Feta Cheese vs Sheep's Milk Cheese
Feta Cheese is a soft, white, aged in brine goat and sheep-milk cheese from Greece, while Sheep's Milk Cheese is a sheep-milk cheese.
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 Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Sheep's milk cheese is cheese made from ewe's milk, one of the three main milks used for cheese alongside cow and goat. Because sheep milk is high in fat, these cheeses are known for a concentrated, full-bodied taste.
What's the Difference Between Feta Cheese and Sheep's Milk Cheese?
- Milk type: Feta Cheese (goat's and sheep's milk), Sheep's Milk Cheese (sheep)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feta Cheese | Sheep's Milk Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Greece | — |
| Specific Origin | Mainland Greece And Lesbos Prefecture | — |
| Milk Type | Goat's and sheep's milk | Sheep |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized, sometimes raw | — |
| Texture | Soft, white, aged in brine | — |
| Rind | None | — |
| Aging | 2 months to longer | — |
| Taste | Sharp to mild | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Feta Cheese Taste Like Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Feta Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Feta Cheese can stand in for Sheep's Milk Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Feta Cheese or Sheep's Milk Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Feta Cheese the same as Sheep's Milk Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Feta Cheese is made from goat and sheep milk; Sheep's Milk Cheese uses sheep.
Is Feta Cheese similar to Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Feta Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Feta Cheese taste like Sheep's Milk 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 Sheep's Milk Cheese made of?
Sheep's Milk Cheese is made from sheep milk, using animal or microbial rennet.
Which should I choose, Feta Cheese or Sheep's Milk Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.