Cheddar Cheese vs Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese is firm to smooth and made from cow milk.
What Is Cheddar Cheese?
Cheddar cheese, perhaps the most famous cheese from England, originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. It ranges from mild to extra sharp, with aging times that can extend several years. Cheddar has a firm texture and a deep, nutty flavor that becomes increasingly complex as it matures.
What Is Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese?
Vorarlberger Alpkäse is a hard cheese from Austria, specifically produced in the province of Vorarlberg. It is made using untreated, silo-free alpine raw cow’s milk. The cheese is produced on alps and alpine pastures at altitudes between 1,000 and 1,800 meters above sea level. The cheese rounds can weigh up to 40 kg and are matured for at least 3 months. Vorarlberger Alpkäse has a dried, brownish yellow to brown granular rind and a firm to smooth texture. It is ivory-colored with round, pea-sized holes. The flavor is mild and becomes sharper with age. The cheese is produced using traditional artisanal methods, contributing to its unique taste and long shelf life.
What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized), Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese (Untreated, raw, non-thermised, non-pasteurised, not sterilised by centrifugation)
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese (Firm to smooth)
- Rind: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)), Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese (Dried, brownish yellow to brown granular rind)
- Aging: Cheddar Cheese (A few months to several years), Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese (At least 3 months)
- Taste: Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory), Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese (Mild, becomes sharp with increasing age)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | — |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Province Of Vorarlberg |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Untreated, raw, non-thermised, non-pasteurised, not sterilised by centrifugation |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Firm to smooth |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Dried, brownish yellow to brown granular rind |
| Aging | A few months to several years | At least 3 months |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Mild, becomes sharp with increasing age |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Cheddar Cheese | Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | — |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Cheddar Cheese and Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese brings mild, becomes sharp with increasing age character. Aging plays into this as well. Cheddar Cheese at a few months to several years develops a different profile than Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese at at least 3 months.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese?
In most recipes, Cheddar Cheese and Vorarlberger Alpkäse 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 firm to smooth. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory while Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese brings mild, becomes sharp with increasing age notes.
Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Vorarlberger Alpkäse 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 firm to smooth profile, Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes, while Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, becomes sharp with increasing age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Cheddar Cheese is typically aged a few months to several years, Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese at least 3 months.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese is mild, becomes sharp with increasing age.
What is Cheddar Cheese made of?
Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, thermized, pasteurized). It's typically aged a few months to several years. It originates in England.
What is Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese made of?
Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese is made from cow milk (untreated, raw, non-thermised, non-pasteurised, not sterilised by centrifugation), using not genetically engineered rennet. It's typically aged at least 3 months.
Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese is firm to smooth.
See full profiles: Cheddar Cheese and Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese.