Squeak
The rubbery squeal that very fresh cheese curds, halloumi and paneer make against the teeth.
Also: squeaky cheese, squeakiness
Some fresh cheeses squeak when you bite them. It happens when the protein network in the curd is still long, elastic and intact, so it rubs against tooth enamel like a balloon against glass. Very fresh cheddar curds squeak loudest, along with halloumi, Finnish leipäjuusto, fresh bundz and freshly pressed paneer. As the cheese ages, even by a day or two, enzymes and acid loosen the protein and the squeak fades; chilling hastens the loss, while warming the curd briefly can bring some back. In Wisconsin and Quebec, a squeak is the test of fresh cheese curds. It is a sign of freshness, not of quality.