Log In
Explore
Cheeses
Cheesemakers
Types
Pairings
Cheese Map
Havarti Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese
Havarti Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Havarti Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Havarti Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?"
- "Is Havarti Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese the same?"
- "How does Havarti Cheese compare to Jarlsberg Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Havarti Cheese compare to Jarlsberg Cheese?"
- "Is Havarti Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese better?"
Havarti Cheese Overview
Havarti is a semi-soft Danish cheese known for its creamy texture and mild, slightly tangy flavor. It is typically made from cow's milk and is a table cheese that can be sliced, grilled, or melted. Havarti may also be flavored with spices, herbs, or other additives to enhance its taste.
Jarlsberg Cheese Overview
Jarlsberg is a famous Norwegian cheese, known for its distinctive sweet and nutty taste. It is a semi-soft cheese with large, round holes. Jarlsberg is versatile and can be sliced, grilled, or melted. It is often used in sandwiches, as a burger topping, or simply enjoyed on its own.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Havarti Cheese comes from Denmark. Jarlsberg Cheese originated from Norway.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Havarti Cheese has a PGI (2010). Jarlsberg is not a protected cheese.
Milk Type and Treatment
Havarti Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Jarlsberg Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Havarti Cheese has a fat content of max 50% moisture, min 23% fat and a moisture content of 40–45% (typically). Havarti's texture can be described as "smooth". Jarlsberg Cheese has a fat content of regular: 27% (45% fdm), lite: 16% (30% fdm). Jarlsberg's texture can be described as "semihard".
Taste and Aroma
Havarti Cheese has a mild, buttery taste. Havarti's aroma can be described as "pungent aroma, earthy taste". Jarlsberg Cheese has a mild, sweet, nutty taste.
Appearance and Aging
Havarti Cheese's appearance is available in rectangular . Jarlsberg Cheese comes in wheels, blocks, loaves, slices, mini wheels and has an aging period of three months to twelve months .
Rind and Rennet Type
Havarti Cheese's rind is described as washed rind . Jarlsberg Cheese's rind is described as plastic-covered , with animal rennet.
Ranking
Havarti is ranked #11 out of 996 types based on community views. Jarlsberg is ranked #47 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Havarti | Jarlsberg | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Kolsch, Pinot Gris, Riesling | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | Apples, Asian Pear, Asparagus, Belgian Blonde, California Viogniers, Champagne, Crackers, Dirty Martini, Green Apple, Green Tea, Grilled Cheese, Hard Cider, IPA, Kombucha, Pistachios, Sauvignon Blanc, Shrimp, Sparkling Rosé, Viognier | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Havarti and Jarlsberg pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Havarti Cheese | Jarlsberg Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Denmark | Norway |
| Specific Origin | No Specific Location | No Specific Location |
| Certification | PGI (2010) | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Fat Content | Max 50% moisture, min 23% fat | Regular: 27% (45% FDM), Lite: 16% (30% FDM) |
| Moisture Content | 40–45% (Typically) | Not Specified |
| Rind | Washed rind | Plastic-covered |
| Texture | Smooth | Semihard |
| Taste | Mild, buttery | Mild, sweet, nutty |
| Aroma | Pungent aroma, earthy taste | Not Specified |
| Forms | Rectangular | Wheels, blocks, loaves, slices, mini wheels |
| Age | Not Specified | Three months to twelve months |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Animal |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a smooth cheese, go for Havarti. But if you enjoy a semihard consistency, Jarlsberg might be the better pick. Havarti has a mild, buttery taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Jarlsberg offers a mild, sweet, nutty profile, ideal for different meals.
