Camembert (Lidl “Classic”)

If you ask someone to name a soft French cheese, their mind may well jump to the two cornerstones of Brie and Camembert. Given its widespread appeal, its likely to be a candidate for any cheeseboard for the pending Christmas festivities. There are also a huge range of varieties available from delis and supermarkets alike. Whilst a trip to your local cheese shop is a very rewarding experience (which we highly recommend), sometimes you find yourself in the cheese aisle of a supermarket looking to bulk out your cheese board. With that in mind, we take a look at the entry-level offering from Lidl.

First thing to say is about the price. It is astonishingly good value at just 99p for a 250g wheel. You might be suspect that such a low price will yield a cut-rate cheese. This is often the case but I am pleased to report that this is not the case here! The cheese wheel is packed a nice little wooden case with a packaging that gives the appearance of an authentic little cheese (French flag included). The cheese has a nice rind and appealing smooth yellow appearance.

Camembert is a soft and creamy cheese and this offering certainly delivers on that. The cheese itself is very smooth and the harder texture of the rind is a lovely combination. The taste ticks the creamy box and delivers a surprising hit of flavour without any offensive aftertaste. OK, it’s not likely to have the character of a premium offering but at such a competitive price its hard to go wrong! The cheese delivers a good, honest tasting experience which should appeal to everyone at the Christmas family dinner table.

If you are looking to supplement your cheese board this Christmas, you would be hard pressed to find a better option at this price point. My family rated it 8,9,9 which is quite the endorsement for the plucky little underdog. For me, it does the job surprisingly well for the price and whilst it might not blow your mind, it will certainly not leave you feeling blue this Christmas!

RATING – 7.5

RECOMMENDATION – Not a bad cheese to eat alone but the soft creamy texture lends itself to a light biscuit. There is also a strong community that like to bake their Camembert – Lidl themselves have a more premium offering to cater for that!

Louis John Brzozka

Consummate copious consumer of cheese. Lover of a good strong cheddar!