The Norwegians has done it again.
In 2025, the dairy giant Tine is shaking up one of Norway’s most beloved foods—the sweet yet savory brown cheese—by introducing an unexpected ingredient: chili.
The combination of caramelized sweetness and spicy heat has sparked immediate reactions.
Brown cheese, or brunost, has been a staple in Norwegian kitchens for generations, traditionally enjoyed in variations ranging from strong goat cheese to milder, creamier versions.
But Tine’s latest launch pushes the boundaries by blending this sweet, fudgy cheese with chili, creating a new flavor experience that aims to cater to evolving tastes.
Photo: Tine
According to Tine, this innovation comes in response to a growing demand for bolder flavors in traditional foods. Chili is known for enhancing other flavors, and when paired with brown cheese, it creates a contrast between deep caramel sweetness and subtle heat.
The goal is to attract both devoted brunost fans and adventurous foodies looking for something different.
How Does It Taste?
Initial taste tests describe the new cheese as rich, sweet, and creamy, with a mild but lingering chili kick. It’s not overpowering, but the heat builds slowly, complementing the familiar brown cheese profile rather than overshadowing it.
Some testers say it works brilliantly on waffles with jam, while others suggest it could add an interesting depth to sauces, casseroles, and even cheese platters with nuts and fruit.
But not everyone is convinced—while some enjoy the new twist, others feel brown cheese should stay true to its roots.
A New Favorite?
Whether brown cheese with chili will become a permanent hit or a short-lived novelty remains to be seen.
But Tine’s history of experimenting with brunost flavors suggests it could have staying power. When the company launched Christmas brown cheese a few years ago, demand skyrocketed, even leading to shortages in 2023.
For now, one thing is certain: brown cheese will never be quite the same again.
