Kamil Perry
Olive Garden is well-known for its generous offerings of freshly grated cheese at the table. While many assume this cheese is Parmesan, there is evidence to suggest that the restaurant uses Romano cheese instead. This was confirmed by multiple self-identified employees on Reddit, who claimed that the cheese used is either purely Romano or a blend of Romano and Parmesan. The cheese supplied by Lotito Foods is said to be specifically designed to fit in the Olive Garden cheese graters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Type | Romano |
| Blend | Parmesan and Romano |
| Supplier | Lotito Foods |
| Supplier Address | New Jersey |
| Cheese Source | Sheep's Milk |
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What You'll Learn
Olive Garden uses Romano cheese
While the cheese in the cheese grater at Olive Garden is real Italian-style cheese, it is not Parmesan. Multiple self-identified employees of the restaurant chain have claimed that the cheese used is Romano. One employee, however, stated that it was a blend of both Romano and Parmesan.
Olive Garden does not specify the type of grated cheese it uses on its menu or website. However, employees have confirmed that the cheese is Romano, and the restaurant has also referred to it as "grated Romano" on its social media accounts. In addition, the founder of Lotito Foods, Chris Lotito, has stated that his company supplies Olive Garden with Romano cheese blocks designed to fit in its cheese graters.
When ordering takeout from Olive Garden, customers receive packets of grated Romano cheese. This cheese comes from a different supplier, Sugar Foods Corporation, and is made from cow's milk. However, it is still Romano cheese.
The use of Romano cheese at Olive Garden may be due to cost considerations, as Romano is cheaper than Parmesan while offering a similar flavor profile.
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It's not Parmesan
This information came to light after a 2022 Reddit thread in which multiple self-identified Olive Garden employees alleged that the restaurant chain uses Romano, not Parmesan cheese. One employee, however, claimed that it was a blend of both Romano and Parmesan.
Olive Garden has not been explicit about the type of grated cheese it uses on its menu or website. However, employees have confirmed that it is Romano cheese, specifically the Lotito brand. The company's founder, Chris Lotito, shared that his company supplies Olive Garden with Romano cheese blocks designed to fit in its cheese graters. This change was made after employees struggled to cut up the 50-pound Romano cheese wheels previously used.
When you order takeout from Olive Garden, you receive packets of grated Romano cheese, which is not the same cheese they grate at the table, but the flavor is very similar. Romano is a cheaper alternative to Parmesan, which could be why the chain uses it.
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Romano is cheaper than Parmesan
While the exact blend of cheese used by the Olive Garden is not publicly known, some people believe that the restaurant uses a blend of Parmesan and Romano cheese. However, some customers have claimed that the cheese used by the restaurant is not Parmesan, but Romano. This is because the cheese used by the restaurant tastes different from Parmesan and is cheaper.
Romano cheese is cheaper than Parmesan because it is aged for a shorter period. Parmesan is aged for a minimum of 12 months, while Romano is typically aged for only 5 months. This difference in aging time affects the cost of production and, consequently, the price of the cheese.
In addition to the aging process, the type of milk used to make the cheese also contributes to the cost difference. Parmesan cheese is traditionally made from cow's milk, while Romano cheese is often made from sheep's milk. Sheep's milk has a higher fat content than cow's milk, which can make it more expensive to produce. However, Romano cheese is still generally less expensive than Parmesan, possibly due to the shorter aging process.
While Romano cheese is cheaper than Parmesan, it is important to note that they have distinct flavours. Parmesan has a more subtle and nutty flavour, while Romano is sharper, saltier, and stronger in flavour. Some people may prefer the taste of Parmesan over Romano, which could drive up the demand and price of Parmesan cheese.
Furthermore, the intended use of the cheese may also influence the decision between Romano and Parmesan. While Romano can be a suitable substitute for Parmesan in some dishes, there are certain recipes where Parmesan is preferred. For example, in dishes like risotto, fettuccine Alfredo, or Caesar salads, Parmesan is often the cheese of choice. In these cases, the unique flavour and texture of Parmesan are essential to the dish, and substituting with Romano may not yield the same results.
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It's also saltier
While many assume that Olive Garden uses Parmesan cheese, the cheese that they grate at your table is actually Romano. Romano cheese can contain sheep's milk, which makes it fattier and
Romano cheese is often stronger in flavour and saltier than Parmesan, which is usually made with cow's milk. The saltiness of Romano cheese can be attributed to the fact that it is often made with sheep's milk, which has a higher fat content than cow's milk. This gives the cheese a richer, more savoury taste. In addition, the ageing process of Romano cheese can also contribute to its saltier flavour. During ageing, salt is often rubbed on the cheese wheels to preserve them and enhance their flavour. This process can result in a more pronounced salty taste compared to other cheeses.
The use of Romano cheese at Olive Garden may be a cost-saving measure, as it is less expensive than Parmesan. However, it is important to note that Romano cheese is still a high-quality, authentic Italian cheese. It is aged and has a strong, salty flavour that pairs well with pasta dishes.
While some may be surprised to learn that Olive Garden uses Romano cheese instead of Parmesan, it is worth noting that both cheeses are similar in appearance and commonly grated over pasta. The main difference lies in their taste, with Romano being saltier and stronger in flavour. This distinction may be subtle to some, especially when the cheese is grated and mixed with other ingredients.
In conclusion, the grated cheese used by Olive Garden is notably saltier due to its use of Romano cheese, which contains sheep's milk and undergoes specific ageing processes. This choice of cheese contributes to the unique flavour profile of their dishes, offering a stronger and saltier taste compared to the expected Parmesan.
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Olive Garden sells its cheese grater
It is true that Olive Garden sells its cheese grater, as confirmed by the company's corporate office. The grater is available for purchase in-store at select locations, and prices vary by restaurant, ranging from $14.99 to $16.43. According to some sources, the grater is also available for purchase on the Olive Garden website.
The cheese grater has become iconic, thanks to Olive Garden's practice of grating fresh cheese at the table, encouraging diners to say "when" to indicate they have had enough. This experience has been likened to family sharing, with the restaurant's slogan, "When you're at Olive Garden, you're family."
The exact brand of the grater used by Olive Garden is Zyliss, which can also be purchased on Amazon for around $23. The Zyliss grater features a steel drum for holding blocks of cheese and a hand crank that requires minimal pressure to operate. It is also easy to clean, as the steel drum is dishwasher-safe.
While the cheese grated at Olive Garden's tables is not Parmesan, as many assume, but Romano, the Zyliss grater is suitable for grating hard cheeses like Parmesan. In fact, one shopper praised the Zyliss grater for its ability to easily grate hard Parmesan cheese.
So, if you're an Olive Garden enthusiast or simply looking for a convenient and efficient cheese grater, you now know that you can purchase the famous Olive Garden cheese grater, either directly from the restaurant or from online retailers like Amazon.
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Frequently asked questions
Olive Garden uses grated Romano cheese, which is made from sheep's milk and has a stronger flavour and saltier taste than Parmesan.
Romano cheese is cheaper than Parmesan, which may explain why the chain uses it. It also tends to be easier to source as the 50-pound Romano cheese wheels that were previously used were difficult for employees to cut up.
Yes, Olive Garden offers cheese at the table and will top every pasta dish with as much freshly grated cheese as the customer would like.
Yes, Olive Garden sells its famous cheese graters in stores. They can also be purchased on Amazon.
There is some discrepancy on this point. Some sources claim that Olive Garden uses a blend of Parmesan and Romano cheese, while others maintain that the restaurant only uses Romano.
