Halloumi showdown: the best supermarket blocks revealed
The quest for the perfect squeaky halloumi continues. After countless summer barbecues and a frankly embarrassing 300kg of the stuff devoured at my festival cafe, I’ve tackled a blind taste test of supermarket varieties. Forget milky messes – we’re hunting for golden perfection.
The verdict: a slice of cypriot glory
It’s simpler than you think: a good halloumi needs minimal fuss – a quick fry and you’re done. But not all blocks are created equal. The key lies in the curd’s Cooking process, that crucial fold that delivers that signature squeak and resistance. A split block? That’s authenticity, not a flaw. I’ve dissected each cheese, noting liquid release, caramelisation, aroma, texture, and, of course, the glorious squeak – a crucial metric, I assure you.
The economics are interesting. The truly economical options offer remarkable value, while the mid-range are largely indistinguishable. But the truly premium blocks, utilizing only sheep and goat’s milk, deliver a significantly more complex flavour profile. Don't overpay for the novelty; a milder, more affordable choice is almost always the superior decision.
Top picks – ranked
Waitrose No. 1 Halloumi with Mint (£3.28): A standout. A generous block, hand-folded and brimming with sheep and goat’s milk. No leaching, a beautifully even colour, and a silky texture that squeaks with satisfying confidence. ★★★★☆
Milbona Cypriot Halloumi (£1.99): A bargain basement champion. Made with a blend of cow, sheep, and goat's milk, this delivers a surprisingly robust flavour and minimal water loss. ★★★☆☆
Odysea Sheep & Goat’s Milk Halloumi (£3.85): A firm favourite, frying beautifully without leaking and caramelising quickly. That silky texture and pronounced squeak are undeniably appealing. ★★★★☆
Dodoni Authentic Halloumi (£3.90): While slightly saltier than some, this offers a nuanced flavour profile and a genuinely satisfying bite. ★★★☆☆
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Cypriot Halloumi (£4.00): A decent option, though the mint topping feels a tad gimmicky. ★★★☆☆
M&S Traditional Cypriot Halloumi (£4.25): Some leaching is noticeable, but the flavour remains robust. ★★★☆☆
Sainsbury’s Cypriot Halloumi (£1.99): Don’t be fooled by the knobbly exterior; this delivers a surprisingly pleasant squeak and a gentle, tangy flavour. ★★☆☆☆
Ocado Cypriot Halloumi (£2.20): A classic, with a salty, rounded flavour and a firm bite. ★★★☆☆
Cypressa Cypriot Halloumi Cheese (£2.75): A minty addition that, while pleasant, doesn't quite elevate the experience. ★★★☆☆
Co-op Cypriot Halloumi (£2.40): A softer, fluffier texture with a noticeable goat flavour. A value option, but lacking in the silkiness of the top-tier cheeses. ★★☆☆☆
Ultimately, stick to the well-established, economical choices. Unless you’re actively pursuing that intensely complex sheep and goat’s milk flavour, you’ll find more satisfaction – and a significantly lighter wallet – with a simpler halloumi.