Geitost Cheese vs Red Leicester Cheese

Q: Is Geitost Cheese the same as Red Leicester Cheese?

No. Geitost Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese are distinct cheeses from Norway and United Kingdom respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Geitost Cheese for Red Leicester Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Geitost Cheese or Red Leicester 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.

Geitost Cheese is a semi-hard, whey cow and goat-milk cheese from Norway, while Red Leicester Cheese is hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly and made from cow milk, originating in United Kingdom.

What Is Geitost Cheese?

Geitost, also known as Gjetost, Mysost, or Fløtemysost, is a traditional Norwegian cheese made from a blend of cow's and goat's milk. This semi-hard cheese is unique for its production process, which involves caramelizing the milk sugars, giving it a distinct brown color. The flavor is predominantly sweet, with a burnt caramel taste that sets it apart from other cheeses. It has a natural rind and an aroma reminiscent of caramel, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy sweet flavors in their cheese. Often used in breakfast dishes, it can be sliced thinly and served on bread or crackers. Geitost is an iconic part of Norwegian cuisine and is enjoyed by cheese enthusiasts around the world.

What Is Red Leicester Cheese?

Red Leicester is a traditional English cheese made from cow's milk, similar to cheddar but with a more moist, crumblier texture and a milder flavor. It's notable for its vibrant orange color, achieved by adding annatto to the milk. Aged Red Leicester develops a slightly nutty taste, making it a favorite for cheese platters and grating over dishes.

What's the Difference Between Geitost Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese?

Origin: Geitost Cheese (Norway), Red Leicester Cheese (United Kingdom)
Milk type: Geitost Cheese (cow's and goat's milk), Red Leicester Cheese (cow's milk)
Texture: Geitost Cheese (semi-hard, whey), Red Leicester Cheese (Hard, similar to Cheddar but more moist, crumbly)
Rind: Geitost Cheese (natural), Red Leicester Cheese (Clothbound (Sparkenhoe Farm), Plastic (industrial))
Taste: Geitost Cheese (burnt caramel, sweet), Red Leicester Cheese (caramel, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Geitost Cheese	Red Leicester Cheese
Country of Origin	Norway	United Kingdom
Specific Origin	—	Leicestershire
Milk Type	Cow's and goat's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	—	Unpasteurized (Sparkenhoe Farm), Pasteurized (others)
Texture	Semi-hard, whey	Hard, similar to Cheddar but more moist, crumbly
Rind	Natural	Clothbound (Sparkenhoe Farm), Plastic (industrial)
Aging	—	6 months (traditional), varies for industrial
Taste	Burnt caramel, sweet	Caramel, sweet

Taste Comparison: Does Geitost Cheese Taste Like Red Leicester Cheese?

Geitost Cheese reads as burnt caramel, sweet, while Red Leicester Cheese brings caramel, sweet character. On the nose, Geitost Cheese offers caramel, contrasted with Red Leicester Cheese's mild.

Can You Substitute Geitost Cheese for Red Leicester Cheese?

Geitost Cheese can stand in for Red Leicester Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-hard, whey bite and body where the recipe calls for hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly. Flavor-wise, Geitost Cheese reads as burnt caramel, sweet while Red Leicester Cheese brings caramel, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Geitost Cheese or Red Leicester Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard, whey cheese, go with Geitost Cheese. For a hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly profile, Red Leicester Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Geitost Cheese suits recipes that want burnt caramel, sweet notes, while Red Leicester Cheese fits dishes calling for caramel, sweet.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Geitost Cheese the same as Red Leicester Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Geitost Cheese originates in Norway, while Red Leicester Cheese comes from United Kingdom. Geitost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk; Red Leicester Cheese uses cow.

Is Geitost Cheese similar to Red Leicester Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Geitost Cheese for Red Leicester Cheese?

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

Does Geitost Cheese taste like Red Leicester Cheese?

Geitost Cheese reads as burnt caramel, sweet, while Red Leicester Cheese is caramel, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Geitost Cheese leans caramel, and Red Leicester Cheese is closer to mild.

What is Geitost Cheese made of?

Geitost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk. It originates in Norway.

What is Red Leicester Cheese made of?

Red Leicester Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized (sparkenhoe farm), pasteurized (others)), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial. It originates in United Kingdom.

Which should I choose, Geitost Cheese or Red Leicester Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Geitost Cheese is semi-hard, whey, while Red Leicester Cheese is hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly.