This 'forgotten' cheese is becoming a hit for its low calories and high protein

A cheese previously confined to its home region and considered a relic of the past is now experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity across France. Cancoillotte, a semi-liquid cheese originating from the Franche-Comté region in eastern France, has become a viral hit, with supermarket shelves often cleared of its distinctive pots.

This specialty, with a history stretching back possibly two thousand years, was largely unknown outside its native area and was perceived as an old-fashioned product. However, a renaissance driven by social media has left producers astonished. Demand saw a 25 percent increase in May alone, leading to shortages in some areas. This organic online interest, without any paid promotion, has been the primary catalyst for the cheese's newfound fame.

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Why did no one tell me about this? My diet has changed forever.

The viral phenomenon was significantly boosted by French influencer Johan Papz, who boasts 1.5 million TikTok followers. Papz, recalling eating Cancoillotte with potatoes as a child but assuming it was high in calories, discovered its low-calorie, high-protein benefits from a bodybuilder friend. His subsequent viral video, declaring the discovery "the best day of my life" and calling the cheese a "cheat code" for healthy eating, garnered over two million views.

Cancoillotte's appeal lies in its remarkable nutritional content, a stark contrast to many traditional French cheeses. While cheeses like cheddar or brie can contain 20-35 percent fat, 100 grams of Cancoillotte typically offers around 130 calories, eight grams of fat, and an impressive 16 grams of protein. This is due to its production process, which uses skimmed cow's milk, a byproduct of butter and cream making. The milk is fermented and coagulated into a fat-free curd called "metton," which is then heated with water and a small amount of butter to create the smooth, creamy consistency. Its high casein content provides a long-lasting feeling of fullness.

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It's like a cheat code for healthy eating.