French Comedian's Unexpected Praise for Australian Supermarket Cheese
French comedian Leo Filipetti has once again stirred the pot with his candid assessments of Australian supermarket cheeses, this time delivering a verdict that left both him and his audience utterly surprised. In a recent Instagram video, the touring performer taste-tested the hugely popular Mersey Valley Pickled Onions cheddar cheese, and his reaction defied all expectations.
From Skepticism to Enthusiasm
Leo began the video with an ominous declaration, stating "As a French guy, this Aussie supermarket cheese should be illegal." He even pondered whether the brand name was a playful Australian twist on the French word for thank you, "Merci." Upon opening the package, his initial observation was lukewarm, noting "It doesn't smell much." He humorously added that he prefers cheese with such a strong aroma that neighbors might call emergency services, suspecting a tragedy.
However, everything changed the moment he sampled the cheese. Leo enthusiastically proclaimed, "Forget everything I said about French cheese being better. This is the real deal, guys." Instantly won over, he declared, "Cheap cheddar is the new French cheese," and joked that he might not be able to return to France after such a bold statement.
Australian Fans React with Joy
Aussie cheese lovers were ecstatic about Leo's approval. Social media replies flooded in with praise for Mersey Valley, with one fan calling it "the bomb" and another expressing delight at getting the French seal of approval. Australian comedian Matt Okine chimed in, noting it's his daily go-to cheese. Even an expat living in Paris humorously admitted missing Mersey Valley more than family, despite residing in the world's cheese capital.
Many followers shared their relief that Leo didn't criticize their favorite cheese, especially given his foreboding introduction. One user described the video as an emotional rollercoaster, while others pointed out that Mersey Valley is actually a premium supermarket variety, not cheap cheddar. Fans also urged Leo to try other flavors from the brand, such as Ploughmans, Jalapeno, and Salt & Vinegar varieties.
Background on Leo's Cheese Controversies
This isn't Leo's first foray into critiquing Australian cheeses. Earlier this month, he caused a stir by claiming that Australian supermarket versions of Brie and Camembert are essentially the same cheese, alleging they only differ in packaging. He explained that in France, Camembert is more intense and savoury than Brie, but in Australia, both are milder, leading to his curiosity.
His investigation even took him to an unnamed Australian dairy farm, where he was told both cheeses are produced using similar processes. Experts like RMIT University Professor Jayani Chandrapala and cheese expert Ivan Larcher weighed in, noting that while ingredients are often the same, differences in fat content and aging processes can distinguish them. Larcher emphasized that outside France, these names are often marketing tools rather than strict classifications.
Product Details and Availability
Mersey Valley Pickled Onions club cheddar vintage cheese is widely available at major Australian supermarkets. The 235g block is priced at $9.90, while the 80g block costs $4.80. Leo, who is currently touring comedy shows in Melbourne and Sydney, has sparked a broader conversation about cheese labeling and quality in Australia, with fans eagerly awaiting his next taste test.
