Imagine sinking your teeth into a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth brie, paired with a crusty baguette—a simple yet divine pleasure that can transport you from a park bench to a mountain peak. But not all bries are created equal, and finding the perfect one can be a deliciously daunting task. Today, we’re diving into the world of supermarket brie, tasting, rating, and uncovering the best (and maybe a few that miss the mark). And this is the part most people miss: the subtle nuances that make one brie stand out from the rest. Let’s get started!
Brie, a soft, white, mold-ripened cheese made from cow’s milk, is a classic French delight. Its signature texture comes from the gentle process of warming milk, separating it into curds with rennet, and inoculating it with Penicillium candidum—the magic behind its distinctive flavor and white mold rind. After being transferred to molds, salted, and aged for at least a month, it transforms into the creamy masterpiece we know and love. Originally from the Brie region in northern France, this cheese has become a global favorite.
For this tasting, I allowed each cheese to rest at room temperature for at least an hour. Why? Here’s where it gets controversial: refrigeration and packaging can intensify the ammonia-like aromas from the ripening process. Giving the cheese time to breathe softens these notes, revealing its true character. It’s a step many skip, but it makes all the difference.
My dream? To judge the World Cheese Awards one day. Until then, this tasting is my cheese-lover’s paradise.
The Best Supermarket Brie
Best Overall:
M&S French Mature Ripening Brie
£3.50 for 200g at Ocado (£1.75/100g)
★★★★☆
This well-aged beauty comes in a wooden carton, cradling its gooey interior. With a brown-and-white rind, it exudes a sweet, funky aroma. The aerated center melts into an oozy blob, delivering floral sweetness with a tangy twist. Absolutely divine.
Castello Extra Creamy Brie
£2.62 for 200g at Asda (£1.31/100g)
£2.80 for 200g at Sainsbury’s (£1.40/100g)
★★★★☆
A small, round cheese with a firm rind, this brie offers a sweet, yeasty aroma and mild, honey-kissed flavor. Creamy and buttery, it’s a brilliant value for those who prefer a milder, less pungent experience.
And the Rest…
Baron Bigod
£10.50 for 250g at Ocado (£4.20/100g)
£13.40 for 250g at the Fine Cheese Co (£5.36/100g)
★★★★★
This is no ordinary brie. Made with raw milk from free-ranging Montbéliarde cows, it’s oozy, complex, and mature. The pungent, earthy rind contrasts with a sweet, golden interior. A splurge worth every penny.
Waitrose British Somerset Brie
£3.40 for 230g at Waitrose (£1.48/100g)
★★★★☆
Pungent yet sweet, this young brie offers a gooey edge and a firmer center—a delightful texture contrast. Creamy, rich, and incredibly affordable.
Brie de Rouzaire
£3 for 165g at Morrisons (£1.82/100g)
£3.75 for 165g at Sainsbury’s (£2.27/100g)
★★★★☆
Imagine finding this oozy wedge at a French market. Its mature rind boasts complex, earthy notes of farmyard, autumn leaves, and honey. A cheese lover’s dream.
Cornish Cheese Co Cornish Brie
£4.50 for 200g at Morrisons (£2.25/100g)
£4.95 for 200g at Ocado (£2.48/100g)
★★★★☆
Fresh and mild, this small round brie has a snow-white rind and a subtle mushroom finish. Firm yet creamy, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Tesco British Brie
£2.30 for 160g at Tesco (£1.44/100g)
★★★☆☆
A mild wedge with a thick, blooming rind, this brie offers a consistent creamy texture and a classic sweet flavor. Great value.
Président French Brie
£2.95 for 200g at Tesco (£1.48/100g)
£2.95 for 200g at Sainsbury’s (£1.48/100g)
★★★☆☆
With a farmyard aroma and notes of honey, this creamy brie has a rich, buttery texture. A solid choice at a good price.
Co-op Somerset Brie
£2.60 for 160g at Co-op (£1.63/100g)
★★★☆☆
Mild and comforting, this classic brie has a gooey texture and a sweet, nutty flavor. Reliable and well-made.
Milbona French Brie
£1.65 for 200g at Lidl (83p/100g), in store only
★★☆☆☆
A simple, young brie with a pungent rind that softens after airing. Sweet and creamy, it’s great value for everyday enjoyment.
Thought-Provoking Question: Is a milder brie truly inferior, or does it simply cater to a different palate? Share your thoughts in the comments!
For more cheesy delights, check out the best supermarket crackers for cheese and the top vegan cheese options. Happy snacking!
