Britain’s favourite type of cheese is the processed cheese slice, a shock new survey has claimed.

In a result which may give some cheese lovers nightmares, cheddar was shunted down to second place in favour of the burger accompaniment, which four in ten Brits said they liked best.

Italian classic Mozzarrella came in third on 20%, while blue cheese was ranked the country’s least favourite – potentially betraying a preference for bland dairy treats.

Goat’s cheese also scored badly, being named as the country’s most disliked cheese by 18% of 2,000 voters, compared to the 23% who opted for ‘blue cheese’ – though no particular varieties were singled out.

Red Leicester and Halloumi completed the top five favourites, coming in close behind Mozzarrella on 19% and 18% respectively.

But it is the toppling of the British staple cheddar which might surprise some, with just 33% of those polled backing it as their top choice.

Previous surveys have named the traditional sandwich filling and halloumi and as the UK’s favourite types, but the latest winner is likely to send shockwaves through the cheese world – and heavily undermine the idea that we are a nation of cheese snobs.

It also highlighted a generational divide when it comes to eating the dairy product, with 37% of over 65s eating it most on crackers, compared to just 13% of 18 to 24-year-olds, who choose pizza as their cheesy meal of choice.

There has also been a greater trend towards veganism in some young people, with dairy linked to greater environmental damage than other food types.

Ardian Mula, the CEO of Foodhub, which undertook the research, said: ‘We already know that Britain loves its cheese. However, we’re surprised at how well received the processed cheese slice has been.

‘A lot of people turn their nose up at this product but, our research clearly shows it is the nation’s favourite. Clearly much of this comes from the fact we love it on burgers and sandwiches.’

The top 10 in full

Processed Cheese slice – 40%

Cheddar – 33%

Mozzarella – 20%

Red Leicester – 19%

Halloumi – 18%

Brie – 17%

Stilton – 15%

Parmesan – 14%

Feta – 14%

Double Gloucester – 13%

Almost one in five said they eat cheese every day, with more than half of Brits claiming that British cheese is best, while France came a distant second on 30%.

However, we’re not all cheese lovers – one in 10 men saying they can’t stand cheese and the same number of Brits strongly agreeing with the claim that ‘eating cheese before bed gives you nightmares’.

The other cheeses completing the nation’s top 10 favourites are Brie, Stilton, Parmesan, Feta and Double Gloucester.

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