Kaffeost

Kaffeost is a fresh cheese from Sweden, traditionally made with whole milk from reindeer, goats, or cows. It has a dry crust, achieved through drying, smoking, or baking, which makes it easy to handle and long-lasting. The cheese is usually flat and varies in size, with weights ranging from 150 g to 500 g. It has a mild, round flavor reminiscent of boiled milk, with variations depending on the milk source. When smoked or baked, it develops additional notes of caramel or smokiness. The texture is rubbery when cold and becomes melty or smooth when warm. Kaffeost is traditionally cut into pieces and placed in hot coffee, where it absorbs the flavor and softens. The cheese is produced in northern Sweden, including Lapland, Norrbotten, Västerbotten, Jämtland, Härjedalen, and Ångermanland.

Key Facts

Country of Origin	Sweden
Specific Origin	Lapland, Norrbotten, Västerbotten, Jämtland, Härjedalen, Ångermanland
Protection	PDO (2023)
Milk Type	Reindeer, goat, or cow’s milk
Milk Treatment	Whole milk, non-homogenized
Fat Content	25–50% (varies by milk type)
Moisture Content	40–70%
Rind	Dry, smoked, or baked crust (color varies by treatment)
Texture	Fresh, Rubbery when cold, melty or smooth when warm
Flavor	Mild, round, boiled milk flavor
Aroma	Mild, smoky, milky, or slightly acidic
Colors	White to yellowish, sometimes with dark spots from baking or smoking
Forms	Flat, variable shape and size (typically 150–500 g)