. Now, if you’re looking for better value, I’d still recommend Bio over Browns.

Unlike Sirimon, which has more variety, Browns keeps it simple. They may not have a wide range, but the few types they do make are really well done. They specialize in quality over quantity, and it shows.

2. Emborg

Emborg cheese is made with Danish milk and packed in Poland, and honestly, it’s one of the few cheeses on this list I’d call excellent. The rest? Just good or average.

Since it’s imported, availability can be hit or miss, and the price is steep—150g of cheddar (8 slices) goes for KSh 1,250, which is double or even triple the price of local brands. But it’s worth it. Emborg is traditionally made, tastes great, and melts beautifully.

That said, a single slice costs over KSh 160, and restaurants charge KSh 100 for an extra slice of average cheese on your burger, remember: it’s not Emborg they’re using. Speaking of burgers, I do restaurant reviews, including Nairobi Fast Food Reviews, so check those out if you’re curious. (Shameless plug, I know… I know.)

1. Arla

Emborg is fine, but it’s way overpriced for what you get. If you’re looking for something cheaper and better, Arla is the way to go.

They offer more exotic options like Havarti, Emmental, and Provolone—cheeses you won’t find from other brands. Sure, Arla is still pricier compared to some, but it’s worth it.

When it comes to cream cheese, Arla’s your best bet. They also have Tex-Mex, which is basically shredded cheese. But honestly, I’d steer clear of shredded cheese altogether—it never melts quite right, no matter the brand.

So, if you’re looking for the best cheese in Kenya in terms of quality, Arla takes the crown.