Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese vs Tomme Cheese

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

No. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Tomme Cheese are distinct cheeses from Italy and France and Switzerland 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 Tomme Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Tomme 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

Tomme Cheese

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is a grainy, flaky cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, originating in France and Switzerland.

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 Tomme Cheese?

Tomme is a class of cheese made mainly in the French Alps and in Switzerland from cow's, ewe's or goat's milk. Most are made from skimmed milk left over from butter making, so they are generally low in fat, and each variety is named for where it comes from.

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

Origin: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy), Tomme Cheese (France and Switzerland)
Milk type: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk), Tomme Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk)
Milk treatment: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw), Tomme Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky), Tomme Cheese (Creamy, pliable)
Rind: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard), Tomme Cheese (Grayish natural)
Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami), Tomme Cheese (Varied)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese	Tomme Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	France And Switzerland
Specific Origin	Emilia-Romagna Region	France, Switzerland, United States
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk
Milk Treatment	Raw	Pasteurized or unpasteurized
Texture	Grainy, flaky	Creamy, pliable
Rind	Hard	Grayish natural
Aging	12 to 36 months	—
Taste	Umami	Varied

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

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Tomme Cheese brings varied character. On the nose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Tomme Cheese's milky. More specifically, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese shows lactic (fermented milk), sweet (fresh cream, melted butter), fruity or citrusy (apricot, banana, dried fruits, lemon, pineapple), balanced by savory nutty (hazelnut, walnut) and meaty, while Tomme Cheese leans toward no common profile; wide variety depending on milk and aging.

Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Tomme Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can stand in for Tomme 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 creamy, pliable. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami while Tomme Cheese brings varied notes.

Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Tomme 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 creamy, pliable profile, Tomme Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese suits recipes that want umami notes, while Tomme Cheese fits dishes calling for varied.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Tomme Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese originates in Italy, while Tomme Cheese comes from France and Switzerland. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made from cow milk; Tomme Cheese uses cow, goat, or sheep.

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese similar to Tomme Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Tomme Cheese?

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

Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese taste like Tomme Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Tomme Cheese is varied. Aromas also diverge. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese leans mild, milky, and Tomme Cheese is closer to milky.

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 Tomme Cheese made of?

Tomme Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in France and Switzerland.

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

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable.