Popular types of cheese that are typically consumed directly, along with their specialities:

Gouda: 

A semi-hard cheese with a slightly sweet and nutty taste. It is often eaten as a snack or used in sandwiches.

Havarti: 

A semi-soft cheese with a buttery, creamy texture and a mild flavor. It is often used in sandwiches or melted on top of dishes.

Cheddar: 

A hard cheese with a sharp, tangy flavor. It can be eaten as a snack or used in cooking, such as in macaroni and cheese.

Swiss: 

A firm cheese with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. It is often eaten in sandwiches or melted on top of dishes.

Brie: 

A soft, creamy cheese with a mild, buttery flavor. It is often eaten as a snack or served as an appetizer with crackers.

Camembert: 

A soft, creamy cheese with a slightly earthy flavor. It is often eaten as a snack or served as an appetizer with bread.

Blue cheese: 

A strong, pungent cheese with a distinctive blue mold. It is often crumbled over salads or served as a dip.

Roquefort: 

A blue cheese with a tangy, salty flavor. It is often used in dressings or crumbled over dishes.

Feta: 

A crumbly cheese with a tangy, salty flavor. It is often used in salads or served with olives and bread.

Mozzarella: 

A soft, mild cheese that is often used in pizzas and pasta dishes.

Provolone: 

A firm cheese with a mild, smoky flavor. It is often eaten as a snack or used in sandwiches.

Cottage cheese: 

A soft, fresh cheese with a mild, slightly tangy flavor. It is often eaten as a snack or used in salads.