Randy Chandler
Feta cheese is traditionally made from sheep or goat's milk, but some manufacturers have begun producing feta cheese with cow's milk due to its lower cost and wider availability. If you are sensitive to cow's milk, it is important to check the label to ensure that the feta cheese you are consuming is made from sheep or goat's milk. Authentic Greek feta cheese, for example, is produced in designated regions of Greece and made from sheep or goat's milk. However, some countries, such as the United States, may sell feta cheese made from cow's milk, which can be smoother, creamier, and milder in flavor compared to traditional feta.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Feta cheese made from cow's milk | Available in the US and Canada |
| Feta cheese made from sheep and/or goat's milk | Available in Greece and Europe, and some parts of the US |
| Cow's milk feta safe for consumption? | Not for those with a cow's milk protein allergy, but may be safe for those with lactose intolerance |
| Sheep and goat's milk feta safe for consumption? | May not be safe for those with a cow's milk protein allergy due to molecular similarities, but may be safe for those with lactose intolerance |
| How to identify the type of milk used in feta cheese? | Check the label for ingredients; if it doesn't specify, it's likely cow's milk |
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What You'll Learn
- Feta is traditionally made from sheep or goat's milk
- Commercial production has led to variations, including cow's milk feta
- Cow's milk feta is usually cheaper and more widely available
- Cow's milk feta has a milder flavour and smoother texture
- Feta is low in lactose, so it may be suitable for those with lactose intolerance
Feta is traditionally made from sheep or goat's milk
Feta is a traditional Greek cheese that is often made from sheep or goat's milk. In Europe, feta is protected by a "protected designation of origin", which means that it must be produced in specific regions of Greece, such as Thrace, Macedonia, and the Peloponnese, and made with sheep and goat's milk to be considered authentic Greek feta. This legislation ensures that feta cheese made outside of these designated regions, including those made with cow's milk, must be labelled as "feta-style/type cheese".
While traditional feta is made with sheep or goat's milk, it is important to note that there are variations in the cheese-making process. Some feta cheeses, particularly those produced in the US and Canada, are made with cow's milk. This is due to the lack of strict restrictions on labelling feta in these countries. As a result, it is important to read the labels when purchasing feta cheese to determine its ingredients and origin.
For individuals with cow's milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance, consuming feta cheese made with sheep or goat's milk may be a suitable alternative. However, it is important to note that sheep and goat's milk proteins are similar to cow's milk proteins, so there is still a possibility of a reaction. Consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended to ensure the safety of consuming feta cheese made with alternative milk sources.
The availability of feta cheese made with sheep or goat's milk can vary depending on the region. In the US, for example, feta cheese made with cow's milk is commonly found in stores like Walmart, while sheep or goat's milk feta may be available in specialty stores or local Middle Eastern grocery stores. In Europe, feta cheese made with cow's milk is not allowed to be labelled as "feta" due to the protected designation.
In conclusion, feta is traditionally made from sheep or goat's milk, particularly in Greece and Europe, where it is protected by specific designations. However, variations exist, especially in regions like the US and Canada, where feta made with cow's milk is also available. For individuals with cow's milk sensitivities, feta made with alternative milk sources may be an option, but it is important to carefully read labels and consult with healthcare professionals to ensure a safe and suitable choice.
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Commercial production has led to variations, including cow's milk feta
Feta is a Greek brined white cheese that is traditionally made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat milk. In 2002, the European Union (EU) granted Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status to feta cheese, recognizing its unique production methods and geographical significance. According to EU regulations, genuine feta cheese must be produced in specific regions of Greece using sheep milk or a blend of sheep and goat milk (with a maximum of 30% goat milk).
However, the rise of commercial production has introduced variations in the market, including cow's milk feta. Cow's milk feta is commonly found in the United States, where manufacturers are not restricted by the PDO regulations. In the US, feta cheese can be called such regardless of the type of milk used. For example, popular brands like Walmart and Krinos sell feta cheese made from cow's milk.
The choice between cow's milk feta and traditional feta depends on personal preference and culinary needs. Traditional feta offers the authentic flavor and characteristics associated with Greek feta. Cow's milk feta, on the other hand, provides a milder flavor and a more budget-friendly option. Both types of feta offer similar nutritional value, although traditional feta may have a slight edge due to the use of sheep's milk.
It is important to carefully check the labels when purchasing feta cheese. Genuine feta cheese will be labeled simply as "feta" and will specify the type of milk used. If the label only mentions "milk" without specifying the source, it is likely cow's milk. Additionally, traditional feta will usually have a picture of a sheep or goat on the packaging.
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Cow's milk feta is usually cheaper and more widely available
Feta cheese is traditionally made from sheep and goat's milk, but some feta cheeses are made from cow's milk. In Europe, strict restrictions are placed on the naming and labelling of feta cheese. To be considered authentic Greek feta, it must be produced in designated regions of Greece and made from sheep and goat's milk. However, in the US, manufacturers can use the term "feta" for cheese made from any type of milk. This has led to the availability of cow's milk feta in the American market, which is often cheaper and more widely available than traditional feta.
Cow's milk feta is widely available in the US due to the lack of strict labelling regulations. While European feta has protected designation status, meaning it cannot be called "feta" if it contains cow's milk, American manufacturers can use the term for any type of milk cheese. This results in a higher supply of cow's milk feta in the US market. Additionally, cow's milk is more readily available and cheaper than sheep or goat's milk, making it a more cost-effective option for cheese producers.
The availability and affordability of cow's milk also contribute to the widespread presence of cow's milk feta. In the US, cow's milk is easily accessible and less expensive compared to other types of milk. This makes it a convenient and economical choice for cheese manufacturers, leading to a higher production and supply of cow's milk feta.
Furthermore, the demand for cow's milk feta also plays a role in its accessibility. While traditional feta is made from sheep and goat's milk, some consumers may prefer the taste or texture of cow's milk cheese. This creates a market for cow's milk feta, encouraging manufacturers to produce and supply this variety. The demand for cow's milk feta, particularly from those who are sensitive to sheep or goat's milk, ensures its continued availability.
Overall, the combination of labelling regulations, milk availability and demand, and cost considerations results in cow's milk feta being more widely available and affordable in certain markets, particularly in the US. However, it is important to note that traditional feta made from sheep and goat's milk is still highly valued and sought-after, especially in Europe where it holds protected designation status.
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Cow's milk feta has a milder flavour and smoother texture
Feta cheese is traditionally made from sheep and goat's milk. However, some manufacturers have started to use cow's milk to make feta cheese. In Europe, strict restrictions are in place, and feta cheese made from cow's milk is often labelled as "salad cheese". In the US, manufacturers can call their products feta regardless of the type of milk used. For example, Walmart sells "traditional feta", which is assumed to be made from cow's milk.
However, for those with a cow's milk protein allergy, feta cheese made from goat's or sheep's milk may be a better option. The proteins in goat's and sheep's milk are similar to those in cow's milk, so there is still a chance of a reaction. There is about a 90% cross-reactivity rate with goat's milk. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor, allergy specialist, or nutritionist before consuming any dairy products if you have a cow's milk protein allergy.
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Feta is low in lactose, so it may be suitable for those with lactose intolerance
Feta cheese is traditionally made from sheep or goat's milk, or a combination of the two. However, some feta cheeses are made from cow's milk, particularly in the US and Canada. While some people with cow's milk allergies can tolerate sheep and goat's milk products, others may still react to them due to the similarity of the proteins.
For those with lactose intolerance, eating ingredients with high levels of lactose can cause digestive issues such as bloating, gas, cramping, and stomach pain. Fortunately, feta is low in lactose, containing only between 0.5% and 1.5% lactose, so it may be suitable for those with lactose intolerance. According to Catherine Rall, a registered dietitian, "as a general rule, the longer a cheese has aged, the less lactose it will have; over time, the lactose in cheese will convert to lactic acid." Therefore, aged, hard cheeses with a lower sugar content are generally easier to digest for those with lactose intolerance.
Other cheeses that are low in lactose include Havarti, with a lactose range of 0.1% to 2%Limburger, with a moderate amount of lactose at about 2%. Muenster, Camembert, and Brie are also lower in lactose, with ranges of 0-1.1%, 0-1.8%, and 0-2% respectively. It is important to note that those with severe lactose intolerance may not tolerate any milk products without discomfort, so it is always best to consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
To ensure that you are consuming feta made from sheep or goat's milk, look for products labelled as "Greek Feta" or "Feta PDO", which indicates that the cheese was produced in specific regions of Greece using traditional ingredients and processes. In Europe, feta made with cow's milk is often labelled as "salad cheese". In the US, manufacturers are not restricted by the same labelling conventions, so it is essential to read the ingredient list carefully. If the package does not explicitly state that the feta is made from sheep or goat's milk, it is likely made from cow's milk.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on whether you have a milk allergy or a milk intolerance. Feta is not dairy-free and is usually made from cow's milk, so it is not safe for those with a milk allergy. However, feta is naturally lower in lactose due to the cheesemaking and aging process, so those with a milk intolerance may be able to eat it in moderation.
A milk allergy is an immune response to milk proteins and tends to cause more severe reactions. A milk intolerance is a digestive condition that occurs when the body lacks the enzyme lactase, making it difficult to digest lactose. If you are unsure whether you have an allergy or an intolerance, it is best to consult a doctor or dietitian.
Yes, there are several types of cheese that those sensitive to cow's milk can still enjoy. Some cheeses with low lactose levels include Havarti (0.1%-2% lactose), Limburger (2% lactose), and Muenster (0%-1.1% lactose). Camembert and Brie also have relatively low lactose levels, at 0%-1.8% and 0%-2% lactose, respectively.
