Cheddar Cheese vs Old Ford Cheese

Q: Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Old Ford Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Cheddar Cheese for Old Ford Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Old Ford 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.

Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.

What Is Cheddar Cheese?

Cheddar is a relatively hard, off-white to orange cow's milk cheese from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England. The name is not protected, so it is made worldwide, and it is the UK's most popular cheese at 51% of the national cheese market.

What Is Old Ford Cheese?

Old Ford is an artisan cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk in Timsbury, Somerset, England. It has a semi-hard texture, making it a sturdy cheese with a satisfying bite. The flavor profile of Old Ford is a mix of buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, and savory notes, providing a refreshing yet rich taste experience. Its aroma carries barnyardy, floral, and goaty scents, adding to its rustic charm. The cheese is ivory in color, with a natural rind that adds character to its appearance. Suitable for cheese boards or paired with light wines, Old Ford is a versatile choice for various culinary applications.

What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and Old Ford Cheese?

Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), Old Ford Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
Milk type: Cheddar Cheese (cow's milk), Old Ford Cheese (goat's milk)
Milk treatment: Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized), Old Ford Cheese (unpasteurized)
Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Old Ford Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
Rind: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)), Old Ford Cheese (natural)
Taste: Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory), Old Ford Cheese (buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Cheddar Cheese	Old Ford Cheese
Country of Origin	England	England, Great Britain And United Kingdom
Specific Origin	Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester)	Timsbury, Somerset
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Goat's milk
Milk Treatment	Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized	Unpasteurized
Texture	Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)	Semi-hard, artisan
Rind	Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)	Natural
Aging	A few months to several years	—
Taste	Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory	Buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory

Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Old Ford Cheese?

Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory character.

Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?

Cheddar Cheese can stand in for Old Ford Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory notes.

Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Old Ford Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go with Cheddar Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Old Ford Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes, while Old Ford Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Old Ford Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese originates in England, while Old Ford Cheese comes from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom. Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk; Old Ford Cheese uses goat.

Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Old Ford Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?

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

Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Old Ford Cheese?

Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Old Ford Cheese is buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory.

What is Cheddar Cheese made of?

Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, thermized, pasteurized), using animal; microbial chymosin in vegetarian and kosher versions rennet. It's typically aged a few months to several years. It originates in England.

What is Old Ford Cheese made of?

Old Ford Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.

Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Old Ford Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.