Derby Cheese vs Tomme Cheese

Derby Cheese is a semi-firm, artisan cow-milk cheese from England and United Kingdom, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, originating in France and Switzerland.

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 Cheese?

Tomme is a class of cheese made mainly in the French Alps and in Switzerland from cow's, ewe's or goat's milk. Most are made from skimmed milk left over from butter making, so they are generally low in fat, and each variety is named for where it comes from.

What's the Difference Between Derby Cheese and Tomme Cheese?

• Origin: Derby Cheese (England and United Kingdom), Tomme Cheese (France and Switzerland)
• Milk type: Derby Cheese (cow's milk), Tomme Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk)
• Texture: Derby Cheese (semi-firm, artisan), Tomme Cheese (Creamy, pliable)
• Rind: Derby Cheese (natural or waxed), Tomme Cheese (Grayish natural)
• Taste: Derby Cheese (buttery, mild, sweet), Tomme Cheese (Varied)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Derby Cheese Taste Like Tomme Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Tomme Cheese brings varied character. On the nose, Derby Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Tomme Cheese's milky. More specifically, Derby Cheese shows springy and mild when young, turning firmer and subtly sweet with age, while Tomme Cheese leans toward no common profile; wide variety depending on milk and aging.

Can You Substitute Derby Cheese for Tomme Cheese?

Derby Cheese can stand in for Tomme Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-firm, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for creamy, pliable. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet while Tomme Cheese brings varied notes.

Which Is Better, Derby Cheese or Tomme 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 creamy, pliable profile, Tomme Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, mild, sweet notes, while Tomme Cheese fits dishes calling for varied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Derby Cheese the same as Tomme Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Derby Cheese originates in England and United Kingdom, while Tomme Cheese comes from France and Switzerland. Derby Cheese is made from cow milk; Tomme Cheese uses cow, goat, or sheep.

Is Derby Cheese similar to Tomme Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Derby Cheese for Tomme Cheese?

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

Does Derby Cheese taste like Tomme Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Tomme Cheese is varied. Aromas also diverge. Derby Cheese leans mild, and Tomme Cheese is closer to milky.

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 Cheese made of?

Tomme Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in France and Switzerland.

Which should I choose, Derby Cheese or Tomme Cheese?

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