Patrick Oconnell
Feta cheese is a popular and versatile variety of cheese that is traditionally made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk. Some modern versions are also made with cow's milk. Feta cheese is considered a dairy product, and while it is lower in lactose than other dairy products, it may not be suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. However, vegan alternatives to feta cheese are available, typically made from plant-based ingredients, offering a dairy-free option for those avoiding animal-based products or with dietary restrictions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is feta cheese dairy? | Feta cheese is traditionally made with sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk. Some versions are made with cow's milk. Therefore, feta cheese is considered dairy. |
| Is feta cheese suitable for people with dairy allergies? | Feta cheese is not suitable for people with dairy allergies. |
| Is feta cheese suitable for lactose-intolerant people? | Feta cheese is lower in lactose due to the cheesemaking and aging process. Some people with lactose intolerance may be able to consume feta cheese in moderation or with the help of lactose-friendly tips. |
| Are there non-dairy alternatives to feta cheese? | Yes, vegan feta cheese is a dairy-free alternative to traditional feta cheese. It is made without animal milk and is suitable for people avoiding dairy products. |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese is made from sheep, goat, or cow's milk
Feta cheese is traditionally made from sheep's milk, or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk. In the European Union, feta must be made from at least 70% sheep's milk, with up to 30% goat's milk. It is produced in specific regions of Greece, including Macedonia, Thessalia, and Mainland Greece, as well as on the island of Mytilini. The unique geographical factors of these regions, which influence the diets of the sheep and goats, contribute to the distinct aroma and flavour of feta cheese.
Feta cheese is one of the oldest types of cheese in the world, with its origins dating back to ancient Greece. The technology used to make feta from sheep and goat's milk has been practised by Greek shepherds for centuries. The earliest written mention of feta cheese appears in Homer's Odyssey, from the 8th century B.C., where Polyphemus, a character in the epic poem, describes making and dry-storing cheese in wicker racks.
While traditional feta cheese is made from sheep and goat's milk, some modern versions are made with cow's milk, particularly in the United States. According to US labelling rules, cow's milk can be listed simply as "milk" on ingredient lists, while other types of milk must be identified by the animal name, such as "goat milk". As a result, if a feta cheese product does not explicitly state that it is made from sheep or goat's milk, it is likely made from cow's milk.
The addition of cow's milk alters the taste of feta cheese, and products made with cow's milk cannot be legally labelled as "feta" in the EU due to the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. This status ensures that only cheeses produced in specific regions of Greece using traditional methods and ingredients can bear the name "feta". However, in the US, most cheese sold under the name feta, including popular brands like Walmart, is made from cow's milk.
The distinction between traditional feta cheese made with sheep and goat's milk and modern variations made with cow's milk highlights the importance of labelling and consumer awareness. While cow's milk feta may be more readily available in certain regions, traditional feta enthusiasts emphasise the unique flavour and aroma derived from sheep and goat's milk.
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It is not vegan, but vegan alternatives exist
Feta cheese is traditionally made with sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk, and some versions are made with cow's milk. Therefore, it is not vegan. However, vegan alternatives to feta cheese exist and are becoming increasingly popular.
Feta cheese is one of the most popular types of cheese, with its earliest written mention appearing in Homer's Odyssey in the 8th century BC. One of the first recorded mentions of the cheese in its modern form was in 1494, but food historians believe that the crumbly, salty cheese is derived from an 8,000-year-old recipe. Feta is a versatile cheese that can be incorporated into a variety of dishes, and its popularity was further boosted by a viral TikTok recipe featuring feta and tomatoes in 2021.
While feta cheese is not vegan, it is lower in lactose due to the cheesemaking and aging process, making it a slightly easier option to digest for those who are lactose intolerant. This may be why some people who avoid dairy choose to make an exception for feta cheese. However, it is important to note that goat and sheep's milk products are associated with animal cruelty, as the animals are repeatedly artificially inseminated and slaughtered when they can no longer produce milk.
For those who want to avoid animal products altogether, vegan feta cheese is a dairy-free alternative that is growing in popularity. In addition to the brand Daiya, several other vegan brands offer dairy-free feta products. Vegan feta is also available at some grocery stores, such as Whole Foods, which carries the brand Vio Life. For those who cannot find store-bought vegan feta, it is also possible to make it at home using various recipes available online.
As the demand for conventional feta cheese continues to rise, it is likely that more vegan brands will launch their own versions to meet the needs of consumers looking for dairy-free alternatives.
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Feta is lower in lactose than other dairy products
Feta cheese is considered a dairy product. It is traditionally made with sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk. However, some versions are made with cow's milk. Feta cheese is lower in lactose than other dairy products due to the cheesemaking and aging process. This makes it a popular choice for those who are lactose intolerant. It is estimated that up to 50 million Americans suffer from lactose intolerance, which means they cannot break down the lactose in cow's milk.
While feta cheese is lower in lactose, it is important to note that it still contains some lactose. Those with a dairy allergy or severe lactose intolerance may need to avoid feta cheese and opt for vegan or dairy-free alternatives. Vegan feta cheese is becoming increasingly popular, and several brands offer dairy-free feta products.
Feta cheese is a versatile and nutritious choice when consumed in moderation. It is lower in fat and calories compared to many other cheeses and contains protein, calcium, and probiotics. However, its high sodium content should be considered when incorporating it into one's diet.
For those with lactose intolerance, there are a few tips and tricks to enjoy dairy foods without discomfort. Lactose-friendly tips can help manage the symptoms associated with lactose intolerance, allowing individuals to enjoy feta cheese and other dairy products in moderation.
In summary, feta cheese is considered a dairy product, but its lower lactose content makes it a viable option for those with lactose intolerance. The demand for vegan and dairy-free alternatives is also rising, providing options for those who wish to avoid animal-derived products or have specific dietary restrictions.
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It is a popular ingredient in many dishes
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in many dishes. It is one of the most versatile cheeses, pairing well with a variety of ingredients, such as tomatoes in the viral #bakedfetapasta recipe on TikTok, or with zucchini, harissa, and Greek yogurt on a homemade pizza. Feta is also a great addition to a Greek chicken tzatziki wrap or a summer vegetable frittata. Its crumbly, salty characteristics and lower fat and calorie content compared to other cheeses make it a popular choice for consumers.
Feta cheese is traditionally made with sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk, and some versions are now made with cow's milk. This means that feta is not vegan, although some who avoid dairy make an exception for feta cheese due to its taste and lower lactose content. However, the popularity of vegan feta cheese is rising, with brands like Daiya launching vegan feta products that are "flying off the shelves".
For those who are lactose intolerant, feta cheese may not be a suitable option, as it still contains some lactose. However, it is lower in lactose compared to other cheeses due to the cheesemaking and aging process, so some people with lactose intolerance may be able to consume it without experiencing any uncomfortable symptoms.
Feta cheese is a popular and versatile ingredient that can enhance a variety of dishes. Its unique flavour and texture, along with its nutritional benefits, make it a favourite among consumers, although those with lactose intolerance may need to exercise caution when consuming it.
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Feta is one of the oldest types of cheese
Feta is a Greek cheese made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. It is soft, crumbly, and tangy, with a slightly salty and mildly sour flavour. Feta is one of the oldest types of cheese, with its origins dating back to ancient Greece. Its earliest written mention appears in Homer's Odyssey, from the 8th century BC. Greek mythology attributes the accidental discovery of feta cheese to Polyphemus, the one-eyed Cyclops encountered by Odysseus in the Odyssey. According to legend, Polyphemus stored milk from his sheep in leather bags made from animal stomachs. He later noticed that the milk had curdled, forming a delicious, solid cheese that could be preserved for long periods.
Feta has been a staple of Greek cuisine for thousands of years and is considered a protagonist of Ancient Greek cuisine. Its importance in the diet of early civilizations is highlighted by its ancient reference in Homer's Odyssey. During Byzantine times, feta was first recorded under the name "prosphatos", meaning fresh or recent. It was particularly associated with the island of Crete, a region famous for cheese production. The 15th-century traveler Pietro Casola documented the storage and preparation of feta in brine when he visited Heraklion, Crete, in 1494. However, the name "feta" did not emerge until the 17th century, likely derived from the Greek word for "slice", reflecting the practice of cutting the cheese into pieces for storage and serving.
The traditional method of producing feta has remained largely unchanged since ancient times. It is made by curing the cheese in brine and ageing it for four to six weeks, intensifying its salty and sharp flavour. High-quality feta has a creamy texture and aromas of ewe's milk, butter, and yoghurt. It is tangy, slightly salty, and mildly sour, with a spicy finish that recalls pepper and ginger, as well a hint of sweetness. The Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status granted to Greek feta in 2002 ensures that only cheese made in specific regions of Greece can be legally called authentic Greek feta, safeguarding traditional production methods and quality.
Feta is a versatile cheese used in various dishes, including salads, pastries, sandwiches, and omelettes. It is often served with olive oil or olives and sprinkled with aromatic herbs such as oregano. Feta can also be cooked or grilled and added to pizzas, pastas, and other meals. Its popularity surged in 2021 when a simple, oven-baked recipe featuring feta and tomatoes went viral on TikTok. While traditional feta is made with sheep's milk, some versions are made with a combination of sheep and goat's milk, or occasionally cow's milk. For those who avoid dairy, vegan feta cheese made without animal milk is also available.
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Frequently asked questions
No, feta cheese is not considered non-dairy as it is traditionally made with sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk. However, some versions are made with cow's milk.
Feta cheese is not considered non-dairy because it is made from the milk of mammals. The milk of any mammal that is consumed is considered dairy.
Feta cheese is naturally lower in lactose due to the cheesemaking and aging process. Therefore, some people who are lactose intolerant may be able to eat feta cheese without experiencing any uncomfortable symptoms. However, it is important to note that individual tolerance levels may vary.
Yes, there are vegan alternatives to traditional feta cheese that are dairy-free. These vegan options are made from plant-based ingredients and are becoming increasingly popular.
