Italian Chef Blind Parmigiano Reggiano and Parmesan Taste Test
In this Blind Parmigiano Reggiano and Parmesan Taste Test, I sampled six different cheeses to give you an unbiased verdict on which one delivers the best flavour for your money.
Prepare for a showdown of colour, taste, and price that you won’t want to miss, featuring cheese products that are all readily available in the supermarket.
Parmigiano Reggiano is exclusively produced in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. It is so revered that experts meticulously check each wheel, justifying its higher price point. Its cousin, Grana Padano, which producers make across five different Italian regions, and Australian Parmesan, a more readily available and often more wallet-friendly option, join this taste test.
Even though I couldn’t see what variety I was tasting, I considered the unique characteristics of each cheese, from their age and origins to their cheesemaking processes, and see if their prices really hold up.
If you’re curious to see the taste test in action, check out the video on my YouTube channel. However, if you’d rather read about my cheesy adventures, continue scrolling as I share my detailed analysis and help guide your next cheese purchase.
Watch Italian Chef Blind Parmigiano Reggiano and Parmesan Taste Test
Meet the Contenders in Our Blind Parmesan Taste Test
Perfect Italiano
Firstly, consider Perfect Italiano. Originating from Australia, this Parmesan is crafted from unpasteurised milk. The exact aging period isn’t specified, leaving us guessing about the taste.
It’s alright but kind of chewy, missing that special Parmigiano kick, and ends up tasting more like your regular cheese.
My rating: 4.5/10
Zanetti 16-Month Grana Padano
Next in line, Grana Padano, aged for 16 months, really shows off with a stronger flavor and that grainy feel you want in a good Italian cheese.
It packs a salty punch that gets better with age. My rating: 8/10
Woolworths 6-Month Parmesan
Another Australian contender in our Blind Parmesan Taste Test, this Parmesan matured for just six months but surprisingly looking more mature than you’d expect for the price.
It’s chewy and lacks a bit of depth, but still, it’s decent enough for an everyday cheese. My rating: 6/10
Thomas Dux 12-Month Parmigiano Reggiano
Straight from Italy, this one-year-old Parmigiano Reggiano brings some serious flavour, though it’s a bit on the lighter side.
It’s saltier and creamier than the others, but doesn’t quite hit the full depth of flavour you expect from an older Parmigiano. My rating 6/10
40-Month Parmigiano Reggiano
The grand old master of the group, this 40-month-aged Parmigiano Reggiano boasts intense flavours and numerous ageing spots, signifying its superior maturity and richness.
Each bite is like a flavour explosion, definitely a premium choice. My rating 9.5/10
Zanetti 30-Month Parmigiano Reggiano
Aged for 30 months and the last in our list, this cheese from Zanetti displays distinct aging spots, hinting at its rich history.
Creamy and flavourful, it offers more moisture than the previous cheese but is beautifully balanced and nearly as delightful. My rating 9/10
Blind Parmesan Taste Test: Do the Scores Hold Up?
In the last place, Perfect Italiano turned out to be the least impressive, scoring a mere 4.5/10. To be completely honest, it was almost cheddar-like in its texture and appearance which is not what you’d expect from a Parmesan or Parmigiano.
Woolworths 6-Month Parmesan, the budget-friendly surprise, pleasantly matched the 12-Month Thomas Dux Parmigiano Reggiano with a score of 6/10. While the Woolworths variety was surprisingly enjoyable, I wouldn’t crown it pasta-worthy just yet.
Zanetti 16-Month Grana Padano held its ground with a solid 8/10. I’m satisfied with this score—it highlights the benefits of extra aging and makes a great option. Still not a traditional Parmigiano, but delicious in its own right.
The 30-Month Zanetti Parmigiano Reggiano proved itself with a high score of 9/10. All things considered, there’s a significant jump in quality here, and it’s just a step behind the true star of our show.
The Conclusion:
The clear winner, 40-Month Parmigiano Reggiano, blew us away with a near-perfect 9.5/10. Priced at $21 AUD for a 200g block, it was the priciest but also the most delectable—a true testament to the saying “you get what you pay for.”
The most surprising entry was undoubtedly the Woolworths cheese. Priced lowest yet outscoring the Perfect Italiano and tying with a 12-month aged option.
Moreover, I’m thrilled with these results! What do you think—will you stick with your usual Parmesan picks, or does this revealing taste test tempt you to splurge on the real deal?
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