I was in the grocery store the other day picking up some brie when I noticed a lower fat version next to it (Allegro). I’ve seen these lower fat cheeses at various grocery stores lately and have had the opportunity to sample their product. I have to admit – the cheese is pretty good. I haven’t however, tested it side by side against a full fat version.
Today’s taste test features a double cream, 28% milk fat brie cheese (Chevalier) and a lower fat 16% milk fat brie cheese (Allegro). I can’t wait to see how they compare. It’s actually hard to tell which one is which just by looking at them. Interestingly enough, they are both comparable in price at $3.69 and $3.65 per 100g. (the lower fat variety is slightly cheaper).
Wouldn’t it be nice to know that choosing the healthier option isn’t necessarily always more expensive?
My thoughts:
There has been a lot of skepticism around lower fat cheeses over the years. People have commented on them being bland and rubbery. I think that this lower fat cheese will fare pretty well, but I’m concerned that the texture might still be on the rubbery side.
Taste testers:
Please try each type of brie and comment on flavour and texture. Which one do you like more?
Would you switch to a lower fat version for health reasons?
The reveal:
Thank you everyone for posting your comments. Here are the results:
Cheese A: Allegro lower fat 16% milk fat brie
Cheese B: Chevalier Regular 28% milk fat brie
Well, this was definitely an interesting taste test. Most people noticed that the full fat version was creamier but indicated that they really wouldn’t have been able to tell the difference had they not been comparing them side by side. Most of the taste testers said that would choose either or (as there wasn’t a huge difference taste wise) or would actually switch to the lower fat Allegro cheese for health reasons.
The bottom line:
Based on the results of this taste test, I have to admit that lower fat cheeses have come a long way! Although the full fat cheese was slightly creamier in texture, the lower fat cheese was still more than acceptable. In fact, most people would not be able to tell the difference.
I actually preferred the lower fat version because of it had a milder flavour/taste than the full fat version (which I found to have a stronger and slightly sour taste to it). I would definitely recommend this product to individuals who love cheese but are watching their waist line. It tastes just as good as full fat cheese (I personally think it tastes even better) it’s better for you and it’s practically the same price.
This just goes to show, that choosing the healthier option doesn’t always necessarily mean that it’s going to be more expensive. How great is that?
A- Allegro
B – Chevalier
Both delivered a good flavour. Texture on both cheese a little firm. At a dinner party I would not be able to tell I was eating a lower fat brie.
Great test.
A: firmer, less creamy – low fat (not bad)
B: softer, more creamy, richer taste (full fat – mmm)
Side by side, you can see a difference in texture and easily pick out which is which. But if served alone, I don't think it would be as easy to pick out the low fat one, and given that it's cheaper AND easier on the waistline, I'd switch to the lower fat if I had to for health reasons.
Bewtween A and B I liked the B cheese better, it seemed creamier and more flavourful. I'm going to take a guess that it's the regular brie and A is the low fat version.
I thought that both cheeses were very good. They had a different texture.
Cheese B was smoother and softer than cheese A. I think that cheese A was low fat and cheese B was the regular one. I liked the taste of both so I would go with the low fat cheese since it's healthier and around the same price.
THanks! That taste test was definitely interesting!
Both were good however one was a bit more soft then the other. The color was slightly different too.
A – more white and hard
B – more beige and soft
I think A is the low-fat brie and B is the regular brie.
Both cheeses were really good .. I cannot pick one over the other!
A: Mild flavour, clean taste, smooth texture.
B: Texture is slightly more creamy, taste is more pronounced and complex. Not as mild as cheese A. Almost tastes sour.
I actually prefer the taste of mid cheese so would choose cheese A.