Essential Waitrose Fat Free Quark Soft Cheese Review

Reviewed by Emma Rogers

That 1980s diet favourite, the fat free soft cheese is now back and in Waitrose supermarkets.

The protein-rich, fat free ingredient has seen sales increase 109% due to its popularity with the gym-generation. The cheese is made with 100% British milk but traditionally eaten in Germany, Eastern European and Scandinavian dishes. I tried the soft, unsalted cheese with crackers and was surprised by the taste.

The cheese is very creamy but not as watery as some soft cheeses. It’s not as smooth as competitor’s cheeses either which is probably to do with how it’s made. I put the quark cheese onto crackers and added three different toppings. Here I tried it with ham, peppers and physalis. The cheese doesn’t have a very strong taste, it’s more neutral so it goes well with different flavours and textures. I particularly liked the sharpness of the physalis with the fresh taste, but it was also a good texture blend to have the prosciutto ham with the cheese on a cracker. I tried the quark with pepper but it definitely needed some kind of dressing or topping with the vegetables because the taste was too similar!

Waitrose’s quark soft cheese has only 73 calories per 100g, which is approximately 44 calories per serving and has a 73% content of protein. Its versatility means it can be used in many ways; think cheesecake, desserts, with mashed potato or as a replacement for yoghurt or cream.

It’s on offer at the moment with 250g only 70p instead of 90p and 500g now £1.25 instead of £1.60, and with no added calories!

Rating: 4/5

RRP: 90p (250g) / £1.60 (500g)

Available to buy from Waitrose in-store or online here.