Camembert Cheese vs Shropshire Blue Cheese

Q: Is Camembert Cheese the same as Shropshire Blue Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Shropshire Blue Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Camembert Cheese for Shropshire Blue Cheese, though the result will shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Q: Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Shropshire Blue 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 Shropshire Blue Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in United Kingdom.

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 Shropshire Blue Cheese?

Shropshire Blue is a British blue cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk, coloured orange with annatto and veined with Penicillium roqueforti. It is made much like Stilton but tastes sharper, and it matures for 10 to 12 weeks.

What's the Difference Between Camembert Cheese and Shropshire Blue Cheese?

Origin: Camembert Cheese (France), Shropshire Blue Cheese (United Kingdom)
Milk treatment: Camembert Cheese (unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions), Shropshire Blue Cheese (pasteurized)
Texture: Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan), Shropshire Blue Cheese (semi-hard)
Rind: Camembert Cheese (Bloomy), Shropshire Blue Cheese (natural)
Aging: Camembert Cheese (minimum 3 weeks), Shropshire Blue Cheese (10 to 12 weeks)
Taste: Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie), Shropshire Blue Cheese (sharp and strong)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Camembert Cheese	Shropshire Blue Cheese
Country of Origin	France	United Kingdom
Specific Origin	Camembert, Normandy, Northwest France	United Kingdom
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions	Pasteurized
Texture	Soft, artisan	Semi-hard
Rind	Bloomy	Natural
Aging	Minimum 3 weeks	10 to 12 weeks
Taste	Slightly sour, stronger than brie	Sharp and strong

Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Shropshire Blue Cheese?

Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Shropshire Blue Cheese brings sharp and strong character. On the nose, Camembert Cheese offers buttery, rich, contrasted with Shropshire Blue Cheese's slightly tangy. More specifically, Camembert Cheese shows slightly sour, sometimes chalky, stronger than brie of the same ripening time; ammonia when overripe, while Shropshire Blue Cheese leans toward sharp, strong, slightly sour, sharper than stilton, creamy. Aging plays into this as well. Camembert Cheese at minimum 3 weeks develops a different profile than Shropshire Blue Cheese at 10 to 12 weeks.

Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Shropshire Blue Cheese?

In most recipes, Camembert Cheese and Shropshire Blue Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie while Shropshire Blue Cheese brings sharp and strong notes.

Which Is Better, Camembert Cheese or Shropshire Blue 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-hard profile, Shropshire Blue Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese suits recipes that want slightly sour, stronger than brie notes, while Shropshire Blue Cheese fits dishes calling for sharp and strong.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Camembert Cheese the same as Shropshire Blue Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Camembert Cheese originates in France, while Shropshire Blue Cheese comes from United Kingdom. Aging also differs: Camembert Cheese is typically aged minimum 3 weeks, Shropshire Blue Cheese 10 to 12 weeks.

Is Camembert Cheese similar to Shropshire Blue Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Shropshire Blue Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Camembert Cheese taste like Shropshire Blue Cheese?

Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Shropshire Blue Cheese is sharp and strong. Aromas also diverge. Camembert Cheese leans buttery, rich, and Shropshire Blue Cheese is closer to slightly tangy.

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 Shropshire Blue Cheese made of?

Shropshire Blue Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using vegetable rennet. It's typically aged 10 to 12 weeks. It originates in United Kingdom.

Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Shropshire Blue Cheese?

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