, then select "Add to Home Screen" to get instant access.
Log In
Explore
Cheeses
Cheesemakers
Types
Pairings
Cheese Map
Free Tools
Feta Cheese vs Pepper Jack Cheese
Feta Cheese
Pepper Jack Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Feta Cheese and Pepper Jack Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Feta Cheese and Pepper Jack Cheese?"
- "Is Feta Cheese and Pepper Jack Cheese the same?"
- "How does Feta Cheese compare to Pepper Jack Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Feta Cheese compare to Pepper Jack Cheese?"
- "Is Feta Cheese or Pepper Jack 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.
Pepper Jack Cheese Overview
Pepper Jack cheese is a derivative of Monterey Jack that includes spicy chili peppers, bell peppers, and herbs. This American cheese is known for its mild, creamy texture contrasted with the lively heat of the peppers. It's popular in sandwiches, on burgers, and melted in dishes where a spicy kick is desired.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Feta Cheese comes from Greece. Pepper Jack Cheese originated from United States.
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). Pepper Jack is not a protected cheese.
Milk Type and Treatment
Feta Cheese is made with goat and sheep milk that is typically raw or pasteurized. Pepper Jack Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Feta Cheese has a moisture content of high. Feta's texture can be described as "soft, white, aged in brine". Pepper Jack's texture can be described as "semi-soft".
Taste and Aroma
Feta Cheese has a sharp to mild taste. Feta's aroma can be described as "nutty, strong".
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 .
Rind and Rennet Type
Feta Cheese's rind is described as none .
Ranking
Feta is ranked #29 out of 996 types based on community views. Pepper Jack is ranked #123 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Feta | Pepper Jack | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Chorizo |
| 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 | IPA, Tacos |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Feta and Pepper Jack pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feta Cheese | Pepper Jack Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Greece | United States |
| Specific Origin | Throughout Greece | Not Specified |
| Certification | PDO (2002) | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Goat's and sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized, sometimes raw | Pasteurized |
| Moisture Content | High | Not Specified |
| Rind | None | Not Specified |
| Texture | Soft, white, aged in brine | Semi-soft |
| Taste | Sharp to mild | Not Specified |
| Aroma | Nutty, strong | Not Specified |
| Colors | White | Not Specified |
| 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 semi-soft consistency, Pepper Jack might be the better pick.
