Derby Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese

Derby Cheese is a semi-firm, artisan cow-milk cheese from England and United Kingdom, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Derby Cheese?

Derby is a mild, semi-firm cow's milk cheese from Derbyshire, England, with a smooth, mellow texture and a buttery flavour. It sits close to Cheddar in taste but stays softer, and its best known version is the sage-flecked Sage Derby.

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 Derby Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

• Origin: Derby Cheese (England and United Kingdom), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (France)
• Texture: Derby Cheese (semi-firm, artisan), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
• Rind: Derby Cheese (natural or waxed), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Derby Cheese (1 to 6 months), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
• Taste: Derby Cheese (buttery, mild, sweet), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Derby Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. More specifically, Derby Cheese shows springy and mild when young, turning firmer and subtly sweet with age, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild. Aging plays into this as well. Derby Cheese at 1 to 6 months develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.

Can You Substitute Derby Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

In most recipes, Derby Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-firm, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Derby Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Derby Cheese originates in England and United Kingdom, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Derby Cheese is typically aged 1 to 6 months, Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.

Is Derby Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Derby Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Does Derby Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.

What is Derby Cheese made of?

Derby Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 1 to 6 months. It originates in England and United Kingdom.

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, Derby Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Derby Cheese is semi-firm, artisan, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan.