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Wedding cakes being swapped for giant cheeses as couples join backlash against sugar, Waitrose data shows

This 'cake' is actually made of cheese - Waitrose
This 'cake' is actually made of cheese - Waitrose

A dense fruit cake has for generations been an integral part of any wedding - whether or not the bride enjoys dried fruit.

However, the tide is turning against sugary desserts, and couples are swapping confectionery for piles of cheese truckles, decorated with flowers to look like a tiered cake.

Waitrose has reported a huge rise in sales for its cheese wedding "cakes" - a trend also experienced by dairy shops across the country.

The supermarket revealed that the cakes, often made of Gouda, Stilton and Brie, have become increasingly popular among newlyweds, with sales of cheese wedding cakes up an average of 49 per cent compared to last year.

Andy Swinscoe the owner of The Courtyard Dairy in Cheltenham has been selling cheese wedding cakes there for five years.

He said that the cheese "cakes" give a good alternative for people who want to avoid sugar, and for couples wanting their wedding to be unique.

One of the cheese cakes on sale at The Courtyard Dairy - Credit: The Courtyard Dairy
One of the cheese cakes on sale at The Courtyard Dairy Credit: The Courtyard Dairy

Mr Swinscoe explained: "A lot of people like the whole experience - they come to our shop and taste all the cheese and it's a real experience.

"A lot of people want to avoid sugar and also a lot of people do not like fruit cake.

"People even take cheese home from these weddings as party favours.

"It's something a bit different and a talking point.

"We've been doing it for five years - popularity has massively increased in recent years."

After a banquet of rich food, revelers often enjoy a slice of cheese with a glass of wine rather than a piece of dense cake, he added.

Jo Carman, Waitrose Entertaining Buyer, added: “There’s no doubt that a slice of cheese to celebrate a marriage is gaining in popularity.

Couples who want to avoid sugar opt for cheese 'cakes' - Credit: Waitrose
Couples who want to avoid sugar opt for cheese 'cakes' Credit: Waitrose

"With Waitrose, the bride and groom can opt for a completely British wedding cheese cake, including a Hafod Welsh Organic Cheddar, a Cropwell Bishop Stilton and a Cornish Yarg. The cake is a beautiful balance of flavours and textures, and pairs wonderfully with dry cider or a crisp floral Riesling.”

Waitrose magazine news editor Alison Hepworth said that she opted for one as a centrepiece at "my thrifty nuptials. " She said that as well as being easy to decorate they double up as the evening meal served with bread or biscuits and a few chutneys and pickles.

She added: "The news came of little surprise to me: cheese wedding cakes make sense because they are practical and great value but also beautiful."