Normally, I scoff at brand label buyers who shun generics. Why buy Advil when Duane Reade ibuprofen does the same thing for less? But I just discovered that not all processed cheese is created equal (ok, I already knew that Kraft singles melt while weird 99-cent brands like Tropical don't).
While perusing the refrigerated deli section at a NJ Shop Rite, I went to grab my occasional guilty treat Land O'Lakes white American cheese then noticed a twin product mixed right into the pile: Black Bear, a brand I'd never heard of and can find no evidence of on the internet, for $2 less per pound. Sure, I'd try it.
I anticipated my first creamy bite, but no, it wasn't right. The deceptively albino slice just tasted like a normal shiny orange square that comes individually wrapped in plastic. It was lacking chewiness and real cheese flavor that might be attributable to milk though I can't say for sure. I'm certain this knock off would taste fine in a grilled cheese sandwich but I just like tearing off bits of cheese to snack on straight from the fridge and Black Bear lacks purity. No more cutting corners with cheese products again.
I just moved to Austin and have been really disappointed with the cheese products at my local store. Seriously, Boar's Head is not that great, Texas. I wouldn't mind going to a different store for cheese, but everything here is so far away from everything else, a lot like Alaska but hotter. Grumble grumble. I'll keep my eyes peeled for Land O' Lakes, it's my favorite butter but I've never tried the cheese.
Posted by: ckc | January 23, 2009 at 11:34 PM
ckc: Well, don't get your hopes up about Land O'Lakes having "good" cheese. I just happen to have a weird fetish for their American cheese.
One of these days I'll make it to Texas. I can't believe I've never been to the Lone Star state yet.
Posted by: Krista | January 24, 2009 at 07:33 AM