Mozzarella di bufala Campana with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status is a premium cheese from the marshy volcanic regions of Campania in southern Italy. Buffaloes thrive in these wetlands and produce fatty, calcium-rich milk that gives the cheese its soft texture, porcelain-white color, and balanced lactic tang. The cheese is minimally processed using 100% buffalo milk and rennet from the same micro-region.
Manufacturing and Quality Factors
The process involves fusing curds with hot water to create a stretchy, elongated layered structure. Overheating, over-acidification, or age can cause graininess. Freshness is key; look for long shelf-life as an indicator.
Taste Test Results
Cheeses were scored on appearance, texture, flavour, freshness, and value. All have good provenance and high quality. Prices, textures, and flavours vary widely, from clean and milky to funky and hay-like.
Best Overall: Garofalo Mozzarella di Bufala DOP
£2.70 for 300g (125g drained) at Ocado. A perfectly formed, firm mozzarella with super-soft, creamy, stretchy curds and classic porcelain colour. Less funky, with a satisfying clean, mild hay-like flavour. 4/5 stars.
Best Bargain: Aldi Specially Selected Mozzarella di Bufala Campana PDO
£1.59 for 260g at Aldi. Made by Fattorie Garofalo, soft ball with loose texture, soft but chewy bite, clean lactic and musky water buffalo flavour. Incredible value. 4/5 stars.
Waitrose No 1 Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP
£3.10 for 290g (125g drained) at Waitrose. Made by La Contadina since 1950. Creamy rich centre, stretchy curds, noticeably sour, tangy, funky flavour. Best splurge. 4/5 stars.
Tesco Finest Mozzarella di Bufala Campana PDO
£2.50 for 200g (125g drained) at Tesco. Firm, strong-skinned ball, creamy texture, grainy curds, squeaky, classic sour lactic twang. 3/5 stars.
Morrisons the Best Mozzarella di Bufala Campana PDO
£2.50 for 235g (125g drained) at Morrisons. Plump firm cheese with tight skin, loose milky insides, clean deep rich lactic-sour flavour, clear brine. 3/5 stars.
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP
£2.50 for 290g (125g drained) at Sainsbury’s. Plump round ball with firm skin, slightly milky and waterlogged, short grainy curd, good umami and sour tang. 3/5 stars.
Marks & Spencer Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP
£3.10 for 235g (125g drained) at Ocado. Firm tight ball with thin skin, slightly grainy short texture, squeaky, clean lactic flavour with slight bitterness, clear sweet brine. Expect better quality for price. 2/5 stars.
Lidl Deluxe Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP
£1.59 for 210g at Lidl. Very soft ball with loose skin, slightly mushy, no stretchy curds, chewy bite with funky dairy flavour, milky sour lactic brine. 2/5 stars.
Galbani Mozzarella di Latte di Bufala
£2.75 for 235g (125g drained) at Ocado. Small firm ball from heritage producer since 1882. Mixed skin, inconsistent texture with elongated curds and grainy parts, milky brine, clean but sour flavour. Most expensive but inconsistent. 1/5 stars.
Conclusion
This test shows supermarkets at their best, efficiently importing fresh products with real heritage and quality. Garofalo offers the best overall experience, while Aldi provides incredible value. All cheeses are delicious, but quality varies with price and texture.
