Supermarket Halloumi Taste Test: The Best and Worst Revealed
Halloumi, a barbecue favourite, is celebrated for its firm, salty, and satisfyingly squeaky texture when fried until golden brown. But with numerous supermarket options available, which brands deliver an authentic experience and which fall short into a milky mess? This review delves into a taste test of various halloumi products, evaluating them based on liquid release, caramelisation, aroma, texture, and the crucial squeak factor.
The Halloumi Basics: What Makes It Authentic
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 permitted for the remainder. The curd is cooked and folded, giving halloumi its characteristic shape and texture. Interestingly, block splitting during cooking is a sign of authenticity, often mistaken for poor quality. No preservatives, colourings, or milk powder are allowed in true halloumi.
Testing Methodology and Key Findings
Each halloumi was fried in olive oil, with notes taken on liquid release, caramelisation, aroma, texture, and squeak. The results show that economical cheeses perform exceptionally well, often rivalling mid-range options. Meanwhile, premium halloumi made solely with sheep and goat’s milk offers a more complex flavour profile. The main takeaway: unless you specifically desire that richer taste, sticking to milder, budget-friendly choices is advisable.
Top Picks: Best Overall and Best Bargain
Best Overall: Waitrose No 1 Halloumi with Mint – Priced at £3.28 for 250g (£1.32/100g), this large, hand-folded block uses sheep and goat’s milk. It features no leaching, an even golden-brown colour, a soft, silky texture, a mild squeak, and a satisfying flavour, earning it four stars.
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, caramelises well, and offers a smooth, firm, silky, and squeaky texture with a mild yet complex flavour, scoring three stars.
Other Notable Halloumi Ratings
- Odysea Sheep & Goat’s Milk Halloumi – £3.85 for 225g (£1.72/100g): Handmade, fries without leaking, caramelises quickly, firm and silky, very squeaky with a mild, sweet flavour and lactic tang. Four stars.
- Dodoni Authentic Halloumi – £3.90 for 250g (£1.56/100g): Made with cow, sheep, and goat’s milk, no leaching, quick caramelisation, lower salt content, firm and very squeaky, with a subtle, sweet flavour. Three stars.
- Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Cypriot Halloumi – £4 for 250g (£1.60/100g): Sheep and goat’s milk with dried mint, caramelises beautifully, firm and squeaky texture, deep savoury flavour. Three stars.
- M&S Traditional Cypriot Halloumi – £4.25 for 250g (£1.70/100g): Sheep and goat’s milk, some leaching but holds together, full flavour, fluffy texture, strong squeak. Three stars.
- Sainsbury’s Cypriot Halloumi – £1.99 for 225g (89p/100g): Cow, sheep, and goat’s milk, releases water but caramelises well, salty with sweet, complex flavour, fluffy texture. Two stars.
- Ocado Cypriot Halloumi – £2.20 for 250g (88p/100g): Cow, sheep, and goat’s milk, no water leaching, quick caramelisation, salty but rounded flavour, firm bite. Two stars.
- Cypressa Cypriot Halloumi Cheese – £2.75 for 200g (£1.38/100g): Cow, sheep, and goat’s milk with minty flavour, little leaching, strong caramelisation, salty, firm and squeaky but less silky. Two stars.
- Co-op Cypriot Halloumi – £2.40 for 200g (£1.20/100g): Three-milk blend with dried mint, produces water but golden-brown hue, soft, fluffy texture, nice squeak, tangy goat flavour. Two stars.
For more insights, explore related reviews on supermarket feta and natural yoghurts to enhance your culinary knowledge.
