Camembert Cheese vs Goat Cheese
Camembert Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Goat Cheese is soft, semihard or hard and made from goat milk.
What Is Camembert Cheese?
Camembert is a moist, soft, surface-ripened cow's milk cheese from Normandy, first made in the late 18th century. Penicillium camemberti gives it a white bloomy rind and a creamy interior, with a taste stronger and slightly more sour than brie.
What Is Goat Cheese?
Goat cheese, also called chèvre, is cheese made from goat's milk. It is produced around the world in styles ranging from fresh and soft to aged and hard, and is known for the tart, goaty flavor that comes from the milk's medium-chain fatty acids.
What's the Difference Between Camembert Cheese and Goat Cheese?
- Milk type: Camembert Cheese (cow's milk), Goat Cheese (goat)
- Texture: Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan), Goat Cheese (soft, semihard or hard)
- Taste: Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie), Goat Cheese (tart, goaty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Camembert Cheese | Goat Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | — |
| Specific Origin | Camembert, Normandy, Northwest France | Worldwide |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions | — |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Soft, semihard or hard |
| Rind | Bloomy | — |
| Aging | Minimum 3 weeks | — |
| Taste | Slightly sour, stronger than brie | Tart, goaty |
Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Goat Cheese?
Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Goat Cheese brings tart, goaty character. More specifically, Camembert Cheese shows slightly sour, sometimes chalky, stronger than brie of the same ripening time; ammonia when overripe, while Goat Cheese leans toward tart goat character from caproic and caprylic fatty acids.
Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Goat Cheese?
Camembert Cheese can stand in for Goat Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, semihard or hard. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie while Goat Cheese brings tart, goaty notes.
Which Is Better, Camembert Cheese or Goat Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, artisan cheese, go with Camembert Cheese. For a soft, semihard or hard profile, Goat Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese suits recipes that want slightly sour, stronger than brie notes, while Goat Cheese fits dishes calling for tart, goaty.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Camembert Cheese the same as Goat Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Camembert Cheese is made from cow milk; Goat Cheese uses goat.
Is Camembert Cheese similar to Goat Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Goat Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Camembert Cheese taste like Goat Cheese?
Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Goat Cheese is tart, goaty.
What is Camembert Cheese made of?
Camembert Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized for aoc camembert de normandie, pasteurized for most other versions). It's typically aged minimum 3 weeks. It originates in France.
What is Goat Cheese made of?
Goat Cheese is made from goat milk.
Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Goat Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan, while Goat Cheese is soft, semihard or hard.