Feta Cheese vs Orla Cheese

Feta Cheese is a soft, white, aged in brine goat and sheep-milk cheese from Greece, while Orla Cheese is semi-hard, brined and made from sheep milk, originating in Ireland.

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 Orla Cheese?

Orla is a semi-hard cheese from Ireland, made with pasteurized sheep's milk. It has a distinct orange color and a washed rind that contributes to its earthy, strong aroma. The flavor profile is salty and sharp, making it a bold choice for cheese lovers. Orla's texture is firm yet slightly pliable, typical of brined cheeses. This cheese is often enjoyed on its own or paired with robust foods that can match its intense flavor. It's a great addition to cheese boards or used as a flavorful ingredient in cooking.

What's the Difference Between Feta Cheese and Orla Cheese?

• Origin: Feta Cheese (Greece), Orla Cheese (Ireland)
• Milk type: Feta Cheese (goat's and sheep's milk), Orla Cheese (sheep's milk)
• Milk treatment: Feta Cheese (Pasteurized, sometimes raw), Orla Cheese (pasteurized)
• Texture: Feta Cheese (Soft, white, aged in brine), Orla Cheese (semi-hard, brined)
• Rind: Feta Cheese (None), Orla Cheese (washed)
• Taste: Feta Cheese (Sharp to mild), Orla Cheese (salty, sharp)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Feta Cheese Taste Like Orla Cheese?

Feta Cheese reads as sharp to mild, while Orla Cheese brings salty, sharp character. On the nose, Feta Cheese offers ewe's milk, butter, yoghurt, contrasted with Orla Cheese's earthy, strong.

Can You Substitute Feta Cheese for Orla Cheese?

Feta Cheese can stand in for Orla 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-hard, brined. Flavor-wise, Feta Cheese reads as sharp to mild while Orla Cheese brings salty, sharp notes.

Which Is Better, Feta Cheese or Orla 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-hard, brined profile, Orla Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Feta Cheese suits recipes that want sharp to mild notes, while Orla Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, sharp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Feta Cheese the same as Orla Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Feta Cheese originates in Greece, while Orla Cheese comes from Ireland. Feta Cheese is made from goat and sheep milk; Orla Cheese uses sheep.

Is Feta Cheese similar to Orla Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Feta Cheese for Orla Cheese?

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

Does Feta Cheese taste like Orla Cheese?

Feta Cheese reads as sharp to mild, while Orla Cheese is salty, sharp. Aromas also diverge. Feta Cheese leans ewe's milk, butter, yoghurt, and Orla Cheese is closer to earthy, strong.

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 Orla Cheese made of?

Orla Cheese is made from sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Ireland.

Which should I choose, Feta Cheese or Orla Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Feta Cheese is soft, white, aged in brine, while Orla Cheese is semi-hard, brined.