Armenian String Cheese vs Chèvre (Goat Cheese)

Q: Is Armenian String Cheese the same as Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

No. Armenian String Cheese and Chèvre (Goat Cheese) are distinct cheeses from Armenia and France respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Armenian String Cheese for Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

In most recipes you can swap Armenian String Cheese for Chèvre (Goat Cheese), though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Which should I choose, Armenian String Cheese or Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Armenian String Cheese is a semi-soft cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Armenia, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is soft and made from goat milk, originating in France.

What Is Armenian String Cheese?

Chechil, also called Armenian string cheese, is a brined pasta filata cheese from Armenia, sold as bundles of thick or thin fibrous threads that are often tied into ropes, braids or balls. It is frequently smoked and tastes sharp and sour with moderate salt.

What Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Chèvre is the French name for cheese made from goat's milk. The classic French style is soft and creamy under a light colored rind, tart from the fatty acids in goat milk, and is sometimes served hot as chèvre chaud.

What's the Difference Between Armenian String Cheese and Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Origin: Armenian String Cheese (Armenia), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (France)
Milk type: Armenian String Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (Goat)
Milk treatment: Armenian String Cheese (soured skimmed milk), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
Texture: Armenian String Cheese (semi-soft), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (soft)
Aging: Armenian String Cheese (1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (not aged for long)
Taste: Armenian String Cheese (mild), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Armenian String Cheese	Chèvre (Goat Cheese)
Country of Origin	Armenia	France
Specific Origin	Armenia	France, Especially The Loire Valley And Poitou
Milk Type	Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk	Goat
Milk Treatment	Soured skimmed milk	Pasteurized or unpasteurized
Texture	Semi-soft	Soft
Rind	—	Light colored
Aging	1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand	Not aged for long
Taste	Mild	Tangy

Taste Comparison: Does Armenian String Cheese Taste Like Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Armenian String Cheese reads as mild, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) brings tangy character. More specifically, Armenian String Cheese shows sharp and sour-milk, moderately salty at 4 to 8% salt, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) leans toward mild, creamy, sometimes fruity. Aging plays into this as well. Armenian String Cheese at 1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand develops a different profile than Chèvre (Goat Cheese) at not aged for long.

Can You Substitute Armenian String Cheese for Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Armenian String Cheese can stand in for Chèvre (Goat Cheese) in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Armenian String Cheese reads as mild while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) brings tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Armenian String Cheese or Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft cheese, go with Armenian String Cheese. For a soft profile, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Armenian String Cheese suits recipes that want mild notes, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) fits dishes calling for tangy.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Armenian String Cheese the same as Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Armenian String Cheese originates in Armenia, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) comes from France. Armenian String Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Chèvre (Goat Cheese) uses goat. Aging also differs: Armenian String Cheese is typically aged 1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) not aged for long.

Is Armenian String Cheese similar to Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Armenian String Cheese for Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Armenian String Cheese taste like Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Armenian String Cheese reads as mild, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is tangy.

What is Armenian String Cheese made of?

Armenian String Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (soured skimmed milk), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand. It originates in Armenia.

What is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) made of?

Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is made from goat milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It's typically aged not aged for long. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Armenian String Cheese or Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Armenian String Cheese is semi-soft, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is soft.