Feta Cheese vs Lappi Cheese
Feta Cheese is a soft, white, aged in brine goat and sheep-milk cheese from Greece, while Lappi Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in Finland.
What Is Feta Cheese?
Feta is a Greek brined white cheese made from sheep's milk or a mix of sheep and goat's milk. It is crumbly and slightly grainy, tangy and salty, and it anchors dishes like Greek salad and spanakopita.
What Is Lappi Cheese?
Lappi is a semi-soft cheese from the Lapland region of Finland, made from pasteurized cow's milk. It has a mild and sweet flavor, making it an approachable choice for various palates. The cheese features a yellow color and is rindless, which gives it a smooth and uniform appearance. Its texture is semi-soft, making it easy to slice and melt. Lappi is often enjoyed in sandwiches or as a part of a cheese platter, where its gentle taste can complement other flavors without overwhelming them. Its mildness and sweetness make it a family-friendly cheese that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
What's the Difference Between Feta Cheese and Lappi Cheese?
- Origin: Feta Cheese (Greece), Lappi Cheese (Finland)
- Milk type: Feta Cheese (goat's and sheep's milk), Lappi Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Feta Cheese (Pasteurized, sometimes raw), Lappi Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Feta Cheese (Soft, white, aged in brine), Lappi Cheese (semi-soft)
- Rind: Feta Cheese (None), Lappi Cheese (rindless)
- Taste: Feta Cheese (Sharp to mild), Lappi Cheese (mild, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feta Cheese | Lappi Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Greece | Finland |
| Specific Origin | Mainland Greece And Lesbos Prefecture | Lapland |
| Milk Type | Goat's and sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized, sometimes raw | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, white, aged in brine | Semi-soft |
| Rind | None | Rindless |
| Aging | 2 months to longer | — |
| Taste | Sharp to mild | Mild, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Feta Cheese Taste Like Lappi Cheese?
Feta Cheese reads as sharp to mild, while Lappi Cheese brings mild, sweet character.
Can You Substitute Feta Cheese for Lappi Cheese?
Feta Cheese can stand in for Lappi Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, white, aged in brine bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft. Flavor-wise, Feta Cheese reads as sharp to mild while Lappi Cheese brings mild, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Feta Cheese or Lappi Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, white, aged in brine cheese, go with Feta Cheese. For a semi-soft profile, Lappi Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Feta Cheese suits recipes that want sharp to mild notes, while Lappi Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, sweet.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Feta Cheese the same as Lappi Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Feta Cheese originates in Greece, while Lappi Cheese comes from Finland. Feta Cheese is made from goat and sheep milk; Lappi Cheese uses cow.
Is Feta Cheese similar to Lappi Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Feta Cheese for Lappi Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Feta Cheese taste like Lappi Cheese?
Feta Cheese reads as sharp to mild, while Lappi Cheese is mild, sweet.
What is Feta Cheese made of?
Feta Cheese is made from goat and sheep milk (pasteurized, sometimes raw), using rennet. It's typically aged 2 months to longer. It originates in Greece.
What is Lappi Cheese made of?
Lappi Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in Finland.
Which should I choose, Feta Cheese or Lappi Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Feta Cheese is soft, white, aged in brine, while Lappi Cheese is semi-soft.