Driftwood Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Q: Is Driftwood Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No. Driftwood Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano 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 Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Driftwood Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano 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 Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow 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 Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard, granular Italian cheese made from unpasteurised cow's milk and aged at least 12 months. Protected as a PDO across Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and parts of Bologna and Mantua, it is known for its sharp, salty, deeply savoury taste.

What's the Difference Between Driftwood Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Origin: Driftwood Cheese (England), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
Milk type: Driftwood Cheese (goat's milk), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk)
Milk treatment: Driftwood Cheese (unpasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
Texture: Driftwood Cheese (semi-soft, artisan), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
Rind: Driftwood Cheese (ash coated), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
Taste: Driftwood Cheese (citrusy, salty), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Driftwood Cheese	Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Country of Origin	England	Italy
Specific Origin	—	Emilia-Romagna Region
Milk Type	Goat's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Unpasteurized	Raw
Texture	Semi-soft, artisan	Grainy, flaky
Rind	Ash coated	Hard
Aging	—	12 to 36 months
Taste	Citrusy, salty	Umami

Taste Comparison: Does Driftwood Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Driftwood Cheese reads as citrusy, salty, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character.

Can You Substitute Driftwood Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Driftwood Cheese can stand in for Parmigiano Reggiano 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 grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Driftwood Cheese reads as citrusy, salty while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.

Which Is Better, Driftwood Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano 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 grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Driftwood Cheese suits recipes that want citrusy, salty notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Driftwood Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Is Driftwood Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Driftwood Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Does Driftwood Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Driftwood Cheese reads as citrusy, salty, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami.

What is Driftwood Cheese made of?

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

What is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese made of?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using calf rennet. It's typically aged 12 to 36 months. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Driftwood Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Driftwood Cheese is semi-soft, artisan, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.