This delicious cheese is a great alternative to Parmigiano Reggiano with a very similar look, texture and mouthfeel, but without the salty tartness of Parmesan. It actually has significantly less sodium (161mg per oz. compared to 454mg per oz. in Parmesan), so is great for those watching their salt intake, or looking for an alternative that won't compete with the flavor of a pasta sauce for Italian night! There is also less cholesterol (14mg compared to 19mg) so it's more heart-healthy, and with more calcium than Parmesan (388mg compared to 336mg) and with significantly more than double the calcium in American cheese (162mg), we think this is a great choice, not just for its smooth, flavorful taste. The only drawback is it's a little on the pricey side, retailing at $14.99 per pound. It is a luxury, but a healthy one nonetheless, and a little goes a long way.

Taste: 30
Value: 15
Health: 14
Ingredients: 15
Preparation: 10
Appearance: 5
Packaging: 5
Total: 94

Consorzio per la Tutela del Formaggio Grana Padano
Brescia, Italy
030-910-9811
www.GranaPadano.it