Cheddar Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Cheddar Cheese?
Cheddar is a relatively hard, off-white to orange cow's milk cheese from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England. The name is not protected, so it is made worldwide, and it is the UK's most popular cheese at 51% of the national cheese market.
What Is Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Tomme de Savoie is a mild, semi-firm cow's milk cheese from Savoy in the French Alps. It is made from the skimmed milk left over from butter making, so the fat content stays low, and it carries a thick brownish-grey rind over a beige interior.
What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
- Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (France)
- Milk treatment: Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
- Rind: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)
- Aging: Cheddar Cheese (A few months to several years), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
- Taste: Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | Tomme de Savoie Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | France |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Savoy, French Alps, France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Skimmed or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Semi-soft, artisan |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Natural |
| Aging | A few months to several years | Several months |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Grassy, nutty, tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. More specifically, Cheddar Cheese shows from mild and buttery to brothy and savory, with distinctive sharpness; variations in sweetness and flavor depending on the producer, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild. Aging plays into this as well. Cheddar Cheese at a few months to several years develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
In most recipes, Cheddar Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go with Cheddar Cheese. For a semi-soft, artisan profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese originates in England, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Cheddar Cheese is typically aged a few months to several years, Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.
What is Cheddar Cheese made of?
Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, thermized, pasteurized), using animal; microbial chymosin in vegetarian and kosher versions rennet. It's typically aged a few months to several years. It originates in England.
What is Tomme de Savoie Cheese made of?
Tomme de Savoie Cheese is made from cow milk (skimmed or unpasteurized). It's typically aged several months. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan.