Is Tesco's Austrian Smoked Cheese Suitable For Vegetarians?

Tesco offers a variety of smoked cheese products, including Austrian smoked cheese, Bavarian smoked cheese, and Beechwood smoked cheese. These cheeses vary in their ingredients and places of origin, and it is important to consider the dietary restrictions and preferences of consumers. With options sourced from Austria, Germany, and the UK, Tesco caters to those looking for diverse flavours and textures in their smoked cheese selections.

Tesco Austrian Smoked Cheese ingredients

Tesco Austrian Smoked Cheese is a processed cheese product with a smooth and creamy texture. It is made in Austria and is sold in 125g quantities. The ingredients list for Tesco Austrian Smoked Cheese is as follows:

• Cheese (Milk) (37%)
• Skimmed Milk Concentrate
• Smoked Cheddar Cheese (Milk) (23%)
• Smoked Butter (Milk) (9%)
• Emulsifying Salts (Polyphosphates, Triphosphates)
• Acidity Regulators (Citric Acid, Sodium Phosphates)

The product is suitable for vegetarians as it does not contain any meat products or derivatives. However, it is important to note that it contains milk, which may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies or intolerances.

The cheese is made using a combination of cheeses, including smoked cheddar, and smoked butter, which gives it a distinct flavour and aroma. The addition of skimmed milk concentrate adds to the creamy texture of the cheese. Emulsifying salts are added to improve the texture and stability of the product, while acidity regulators help to maintain the desired pH level and enhance the cheese's flavour.

Overall, Tesco Austrian Smoked Cheese offers a convenient and tasty option for those who enjoy smoked cheese. It can be enjoyed on its own, as part of a cheese board, or used in various recipes to add a smoky flavour.

Is Tesco Austrian Smoked Cheese suitable for vegans?

Tesco Austrian Smoked Cheese is not suitable for vegans. The product contains a variety of dairy products, including milk, butter, and cheese.

The ingredients list for Tesco Austrian Smoked Cheese includes cheese (milk), skimmed milk concentrate, smoked cheddar cheese (milk), smoked butter (milk), emulsifying salts (polyphosphates, triphosphates), and acidity regulators (citric acid, sodium phosphates). All of these ingredients are derived from animal sources and are therefore not suitable for a vegan diet.

Vegans avoid all forms of animal products, including meat, poultry, fish, dairy, and eggs. They also exclude products that use animal-derived ingredients or processing agents, such as certain types of gelatin, rennet, and dairy-based cultures.

While Tesco Austrian Smoked Cheese may be suitable for some vegetarians who consume dairy, it is not an option for those following a strict vegan lifestyle. Vegans need to be cautious about the presence of animal-derived ingredients in processed foods, as they can be less obvious or hidden within complex ingredient names.

When in doubt, it is always best to check the ingredients list and look for vegan certification logos on food products to ensure they align with a vegan diet and lifestyle.

How to store Tesco Austrian Smoked Cheese

Tesco Austrian Smoked Cheese should be stored correctly to maintain its freshness and flavour. Here is a detailed guide on how to store it:

Wrapping and Breathing:

After smoking the cheese, remove it from the grill and wrap it in untreated butcher paper or parchment paper. This initial wrapping allows the cheese to breathe properly. Place the wrapped cheese in the fridge for 24 to 48 hours. This breathing period is crucial, as it helps mellow the smoke flavour and prevents an overly harsh or acrid taste.

Vacuum Sealing:

After the breathing period, remove the cheese from the wrapping paper and vacuum seal it. Vacuum sealing is the recommended method for long-term storage. It prolongs the life of the cheese by removing excess air from the storage bag. If you don't have access to a vacuum sealer, you can use plastic freezer bags. Submerging the bag in water except for the top seal is a clever way to force out most of the air before sealing it tightly.

Labelling and Storing:

Always label your cheese with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored. Place the sealed bags in the fridge and wait for at least two weeks before consuming. This waiting period allows the smoke flavour to permeate throughout the cheese, resulting in a more balanced and enjoyable taste.

Freezing:

If you wish to store Tesco Austrian Smoked Cheese for an extended period, you can freeze it. Properly secure the cheese in vacuum bags or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn and reduce air exposure. Smoked cheese can be frozen for about six to eight weeks. When you're ready to use the cheese, let it defrost overnight or for at least two and a half hours to bring it back to room temperature.

Nutritional value of Tesco Austrian Smoked Cheese

Tesco Austrian Smoked Cheese is a processed cheese product made with smoked cheddar cheese and smoked butter, giving it a smooth and creamy texture. It is produced in Austria and sold in 125g quantities.

The nutritional value of this cheese per 100g serving is as follows:

• Energy: 1214kJ / 292kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0.5g
• Fat: 25g
• Protein: 17g

The product also contains emulsifying salts and acidity regulators as additives. The emulsifying salts used are polyphosphates and triphosphates, while the acidity regulators are citric acid and sodium phosphates.

This smoked cheese is a good source of protein and fat, which can be beneficial for those on a keto or low-carb diet. However, it is important to note that the product is relatively high in calories, with nearly 300 calories per 100g serving. Therefore, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Other vegetarian smoked cheeses at Tesco

Tesco offers a variety of vegetarian smoked cheeses, including:

Tesco Beechwood Smoked Cheese

This cheese is available in blocks of 150g or pre-sliced at 250g.

Ilchester Applewood Smoked Cheddar

This cheese is a smoked cheddar with a subtle, smoky flavour. It comes in 185g blocks.

Mexicana Original Hot Cheddar with Chilli

A spicy, smoky cheddar cheese with a kick of chilli. It comes in 200g blocks.

Bavarian Smoked Cheese

A super soft and creamy cheese from the Bavarian region of Germany. It is made with triple cream and a touch of paprika, giving it a beautiful colour and mild, buttery flavour.

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