Cancoillotte, a traditional French cheese dating back over 2,000 years, has become an online sensation, particularly among fitness enthusiasts who praise its high protein content and low fat. The cheese, pronounced can-quoi-yote, is often called 'the glue' due to its sauce-like consistency between a sauce and a fondue, with a silky texture ideal for spreading on bread, dipping vegetables, or eating straight from the pot.
What is Cancoillotte?
Originating from Franche-Comté in eastern France, cancoillotte is made from metton – skimmed cow's milk that is coagulated, heated, and pressed into a crumbly curd. The metton is left to mature and ferment for several days, developing a strong aroma before being heated with butter, water, and salt. According to Florent Gacon, co-founder of The French Comte in Borough Market, the flavour is 'savoury, tangy, and gently nutty with a distinctive fermented character that gives it a lot of depth.' Despite its pungent smell, the taste is described as 'delicate and comforting.'
Since 2022, cancoillotte has been recognised as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), ensuring that at least one production stage occurs in Franche-Comté or neighbouring departments (Ain, Saône-et-Loire, Côte d'Or, Haute-Marne, Vosges).
Why is it Having a Moment?
The cheese has gone viral on French TikTok, with gym-goers hailing it as a 'cheat code' for enjoying cheese while meeting fitness goals. It is one of the few natural cheeses with less than 10% fat and contains around 16g of protein per 100g. Influencer @johanpapz, who works out six times a week, posted a video amassing over 2.2 million views, pouring cancoillotte over potatoes and exclaiming, 'How is it scientifically possible that a melted cheese is so delicious and has almost no fat in it?' He then lifted his top to show his abs.
Another user, @nono_457, said in a video: 'Frenchied so hard I started eating cancoillotte like it was ice cream.' Many French foodies are discovering the cheese for the first time, calling it a 'number one favourite' and a product they 'can't live without.' Gacon attributes part of the appeal to its texture: 'When heated, it becomes irresistibly glossy and stretchy, which makes for great videos.' He also notes growing consumer interest in regional specialities and lesser-known cheeses.
Where to Buy Cancoillotte in the UK
According to The French Comte, the cheese remains 'relatively niche' in the UK, but curiosity is growing due to social media and travel. It is available at The French Comte's stall in Borough Market or online, with a 200g tub of natural cancoillotte priced at £7.50. Flavoured options include garlic, shallot, and vin jaune (yellow wine). For those outside London, specialist French delis like La Petite France in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, also stock it.
