Last updated: February 13, 2026
Quick Answer: February 13 National Cheddar Day is an annual food holiday observed every year on February 13 to celebrate cheddar cheese, the best-selling cheese variety in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The day was created in 2019 by Tillamook County Creamery Association to mark its 110th anniversary. In 2026, National Cheddar Day falls on Friday, February 13. [1][3][4]
Key Takeaways
- February 13 National Cheddar Day is observed annually on February 13, with the 2026 date falling on a Friday.
- The holiday was founded in 2019 by Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA), tied to the cooperative’s founding date of February 13, 1909. [9][10]
- Cheddar accounts for more than one-third of all cheese sold in the United States and over half of cheese sales in the United Kingdom. [2][4]
- The day is recognized by multiple holiday calendars and continues to grow in public awareness each year. [3][4][8]
- Celebrations range from home cooking and cheese boards to restaurant specials and brand promotions.
- Cheddar pairs well with Cabernet Sauvignon, aged Chardonnay, apples, honey, and charcuterie.
- Cheddar is a good source of calcium, protein, and fat-soluble vitamins, though portion size matters for those watching sodium or saturated fat.
- Quality cheddar can be found at specialty cheese shops, warehouse retailers, and directly from creameries like Tillamook.
What Is National Cheddar Day?
National Cheddar Day is a food holiday dedicated to celebrating cheddar cheese in all its forms, from mild and creamy to sharp and aged. It is observed on February 13 each year and encourages people to eat, cook with, and share cheddar cheese. [1][3]
The day is not a federal holiday, but it is widely listed on food holiday calendars and has gained traction through brand promotions, social media campaigns, and food media coverage. It functions as a cultural moment for cheese lovers, home cooks, and the dairy industry alike. If you enjoy other food observances, you might also appreciate National Cheese Lover’s Day on January 20, which offers a broader celebration of all cheese varieties.
Is National Cheddar Day a Real Holiday?
National Cheddar Day is a real, recognized food observance, though it is not a government-designated public holiday. It is listed on multiple reputable holiday-tracking platforms, including Holiday Today, WinCalendar, and HolidayCalendar.io, all of which have confirmed the February 13 date for 2026. [3][4][8]
The distinction matters: food holidays like this one are informal cultural observances, typically started by brands, food organizations, or enthusiast communities. They gain legitimacy through consistent annual recognition and public participation. National Cheddar Day meets that standard, it has been observed every February 13 since 2019 and shows no sign of fading. [1][10]
When Is National Cheddar Day Celebrated?
National Cheddar Day is celebrated every year on February 13. Upcoming dates include:
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | February 13 | Friday |
| 2027 | February 13 | Saturday |
| 2028 | February 13 | Sunday |
The fixed February 13 date is intentional and directly tied to the founding of Tillamook County Creamery Association on February 13, 1909. [9][10]
Why Is February 13 Cheddar Day? Where Did National Cheddar Day Come From?
February 13 was chosen because of a specific historical moment: on that date in 1909, at 9:05 a.m., a group of dairy farmers in Tillamook County, Oregon, formally established what would become the Tillamook County Creamery Association. [9][10]
In 2019, TCCA created February 13 National Cheddar Day to mark its 110th anniversary and to spotlight its signature cheddar products. The cooperative chose its own founding date as the holiday date, giving the celebration a concrete historical anchor rather than an arbitrary calendar slot. [9][10][14][15]
This origin story makes National Cheddar Day somewhat unusual among food holidays. Many informal food observances have murky or unknown origins. This one has a documented founding organization, a specific year (2019), and a verifiable reason for the date. [1][10]
How to Celebrate February 13 National Cheddar Day
Celebrating National Cheddar Day is straightforward, the goal is simply to engage with cheddar cheese in a way that feels meaningful or fun. Here are practical ways to mark the day:
At Home:
- Build a cheddar-focused cheese board with mild, sharp, and extra-aged varieties alongside crackers, apple slices, and honey.
- Cook a cheddar-centered recipe (see the recipes section below).
- Host a blind tasting with friends to compare different cheddar ages and brands.
Online and Social:
- Share photos of your cheddar creations using hashtags like #NationalCheddarDay and #CheddarDay.
- Tag your favorite creamery or cheese shop to support small producers.
Out and About:
- Check local restaurants or cheese shops for National Cheddar Day specials or events.
- Visit a farmers market and buy a locally made cheddar you haven’t tried before.
February 13 also falls the day before Valentine’s Day, which makes a cheddar and wine pairing board a natural double-duty celebration. If you enjoy February food holidays, the days surrounding Cheddar Day are equally festive, from National Plum Pudding Day on February 12 to National Peppermint Patty Day on February 11.
Cheddar Cheese Recipes for National Cheddar Day
Cheddar is one of the most versatile cheeses in the kitchen. It melts well, slices cleanly, and its flavor intensifies with age, making it suitable for everything from casual snacks to elevated dishes.
Five recipes worth making on February 13:
- Classic Mac and Cheese, Use a blend of sharp and extra-sharp cheddar for depth. A roux-based sauce gives the creamiest result.
- Cheddar Biscuits, Fold shredded sharp cheddar into a buttermilk biscuit dough. Best served warm.
- Cheddar-Stuffed Burgers, Press a cube of aged cheddar into the center of a beef patty before grilling.
- Welsh Rarebit, A classic British dish of melted cheddar sauce over toast, often finished with mustard and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cheddar Soup, A creamy base of broth, cream, and sharp cheddar, often paired with broccoli or potato. For more soup inspiration, see the Homemade Soup Day guide.
Choosing cheddar by age for cooking:
- Mild (aged 2-3 months): Best for melting, quesadillas, grilled cheese, mac and cheese.
- Sharp (aged 6-12 months): Balanced flavor for biscuits, burgers, and casseroles.
- Extra-sharp / Aged (1-3+ years): Crumblier texture, intense flavor, best for boards, crackers, and finishing dishes.
Best Cheddar Cheese Brands to Try and Where to Buy Quality Cheddar
Several brands consistently produce high-quality cheddar across different price points and aging profiles.
Well-regarded cheddar brands:
- Tillamook (Oregon, USA), The founder of the holiday; known for consistent sharp and medium cheddars widely available at grocery stores.
- Cabot Creamery (Vermont, USA), A farmer-owned cooperative producing award-winning sharp and extra-sharp cheddars.
- Kerrygold (Ireland), Grass-fed cheddar with a buttery, mild profile.
- Beehive Cheese (Utah, USA), Artisan producer known for flavored and aged varieties.
- Seriously Strong Cheddar (UK), A popular British extra-mature option with bold flavor.
- Grafton Village Cheese (Vermont, USA), Small-batch aged cheddars with complex flavor.
Where to buy:
- Specialty cheese shops and fromageries offer the widest selection, including imported and artisan options.
- Warehouse retailers like Costco carry large blocks of quality cheddar at competitive prices.
- Online retailers and creamery websites (including Tillamook’s own store) ship directly to consumers.
- Farmers markets often feature local creameries not found in supermarkets.
Cheddar vs. Other Cheese Types
Cheddar is a semi-hard, cow’s milk cheese with a smooth, firm texture and a flavor that ranges from mild and milky to sharp and complex depending on age. Compared to other popular cheeses, cheddar occupies a distinct middle ground.
| Cheese | Texture | Flavor Profile | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheddar | Semi-hard to hard | Mild to sharp, tangy | Melting, boards, cooking |
| Gouda | Semi-hard | Buttery, sweet, nutty | Boards, snacking |
| Gruyère | Hard | Earthy, nutty, complex | Fondue, gratins |
| Mozzarella | Soft | Mild, milky | Pizza, Caprese |
| Brie | Soft, rind | Creamy, earthy | Boards, baking |
Cheddar’s main advantage over most competitors is versatility. It melts predictably, ages well, and is widely available at every price point, which is a key reason it accounts for more than one-third of all cheese sold in the United States. [2][4]
How to Pair Cheddar Cheese with Wine and What Foods Go Best with Cheddar
Cheddar’s flavor intensity determines its best pairings. Mild cheddar pairs with lighter wines and delicate accompaniments; aged cheddar needs bolder partners to match its intensity.
Wine pairings by cheddar age:
- Mild cheddar: Unoaked Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, or light Pinot Noir.
- Sharp cheddar: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or an off-dry Riesling.
- Extra-aged cheddar: Bold Cabernet Sauvignon, aged Rioja, or a tawny Port.
Food pairings that work well:
- Crisp apples and pears (the acidity cuts through cheddar’s fat)
- Honey and fruit preserves (sweetness balances sharpness)
- Charcuterie, prosciutto, salami, and cured meats
- Whole-grain crackers and sourdough bread
- Pickles and cornichons (acid contrast)
- Walnuts and almonds
Cheddar also works exceptionally well alongside other savory dishes. For example, a sharp cheddar topping pairs naturally with dishes like National Pizza Day classics or as a finishing touch on Fettuccine Alfredo.
Cheddar Cheese Health Benefits and Nutrition
Cheddar provides meaningful nutritional value, particularly for calcium and protein. A standard one-ounce (28g) serving of cheddar contains roughly 7 grams of protein and about 200 milligrams of calcium, contributing toward daily recommended intakes for both nutrients.
Key nutritional highlights:
- Calcium: Supports bone density and muscle function.
- Protein: Contributes to satiety and muscle maintenance.
- Fat-soluble vitamins: Cheddar contains vitamins A and K2, both important for bone and cardiovascular health.
- Probiotics (in some varieties): Aged and raw-milk cheddars may contain beneficial bacteria, though levels vary by product and processing method.
Caveats to keep in mind:
- Cheddar is relatively high in saturated fat and sodium. Those managing cardiovascular risk or blood pressure should monitor portion sizes.
- Aged cheddar is naturally lower in lactose than fresh cheeses, making it more tolerable for many people with lactose sensitivity.
- Choose full-fat, minimally processed cheddar over processed “cheese products” to maximize nutritional quality.
Cheddar Cheese Tasting Tips
Getting the most out of a cheddar tasting requires a few deliberate steps. The goal is to experience the cheese’s full flavor range without interference.
Step-by-step tasting guide:
- Bring to room temperature. Remove cheddar from the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before tasting. Cold cheese mutes flavor.
- Examine the texture. Note whether the cheese is smooth, crumbly, or shows white crystite crystals (tyrosine), which indicate proper aging.
- Smell before tasting. Aged cheddar should have a sharp, lactic aroma. Off smells (ammonia, mold on non-rind surfaces) indicate spoilage.
- Taste plain first. Let the cheese sit on your tongue for a few seconds before chewing to assess initial flavor.
- Note the finish. Sharp cheddars leave a lingering tang; mild ones fade quickly.
- Cleanse between samples. Use plain water or a plain cracker between different cheddars to reset your palate.
Common mistake: Tasting cheddar straight from the refrigerator. Cold fat coats the palate and suppresses the complex flavor notes that make aged cheddar worth the price.
FAQ: February 13 National Cheddar Day
What day is National Cheddar Day in 2026? National Cheddar Day 2026 falls on Friday, February 13. [3][4]
Who created National Cheddar Day? Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) created the holiday in 2019 to celebrate its 110th anniversary. [9][10]
Why is cheddar the most popular cheese in the US? Cheddar’s mild-to-sharp flavor range, reliable melting properties, and wide availability make it the most consumed cheese in the US, accounting for more than one-third of all cheese sold. [2][4]
Is National Cheddar Day the same as National Cheese Day? No. National Cheese Day is observed on June 4 and celebrates all cheese types. National Cheddar Day is specific to cheddar and falls on February 13. [1]
Can lactose-intolerant people eat cheddar? Aged cheddar is naturally very low in lactose because the aging process breaks down most of the milk sugar. Many people with lactose sensitivity tolerate aged cheddar well, though individual responses vary.
What is the best cheddar for melting? Mild and medium cheddars (aged 2-6 months) melt most smoothly. Extra-aged cheddars tend to separate or become oily when heated due to lower moisture content.
How should cheddar be stored at home? Wrap cheddar in wax paper or cheese paper (not plastic wrap, which traps moisture) and store in the warmest part of the refrigerator, typically the cheese drawer. Consume within 3-4 weeks of opening.
Does Tillamook offer deals on National Cheddar Day? Tillamook has historically promoted the holiday with product spotlights and social media campaigns. Check Tillamook’s website and social channels in the days leading up to February 13 for current offers. [9][10]
What is the difference between white and yellow cheddar? The color difference is cosmetic. Yellow cheddar contains annatto, a natural plant-based dye. The flavor and nutritional profile are essentially identical to white cheddar.
How long is cheddar aged? Mild cheddar is aged 2-3 months. Sharp cheddar is aged 6-12 months. Extra-sharp and vintage cheddars can be aged 1-5 years or more.
Conclusion
February 13 National Cheddar Day is a well-documented annual food holiday with a clear origin, a specific founding organization, and a growing base of public recognition. Whether the goal is to try a new artisan cheddar, cook a classic recipe, or simply appreciate the most popular cheese in America, February 13 provides a natural occasion to do it.
Actionable next steps for 2026:
- Mark February 13 on your calendar and plan a cheddar-focused meal or cheese board.
- Visit a local specialty cheese shop before the day to pick up two or three different aged cheddars for a tasting.
- Try at least one new cheddar recipe, Welsh Rarebit and cheddar biscuits are both low-effort and high-reward.
- Share your celebration on social media with #NationalCheddarDay to connect with other cheddar enthusiasts.
- Explore the broader February food holiday calendar, including National Chocolate Fondue Day on February 5 and National Dark Chocolate Day on February 1, for a full month of food celebrations.
Cheddar has earned its status as the world’s most consumed cheese variety through centuries of refinement and adaptability. One day a year dedicated to it seems entirely reasonable.
References
[1] National Cheddar Day 492 – https://www.wikidates.org/holiday/national-cheddar-day_492.html [2] Watch – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T51HPck4eU0 [3] National Cheddar Day – https://holidaytoday.org/national-cheddar-day/ [4] Cheddar Day – https://www.wincalendar.com/Cheddar-Day [8] National Cheddar Day – https://www.holidaycalendar.io/holiday/national-cheddar-day [9] Celebrate National Cheddar Day With Tillamook – https://www.bakemag.com/articles/19924-celebrate-national-cheddar-day-with-tillamook [10] Cheddar Day – https://www.holidaysmart.com/holidays/daily/cheddar-day