Paired wild-type cultures consisting of a Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei (three strains) or Pediococcus pentosaceus (one strain) and a Pediococcus inopinatus (five strains) were used as adjunct cultures in the production of Iranian white brined cheese. After 8weeks of ripening, adjunct-treated cheeses produced by L. paracasei subsp. paracasei and P. inopinatus received significantly higher scores for flavour/taste, aroma, texture and overall preference than those produced by P. pentosaceus and P. inopinatus as well as the control cheese (P<0.05). In conclusion, a greater improvement of sensory quality of cheeses was strongly associated with the presence of L. paracasei subsp. paracasei rather than pediococci. © 2011 Society of Dairy Technology.