Introduction to Mozzarella di Bufala Campana
Mozzarella di bufala Campana, a southern Italian cheese with Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) status, originates from the marshy, volcanic regions of Campania in southern Italy.
Buffaloes are well adapted to these wetlands, producing milk that is rich in fat, calcium, and protein. This milk imparts the mozzarella with its characteristic soft and creamy texture, porcelain-white color, and a well-balanced, clean, and flavorful lactic tang. The cheese is minimally processed, made exclusively with 100% buffalo milk and rennet that must be produced within the same micro-region to meet DOP requirements.
The production process involves fusing curds with hot water, which creates the stretchy, elongated, and layered curd structure that defines mozzarella. Excessive hot water, over-acidification, or aging can result in a grainy texture. Freshness is key, so selecting mozzarella with a longer shelf-life helps ensure optimal texture and quality.
These cheeses have been evaluated based on appearance, texture, flavor, freshness, and value. All possess good provenance and generally high quality. Despite variations in price, texture (ranging from grainy to stretchy with elongated curds), and flavor (from clean, lactic, and milky to funky, microbial with hay notes), each was highly enjoyable. This assessment highlights supermarkets' ability to efficiently import and supply fresh products with authentic heritage and quality.
The Best Supermarket Mozzarella di Bufala
Best Overall: Garofalo Mozzarella di Bufala DOP
A perfectly formed, firm mozzarella featuring super-soft, creamy, and stretchy curds with a classic porcelain color. It is less funky than many others but offers a very satisfying, clean, and mild hay-like flavor.
Best Bargain: Aldi Specially Selected Mozzarella di Bufala Campana PDO
This soft ball, produced by , has a loose texture, a soft yet chewy bite, and a clean, lactic, and pleasantly musky water buffalo dairy flavor. It represents exceptional value.
Other Supermarket Mozzarella di Bufala Campana
Waitrose No 1 Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP
Manufactured by La Contadina, a dairy in operation since 1950, this mozzarella has a creamy and rich center with stretchy curds and a distinctly sour, tangy, and funky flavor. It is considered the best splurge option.
Tesco Finest Mozzarella di Bufala Campana PDO
A firm ball with a strong skin and soft cheese inside, featuring a creamy texture and grainy curds. It has a squeaky mouthfeel and a classic sour lactic tang.
Morrisons The Best Mozzarella di Bufala Campana PDO
This plump, firm cheese has a tight skin and loose, milky interior. It offers a clean but deep and rich lactic-sour flavor accompanied by a clear and flavorful brine.
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP
A plump, round ball with a firm skin. The interior is slightly milky and waterlogged, with a short, grainy curd structure but a strong umami flavor and sour tang.
Marks & Spencer Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP
A firm, tight ball with a thin skin and a slightly grainy, short texture. It has a squeaky mouthfeel, a clean lactic flavor with a subtle bitterness, and a clear, sweet brine. However, the quality is expected to be higher at this price point.
Lidl Deluxe Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP
A very soft ball with loose skin and a slightly mushy texture lacking stretchy curds. It has a chewy bite with a deliciously funky dairy flavor and a very milky, sour lactic brine.
Galbani Mozzarella di Latte di Bufala
A small, firm ball produced by a heritage manufacturer since 1882. The skin varies from firm to soft, as does the texture, with elongated curds and softer, grainy sections. It has a milky brine and a clean but characteristically sour flavor. Despite being the most expensive cheese in the test, its quality is inconsistent.
For further details, see the full tasting and rating.
