The Guardian's team of cheese experts blind-tasted 10 supermarket mozzarella di bufala Campana cheeses to find the best and worst. The results were surprising, with a clear winner and a cheese that was deemed inedible.
Testing Methodology
The tasting was conducted blind, with each cheese rated on appearance, texture, flavor, and overall quality. The cheeses were sourced from major supermarkets including Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, and IGA. The panel included a cheesemonger, a chef, and a food critic.
The Winner: Galbani Mozzarella di Bufala Campana
Galbani's offering scored highest across all categories. The panel praised its creamy texture, milky flavor, and authentic buffalo milk taste. It was described as 'the closest to artisanal quality' among the supermarket options.
The Worst: Coles Mozzarella di Bufala Campana
Coles' brand was unanimously voted the worst. The cheese was described as 'rubbery', 'sour', and 'lacking any buffalo character'. One panelist said it 'tasted like processed cheese' and was 'not worth the price'.
Other Notable Cheeses
Woolworths' own brand came in second place, praised for its balance of salt and creaminess. Aldi's mozzarella ranked third, offering good value for money. IGA's cheese was criticized for being too watery and bland.
Price vs Quality
The winning cheese, Galbani, was also one of the most expensive at $8.99 per 125g ball. The cheapest, Aldi at $4.99, performed well but lacked the depth of flavor of the top contenders. The panel noted that price did not always correlate with quality, as the most expensive cheese (a specialty import at $12.99) ranked only fifth.
Expert Tips for Buying Mozzarella di Bufala Campana
Cheesemonger Emma Young advised: 'Always check the label for the DOP seal, which guarantees the cheese is made from 100% buffalo milk and produced in specific regions of Italy. Also, look for a sell-by date at least a week away, as freshness is key.'
Conclusion
For the best supermarket mozzarella di bufala Campana, Galbani is the clear winner. Avoid Coles' own brand unless you have no other option. The taste test proves that you don't need to spend a fortune for quality, but you should be prepared to pay a premium for the authentic experience.
