Driftwood Cheese vs Mozzarella Cheese

Q: Is Driftwood Cheese the same as Mozzarella Cheese?

No. Driftwood Cheese and Mozzarella Cheese are distinct cheeses from England and Italy respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Driftwood Cheese for Mozzarella Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Driftwood Cheese for Mozzarella Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Which should I choose, Driftwood Cheese or Mozzarella Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Driftwood Cheese is a semi-soft, artisan goat-milk cheese from England, while Mozzarella Cheese is soft, creamy and made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Driftwood Cheese?

Driftwood is an artisan cheese from England made from unpasteurized goat's milk. It features a semi-soft texture and is known for its creamy color and ash-coated rind. The cheese offers a citrusy and salty flavor profile, making it a refreshing choice. Its unpasteurized nature adds depth to its taste, appealing to those who enjoy traditional cheese-making methods. Driftwood pairs well with light, crisp wines and is an excellent addition to cheese boards. Its distinctive rind and flavor make it a standout option for cheese enthusiasts.

What Is Mozzarella Cheese?

Mozzarella is a semi-soft, non-aged cheese from southern Italy, made by stretching and kneading the curd. Cow's milk versions are called fior di latte, buffalo milk versions mozzarella di bufala, and it tops most pizza.

What's the Difference Between Driftwood Cheese and Mozzarella Cheese?

Origin: Driftwood Cheese (England), Mozzarella Cheese (Italy)
Milk type: Driftwood Cheese (goat's milk), Mozzarella Cheese (cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk)
Milk treatment: Driftwood Cheese (unpasteurized), Mozzarella Cheese (Pasteurized)
Texture: Driftwood Cheese (semi-soft, artisan), Mozzarella Cheese (Soft, creamy)
Rind: Driftwood Cheese (ash coated), Mozzarella Cheese (None)
Taste: Driftwood Cheese (citrusy, salty), Mozzarella Cheese (Mild, milky)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Driftwood Cheese	Mozzarella Cheese
Country of Origin	England	Italy
Specific Origin	—	Southern Italy
Milk Type	Goat's milk	Cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk
Milk Treatment	Unpasteurized	Pasteurized
Texture	Semi-soft, artisan	Soft, creamy
Rind	Ash coated	None
Aging	—	Eaten fresh
Taste	Citrusy, salty	Mild, milky

Taste Comparison: Does Driftwood Cheese Taste Like Mozzarella Cheese?

Driftwood Cheese reads as citrusy, salty, while Mozzarella Cheese brings mild, milky character.

Can You Substitute Driftwood Cheese for Mozzarella Cheese?

Driftwood Cheese can stand in for Mozzarella Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, creamy. Flavor-wise, Driftwood Cheese reads as citrusy, salty while Mozzarella Cheese brings mild, milky notes.

Which Is Better, Driftwood Cheese or Mozzarella Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, artisan cheese, go with Driftwood Cheese. For a soft, creamy profile, Mozzarella Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Driftwood Cheese suits recipes that want citrusy, salty notes, while Mozzarella Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, milky.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Driftwood Cheese the same as Mozzarella Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Driftwood Cheese originates in England, while Mozzarella Cheese comes from Italy. Driftwood Cheese is made from goat milk; Mozzarella Cheese uses cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo.

Is Driftwood Cheese similar to Mozzarella Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Driftwood Cheese for Mozzarella Cheese?

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

Does Driftwood Cheese taste like Mozzarella Cheese?

Driftwood Cheese reads as citrusy, salty, while Mozzarella Cheese is mild, milky.

What is Driftwood Cheese made of?

Driftwood Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England.

What is Mozzarella Cheese made of?

Mozzarella Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk (pasteurized), using calf's or microbial rennet. It's typically aged eaten fresh. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Driftwood Cheese or Mozzarella Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Driftwood Cheese is semi-soft, artisan, while Mozzarella Cheese is soft, creamy.