Chèvre (Goat Cheese) vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese

Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is a soft goat-milk cheese from France, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Chèvre is the French name for cheese made from goat's milk. The classic French style is soft and creamy under a light colored rind, tart from the fatty acids in goat milk, and is sometimes served hot as chèvre chaud.

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 Chèvre (Goat Cheese) and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

• Milk type: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (Goat), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (cow's milk)
• Milk treatment: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (soft), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
• Rind: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (light colored), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (not aged for long), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
• Taste: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (tangy), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Chèvre (Goat Cheese) Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Chèvre (Goat Cheese) reads as tangy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. More specifically, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) shows mild, creamy, sometimes fruity, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild. Aging plays into this as well. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) at not aged for long develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.

Can You Substitute Chèvre (Goat Cheese) for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Chèvre (Goat Cheese) can stand in for Tomme de Savoie Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) reads as tangy while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Chèvre (Goat 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 soft cheese, go with Chèvre (Goat Cheese). For a semi-soft, artisan profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) suits recipes that want tangy notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is made from goat milk; Tomme de Savoie Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is typically aged not aged for long, Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.

Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Chèvre (Goat Cheese) for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Does Chèvre (Goat Cheese) taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Chèvre (Goat Cheese) reads as tangy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.

What is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) made of?

Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is made from goat milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It's typically aged not aged for long. It originates in France.

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, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is soft, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan.