Ever wondered which worst cheeses to dodge at the store? I used to grab any cheese, thinking they’re all good, until I hit Cheez Whiz and Casu Marzu—yikes. TasteAtlas’ March 2025 rankings, based on 50,003 global ratings, list the cheeses that flopped hard. From processed goop to maggot-filled nightmares, these are the ones to skip. If you’re a foodie, cook, or just curious about what not to eat, I’m breaking down the top 10 duds. Let’s dive into the least tasty cheeses out there.
Why the Worst Cheeses Matter
Not all cheeses are created equal—some are straight-up bad. Knowing the worst cheeses saves you from wasting money or ruining a meal. My goal’s to help you avoid the stinkers, whether you’re a chef or just stocking your fridge. This is for anyone who loves food but hates disappointment. I’m tossing in cheese trends and culinary insights to keep it practical. No fluff, just the cheeses that let the team down.
Top 10 Worst Cheeses in 2025
Here’s TasteAtlas’ March 2025 list of the worst cheeses, based on 32,292 legit ratings. I’m laying it out like we’re dodging bullets at a cheese counter.
1. Cheez Whiz, USA 🇺🇸
Cheez Whiz is a processed, neon-orange spread that’s more chemical than cheese. It’s gloopy and fake-tasting. Why it’s bad: 2.8/5 rating, no real cheese vibe. Pro tip: Skip it for real cheddar.
[](https://www.tasteatlas.com/worst-rated-cheeses-in-the-world)[](https://x.com/stats_feed/status/1903079945162633574)2. Cup Cheese, USA 🇺🇸
Cup Cheese is a Pennsylvania Amish spread, runny and pungent. It smells like old socks. Why it’s bad: Overpowering stink, 2.9/5 rating. Heads-up: Not for the faint-hearted.
[](https://www.tasteatlas.com/worst-rated-cheeses-in-the-world)[](https://x.com/stats_feed/status/1903079945162633574)3. Casu Marzu, Italy 🇮🇹
Casu Marzu is a Sardinian cheese with live maggots. It’s illegal in many places. Why it’s bad: Creepy texture, 2.7/5 rating. Real talk: You’re eating bugs.
[](https://www.tasteatlas.com/worst-rated-cheeses-in-the-world)[](https://x.com/stats_feed/status/1903079945162633574)4. Hessischer Handkäse, Germany 🇩🇪
Hessischer Handkäse is a sour, translucent German cheese with a harsh stench. Why it’s bad: 3.0/5 rating, smells like sweat. Pro tip: Pair with onions if you dare.
[](https://www.tasteatlas.com/worst-rated-cheeses-in-the-world)[](https://x.com/stats_feed/status/1903079945162633574)5. Provel, USA 🇺🇸
Provel is a processed St. Louis mix of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone. It’s waxy, odd. Why it’s bad: 2.9/5 rating, fake flavor. Heads-up: Avoid on pizza.
[](https://www.tasteatlas.com/worst-rated-cheeses-in-the-world)[](https://x.com/stats_feed/status/1903079945162633574)6. Travia da Beira Baixa, Portugal 🇵🇹
Travia da Beira Baixa is a soft Portuguese cheese, often overly bitter. Why it’s bad: 3.1/5 rating, inconsistent taste. Real talk: Texture’s mushy, not fun.
[](https://www.tasteatlas.com/worst-rated-soft-cheeses-in-the-world)[](https://x.com/stats_feed/status/1903079945162633574)7. Bleu du Vercors-Sassenage, France 🇫🇷
Bleu du Vercors-Sassenage is a French blue cheese, often bland or too sharp. Why it’s bad: 3.0/5 rating, misses the mark. Pro tip: Pick Roquefort instead.
[](https://www.tasteatlas.com/worst-rated-cows-milk-cheeses-in-the-world)[](https://x.com/stats_feed/status/1903079945162633574)8. Piacentinu Ennese, Italy 🇮🇹
Piacentinu Ennese is a saffron-infused Italian cheese, but it’s often dry and off. Why it’s bad: 3.2/5 rating, weird aftertaste. Heads-up: Looks better than it tastes.
[](https://www.tasteatlas.com/worst-rated-cheeses-in-europe)[](https://x.com/stats_feed/status/1903079945162633574)9. Queijo Mestiço de Tolosa, Portugal 🇵🇹
Queijo Mestiço de Tolosa mixes goat and sheep milk but comes off bitter. Why it’s bad: 3.1/5 rating, rough texture. Real talk: Not Portugal’s finest.
[](https://devlb.tasteatlas.com/worst-rated-pasteurized-milk-cheeses-in-the-world)[](https://x.com/stats_feed/status/1903079945162633574)10. Harzer, Germany 🇩🇪
Harzer is a low-fat German cheese, sour and smelly like gym socks. Why it’s bad: 3.0/5 rating, harsh bite. Pro tip: Avoid unless you love pain.
[](https://www.tasteatlas.com/worst-rated-cows-milk-cheeses-in-the-world)[](https://x.com/stats_feed/status/1903079945162633574)Why These Are the Worst Cheeses
These worst cheeses tanked because of taste, texture, or just plain weirdness. I’ve tried some bad cheeses, and these take the cake for all the wrong reasons. Here’s the deal:
- Smell: Cup Cheese and Harzer reek like a locker room.
- Taste: Provel’s fake, Piacentinu’s off, Bleu du Vercors is meh.
- Texture: Casu Marzu’s maggots, Travia’s mush—gross.
- Processing: Cheez Whiz is barely cheese, more like science goo.
Want better options? Check our cheese guide.
What Makes These the Worst Cheeses in 2025
TasteAtlas’ March 2025 rankings used 50,003 ratings, with 32,292 legit, to call out the worst cheeses. Cheez Whiz (2.8/5) and Casu Marzu (2.7/5) lead the flops, per 11,123 fresh cheese ratings. X posts echo the hate—users call Provel “plastic” and Handkäse “foot cheese.” Global cheese sales hit $120 billion in 2025, but these duds drag the vibe down. From processed junk like Cheez Whiz to maggoty Casu Marzu, they’re culinary misfires. Curious about winners? See our best cheeses page.
[](https://www.tasteatlas.com/worst-rated-cheeses-in-the-world)[](https://www.tasteatlas.com/worst-rated-fresh-cheeses-in-the-world)[](https://x.com/stats_feed/status/1903079945162633574)Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why’s Cheez Whiz the worst?
2.8/5 rating—processed, fake taste, zero cheese cred.
Is Casu Marzu really that bad?
Live maggots, 2.7/5 rating—it’s a health risk, not a snack.
Why’s Provel on here?
2.9/5 rating—waxy, artificial, ruins St. Louis pizza.
Can Handkäse be good?
3.0/5 rating—stinks like feet, but some love it with beer.
Why’s Bleu du Vercors-Sassenage low?
3.0/5 rating—often bland or too sharp, misses blue cheese magic.
Wrapping It Up
The worst cheeses of 2025—Cheez Whiz, Cup Cheese, Casu Marzu, and more—are the ones to skip. From maggot-filled disasters to processed slop, they’re culinary fumbles. You don’t need to be a cheese snob to steer clear; these just don’t deliver. Save your taste buds and go for something legit like cheddar or Gouda. Check our gourmet food guide to avoid the worst cheeses and find real winners.
