The Two Main Types of Kirkland Brie
When you shop at Costco, you may find more than one type of brie under the Kirkland Signature brand. The ingredients differ slightly between the Imported French Brie and the Double Cream Brie. While both are celebrated for their quality and creamy texture, understanding the specific components gives you a better appreciation for each cheese's characteristics.
Ingredients in Kirkland Signature Imported French Brie
The Imported French Brie is known for its traditional, delicate flavor. According to product information and nutritional apps, its ingredient list is straightforward and follows classic French cheesemaking methods.
- Pasteurized Cow's Milk: The primary ingredient, sourced for its rich qualities. Pasteurization ensures food safety by heating the milk to kill harmful bacteria.
- Salt: Crucial for both flavor and as a preservative, it helps draw out moisture and controls the aging process.
- Lactic Starters: These are bacterial cultures added to the milk to produce lactic acid, which curdles the milk and develops the characteristic flavor and acidity of brie.
- Rennet (Often Microbial): An enzyme that causes milk to coagulate and form curds. While traditionally derived from animal sources, many versions today, including some Kirkland products, use microbial rennet, which is vegetarian-friendly.
Ingredients in Kirkland Signature Double Cream Brie
The Double Cream Brie has a richer, more decadent texture than its imported counterpart, thanks to a few key additions. This variety often uses 100% Canadian milk and has a slightly more complex ingredient list.
- Pasteurized Milk and Cream: The addition of extra cream is what gives this brie its designation as 'double cream' and results in a higher fat content and extra-luxurious mouthfeel.
- Ultrafiltered Milk: This concentrated milk is a modern addition to cheesemaking, increasing the protein content and resulting in a denser, richer cheese.
- Salt: Performs the same function of flavor enhancement and preservation.
- Bacterial Culture: The equivalent of lactic starters, these are specific cultures that develop the cheese's flavor profile.
- Calcium Chloride: This additive helps improve the milk's ability to coagulate, leading to firmer curds.
- Microbial Enzyme: Similar to rennet, this enzyme is used to coagulate the milk. The 'microbial' tag indicates it is vegetarian.
Deeper Dive into Each Ingredient's Role
To fully appreciate the science behind your cheese, it's worth exploring the function of each ingredient.
- Milk: The quality of the milk is the most important factor in the final flavor. The French brie famously uses milk from Normandy, known for its richness.
- Rennet/Enzymes: These are catalysts that trigger the milk to separate into solid curds and liquid whey, the foundation of all cheesemaking. Microbial enzymes are derived from non-animal sources, making the product suitable for vegetarians.
- Lactic Starters/Bacterial Cultures: These living microorganisms consume the lactose in the milk and produce lactic acid. This process, known as fermentation, is what gives brie its distinctive tangy notes and helps set the cheese.
- Penicillium Candidum: This edible mold is the secret behind brie's iconic velvety white rind. It is sprayed onto the cheese before aging, and as it grows, it ripens the cheese from the outside in, contributing to its flavor and texture.
Comparison of Kirkland Brie Varieties
| Feature | Kirkland Signature Imported French Brie | Kirkland Signature Double Cream Brie |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Pasteurized Cow's Milk, Salt, Lactic Starters, Rennet | Pasteurized Milk and Cream, Ultrafiltered Milk, Salt, Bacterial Culture, Calcium Chloride, Microbial Enzyme |
| Source | Normandy, France | Canadian Dairy |
| Texture | Soft and creamy heart, traditional | Extra creamy, rich, and decadent |
| Flavor | Mild, buttery, slightly earthy, more traditional | Richer, higher-fat flavor profile |
| Vegetarian-Friendly | Depends on specific rennet source (check label) | Microbial enzyme means it is vegetarian-friendly |
The Brie Manufacturing Process
The ingredients come together through a careful, time-honored process. First, the milk is pasteurized, and the lactic cultures are added. Next, rennet is introduced to coagulate the milk into curds. The curds are gently cut, and then the mixture is placed into molds to drain. This drainage process removes excess whey, concentrating the cheese. After salting, the cheese is inoculated with the Penicillium Candidum mold, which will form the white rind. The brie is then aged in a controlled environment, where the mold and cultures work their magic, softening the interior and developing its complex flavor.
Conclusion
While both varieties offer a delicious and creamy experience, a closer look at what are the ingredients in Kirkland brie reveals key differences. The Imported French Brie follows a more traditional, minimalist recipe, resulting in a classic, earthy flavor. The Double Cream Brie, with its added cream and ultrafiltered milk, provides a richer, more opulent taste and texture. Regardless of which version you prefer, you can rest assured that both are crafted from quality milk using a combination of traditional and modern cheesemaking techniques.
What Are the Ingredients in Kirkland Brie: Key Takeaways
- Imported French Brie has a simpler, more traditional recipe with four core ingredients: pasteurized cow's milk, salt, lactic starters, and rennet.
- Double Cream Brie is richer due to the addition of cream and ultrafiltered milk, along with bacterial cultures and microbial enzyme.
- The white rind on brie is created by the Penicillium Candidum mold, a crucial part of the aging process.
- Vegetarian status depends on the type of rennet used; the Double Cream version uses microbial enzyme, making it vegetarian, while the French version's rennet source should be confirmed on the label.
- Ultrafiltered milk is a key ingredient in the Double Cream variety, increasing the protein content for a denser, more decadent texture.
FAQs
Is Kirkland brie vegetarian?
Whether Kirkland brie is vegetarian depends on the specific product. The Kirkland Signature Double Cream Brie typically uses microbial enzymes, making it suitable for vegetarians. For the Imported French Brie, you should check the label to see if the rennet source is listed as microbial or animal-based, as this can vary.
What gives brie its creamy texture?
The creamy texture of brie comes from a combination of ingredients and aging. The use of high-quality milk (and added cream in the double cream version), plus the action of lactic starters and the Penicillium Candidum mold that ripens the cheese from the outside, all contribute to its soft, luscious interior.
Where is Kirkland French brie made?
Kirkland Signature's Imported French Brie is made in Normandy, France, a region renowned for its dairy products. This regional origin contributes significantly to the cheese's authentic flavor profile.
What's the difference between Kirkland Imported French and Double Cream brie?
The main difference lies in their ingredients and richness. The Imported French Brie uses a traditional recipe with just milk, while the Double Cream Brie contains added cream and ultrafiltered milk, resulting in a higher fat content and a richer, more luxurious texture.
Is Kirkland brie safe for pregnant women?
Yes, Kirkland brie is generally considered safe for pregnant women because it is made with pasteurized milk. According to food safety guidelines, soft cheeses are safe to eat during pregnancy as long as they are made with pasteurized milk, which is the case for these products.
What are lactic starters?
Lactic starters, also known as bacterial cultures, are microorganisms added to milk during cheesemaking. They convert lactose into lactic acid, a process that helps to acidify the milk, create curds, and develop the cheese's unique flavor and aroma.
What is ultrafiltered milk?
Ultrafiltered milk is milk that has been passed through a filter to concentrate its protein and fat content while removing some of the water and lactose. In the context of cheese, it is used to create a denser, richer, and creamier product, as is the case with Kirkland's Double Cream Brie.
Does Kirkland brie contain allergens?
Yes, Kirkland brie contains the allergen milk, as it is a dairy product. The ingredient list for all varieties clearly states that they contain milk. Individuals with milk allergies or lactose intolerance should avoid this product.
How should I serve Kirkland brie?
To enjoy Kirkland brie at its best, it should be served at room temperature. Simply remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes to an hour before serving. This allows the creamy interior to soften and the flavors to become more pronounced. Pair it with crackers, crusty bread, fruit, or a touch of jam for a delicious treat.
