Driftwood Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese

Q: Is Driftwood Cheese the same as Taleggio Cheese?

No. Driftwood Cheese and Taleggio 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 Taleggio Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Driftwood Cheese or Taleggio 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 Taleggio Cheese is soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center 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 Taleggio Cheese?

Taleggio is a semisoft Italian cheese with a washed, smear-ripened rind and a strong smell. The taste is milder than the aroma suggests, creamy and pale yellow inside, with an unusual fruity tang.

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

Origin: Driftwood Cheese (England), Taleggio Cheese (Italy)
Milk type: Driftwood Cheese (goat's milk), Taleggio Cheese (cow's milk)
Milk treatment: Driftwood Cheese (unpasteurized), Taleggio Cheese (Heated to 90–95°F)
Texture: Driftwood Cheese (semi-soft, artisan), Taleggio Cheese (Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center)
Rind: Driftwood Cheese (ash coated), Taleggio Cheese (Soft, thin, pinkish-red)
Taste: Driftwood Cheese (citrusy, salty), Taleggio Cheese (Sweet, delicate, slightly sour)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Driftwood Cheese	Taleggio Cheese
Country of Origin	England	Italy
Specific Origin	—	Val Taleggio, Po Valley
Milk Type	Goat's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Unpasteurized	Heated to 90–95°F
Texture	Semi-soft, artisan	Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center
Rind	Ash coated	Soft, thin, pinkish-red
Aging	—	At least 35 (up to 50) days
Taste	Citrusy, salty	Sweet, delicate, slightly sour

Taste Comparison: Does Driftwood Cheese Taste Like Taleggio Cheese?

Driftwood Cheese reads as citrusy, salty, while Taleggio Cheese brings sweet, delicate, slightly sour character.

Can You Substitute Driftwood Cheese for Taleggio Cheese?

Driftwood Cheese can stand in for Taleggio 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, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center. Flavor-wise, Driftwood Cheese reads as citrusy, salty while Taleggio Cheese brings sweet, delicate, slightly sour notes.

Which Is Better, Driftwood Cheese or Taleggio 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, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center profile, Taleggio Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Driftwood Cheese suits recipes that want citrusy, salty notes, while Taleggio Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet, delicate, slightly sour.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Driftwood Cheese the same as Taleggio Cheese?

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

Is Driftwood Cheese similar to Taleggio Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Driftwood Cheese for Taleggio Cheese?

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

Does Driftwood Cheese taste like Taleggio Cheese?

Driftwood Cheese reads as citrusy, salty, while Taleggio Cheese is sweet, delicate, slightly sour.

What is Driftwood Cheese made of?

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

What is Taleggio Cheese made of?

Taleggio Cheese is made from cow milk (heated to 90–95°f), using calf rennet. It's typically aged at least 35 (up to 50) days. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Driftwood Cheese or Taleggio Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Driftwood Cheese is semi-soft, artisan, while Taleggio Cheese is soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center.