Goat Cheese vs Tomme Cheese
Goat Cheese is a soft, semihard or hard goat-milk cheese, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, originating in France and Switzerland.
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 Is Tomme Cheese?
Tomme is a class of cheese made mainly in the French Alps and in Switzerland from cow's, ewe's or goat's milk. Most are made from skimmed milk left over from butter making, so they are generally low in fat, and each variety is named for where it comes from.
What's the Difference Between Goat Cheese and Tomme Cheese?
- Milk type: Goat Cheese (goat), Tomme Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk)
- Texture: Goat Cheese (soft, semihard or hard), Tomme Cheese (Creamy, pliable)
- Taste: Goat Cheese (tart, goaty), Tomme Cheese (Varied)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Goat Cheese | Tomme Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | France And Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Worldwide | France, Switzerland, United States |
| Milk Type | Goat | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, semihard or hard | Creamy, pliable |
| Rind | — | Grayish natural |
| Taste | Tart, goaty | Varied |
Taste Comparison: Does Goat Cheese Taste Like Tomme Cheese?
Goat Cheese reads as tart, goaty, while Tomme Cheese brings varied character. More specifically, Goat Cheese shows tart goat character from caproic and caprylic fatty acids, while Tomme Cheese leans toward no common profile; wide variety depending on milk and aging.
Can You Substitute Goat Cheese for Tomme Cheese?
Goat Cheese can stand in for Tomme Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, semihard or hard bite and body where the recipe calls for creamy, pliable. Flavor-wise, Goat Cheese reads as tart, goaty while Tomme Cheese brings varied notes.
Which Is Better, Goat Cheese or Tomme Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, semihard or hard cheese, go with Goat Cheese. For a creamy, pliable profile, Tomme Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Goat Cheese suits recipes that want tart, goaty notes, while Tomme Cheese fits dishes calling for varied.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Goat Cheese the same as Tomme Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Goat Cheese is made from goat milk; Tomme Cheese uses cow, goat, or sheep.
Is Goat Cheese similar to Tomme Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Goat Cheese for Tomme Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Goat Cheese taste like Tomme Cheese?
Goat Cheese reads as tart, goaty, while Tomme Cheese is varied.
What is Goat Cheese made of?
Goat Cheese is made from goat milk.
What is Tomme Cheese made of?
Tomme Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in France and Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Goat Cheese or Tomme Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Goat Cheese is soft, semihard or hard, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable.