, then select "Add to Home Screen" to get instant access.
Log In
Explore
Cheeses
Cheesemakers
Types
Pairings
Cheese Map
Free Tools
Feta Cheese vs Iberico Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Feta Cheese and Iberico Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Feta Cheese and Iberico Cheese?"
- "Is Feta Cheese and Iberico Cheese the same?"
- "How does Feta Cheese compare to Iberico Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Feta Cheese compare to Iberico Cheese?"
- "Is Feta Cheese or Iberico Cheese better?"
Feta Cheese Overview
Feta is a brined curd white cheese from Greece, made traditionally from sheep's milk, or from a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. It is crumbly with a slightly grainy texture and has a salty, tangy flavor. Feta is commonly used in salads, pastries, and as a table cheese, and is central to Greek cuisine.
Iberico Cheese Overview
Queso Iberico is a hard cheese from Spain made using a blend of cow's, goat's, and sheep's milk. It can be crafted from either pasteurized or unpasteurized milk, contributing to its rich and aromatic profile. This cheese has a buttery and nutty flavor with a strong taste that captures the essence of its mixed milk origins. The cheese is typically white in color and features a natural rind. Known also as Iberico Cheese, it offers a satisfying density and a complex taste that pairs well with a variety of foods. Its rich aroma and firm texture make it a popular choice for cheese lovers seeking a traditional Spanish flavor.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Feta Cheese comes from Greece. Iberico Cheese originated from Spain.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Feta Cheese has a PDO (2002). Iberico is not a protected cheese.
Milk Type and Treatment
Feta Cheese is made with goat and sheep milk that is typically raw or pasteurized. Iberico Cheese is made with cow, goat, and sheep milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Feta Cheese has a moisture content of high. Feta's texture can be described as "soft, white, aged in brine". Iberico's texture can be described as "hard".
Taste and Aroma
Feta Cheese has a sharp to mild taste. Feta's aroma can be described as "nutty, strong". Iberico Cheese has a buttery, nutty, strong taste. Iberico's aroma can be described as "aromatic, rich".
Appearance and Aging
Feta Cheese's appearance is colored white , is available in blocks submerged in brine, barrels and is aged 2 months to longer . Iberico Cheese has a color of white .
Rind and Rennet Type
Feta Cheese's rind is described as none . Iberico Cheese's rind is described as natural .
Ranking
Feta is ranked #29 out of 996 types based on community views. Iberico is ranked #89 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Feta | Iberico | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Albariño, Asparagus, Avocado, Cod, Dirty Martini, Green Tea, Kiwi, Kolsch, Kombucha, Mangoes, Muscat, Pesto, Pinot Grigio, Pistachios, Pumpkin, Riesling, Roasted Vegetables, Salmon, Sauvignon Blanc, Seaweed, Shrimp, Sweet Potato, Tomatoes | Vinho Verde |
| Other Good Pairings | Beaujolais, Cabernet Franc, California Viogniers, Chicken, Dried Cranberries, Fruit Compote, Gamay, German Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Prosecco, Raspberry, Sparkling Rosé, Strawberries, Tacos, Tequila, Tuna, Viognier | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Feta and Iberico pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feta Cheese | Iberico Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Greece | Spain |
| Specific Origin | Throughout Greece | Not Specified |
| Certification | PDO (2002) | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Goat's and sheep's milk | Cow's, goat's and sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized, sometimes raw | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Moisture Content | High | Not Specified |
| Rind | None | Natural |
| Texture | Soft, white, aged in brine | Hard |
| Taste | Sharp to mild | Buttery, nutty, strong |
| Aroma | Nutty, strong | Aromatic, rich |
| Colors | White | White |
| Forms | Blocks submerged in brine, barrels | Not Specified |
| Age | 2 months to longer | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a soft, white, aged in brine cheese, go for Feta. But if you enjoy a hard consistency, Iberico might be the better pick. Feta has a sharp to mild taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Iberico offers a buttery, nutty, strong profile, ideal for different meals.
