Colby Cheese vs Cheddar Cheese

Colby Cheese

Cheddar Cheese

In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Colby Cheese and Cheddar Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Colby Cheese and Cheddar Cheese?"
  • "Is Colby Cheese and Cheddar Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Colby Cheese compare to Cheddar Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Colby Cheese compare to Cheddar Cheese?"
  • "Is Colby Cheese or Cheddar Cheese better?"

Colby Cheese Overview

Colby is an American cheese that originated in Colby, Wisconsin. It is similar to cheddar but is softer, moister, and milder in flavor. Colby is made from cow's milk and has a slightly elastic texture with a creamy, mild flavor that makes it popular in cheeseburgers and sandwiches.

Cheddar Cheese Overview

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.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Colby is ranked #28 out of 375 types.

Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 375 types.

Country of Origin

Colby Cheese comes from United States. Cheddar Cheese originated from United Kingdom.

Milk Type and Treatment

Colby Cheese is made with unknown milk that is typically pasteurized. Cheddar Cheese is made with cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized.

Composition and Texture

Colby Cheese has a fat content of ~31–32% (total weight basis) and a moisture content of 40%. Colby's texture can be described as "slightly curdy, softer". Cheddar Cheese has a fat content of at least 50% fat in dry matter and a moisture content of 40%. Cheddar's texture can be described as "varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)".

Flavor and Aroma

Colby Cheese has a mild, milky flavor. Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory flavor. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies".

Appearance and Aging

Colby Cheese's appearance is colored orange , is available in longhorn, minihorn, blocks, shreds, colby jack and is aged < 3 months . Cheddar Cheese has a color of natural or dyed orange , comes in tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks and has an aging period of a few months to several years .

Rind and Rennet Type

Colby Cheese's rind is described as none . Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) .

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Colby Cheese Cheddar Cheese
Country of Origin United States United Kingdom
Specific Origin Colby, Wisconsin Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester)
Milk Type Whole Milk Cow's, sometimes goat's, sheep's, or buffalo's
Milk Treatment Pasteurized Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized
Fat Content ~31–32% (total weight basis) At least 50% fat in dry matter
Moisture Content 40% Up to 39%
Rind None Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)
Texture Slightly curdy, softer Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)
Flavor Mild, milky Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory
Aroma Varies
Colors Orange Natural or dyed orange
Forms Longhorn, minihorn, blocks, shreds, Colby Jack Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks
Age < 3 months A few months to several years

Compare Colby Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Cheddar Cheese to Other Cheeses