Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese vs Picodon de Chevre Cheese

Q: Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Picodon de Chevre Cheese?

No. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Picodon de Chevre Cheese are distinct cheeses from Italy and France respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Picodon de Chevre Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Picodon de Chevre 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.

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is a grainy, flaky cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Picodon de Chevre Cheese is soft, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in France.

What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard, granular Italian cheese made from unpasteurised cow's milk and aged at least 12 months. Protected as a PDO across Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and parts of Bologna and Mantua, it is known for its sharp, salty, deeply savoury taste.

What Is Picodon de Chevre Cheese?

Picodon de Chevre is a traditional French cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk. It has a soft, artisan texture and a natural rind. The cheese is typically white in color and offers a flavor that balances sour and sweet notes. Its aroma is notably goaty and pungent, providing a strong sensory experience. Picodon de Chevre is recognized under several protected names, such as Picodon AOC, Picodon PDO, and Picodon AOP, ensuring its quality and regional authenticity. This cheese is often enjoyed on its own or paired with rustic bread and a light wine.

What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Picodon de Chevre Cheese?

Origin: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy), Picodon de Chevre Cheese (France)
Milk type: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk), Picodon de Chevre Cheese (goat's milk)
Milk treatment: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw), Picodon de Chevre Cheese (unpasteurized)
Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky), Picodon de Chevre Cheese (soft, artisan)
Rind: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard), Picodon de Chevre Cheese (natural)
Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami), Picodon de Chevre Cheese (sour, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese	Picodon de Chevre Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	France
Specific Origin	Emilia-Romagna Region	—
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Goat's milk
Milk Treatment	Raw	Unpasteurized
Texture	Grainy, flaky	Soft, artisan
Rind	Hard	Natural
Aging	12 to 36 months	—
Taste	Umami	Sour, sweet

Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Taste Like Picodon de Chevre Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Picodon de Chevre Cheese brings sour, sweet character. On the nose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Picodon de Chevre Cheese's goaty, pungent.

Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Picodon de Chevre Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can stand in for Picodon de Chevre Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect grainy, flaky bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami while Picodon de Chevre Cheese brings sour, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Picodon de Chevre Cheese?

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

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Picodon de Chevre Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese originates in Italy, while Picodon de Chevre Cheese comes from France. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made from cow milk; Picodon de Chevre Cheese uses goat.

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese similar to Picodon de Chevre Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Picodon de Chevre Cheese?

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

Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese taste like Picodon de Chevre Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Picodon de Chevre Cheese is sour, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese leans mild, milky, and Picodon de Chevre Cheese is closer to goaty, pungent.

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.

What is Picodon de Chevre Cheese made of?

Picodon de Chevre Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Picodon de Chevre Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky, while Picodon de Chevre Cheese is soft, artisan.