I tried cheesecakes from Costco, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Walmart. There's just one I'd buy again.

I sampled New York-style cheesecakes from four different grocery stores to determine which one was the best. I began by trying a Trader Joe's option, which came frozen and lacked the tangy flavor characteristic of a classic cheesecake. It was also the cheapest option, but I wouldn't purchase it again due to its lackluster taste and insufficient filling.

Next, I examined a Whole Foods cheesecake, which had flecks of vanilla bean and a berry and cream topping. The crust was thin, but the cake itself looked delicious, but upon tasting, it was overly sweet and lacked the tangy creaminess I expect from a New York-style cheesecake. This option was also the most expensive per ounce, so I was disappointed with the overall flavor.

Moving on to Walmart, I expected a better experience given my general satisfaction with the company's products. The presliced 40-ounce New York-style cheesecake was decent for the price, with a heavier filling and a promising flavor, but the crust was thin, floury, and left grease at the bottom of the pan. Lastly, I tried Costco's cheesecake.

Coming with a generous 72-ounce portion at a very reasonable price, this option proved to be the best overall. The dense, creamy, and tangy filling was authentic and well-balanced, while the crust delivered a classic, buttery graham-cracker flavor. Although the sugary frosting detracted from the overall experience, this Costco cheesecake was my favorite choice, offering excellent value for money.