Halloumi Cheese vs Toma Cheese

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

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

Toma Cheese Overview

Toma is a generic term used across the Piedmont and Aosta Valley regions of Italy to describe a family of farmhouse cheeses made from cow's milk. These cheeses can vary but typically have a soft to semi-hard texture and a mild, buttery flavor, making them versatile for both table cheese and melting in dishes.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Halloumi Cheese comes from Cyprus. Toma Cheese originated from Italy.

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). Toma is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Halloumi Cheese is made with cow, goat, and sheep milk. Toma Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Halloumi's texture can be described as "semihard". Toma's texture can be described as "semi-hard".

Taste and Aroma

Halloumi Cheese has a mild, salty taste. Halloumi's aroma can be described as "strong".

Appearance and Aging

Halloumi Cheese's appearance is colored white to light yellow and is aged 40 days .

Rind and Rennet Type

Halloumi Cheese's rind is described as no rind and uses animal rennet.

Ranking

Halloumi is ranked #95 out of 996 types based on community views. Toma is ranked #116 out of 996 types based on community views.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a semihard cheese, go for Halloumi. But if you enjoy a semi-hard consistency, Toma might be the better pick.

Compare Halloumi Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Toma Cheese to Other Cheeses