Camembert Cheese vs Driftwood Cheese

Q: Is Camembert Cheese the same as Driftwood Cheese?

No. Camembert Cheese and Driftwood Cheese are distinct cheeses from France and England respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Driftwood Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Camembert Cheese for Driftwood Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Driftwood 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.

Camembert Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Driftwood Cheese is semi-soft, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in England.

What Is Camembert Cheese?

Camembert is a moist, soft, surface-ripened cow's milk cheese from Normandy, first made in the late 18th century. Penicillium camemberti gives it a white bloomy rind and a creamy interior, with a taste stronger and slightly more sour than brie.

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 Camembert Cheese and Driftwood Cheese?

Origin: Camembert Cheese (France), Driftwood Cheese (England)
Milk type: Camembert Cheese (cow's milk), Driftwood Cheese (goat's milk)
Milk treatment: Camembert Cheese (unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions), Driftwood Cheese (unpasteurized)
Texture: Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan), Driftwood Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
Rind: Camembert Cheese (Bloomy), Driftwood Cheese (ash coated)
Taste: Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie), Driftwood Cheese (citrusy, salty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Camembert Cheese	Driftwood Cheese
Country of Origin	France	England
Specific Origin	Camembert, Normandy, Northwest France	—
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Goat's milk
Milk Treatment	Unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions	Unpasteurized
Texture	Soft, artisan	Semi-soft, artisan
Rind	Bloomy	Ash coated
Aging	Minimum 3 weeks	—
Taste	Slightly sour, stronger than brie	Citrusy, salty

Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Driftwood Cheese?

Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Driftwood Cheese brings citrusy, salty character.

Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Driftwood Cheese?

Camembert Cheese can stand in for Driftwood Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie while Driftwood Cheese brings citrusy, salty notes.

Which Is Better, Camembert Cheese or Driftwood Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, artisan cheese, go with Camembert Cheese. For a semi-soft, artisan profile, Driftwood Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese suits recipes that want slightly sour, stronger than brie 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 Camembert Cheese the same as Driftwood Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Camembert Cheese originates in France, while Driftwood Cheese comes from England. Camembert Cheese is made from cow milk; Driftwood Cheese uses goat.

Is Camembert Cheese similar to Driftwood Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Driftwood Cheese?

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

Does Camembert Cheese taste like Driftwood Cheese?

Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Driftwood Cheese is citrusy, salty.

What is Camembert Cheese made of?

Camembert Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized for aoc camembert de normandie, pasteurized for most other versions). It's typically aged minimum 3 weeks. 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, Camembert Cheese or Driftwood Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan, while Driftwood Cheese is semi-soft, artisan.