Halloumi Cheese vs Munster Cheese

In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Halloumi Cheese and Munster Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Halloumi Cheese and Munster Cheese?"
  • "Is Halloumi Cheese and Munster Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Halloumi Cheese compare to Munster Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Halloumi Cheese compare to Munster Cheese?"
  • "Is Halloumi Cheese or Munster Cheese better?"

Halloumi Cheese Overview

Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened brined cheese from Cyprus, made from a mixture of goat’s and sheep’s milk, and sometimes also cow’s milk. Renowned for its high melting point, Halloumi can be grilled or fried to a crispy exterior with a soft, chewy interior. It has a salty flavor and is often enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon.

Munster Cheese Overview

Munster is a strong-smelling, soft cheese from the Alsace and Lorraine regions of France. It has a washed rind, which gives it a red-orange color and a distinctive pungent aroma. The flavor is rich and tangy, often enjoyed with cumin seeds and paired with beers or strong wines.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Halloumi is ranked #132 out of 376 types.

Munster is ranked #70 out of 376 types.

Country of Origin

Halloumi Cheese comes from Cyprus. Munster Cheese originated from France.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Halloumi Cheese has a PDO (2014). Munster Cheese has a AOC (1969).

Milk Type and Treatment

Halloumi Cheese is made with cow, goat, or sheep milk. Munster Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw.

Composition and Texture

Halloumi's texture can be described as "semihard". Munster Cheese has a fat content of 45-48%. Munster's texture can be described as "semisoft".

Flavor and Aroma

Halloumi Cheese has a mild, salty flavor. Munster Cheese has a strong, gamey flavor. Munster's aroma can be described as "gamey, aromatic".

Appearance and Aging

Halloumi Cheese's appearance is colored white to light yellow and is aged 40 days . Munster Cheese has a color of orangey-pink to orange-red , comes in flat wheel, 1-3 inches high, 5-8 inches diameter and has an aging period of 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months .

Rind and Rennet Type

Halloumi Cheese's rind is described as no rind and uses animal rennet. Munster Cheese's rind is described as washed, saltwater solution , with traditional rennet.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Halloumi Cheese Munster Cheese
Country of Origin Cyprus France
Specific Origin Cyprus Alsace, Lorraine, Franche-Comté
Certification PDO (2014) AOC (1969)
Milk Type Sheep’s milk, Goat’s milk, Cow’s milk (Cow’s milk not alone in Cyprus) Cow's
Milk Treatment Raw
Fat Content 45-48%
Rind No rind Washed, saltwater solution
Texture Semihard Semisoft
Flavor Mild, salty Strong, gamey
Aroma Gamey, aromatic
Colors White to light yellow Orangey-pink to orange-red
Forms Flat wheel, 1-3 inches high, 5-8 inches diameter
Age 40 days 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months
Rennet Type Animal Traditional rennet

Compare Halloumi Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Munster Cheese to Other Cheeses