Have you heard of Black Cheese?
Black Cheese UK I hadn’t either until I was doom-scrolling through TikTok one night and saw someone bite into what looked like a lump of coal—but then they called it “cheese.” Naturally, I paused, rewound, and fell down a rabbit hole that ended with me ordering black cheese from a UK-based online store at 1:14 a.m. (Regrets? None. Sleep? Also none.)Black Cheese UK
This quirky new food trend has been creeping its way into Instagram feeds, YouTube foodie channels, and even posh charcuterie boards. Whether you’re a cheese lover, a curious food explorer, or just someone who wants to be able to say “I tried that before it went mainstream,” this article is your ticket into the wonderful, weird world of Black Cheese UK.
Let’s dive deep into what it is, why people are obsessed with it, where to buy it, and how to actually enjoy it.Black Cheese UK
What Is Black Cheese? (Yes, It’s a Real Thing)
So, here’s the deal. Black cheese isn’t some haunted Halloween food hack—it’s a legit, edible, tasty cheese infused with activated charcoal or black garlic to give it that jet-black appearance.Black Cheese UK
There are usually two main types:
- Charcoal cheese: Made by adding edible activated charcoal. Think of it like normal cheese but goth.
- Black garlic cheese: Black in color because of fermented garlic, which gives it a rich umami flavor that’s honestly hard to describe (but I’ll try later).Black Cheese UK
Both types have gained cult-like followings for different reasons, bBlack Cheese UKut they share one thing: they look absolutely wild and taste surprisingly good.
How Did Black Cheese Become a Thing in the UK?
While activated charcoal in food isn’t exactly new (hello black ice cream and charcoal lattes), cheese was a bit late to the party. But once it arrived—it arrived in style.Black Cheese UK
Black cheese in the UK gained traction thanks to:
- Social media food influencers trying it on camera for shock value.
- Charcuterie and grazing boards needing something a little more edgy than cheddar.
- Specialty cheese makers like The Cheese Geek and The Chuckling Cheese Company going all-in on novelty cheeses.
- And let’s be honest, we Brits love a good cheese with a side of drama.
I personally blame TikTok. One video with a dramatic cheese board and a moody lo-fi soundtrack, and suddenly I’m hunting down jet-black cheese wheels like they’re collector’s items.Black Cheese UK
What Does Black Cheese Taste Like? (My Honest Take)
Let’s cut to the chase: looks aside, is it actually good?
Short answer: YES. But also… it depends which one you get.
Charcoal Cheese:
The activated charcoal version tends to taste like your standard cheddar but with a slightly smoky aftertaste. It’s not overpowering—just unique. Some say it’s milder than regular cheese, while others feel it’s just as tangy, with a touch of mystery. I like it best sliced thin on crackers with a fig chutney or even in a grilled cheese sandwich.Black Cheese UK
Yes, I made a black grilled cheese. Yes, my kitchen looked like a goth snack bar. Yes, I’m proud.
Black Garlic Cheese:
Now this one? Chef’s kiss. The black garlic adds a deep, sweet-savory flavor. Imagine roasted garlic meets molasses meets funky French cheese. It’s a little weird, a little wonderful, and absolutely a conversation starter.Black Cheese UK
One friend said it tasted “like what vampires would eat at a dinner party,” which honestly feels accurate.
Is It Healthy or Just a Gimmick?
The charcoal in black cheese is usually made from coconut shells and is food-grade safe (don’t go eating BBQ charcoal from your grill, obviously). It’s been used in health products for ages—some people swear by it for detoxing or stomach issues, though science is still meh on the proof.
That said, don’t expect it to be a miracle food. It’s still cheese, people. Delicious? Yes. A superfood? Not really. But hey, we’re here for flavor and aesthetics, right?
Pro tip: If you’re on medication, activated charcoal can interfere with absorption, so eat in moderation or check with your doctor if you’re unsure. Black cheese is edgy enough without giving you health drama.
Where to Buy Black Cheese in the UK
Okay, if you’re ready to try this spooky snack, here are some UK spots where you can find black cheese:
The Chuckling Cheese Company
This brand has become synonymous with quirky cheese creations in the UK. Their black cheese (made with activated charcoal) is a bestseller. You can buy it online or in select food markets.
Website: chucklingcheese.co.uk
The Cheese Geek
High-end cheese deliveries for proper cheese nerds. They’ve featured black garlic cheeses and funky variants in limited edition boxes.
Website: thecheesegeek.com
Morrisons / Tesco (sometimes seasonal)
Believe it or not, UK supermarkets occasionally get into the black cheese trend—especially around Halloween or for limited-time “foodie” ranges. Check the deli counter or the cheese aisle, and cross your fingers.
Amazon UK / Etsy UK
Yeah, even the internet cheese gods have jumped on board. Amazon stocks black cheese from time to time (especially the charcoal version). And Etsy? Full of small-batch cheese makers who love to experiment with color and flavor.
How to Serve Black Cheese Like a Pro
If you’re planning to wow your mates (or Instagram followers) with a black cheese setup, here’s how to make it pop.
Go full contrast
Pair black cheese with bright elements: red grapes, strawberries, green olives, white crackers, honeycomb. It makes the cheese stand out and looks aesthetically chef-approved.
Add weird pairings
You already have a weird cheese—embrace it. Try it with:
- Caramelized onion chutney
- Roasted nuts
- Smoked meats
- A glass of Rioja or even a dark stout beer
Don’t just slice it—style it
Cut it into cubes, fan out the wedges, or carve spooky shapes for a Halloween vibe. Trust me, it’s a vibe.
When to Serve Black Cheese (And Flex Just a Little)
Black cheese isn’t just a novelty—it actually fits in at a lot of food occasions:
- Halloween parties – Duh. Put it next to plastic spiders and gummy worms.
- Picnics – Instant conversation starter.
- Cheese & wine nights – Show off your weird taste and make people jealous.
- Gift baskets – For that friend who already has everything. Bet they don’t have BLACK CHEESE.
My First Time Tasting Black Cheese (Storytime)
Let me set the scene. Friday night. I’m in pajamas. I’ve just gotten a package in the mail labeled “Perishable—Cheese Inside.” I ripped it open like a kid at Christmas and found a gorgeous wax-coated wheel of black cheddar.
I sliced a piece with my “cheese knife” (aka a normal butter knife), took a bite, and… okay, the taste was nice. But the real magic? Watching my partner walk into the room, do a double take, and go:
“Are you eating… charcoal??”
Mission accomplished.
Now it’s a staple on our snack nights. We’ve converted three friends, and I fully intend to make it the centerpiece of our next family board game night.
FAQs About Black Cheese (Because Everyone Asks)
Is black cheese safe to eat?
Yes! As long as it’s food-grade charcoal or properly aged black garlic, it’s 100% safe (unless you’re on meds—then consult your doc).
What does it smell like?
Honestly? Like regular cheese, unless it’s the black garlic version, which smells a bit savory and sweet, like roasted garlic on steroids.
Can you cook with it?
Absolutely. Grilled cheese sandwiches, mac and cheese (yes, black mac and cheese exists), cheese-stuffed burgers—it’s all fair game.
Is it vegan?
Most black cheese is not vegan, but there are plant-based versions made with coconut milk and charcoal. They’re harder to find but slowly popping up in niche stores and online.
Final Thoughts: Is Black Cheese in the UK Worth Trying?
Listen, if you’re the kind of person who likes to try new foods, wants to spice up your cheeseboard, or just loves weird-but-wonderful culinary trends—black cheese is absolutely worth it.
It’s not just about being trendy. It’s about adding a little fun (and a little goth energy) to your food life. You might not love it forever, but I promise you’ll remember that first bite.
And hey, at the very least, it’s great for the ’gram. #CheeseGoals
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