American Cheese vs Driftwood Cheese
American Cheese is a semi-soft, processed cow-milk cheese from United States, while Driftwood Cheese is semi-soft and made from goat milk, originating in England.
Buy American Cheese
Buy Driftwood Cheese
What Is American Cheese?
American cheese is a processed cheese made from cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses with sodium citrate added so it pasteurizes without separating. It is mild, salty, and medium-firm, and it melts at a low temperature, which is why it lands on burgers and in grilled cheese.
What Is Driftwood Cheese?
Driftwood is an artisan cheese from England made from unpasteurized goat's milk. It features a semi-soft texture and is known for its creamy color and ash-coated rind. The cheese offers a citrusy and salty flavor profile, making it a refreshing choice. Its unpasteurized nature adds depth to its taste, appealing to those who enjoy traditional cheese-making methods. Driftwood pairs well with light, crisp wines and is an excellent addition to cheese boards. Its distinctive rind and flavor make it a standout option for cheese enthusiasts.
What's the Difference Between American Cheese and Driftwood Cheese?
- Origin: American Cheese (United States), Driftwood Cheese (England)
- Milk type: American Cheese (Cow's milk), Driftwood Cheese (Goat's milk)
- Milk treatment: American Cheese (pastuerized), Driftwood Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: American Cheese (Semi-soft, processed), Driftwood Cheese (Semi-soft)
- Rind: American Cheese (rindless), Driftwood Cheese (ash coated)
- Taste: American Cheese (mild, salty), Driftwood Cheese (citrusy, salty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| American Cheese | Driftwood Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | England |
| Specific Origin | The U.S. | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pastuerized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-soft, processed | Semi-soft |
| Rind | Rindless | Ash coated |
| Taste | Mild, salty | Citrusy, salty |
Taste Comparison: Does American Cheese Taste Like Driftwood Cheese?
American Cheese reads as mild, salty, while Driftwood Cheese brings citrusy, salty character.
Can You Substitute American Cheese for Driftwood Cheese?
American Cheese can stand in for Driftwood Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft, processed bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft. Flavor-wise, American Cheese reads as mild, salty while Driftwood Cheese brings citrusy, salty notes.
Which Is Better, American Cheese or Driftwood Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, processed cheese, go with American Cheese. For a semi-soft profile, Driftwood Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, American Cheese suits recipes that want mild, salty notes, while Driftwood Cheese fits dishes calling for citrusy, salty.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American Cheese the same as Driftwood Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. American Cheese originates in United States, while Driftwood Cheese comes from England. American Cheese is made from cow milk; Driftwood Cheese uses goat.
Is American Cheese similar to Driftwood Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute American Cheese for Driftwood Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does American Cheese taste like Driftwood Cheese?
American Cheese reads as mild, salty, while Driftwood Cheese is citrusy, salty.
What is American Cheese made of?
American Cheese is made from cow milk (pastuerized). It originates in United States.
What is Driftwood Cheese made of?
Driftwood Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England.
Which should I choose, American Cheese or Driftwood Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. American Cheese is semi-soft, processed, while Driftwood Cheese is semi-soft.