Saint Felicien Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese

Q: Is Saint Felicien Cheese the same as Taleggio Cheese?

No. Saint Felicien Cheese and Taleggio Cheese are distinct cheeses from France and Italy respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Saint Felicien Cheese for Taleggio Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Saint Felicien Cheese for Taleggio Cheese, though the result will shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Q: Which should I choose, Saint Felicien Cheese or Taleggio 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.

Saint Felicien Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Taleggio Cheese is soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Saint Felicien Cheese?

Saint-Félicien is a soft cow's milk cheese from the Rhône-Alpes region of France, with a creamy interior under a flower-style fleurie casing. Rounds average 180 grams (6.3 oz), and it is softer and creamier than its close relative Saint-Marcellin.

What Is Taleggio Cheese?

Taleggio is a semisoft Italian cheese with a washed, smear-ripened rind and a strong smell. The taste is milder than the aroma suggests, creamy and pale yellow inside, with an unusual fruity tang.

What's the Difference Between Saint Felicien Cheese and Taleggio Cheese?

Origin: Saint Felicien Cheese (France), Taleggio Cheese (Italy)
Milk treatment: Saint Felicien Cheese (pasteurized), Taleggio Cheese (Heated to 90–95°F)
Texture: Saint Felicien Cheese (soft, artisan), Taleggio Cheese (Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center)
Rind: Saint Felicien Cheese (flower-style (fleurie) casing), Taleggio Cheese (Soft, thin, pinkish-red)
Aging: Saint Felicien Cheese (4 to 6 weeks), Taleggio Cheese (At least 35 (up to 50) days)
Taste: Saint Felicien Cheese (creamy), Taleggio Cheese (Sweet, delicate, slightly sour)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Saint Felicien Cheese	Taleggio Cheese
Country of Origin	France	Italy
Specific Origin	Rhône-Alpes, France	Val Taleggio, Po Valley
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized	Heated to 90–95°F
Texture	Soft, artisan	Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center
Rind	Flower-style (fleurie) casing	Soft, thin, pinkish-red
Aging	4 to 6 weeks	At least 35 (up to 50) days
Taste	Creamy	Sweet, delicate, slightly sour

Taste Comparison: Does Saint Felicien Cheese Taste Like Taleggio Cheese?

Saint Felicien Cheese reads as creamy, while Taleggio Cheese brings sweet, delicate, slightly sour character. On the nose, Saint Felicien Cheese offers nutty, contrasted with Taleggio Cheese's herbaceous, aromatic. More specifically, Saint Felicien Cheese shows similar to saint-marcellin, softer and creamier, while Taleggio Cheese leans toward herbaceous, aromatic, intensifies and becomes more complex over time. Aging plays into this as well. Saint Felicien Cheese at 4 to 6 weeks develops a different profile than Taleggio Cheese at at least 35 (up to 50) days.

Can You Substitute Saint Felicien Cheese for Taleggio Cheese?

In most recipes, Saint Felicien Cheese and Taleggio Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center. Flavor-wise, Saint Felicien Cheese reads as creamy while Taleggio Cheese brings sweet, delicate, slightly sour notes.

Which Is Better, Saint Felicien Cheese or Taleggio Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, artisan cheese, go with Saint Felicien Cheese. For a soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center profile, Taleggio Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Saint Felicien Cheese suits recipes that want creamy notes, while Taleggio Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet, delicate, slightly sour.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Saint Felicien Cheese the same as Taleggio Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Saint Felicien Cheese originates in France, while Taleggio Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Saint Felicien Cheese is typically aged 4 to 6 weeks, Taleggio Cheese at least 35 (up to 50) days.

Is Saint Felicien Cheese similar to Taleggio Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Saint Felicien Cheese for Taleggio Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Saint Felicien Cheese taste like Taleggio Cheese?

Saint Felicien Cheese reads as creamy, while Taleggio Cheese is sweet, delicate, slightly sour. Aromas also diverge. Saint Felicien Cheese leans nutty, and Taleggio Cheese is closer to herbaceous, aromatic.

What is Saint Felicien Cheese made of?

Saint Felicien Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 4 to 6 weeks. It originates in France.

What is Taleggio Cheese made of?

Taleggio Cheese is made from cow milk (heated to 90–95°f), using calf rennet. It's typically aged at least 35 (up to 50) days. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Saint Felicien Cheese or Taleggio Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Saint Felicien Cheese is soft, artisan, while Taleggio Cheese is soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center.