Why Consumers Seek a Substitute for Locatelli Cheese
Locatelli is a brand of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese sold in the United States by Lactalis, a French dairy group with annual revenues above 27 billion euros in 2023. Consumers search for a substitute for Locatelli cheese when the product is out of stock, when prices rise, or when they need a different flavor profile or lower cost option. U.S. retail data from Circana and IRI show that Italian hard cheese sales grew 4 percent in 2023, with private label and other Parmigiano Reggiano brands gaining share. The most common reasons for switching include availability, price, lactose sensitivity, and recipe requirements. For current market data on dairy trends, see this report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on dairy market outlook.
Locatelli is aged for at least 12 months and has a granular texture with a sharp, salty, umami flavor. Its ingredient list is short: milk, salt, and calf rennet. The cheese is a source of protein and calcium, with about 11 grams of protein and 33 percent of the daily value for calcium per 28 gram serving. A substitute for Locatelli cheese must deliver similar taste, texture, and nutritional function in cooking, baking, or finishing dishes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that any product labeled "Parmesan" or "Parmigiano Reggiano" meet specific standards for moisture, fat, and protein content.
Top Substitutes for Locatelli Cheese by Category
Direct Parmigiano Reggiano Alternatives
Other Parmigiano Reggiano brands such as Kraft, Boar's Head, and 365 by Whole Foods Market offer direct replacements for Locatelli. Kraft Parmesan is the top-selling grated Parmesan in U.S. grocery stores, with Kraft Heinz reporting over 36 billion dollars in global revenue in 2023. Boar's Head markets an aged Italian Parmesan with a similar 24 month aging claim and a clean ingredient list. 365 by Whole Foods Market offers a USDA organic Parmigiano Reggiano that is a common substitute for Locatelli cheese in natural food stores. These alternatives are widely available on Amazon, Walmart.com, and Instacart, with prices per ounce typically ranging from 0.40 to 0.90 dollars depending on the brand and package size.
Grana Padano is a legal alternative to Parmigiano Reggiano with a milder, nuttier flavor and a lower price point. It is made in the same region of Italy using a similar process but is aged for a minimum of 5 months, resulting in a less complex taste. Grana Padano is protected by a European Union certification and is widely exported to the United States. Another option is Pecorino Romano, which is made from sheep's milk and has a sharper, saltier flavor. It is a common substitute for Locatelli cheese in pasta dishes and Roman-style recipes. For a detailed comparison of Italian cheese designations, see the European Commission's protected designation of origin page on Italian cheeses.
Non-Dairy and Plant-Based Substitutes
Consumers who need a substitute for Locatelli cheese due to dairy allergies or vegan diets can choose from several plant-based options. Brands such as Violife, Follow Your Heart, and Parma! offer vegan Parmesan-style products made from coconut oil, potato starch, and nutritional yeast. Violife reported a 30 percent increase in U.S. retail sales in 2023, reflecting growing demand for dairy-free cheese alternatives. These products are designed to grate and melt similarly to dairy Parmesan, though their flavor and texture vary by brand. The FDA does not regulate the term "Parmesan" for non-dairy products