Supermarket Halloumi Taste Test: The Best and Worst Cheeses Revealed
Halloumi, a beloved barbecue staple, is known for its firm, salty, and satisfyingly squeaky texture. But with numerous supermarket options available, which brands deliver on quality and which fall short? In a detailed taste test, we fried various halloumi cheeses in olive oil, evaluating factors like liquid release, caramelization, aroma, texture, and the all-important squeak. The results highlight that economical choices often rival more expensive ones, unless you prefer the complex flavor of sheep and goat's milk.
What Makes Authentic Halloumi?
Halloumi is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product, meaning it must be produced and packaged in Cyprus. Authentic halloumi contains at least 51% sheep and goat's milk, with cow's milk making up the remainder. The curd is cooked and folded, giving it a characteristic shape and texture. This process can cause the block to split during cooking, a sign of authenticity often mistaken for poor quality. No preservatives, colorings, or milk powder are allowed in true halloumi.
Top Picks from the Taste Test
Best Overall: Waitrose No 1 Halloumi with Mint
Priced at £3.28 for 250g (£1.32/100g), this large, hand-folded block is made with sheep and goat's milk. It fries without leaching, achieves an even golden-brown color, and offers a soft, silky texture with a mild squeak and satisfying flavor.
Best Bargain: Milbona Cypriot Halloumi
Available at Lidl for £1.99 for 225g (89p/100g), this cow, sheep, and goat's milk blend releases little water and caramelizes well. It provides a smooth, firm, silky, and squeaky grilled cheese with a mild yet complex flavor.
Other Notable Halloumi Brands
- Odysea Sheep & Goat's Milk Halloumi: £3.85 for 225g (£1.72/100g). Handmade, it fries beautifully without leaking, caramelizes quickly, and has a firm, silky texture with a very squeaky bite and a mild, sweet flavor.
- Dodoni Authentic Halloumi: £3.90 for 250g (£1.56/100g). Made with cow, sheep, and goat's milk, it has no leaching, quick caramelization, and a lower salt content for a subtle, sweet flavor. It's firm and very squeaky, earning a Great Taste one-star award.
- Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Cypriot Halloumi: £4 for 250g (£1.60/100g). This hand-folded block with dried mint caramelizes beautifully, offering a firm, squeaky texture and deep, savory flavor.
- M&S Traditional Cypriot Halloumi: £4.25 for 250g (£1.70/100g). Despite some leaching, it holds together well, caramelizes nicely, and has a fluffy texture with a strong squeak and full flavor.
Mid-Range and Budget Options
For those seeking value, several brands perform admirably. Sainsbury's Cypriot Halloumi (£1.99 for 225g) releases a lot of water but eventually caramelizes well, with a salty, sweet flavor and fluffy texture. Ocado Cypriot Halloumi (£2.20 for 250g) has no water leaching, leading to quick caramelization and a salty, funky flavor with a firm bite. Cypressa Cypriot Halloumi Cheese (£2.75 for 200g) offers a minty flavor and strong caramelization but lacks silkiness. Co-op Cypriot Halloumi (£2.40 for 200g) produces water but achieves a golden-brown hue, with a soft, fluffy texture and tangy flavor.
Key Takeaways from the Test
The taste test reveals that economical halloumi cheeses are often very good, while mid-range options can be indistinguishable from cheaper ones. Expensive halloumi, made exclusively with sheep and goat's milk, provides a more complex flavor. However, for most consumers, sticking to milder, budget-friendly choices is recommended unless you specifically desire that richer taste.
