Halloumi Cheese vs Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese

Halloumi Cheese is a semihard cow, goat, and sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, while Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese is semi-soft and made from goat milk, originating in France.

What Is Halloumi Cheese?

Halloumi is a brined cheese from Cyprus, traditionally made from goat and sheep milk, though most modern halloumi also contains cow's milk. It has a high melting point, so it browns on the grill or in a pan without melting, and it squeaks when you chew it.

What Is Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

Sainte-Maure de Touraine is an unpasteurized goat cheese from the Touraine province of France, sold as a small ash-rolled log with a straw running through its centre. The straw carries the AOC seal and a number identifying the producer.

What's the Difference Between Halloumi Cheese and Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

• Origin: Halloumi Cheese (Cyprus), Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese (France)
• Milk type: Halloumi Cheese (cow's, goat's and sheep's milk), Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese (goat’s milk)
• Milk treatment: Halloumi Cheese (traditionally raw, pasteurized commercially), Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese (Raw)
• Texture: Halloumi Cheese (Semihard), Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese (semi-soft)
• Rind: Halloumi Cheese (No rind), Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese (Gray-blue)
• Aging: Halloumi Cheese (40 days), Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese (Minimum of ten days)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Halloumi Cheese Taste Like Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Halloumi Cheese at 40 days develops a different profile than Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese at minimum of ten days.

Can You Substitute Halloumi Cheese for Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

Halloumi Cheese can stand in for Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semihard bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft.

Which Is Better, Halloumi Cheese or Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semihard cheese, go with Halloumi Cheese. For a semi-soft profile, Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese is the better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Halloumi Cheese the same as Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Halloumi Cheese originates in Cyprus, while Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese comes from France. Halloumi Cheese is made from cow, goat, and sheep milk; Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Halloumi Cheese is typically aged 40 days, Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese minimum of ten days.

Is Halloumi Cheese similar to Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Halloumi Cheese for Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

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

Does Halloumi Cheese taste like Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

What is Halloumi Cheese made of?

Halloumi Cheese is made from cow, goat, and sheep milk (traditionally raw, pasteurized commercially), using mostly vegetable or microbial rennet. It's typically aged 40 days. It originates in Cyprus.

What is Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese made of?

Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese is made from goat milk (raw). It's typically aged minimum of ten days. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Halloumi Cheese or Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Halloumi Cheese is semihard, while Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese is semi-soft.