, then select "Add to Home Screen" to get instant access.
Log In
Explore
Cheeses
Cheesemakers
Types
Pairings
Cheese Map
Free Tools
Havarti Cheese vs Stilton Cheese
Havarti Cheese
Stilton Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Havarti Cheese and Stilton Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Havarti Cheese and Stilton Cheese?"
- "Is Havarti Cheese and Stilton Cheese the same?"
- "How does Havarti Cheese compare to Stilton Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Havarti Cheese compare to Stilton Cheese?"
- "Is Havarti Cheese or Stilton 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.
Stilton Cheese Overview
Stilton is one of the best-known British blue cheeses, traditionally made in two varieties: blue and white. Blue Stilton is creamy and crumbly with a distinctively sharp, rich flavor produced by the blue veins. White Stilton, less common, is the milder of the two and does not have the blue veining.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Havarti Cheese comes from Denmark. Stilton Cheese originated from England.
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). Stilton Cheese has a PDO (1996).
Milk Type and Treatment
Havarti Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Stilton 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". Stilton's texture can be described as "hard, blue-veined".
Taste and Aroma
Havarti Cheese has a mild, buttery taste. Havarti's aroma can be described as "pungent aroma, earthy taste". Stilton Cheese has a spicy, strong taste.
Appearance and Aging
Havarti Cheese's appearance is available in rectangular . Stilton Cheese has a color of blue-grey .
Rind and Rennet Type
Havarti Cheese's rind is described as washed rind . Stilton Cheese's rind is described as natural .
Ranking
Havarti is ranked #8 out of 996 types based on community views. Stilton is ranked #23 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Havarti | Stilton | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Kolsch, Pinot Gris, Riesling | Barleywine, Madeira |
| 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 Stilton pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Havarti Cheese | Stilton Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Denmark | England |
| Specific Origin | No Specific Location | Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire |
| Certification | PGI (2010) | PDO (1996) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Fat Content | Max 50% moisture, min 23% fat | Not Specified |
| Moisture Content | 40–45% (Typically) | Not Specified |
| Rind | Washed rind | Natural |
| Texture | Smooth | Hard, blue-veined |
| Taste | Mild, buttery | Spicy, strong |
| Aroma | Pungent aroma, earthy taste | Not Specified |
| Colors | Not Specified | Blue-grey |
| Forms | Rectangular | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a smooth cheese, go for Havarti. But if you enjoy a hard, blue-veined consistency, Stilton might be the better pick. Havarti has a mild, buttery taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Stilton offers a spicy, strong profile, ideal for different meals.
