Feta Cheese vs Scamorza Cheese

Q: Is Feta Cheese the same as Scamorza Cheese?

No. Feta Cheese and Scamorza Cheese are distinct cheeses from Greece and Italy respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Feta Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?

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

Q: Does Feta Cheese taste like Scamorza Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. See the side-by-side table above for details.

Q: Which should I choose, Feta Cheese or Scamorza 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.

Feta Cheese

Scamorza Cheese

Feta Cheese is a soft, white, aged in brine goat and sheep-milk cheese from Greece, while Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

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 Scamorza Cheese?

Scamorza is a southern Italian pasta filata cheese, usually made from cow's milk. It is tied with string and hung to dry into a pear-like shape, sold unsmoked or smoked, and works as a substitute for mozzarella in most dishes.

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

Origin: Feta Cheese (Greece), Scamorza Cheese (Italy)
Milk type: Feta Cheese (goat's and sheep's milk), Scamorza Cheese (cow's milk)
Texture: Feta Cheese (Soft, white, aged in brine), Scamorza Cheese (semi-soft)
Rind: Feta Cheese (None), Scamorza Cheese (natural)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Feta Cheese	Scamorza Cheese
Country of Origin	Greece	Italy
Specific Origin	Mainland Greece And Lesbos Prefecture	Apulia And Calabria, Southern Italy
Milk Type	Goat's and sheep's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized, sometimes raw	—
Texture	Soft, white, aged in brine	Semi-soft
Rind	None	Natural
Aging	2 months to longer	—
Taste	Sharp to mild	—

Taste Comparison: Does Feta Cheese Taste Like Scamorza Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Feta Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?

Feta Cheese can stand in for Scamorza 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.

Which Is Better, Feta Cheese or Scamorza 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, Scamorza Cheese is the better fit.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Feta Cheese the same as Scamorza Cheese?

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

Is Feta Cheese similar to Scamorza Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Feta Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?

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

Does Feta Cheese taste like Scamorza Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

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 Scamorza Cheese made of?

Scamorza Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Feta Cheese or Scamorza Cheese?

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