The Ultimate Ranking Of Store-Bought Cheesecakes

A great slice of cheesecake can turn a bad day into a good one. With its rich blend of cream cheese and sugar, this dessert is known for featuring a light and crispy graham cracker crust. Even though cheesecake is relatively simple to make, it still requires some time and effort. Buying store-bought cheesecake is a wise choice when you're looking for a convenient way to satisfy your sweet tooth. At the same time, it's worth noting that there can be surprising variations in quality between grocery store cheesecakes.

While some cheesecakes at the supermarket are worth every penny and deliver impressive results, others can fall flat and feel like a waste of money. The setbacks can range anywhere from bland and mediocre to brazenly disappointing. The cheesecake's texture and flavor, along with the ingredients used and any toppings involved, are just a few of the variables at play. The crust (or lack thereof) is another factor worthy of consideration.

Ideally, the consistency of delicious cheesecake should be thick and creamy, yet still maintain some airiness. The flavor should strike the right balance between sweetness and tanginess. Toppings or swirls of other ingredients need to complement the dessert, rather than steal the spotlight. With all of this in mind, we've taken the time to shed some light on a wide range of store-bought cheesecakes. Read on to see which ones knock it out of the park and which ones miss the mark.

At first glance, it seems like the choice to combine the flavors of churros and cheesecake is a smart move. You'd think that deep-fried dough coated in cinnamon sugar mixed with cheesecake would be delicious. But, there are a lot of customers who feel that the concept was better than the actual finished product. So, what went wrong?

Some customers on Walmart's website were shockingly revved up. "Disgusting," wrote one reviewer. "They are so bad that I don't want anyone to go through with purchasing them just to throw them away." Apparently, the main issue here is that Great Value's Churro Cheesecake is overly sweet. Looking at the ingredients, that makes perfect sense, considering that the very first item listed is sugar. Don't get us wrong — sugar definitely plays a crucial role in cheesecake. But it should be carefully balanced in the recipe, and clearly, some people feel it's being recklessly overused here.

Cinnamon powder is towards the very end of the ingredient list on this dessert, which is probably why some customers report that the flavor is disappointingly bland. Infusing this Churro Cheesecake with more cinnamon would probably help it out in the flavor department. Why settle for less when better store-bought cheesecakes are on the market?

Sara Lee is probably one of the most visible store-bought cake brands in the business. The company sells a variety of cakes and pies, including coffee cake, apple pie, and pound cake. Sara Lee also has a handful of different cheesecakes. The company's French Style Strawberry is a flavor that's commonly found in many grocery stores, and even though the picture on the box looks promising, a lot of customers feel that this cheesecake falls short.

The main gripe here is about the crust. Rather than featuring a graham cracker crust, which is popular in cheesecake recipes, this has an oat-based crust. This may seem like a minor issue, but there is a big difference between oats and graham crackers when it comes to taste and texture. The latter are crispy and typically have a comforting touch of honey, while the former tend to be more bland and grainy or mushy. Some customers complain that the oat crust on this doesn't even stick to the cheesecake, so it just ends up falling off with each bite.

The other problem is with the taste. Some have reported a sliminess to the strawberry topping, while others complain that the cheesecake tastes too much like whipped cream. At the end of the day, Sara Lee has some decent sweet treats — but this isn't one of them.

Sara Lee's Classic Strawberry Cheesecake is different from the company's French Style Strawberry Cheesecake in one important way: the crust. Rather than featuring the lamentable oat-based crust like the French Style Cheesecake, the Classic Strawberry flavor has a graham cracker crust. This contrast is an improvement in taste, which is why it's been nudged a little higher on our list.

Even though the graham cracker crust tastes better, there's still a textural issue going on here. Despite an improvement in flavor, some customers report that the crust on this cheesecake is too dry. On the one hand, you don't want the crust to be mushy. But on the other, you definitely don't want it to be too dry, either. For a store-bought cheesecake to reach excellence, it should find a happy medium between these extremes.

There is also a lack of chunky strawberries in the topping. Sure, there are a few bits of fruit here and there, but it's mostly just gelatinous strawberry sauce. Sara Lee's cheesecake is usually priced on the cheaper side, so we aren't exactly expecting a cornucopia of fresh strawberries here. But other brands hook it up a little better than this for a similar cost.

Edwards specializes in selling an assortment of store-bought pies and cheesecakes. The company offers them in whole pies and cakes or in smaller portions with two slices. The pies in particular are amazingly rich and delicious — the Key Lime Pie and the Turtle Creme Pie are some of our favorites. But our focus here is on cheesecake, not pies. And the truth is that Edwards Original Whipped Cheesecake leaves much to be desired.

Customers have complained that it lacks the full-bodied flavor that cheesecake is supposed to have. Instead of being complex and tangy, it has a simple, sugary taste that falls short. The crust also lacks the crispy crumble we expect from a great cheesecake. Instead, it's a bit mushy and overly sweet.

This dessert is marketed as whipped, and it's easy to see why. The consistency is very mousse-like. But one of our favorite things about cheesecake is how it's thick and creamy with a slight jiggle to it. That's not really the case here. Instead, it ends up tasting sort of like glorified whipped cream with a little added flavoring. There are definitely better store-bought cheesecakes out there to pick from.

Another cheesecake from Edwards is the Chocolate Whipped Cheesecake. The texture suffers from the same problem as the Original Whipped Cheesecake: it's very mousse-like. That said, the inclusion of cocoa and semi-sweet chocolate chunks adds a rich layer of flavor. This chocolatey richness elevates it above the Original Whipped Cheesecake.

There are two layers of flavor in this cake — the cream cheese flavor on top and the chocolate flavor on the bottom. Each forkful gives you the best of both worlds, alternating between the taste of sweet cream and chocolate. At the end of the day, though, the whipped texture ends up making this cheesecake taste more like a mousse-based pie. If it were thicker and tangier with a bouncier consistency, it would place higher on our list.

At the same time, this is still a satisfying dessert. It's just not the first product we'd reach for when we're craving store-bought cheesecake.

Finding a delicious dessert can be challenging for those with dietary restrictions. Daiya's dairy-free products might be a good option for people in this boat. They make a handful of "cheezecakes" that are free of dairy, soy, and gluten. The company makes a few different flavors, including New York Style, Chocolate, Strawberry, and a seasonal Pumpkin Spice Cheezecake. But it's Daiya's Key Lime Pie Cheezecake that we're truly smitten with.

Made with a blend that includes creamed coconut, key lime juice, and blackstrap molasses, Daiya's Key Lime Pie Cheezecake is surprisingly delicious. In fact, plenty of customers happily report that this dessert tastes like real cheesecake. Considering that Daiya has accomplished this without the use of cream cheese or sour cream is a remarkable achievement worthy of some praise.

Even so, this is still a dairy-free dessert. Anyone hoping for the exceedingly rich and luscious taste of authentic cheesecake might end up feeling a bit disenchanted. Still, this is undeniably tasty stuff and it's a good option to have on the table for anyone with a stricter diet.

Publix is a grocery store that's well-known for its bakery. The department offers a wide selection of sweet treats, including cupcakes, pies, and various dessert platters. They also carry pre-packaged slices of cheesecake, in addition to whole cakes in specialty flavors like Red Velvet and Triple Berry. One of the most prevalent cheesecakes you'll see in the store's bakery section is its New York Style.

Publix does a good job with the texture. It's thick and creamy, yet a little bit bouncy. The tangy flavor of cream cheese is assertive and fairly well-balanced with some sweetness. We also like that these come in packs of two modest slices, which makes it easy to have some portion control. It's also an affordable and convenient way to share an easy dessert with someone else at home.

The cheesecake's crust is the only thing that's holding it back from greatness. Overall, it's just lacking taste and the texture is a little too grainy. We'd love to see a richer crust that holds together better. Other than that, this is a pretty solid store-bought cheesecake. Nothing mind-blowing, but still quite decent.

As the largest grocery store in the country, Walmart rakes in hundreds of billions of dollars a year. For many Americans, Walmart's low prices make it their grocery store of choice. While their desserts might not be considered a top-tier choice by most, believe it or not, Walmart's variety pack of cheesecake is surprisingly good — aside from one minor detail.

The variety pack comes with two slices each of four different flavors. Strawberry Swirl, Chocolate Marble, New York Style, and Brownie offer a way to sample an assortment of store's desserts. Each flavor is made with a blend of cream cheese and sour cream, which gives each slice an appropriate level of tanginess.

However, some customers report that the flavor of chocolate crust on the bottom of some of these is too strong. Of course, some chocolatey flavor should be expected with Brownie and Chocolate Marble. At the same time, the chocolate should complement the cheesecake, rather than overpower it. This seems to be a situation where that's not the case. So, if you don't mind the heavy taste of chocolate mixed with your cheesecake, then this variety pack should be a good fit for your tastebuds.

Target-owned brand Favorite Day makes a New York-Style cheesecake that's available at the store. It is cut into eight slices and contained in a two-pound package. Looking at the ingredient list reveals that the dessert isn't made with cream cheese. Instead, some of the main ingredients include milk, cream, and sugar.

Not using cream cheese makes an impact on the flavor. Because cream cheese contains an inherent tanginess, this cheesecake lacks a cheesy zip. It's creamy and sweet and manages to have a pleasant texture, but the lack of cream cheese in the recipe still feels like a missed opportunity. Without it, the dessert feels like it's lacking something. That said, the graham cracker crust is tasty.

This cheesecake also has mixed reviews from customers. While some are surprised by how tasty it is, others have described it as soggy and disgusting. The compliments seem to outweigh the complaints, though. All in all, this cheesecake is a decent option (especially if it's on sale), but the bottom line is that there are better choices on the table.

With a name like The Cheesecake Factory, this company makes it abundantly clear what it wants to be known for. Even so, their restaurant menu is remarkably expansive, going above and beyond mere dessert. At The Cheesecake Factory, you'll find everything from Chicken Taquitos and Shepherd's Pie to Pasta Carbonara and French Dip Cheeseburgers. Renowned for its indulgent offerings, The Cheesecake Factory also sells some of its famous cheesecakes at grocery stores. Some of the cheesecake flavors available at its restaurant locations include Caramel Apple, Coconut Cream Pie, and Dulce de Leche. While the restaurant's cheesecake menu is certainly more extensive, you can still find some of its flavors on shelves.

The Cheesecake Factory's Original Cheesecake comes with a graham cracker crust. There is one important thing to be aware of, though. Even though the picture on the box shows the cheesecake topped with strawberries and whipped cream, customers report that they're not actually included. If you look closely at the fine print towards the bottom of the box, the company advertises the fact that strawberries and whipped cream aren't there. It's easy to miss, though, since the font is printed so small.

The cheesecake itself is dense and tangy, but not overwhelmingly sweet. Some customers have reported that the store-bought versions of The Cheesecake Factory's cheesecake are less dense and taste lighter than the ones at the company's restaurants. This is something else to keep in mind before you buy this dessert.

Frederick's is owned by the grocery store company Meijer. The Frederick's brand is focused on offering premium products that are made by chefs. Judging by the taste and design of the brand's Salted Caramel Cheesecake, we're excited to see what else Frederick's has in store for the future.

The Salted Caramel Cheesecake is in a three-and-a-half-ounce cup. The modest size of this cheesecake makes it feel a little more approachable. Compared to others on this list that come in massive wedges, this dessert feels like it could be enjoyed more regularly without feeling too indulgent. The cup itself is also a smart design since you don't need to use a plate to eat it. All you have to do is peel the top off and dig in.

More good news: this treat is made with real cream cheese. We do wish that the caramel were on top instead of on the bottom; this would allow the caramel to coat the cheesecake as you eat it and also better maintain the texture of the crust on the bottom. Still, this is a very tasty option for store-bought cheesecake.

Safeway-owned brand Signature Select offers an impressive lineup of products. The Signature Select label sells everything from frozen pizza and packs of bacon to maple syrup and pancake mix. The brand also has a few different cheesecakes available, including this variety pack with four different flavors.

It comes with two slices each of Brownie, Strawberry Swirl, New York Style, and Chocolate Marble. The first ingredient listed is cream cheese, which is always a good sign. In fact, some people claim that Signature Select makes some of their all-time favorite cheesecakes. There is massive competition on the market when it comes to cheesecake, so that's a pretty impressive accomplishment — especially for a grocery store.

The only issue holding this variety pack from true greatness is the Strawberry Swirl flavor. The strawberry swirl itself is homogenous and jam-like. On the one hand, this makes it very smooth. But on the other, we'd like to see some bigger chunks of strawberry dolloped throughout the swirls. This would add a layer of tangy fruitiness that would complement the sweetness of the cheesecake.

Belmont is an Aldi-owned brand that sells desserts like pies and cakes. When it comes to grocery stores, they stand out for a few reasons. Aldi is well-known for its cheap prices, which are in part due to its unique approach to some of its business practices. Customers need to make a coin-based deposit into the company's carts in order to unlock them for use, which essentially eliminates the need to make employees waste time gathering carts up. The store also doesn't give away free plastic or paper bags like other grocery chains, which motivates shoppers to bring their own reusable bags.

Belmont makes a few different kinds of cheesecake, including New York Style, Strawberry Swirl, and Turtle. Some customers even say that they enjoy Belmont's cheesecake more than the store-bought slices from The Cheesecake Factory. The general consensus seems to be that this cheesecake is a little more sweet than tangy. If there was slightly less sugar in the mix, we'd rank this a little higher. But this desert's sweetness can be a good thing, depending on your preferences. If you tend to like more sugary cheesecake, then we'd recommend trying out Belmont's Turtle flavor, since it features a chocolate graham crust, caramel, and more chocolate.

Philadelphia was destined to make its own cheesecake since it's a popular brand that's practically synonymous with cream cheese. The company's cream cheese is famous for its thick texture and rich flavor. This makes it an excellent choice for a cheesecake recipe.

This cheesecake gets rave reviews from plenty of customers. One fan on Amazon reports, "It is by far the absolute best cheesecake I've ever had, by miles." Made with a mix that includes cream cheese, sugar, and lemon juice, it strikes a great balance of flavor. Creamy and sweet with the right touch of tang, Philadelphia makes a delicious cheesecake that's highly satisfying. There's only one problem here.

It's a bit challenging to track down single cakes of this stuff. You can score four-packs of it in bulk online, but that's almost 20 pounds of cheesecake. Don't get us wrong — we love cheesecake. But we're not exactly sure that our cardiovascular systems would appreciate the inevitable avalanche of cream cheese and sugar. Not to mention, the large amount of space an order like this would require in the freezer. This might be the kind of order that you throw down with a few friends and divvy up.

When people put out a call on the Internet for cheesecake recommendations, one of the most popular responses is Wegmans. Wegmans is a chain of grocery stores with locations scattered around the Eastern United States. The company is known for its high-quality inventory of grocery goods, and that includes its cheesecakes. Wegmans' Strawberry Cheesecake comes with an unexpected ingredient that elevates its flavor in a big way.

This cheesecake is made with cream cheese, vanilla, and a strawberry filling. But it's the addition of Greek yogurt that puts it over the top. This touch amplifies the cheesecake's tanginess without making it overly cheesy. Greek yogurt's flavor is also a loving pairing with the strawberry filling. The graham cracker crust is buttery and crisp, and there's a circle of whipped cream that crowns the cake. This is seriously fantastic stuff — and it's almost perfect.

Like a few other cheesecakes on this list, the filling falls a little short of greatness. If the filling were infused with bigger chunks of fresh fruit, the flavor would be off the charts. But as it stands, it's quite syrupy. That said, this is still one of the best store-bought cheesecakes we've encountered.

Wegmans Blueberry Cheesecake is very similar to the company's Strawberry Cheesecake. Both of these include a touch of Greek yogurt that gives the texture and flavor a boost of deliciousness. But the blueberry filling beats out the strawberry in terms of taste and consistency.

It contains hearty lumps of blueberries that bring a little pop of fruity acidity into the mix. This flavor complements the sugar and Greek yogurt in a way that's wildly tasty. When it comes to store-bought cheesecake, we almost always give it a boost by adding some extra toppings like more fruit or a drizzle of some sweet sauce. In this case, that's totally unnecessary. The blueberry filling delivers the right flavors all on its own without needing any extra help. The only thing we'd change here is the thickness of the crust. If it were a little thinner, the flavor of the cheesecake would shine a little brighter. But that's a very minor complaint for such a stellar slice of heaven.

Junior's is a restaurant in New York City that's famous for its cheesecake and has been in business since 1950. Using premium ingredients like high-quality cream cheese, fresh heavy cream, eggs, vanilla, and fresh fruit along with homemade purees, Junior's has become an icon in the world of cheesecake. As one fan of Junior's on Reddit puts it: "Eat this cheesecake and you will question every other cheesecake you've ever eaten." When a cheesecake inspires some serious analysis of every other cheesecake you've ever tasted, you know it's something special. Fortunately for those of us outside of New York, Junior's sells some of its legendary cheesecakes at grocery stores.

This recipe is a collision of talent in the kitchen and top-notch ingredients. The cheesecake is tangy and creamy with the right consistency and sweetness. The homemade puree showcases the bright flavor of strawberries without overpowering the cheesecake. Instead, it introduces a refreshing and fruity tartness that feels truly complimentary. Every bite tastes better than the last. If you've been on the prowl for the best store-bought cheesecake on the market, here it is. Do us a favor: When you sink your teeth into this transcendent treat, just don't forget who sent you.