The best specialty cheeses at Sainsbury’s offer bold, unique flavours and diverse textures that elevate any cheeseboard or recipe. From tangy blue cheeses to creamy French imports and British regional favourites, Sainsbury’s provides a curated collection perfect for cheese lovers seeking something beyond the ordinary.
What Makes Sainsbury’s Specialty Cheeses Stand Out
Sainsbury’s specialty cheese range is selected for its quality, heritage, and flavour variety. These cheeses are crafted with care, often from small producers or under protected designation of origin (PDO) standards.
Handpicked for Quality
The selection includes:
- British cheeses like Cornish Yarg, Shropshire Blue, and Red Leicester
- Continental classics such as Brie de Meaux, Roquefort, and Manchego
- Artisan cheeses from independent dairies
These cheeses are ideal for entertaining, gifting, or simply enjoying with crackers and wine.
Taste the Difference Range
Sainsbury’s premium “Taste the Difference” label includes many of their specialty cheeses, ensuring:
- Superior ingredient quality
- Longer maturation for deeper flavour
- Traditional production methods
Types of Specialty Cheese at Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s offers an impressive range that caters to both classic cheese lovers and adventurous palates.
Blue Cheeses
For those who enjoy bold, tangy cheeses with a crumbly texture.
- Shropshire Blue: Rich and slightly sharp, marbled with blue veins.
- Stilton PDO: A British classic with a deep, pungent aroma and crumbly bite.
Soft and Bloomy Rind Cheeses
These cheeses are soft, creamy, and ideal for spreading or melting.
- Brie de Meaux: French brie with a soft rind and earthy finish.
- Camembert: Great for baking, offering a gooey centre and strong flavour.
Aged and Hard Cheeses
Perfect for slicing, grating, or serving with fruit and nuts.
- Manchego: A Spanish sheep’s milk cheese with a firm, buttery texture.
- Vintage Red Leicester: Matured longer for an intense nutty profile.
Washed Rind and Unusual Cheeses
Explore bold aromas and rustic flavours.
- Epoisses: French washed-rind cheese with a strong scent and smooth interior.
- Garlic and Herb-infused soft cheeses: Flavoured but balanced, great with crusty bread.
Nutritional Overview of Specialty Cheeses
Specialty cheeses are rich in flavour but also dense in nutrients, making portion control important.
Typical Nutritional Values (Per 100g – varies by type)
- Calories: 300–400 kcal
- Fat: 25–35g
- Saturates: 15–20g
- Protein: 17–25g
- Salt: 1.5–2.5g
- Calcium: 500–700mg
Blue and hard cheeses tend to be higher in salt and fat. Softer cheeses like Brie may have slightly less protein but are richer in moisture.
Pairing Suggestions for Sainsbury’s Specialty Cheeses
Pairing cheese with the right accompaniments enhances the experience and balances the flavours.
What to Pair with Each Cheese Type
Consider these classic pairings:
- Blue cheeses: Honey, pears, and port wine
- Brie and Camembert: Fresh baguette, apples, and Chardonnay
- Manchego: Quince paste, almonds, and Rioja
- Red Leicester: Pickled onions and strong ale
Crackers and Breads
Choose textured or neutral-flavoured bases:
- Oatcakes and multiseed crackers for hard cheeses
- Soft baguettes or sourdough for creamy varieties
How to Store and Serve Specialty Cheeses
Proper storage preserves texture and flavour, while correct serving temperature ensures the cheese is at its best.
Storage Tips
- Wrap cheese in wax paper or cheese paper, not clingfilm.
- Store in the vegetable drawer of your fridge to maintain humidity.
- Use within 3–5 days of opening for optimal taste.
Serving Tips
- Let cheese sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes before serving.
- Use separate knives for each cheese to avoid flavour transfer.
- Serve on a wooden board with labels for presentation.
Where to Buy Sainsbury’s Specialty Cheeses
You’ll find specialty cheeses in the chilled cheese section at larger Sainsbury’s stores and online.
Formats and Pricing
- Wedges or rounds (100g–250g): £2.00–£5.00 depending on type
- Mini cheese boards or trio packs: Ideal for entertaining or gifting
- Seasonal options: Available during Christmas, Easter, or wine festivals
FAQs About Sainsbury’s Specialty Cheeses
Here are some questions and answers about Sainsbury’s Specialty Cheeses to help guide your choices.
Are specialty cheeses vegetarian?
Some are, but not all. Look for the vegetarian symbol or check the label. Traditional cheeses like Parmesan or Manchego often use animal rennet unless specified.
Can specialty cheese be frozen?
Freezing affects texture, especially for soft or blue cheeses. Hard cheeses can be frozen, grated, and used in cooking, but fresh use is recommended.
Are any specialty cheeses lactose-free?
Aged hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Manchego are naturally lower in lactose, but Sainsbury’s also stocks specific lactose-free options.
What’s the difference between Brie and Camembert?
Both are soft French cheeses with bloomy rinds, but Brie is typically milder and creamier, while Camembert has a stronger, more rustic flavour.
Do Sainsbury’s specialty cheeses include organic options?
Yes, Sainsbury’s occasionally offers organic cheese options, especially in their Taste the Difference or premium seasonal ranges.
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