Port Salut Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese
Port Salut Cheese is a semi-soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Port Salut Cheese?
Port Salut is a semi-soft pasteurized cow's milk cheese from Pays de la Loire, France. Trappist monks developed it in the 19th century, and it is known for its orange rind, its smooth sliceable paste and its mild flavor.
What Is Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Tomme de Savoie is a mild, semi-firm cow's milk cheese from Savoy in the French Alps. It is made from the skimmed milk left over from butter making, so the fat content stays low, and it carries a thick brownish-grey rind over a beige interior.
What's the Difference Between Port Salut Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Port Salut Cheese (pasteurized), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
- Texture: Port Salut Cheese (semi-soft), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
- Rind: Port Salut Cheese (washed), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Port Salut Cheese (acidic, mellow), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Port Salut Cheese | Tomme de Savoie Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Pays De La Loire, France | Savoy, French Alps, France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Skimmed or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-soft | Semi-soft, artisan |
| Rind | Washed | Natural |
| Aging | — | Several months |
| Taste | Acidic, mellow | Grassy, nutty, tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Port Salut Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Port Salut Cheese reads as acidic, mellow, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. More specifically, Port Salut Cheese shows mild, with the strength of a mature cheese showing in the smell rather than the taste, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild.
Can You Substitute Port Salut Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
In most recipes, Port Salut Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Port Salut Cheese reads as acidic, mellow while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Port Salut Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft cheese, go with Port Salut Cheese. For a semi-soft, artisan profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Port Salut Cheese suits recipes that want acidic, mellow notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Port Salut Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Port Salut Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Port Salut Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Port Salut Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Port Salut Cheese reads as acidic, mellow, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.
What is Port Salut Cheese made of?
Port Salut Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in France.
What is Tomme de Savoie Cheese made of?
Tomme de Savoie Cheese is made from cow milk (skimmed or unpasteurized). It's typically aged several months. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Port Salut Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Port Salut Cheese is semi-soft, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan.