Gloucester Cheese vs Roquefort Cheese
Gloucester Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from England, while Roquefort Cheese is moist, very creamy and made from sheep milk, originating in France.
What Is Gloucester Cheese?
Gloucester cheese comes in two varieties: Single and Double Gloucester. Both are made from cow's milk, with Double Gloucester being the richer and creamier of the two, made from full-fat milk. Single Gloucester is lighter, made from part-skimmed milk, and both have a smooth, buttery flavor and a firm texture.
What Is Roquefort Cheese?
Roquefort is a famous blue cheese from the south of France, made from sheep's milk. It is known for its strong, tangy flavor and moist, crumbly texture. The cheese is ripened in the natural Combalou caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, where it develops its characteristic blue veins from the mold Penicillium roqueforti.
What's the Difference Between Gloucester Cheese and Roquefort Cheese?
- Origin: Gloucester Cheese (England), Roquefort Cheese (France)
- Milk type: Gloucester Cheese (cow's milk), Roquefort Cheese (sheep's milk)
- Milk treatment: Gloucester Cheese (Raw), Roquefort Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Gloucester Cheese (Hard), Roquefort Cheese (Moist, very creamy)
- Aging: Gloucester Cheese (4–6 weeks (Single Gloucester), longer for Double Gloucester), Roquefort Cheese (Minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months)
- Taste: Gloucester Cheese (Mild), Roquefort Cheese (Mild to strong)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Gloucester Cheese | Roquefort Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | France |
| Specific Origin | Gloucestershire | Roquefort-Sur-Soulzon, South Of France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Hard | Moist, very creamy |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | 4–6 weeks (Single Gloucester), longer for Double Gloucester | Minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months |
| Taste | Mild | Mild to strong |
Taste Comparison: Does Gloucester Cheese Taste Like Roquefort Cheese?
Gloucester Cheese reads as mild, while Roquefort Cheese brings mild to strong character. More specifically, Gloucester Cheese shows single: mild, lactic, suitable for toasting. double: richer, colored with annatto, suitable for aging., while Roquefort Cheese leans toward buttercream smooth to salty and sharp. Aging plays into this as well. Gloucester Cheese at 4–6 weeks (single gloucester), longer for double gloucester develops a different profile than Roquefort Cheese at minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months.
Can You Substitute Gloucester Cheese for Roquefort Cheese?
Gloucester Cheese can stand in for Roquefort Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect hard bite and body where the recipe calls for moist, very creamy. Flavor-wise, Gloucester Cheese reads as mild while Roquefort Cheese brings mild to strong notes.
Which Is Better, Gloucester Cheese or Roquefort Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard cheese, go with Gloucester Cheese. For a moist, very creamy profile, Roquefort Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Gloucester Cheese suits recipes that want mild notes, while Roquefort Cheese fits dishes calling for mild to strong.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gloucester Cheese the same as Roquefort Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Gloucester Cheese originates in England, while Roquefort Cheese comes from France. Gloucester Cheese is made from cow milk; Roquefort Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Gloucester Cheese is typically aged 4–6 weeks (single gloucester), longer for double gloucester, Roquefort Cheese minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months.
Is Gloucester Cheese similar to Roquefort Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Gloucester Cheese for Roquefort Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Gloucester Cheese taste like Roquefort Cheese?
Gloucester Cheese reads as mild, while Roquefort Cheese is mild to strong.
What is Gloucester Cheese made of?
Gloucester Cheese is made from cow milk (raw). It's typically aged 4–6 weeks (single gloucester), longer for double gloucester. It originates in England.
What is Roquefort Cheese made of?
Roquefort Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Gloucester Cheese or Roquefort Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Gloucester Cheese is hard, while Roquefort Cheese is moist, very creamy.