Malvern Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Q: Is Malvern Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No. Malvern Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese are distinct cheeses from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom and Italy respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Malvern Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Malvern Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Which should I choose, Malvern Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Malvern Cheese is a semi-hard, artisan sheep-milk cheese from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Malvern Cheese?

Malvern is a semi-hard cheese made from unpasteurized sheep's milk in the Severn Valley, England. It has a 50% fat content, contributing to its rich and creamy texture. The cheese is ivory in color and offers a sweet flavor profile with hints of butterscotch. Its taste is complemented by herbal notes, providing a pleasant balance. As an artisan cheese, Malvern is crafted with attention to detail, making it a cherished choice for cheese enthusiasts. Enjoy it on a cheese board or as a flavorful addition to various dishes.

What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano is an iconic Italian cheese produced in specific regions of Italy, including Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, and parts of Mantua and Bologna. It is made from raw cow's milk and aged at least 12 months, developing a deep, complex flavor that's slightly nutty and salty. Parmigiano Reggiano is essential in Italian cooking and as a finishing cheese.

What's the Difference Between Malvern Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Origin: Malvern Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
Milk type: Malvern Cheese (sheep's milk), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk)
Milk treatment: Malvern Cheese (unpasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
Texture: Malvern Cheese (semi-hard, artisan), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
Taste: Malvern Cheese (butterscotch, herbaceous, sweet), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Malvern Cheese	Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Country of Origin	England, Great Britain And United Kingdom	Italy
Specific Origin	Severn Valley	Emilia-Romagna Region
Milk Type	Sheep's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Unpasteurized	Raw
Texture	Semi-hard, artisan	Grainy, flaky
Rind	—	Hard
Aging	—	12 to 36 months
Taste	Butterscotch, herbaceous, sweet	Umami

Taste Comparison: Does Malvern Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Malvern Cheese reads as butterscotch, herbaceous, sweet, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character.

Can You Substitute Malvern Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Malvern Cheese can stand in for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-hard, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Malvern Cheese reads as butterscotch, herbaceous, sweet while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.

Which Is Better, Malvern Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard, artisan cheese, go with Malvern Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Malvern Cheese suits recipes that want butterscotch, herbaceous, sweet notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Malvern Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Malvern Cheese originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Malvern Cheese is made from sheep milk; Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese uses cow.

Is Malvern Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Malvern Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Does Malvern Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Malvern Cheese reads as butterscotch, herbaceous, sweet, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami.

What is Malvern Cheese made of?

Malvern Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.

What is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese made of?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using calf rennet. It's typically aged 12 to 36 months. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Malvern Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Malvern Cheese is semi-hard, artisan, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.