Banon Cheese vs Driftwood Cheese
Banon Cheese is a creamy, soft, and tender goat-milk cheese from France, while Driftwood Cheese is semi-soft, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in England.
What Is Banon Cheese?
Banon is an unpasteurized goat cheese from Provence, sold as a small 100 g disc wrapped in chestnut leaves and tied with raffia. It ages about two weeks, gets dipped in eau de vie before wrapping, and has held AOC status since July 2003.
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 Banon Cheese and Driftwood Cheese?
- Origin: Banon Cheese (France), Driftwood Cheese (England)
- Texture: Banon Cheese (Creamy, soft, and tender), Driftwood Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
- Rind: Banon Cheese (Wrapped in chestnut leaves), Driftwood Cheese (ash coated)
- Taste: Banon Cheese (Mild and intense, with notes of mushrooms and forest floor), Driftwood Cheese (citrusy, salty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Banon Cheese | Driftwood Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | England |
| Specific Origin | Provence (Alpes-De-Haute Provence, Hautes-Alpes, Vaucluse, Drome) | — |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Creamy, soft, and tender | Semi-soft, artisan |
| Rind | Wrapped in chestnut leaves | Ash coated |
| Aging | 15 days | — |
| Taste | Mild and intense, with notes of mushrooms and forest floor | Citrusy, salty |
Taste Comparison: Does Banon Cheese Taste Like Driftwood Cheese?
Banon Cheese reads as mild and intense, with notes of mushrooms and forest floor, while Driftwood Cheese brings citrusy, salty character.
Can You Substitute Banon Cheese for Driftwood Cheese?
In most recipes, Banon Cheese and Driftwood Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are goat-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect creamy, soft, and tender bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Banon Cheese reads as mild and intense, with notes of mushrooms and forest floor while Driftwood Cheese brings citrusy, salty notes.
Which Is Better, Banon Cheese or Driftwood Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a creamy, soft, and tender cheese, go with Banon Cheese. For a semi-soft, artisan profile, Driftwood Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Banon Cheese suits recipes that want mild and intense, with notes of mushrooms and forest floor 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 Banon Cheese the same as Driftwood Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Banon Cheese originates in France, while Driftwood Cheese comes from England.
Is Banon Cheese similar to Driftwood Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a goat-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Banon Cheese for Driftwood Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Banon Cheese taste like Driftwood Cheese?
Banon Cheese reads as mild and intense, with notes of mushrooms and forest floor, while Driftwood Cheese is citrusy, salty.
What is Banon Cheese made of?
Banon Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged 15 days. It originates in France.
What is Driftwood Cheese made of?
Driftwood Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England.
Which should I choose, Banon Cheese or Driftwood Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Banon Cheese is creamy, soft, and tender, while Driftwood Cheese is semi-soft, artisan.