This article has been produced and shared by Futura Foods
If there is one sound that defines a British summer, it isn’t just the distant hum of a lawnmower or the nostalgic chime of an ice cream van – it’s the unmistakable squeak of halloumi fresh off a grill.
We’ve seen the UK’s love affair with this Cypriot gem evolve from a niche ‘squeaky cheese’ into a national staple. Did you know that 45% of all Halloumi exported from Cyprus heads for the UK! [1] As we move through 2026, we’re about to hit a summer of sport, starting with the FIFA World Cup kicking off on June 11th, and between the big matches we also have Wimbledon, the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, and the Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup amongst a stellar lineup. With all the action to take in, customers are going to be busy, hungry, and looking for food that wins on both flavour and speed.
That’s why our YAMAS! Flavoured Halloumi Sticks, available in two vibrant varieties – Tangy Tomato and Zesty Lemon, are certain to be sizzlers for the summer ahead!
The Big Squeeze: Why Convenience is King
Both the hospitality and retail sectors are currently facing a shared challenge. Home and professional kitchens are looking for convenient, easy-to-use products. Whether it’s a busy household or a fast-paced cafe, there is a growing need for products that deliver high-end results without requiring professional chef skills or a cupboard full of expensive spices.
Our pre-sliced, ready-marinated Halloumi sticks address this challenge in two ways.
- The Prep: No more messy slicing or uneven pieces. Our sticks are pre-cut for consistency, ease, and perfect portion control every time.
- The Flavour: Marinating cheese is messy and time-consuming. We’ve done the hard work for you by pre-marinating our authentic Cypriot halloumi in bold, sun-drenched flavours.
A Tale of Two Tastes: Tangy & Zesty
We know that while consumers love authenticity, they are also looking for more, whether it’s a taste of holiday nostalgia, levelling up snacks, or a pursuit of added protein. YAMAS! Halloumi sticks offer a solution across these needs with two delicious flavours to choose from:
- Tangy Tomato: A rich, savoury profile that taps into the Mediterranean love for sun-ripened tomatoes. It’s a natural partner for pasta dishes or tucked into a toasted pita with some crunchy salad.
- Zesty Lemon: Bright, fresh, and quintessentially summer. This flavour profile is perfect for cutting through the richness of the cheese, making it a standout choice for light salads or as a protein-packed snack on the go.
Whichever the flavour you choose, both varieties are made using time-honoured methods in Cyprus, ensuring that while the format is modern, the quality remains entirely authentic.
Versatility Beyond the BBQ
While halloumi and sunshine go hand-in-hand, don’t think these products are solely destined for a weekend barbecue whilst the football is on! YAMAS! Flavoured Halloumi Sticks are perfect for eating throughout the day and all year round.
By all means, they are great for a summer menu or barbecues with friends, but why not try them as:
- Brunch Toast Toppers – Level up your sourdough by layering the Zesty Lemon Halloumi sticks over smashed avocado with a sprinkling of chilli and adding some poached eggs for a protein-packed start to the day. Or how about topping the sourdough with hummus followed by golden Tangy Tomato Halloumi Sticks, finishing with rocket and fresh tomato for a completely new brunch option!
- Terrific Tacos – Swap out traditional fillings for something a bit more interesting! Smooth creamy avocado is paired with smoky charred corn, and pickled red onion before a perfectly fried Tangy Tomato Halloumi Stick crowns the taco and completes this trip to Mexico!
- Upgrade your starter: Impress guests or elevate menus in seconds by pairing pan-fried sticks with a simple sauce or dip – think sweet chilli, herby yogurt or a swirl of hot honey. It’s a sophisticated, heat-and-eat option that looks like it took much longer than five minutes to prep.
- The Star of a Mezze Board– Go full on Mediterranean with plump olives, hummus, and warm pita, alongside the halloumi sticks to make sharing easy and elegant. Both the Tangy Tomato & the Zesty Lemon flavours bring a vibrant pop of colour and a savoury depth that ties the whole board together!
So, as we head into the peak summer season, there has never been a better time to power up your menus and brighten your chilled cabinets. Let’s make 2026 the year of the flavoured squeak!
At Team YAMAS!, we aren’t just another dairy brand. We’re passionate about the provenance of our products. We work closely with our farmers and dairies, ensuring we use authentic recipes, and we provide a level of quality that busy chefs, and conscious consumers trust. Our range is designed to be accessible, vibrant, and most importantly, delish.
To find out more about our entire range of delicious Mediterranean dairy products visit: www.yamasdairy.uk
[1] https://en.politis.com.cy/culture/culture-ingredients/984544/halloumi-pdo-beyond-the-plate
