The Ultimate Greek Feta Cheese Guide

Feta is a key ingredient in Greek cuisine, and an important component of the famous Greek Village Salad. The best feta cheese is considered to be the one that is made in Greece, and it can be found in grocery stores. Authentic Greek feta is made from sheep milk or a mix of sheep and goat milk, and has less salt than American feta, which is usually made from cow's milk. Some of the best Greek feta brands include Dodoni, which is stored in brine, and Kourellas, which has been making feta since 1996 using traditional methods. For those looking for a vegan option, there are now several impressive alternatives that are briney with a hint of olive flavour.

Explore related products

Mt Vikos, Organic Feta Cheese, 6 oz

$8.49

Aphrodite Barrel Aged Greek Feta, 6.3 Oz

$7.99

KOURELLAS Organic Barrel Aged Feta, 5.3 OZ

$8.49

365 Everyday Value, Feta Cheese Block, 1 lb

$7.99

Kryssos Traditional Feta Cheese, 8 oz

$6.49

KOURELLAS Organic Sheep Milk Feta, 5.3 OZ

$7.99

Feta cheese made from goat or sheep's milk is considered the best

Feta cheese is an important ingredient in Greek cuisine, commonly used in Greek village salad and some versions of tiropita (Greek cheese pie). While feta cheese is typically Greek, it is also produced in other countries. Feta cheese made from goat's or sheep's milk is considered the best. This is because, in Greece, feta is traditionally made from sheep's milk or a mix of sheep's and goat's milk.

Outside of Greece, the term "feta" is used more loosely, and feta made from cow's milk can also be found. In the US, for instance, 98% of cheesemakers use cow's milk to produce domestic feta, as it is less expensive and more readily available than sheep's milk. However, feta made from cow's milk is considered inferior to that made from sheep's or goat's milk. One source describes cow's milk feta as "rubbery".

Some of the best feta cheese is said to come from Greece, and it can be purchased in grocery stores. Costco, for example, sells Greek feta made from 100% sheep's milk. Dodoni feta is another Greek brand stored in brine, which is said to improve the flavour. Feta made in Greece follows the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) standards set by the EU. This means that it needs to be made from sheep's milk and no more than 30% goat's milk.

Outside of Greece, Valbreso is a French sheep's milk cheese that one source describes as "unbelievably creamy and delicious". However, because it is not made in Greece, it cannot be called feta.

Greek feta is brined, salty and white

Greek feta is brined, salty, and white. Feta is an important ingredient in Greek cuisine, and it is made from sheep milk or a mix of sheep and goat milk. The best feta cheese comes from Greece, but it can be bought in grocery stores outside of the country.

Feta is typically brined, which is a process where the cheese is preserved in a solution of salt dissolved in water. This brining process gives feta its salty flavour and helps to maintain the quality and freshness of the cheese. Authentic Greek feta has up to five times less salt than American cow's milk feta.

Some popular brands of Greek feta include Dodoni, which is stored in brine and can be found at Lidl, and Costco's Greek feta, which is also made with sheep's milk. Murray's Feta Cup is another option that is barrel-aged and has a creamy texture and a tangy flavour. For those looking for a vegan option, there are vegan feta cheeses available that are described as briney with a salty and mildly grassy flavour.

When choosing the best Greek feta, it is important to consider how it will be used. Crumbled feta is great for sprinkling on salads, while a creamy variety is better for baking and cooking, such as in a Greek feta and cheese pie.

Costco sells Greek feta made from sheep's milk

Feta is a brined, salty, white cheese that is usually Greek, although other countries make it, too. Authentic Greek feta is made from sheep's milk or a mix of sheep and goat's milk. In America, however, feta is often made from cow's milk, as it is less expensive and more readily available.

Costco sells Kirkland Organic Feta from Greece, which is made from 100% sheep's milk. At $9.99 for nearly two pounds, it is considered a bargain. One source notes that their Greek friends found the product to be very good. However, another source states that the Kirkland brand has declined in quality over the last five years.

In addition to the Greek feta, Costco also sells an Israeli feta, also made from 100% sheep's milk. The Israeli feta comes in two packages, making it convenient for storage.

If you're looking for the best Greek feta cheese, you may want to consider the Dodoni brand, which is made with goat and sheep's milk. It is considered superior to other feta brands that use cow's milk. However, it is pricier than other offerings at Costco.

Explore related products

President All Natural Crumbled Feta Cheese, 6 oz

$4.47

Athenos Traditional Crumbled Feta Cheese (4 oz Tub)

$2.84

Deli Fresh Barrel-Aged Greek Feta Cheese, approx. 16oz (1lb)

$14.94

Mt Vikos Sheep and Goat Milk Feta, 7 oz

$9.99

Authentic Traditional Greek Roussas Feta Cheese - PDO Certified, Made with Sheep and Goat's Milk, 4.4 lbs

$86.75

365 Everyday Value, Feta Cheese Crumbles, 6 oz

$5.29

Murray's Feta Cup is a popular choice

Feta cheese is a Greek delicacy, and the best feta cheese comes from Greece. However, there are many feta cheese brands available outside of Greece. While most feta cheese available in the United States is made from cow's milk, authentic Greek feta is made from sheep's milk, with allowances for up to 30% goat's milk.

Murray's Feta Cup is a great option for those looking to add a touch of tang to their dishes. It can be crumbled over avocado toast for breakfast or a snack, or used to top summer salads and roasted vegetables. For a more substantial meal, the feta can be baked and served with pita bread and honey for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.

The feta cup is also a convenient option, as it can be purchased online and stored in the refrigerator for up to a few days. This makes it easy for consumers to enjoy the cheese while it is in peak condition.

Overall, Murray's Feta Cup is a popular choice for those seeking an authentic Greek feta cheese outside of Greece, offering a creamy texture, balanced flavour, and convenient packaging.

Feta cheese is an important ingredient in Greek cuisine

Outside of Greece, feta cheese is often made with cow's milk, which results in a rubbery texture. While some of these cheeses can be tasty, they deviate from the traditional Greek feta. For example, Murray's Feta Cup is a creamy Greek cheese that is barrel-aged, giving it a balanced tang. It is also worth noting that 98% of American cheesemakers use cow's milk for feta due to its lower cost and higher availability compared to sheep's milk.

When purchasing feta cheese, it is important to distinguish between authentic Greek feta and "feta-inspired" cheeses. Some brands, like Athenos, draw inspiration from key dishes in Greek cuisine, including feta cheese. However, true Greek feta cheese will be made with sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk, and it will likely be stored in brine. This traditional method of making feta results in a rich taste, natural white colour, and distinct aroma.

There are also some vegan feta cheese options available that are worth considering. While they may not taste exactly like non-vegan feta, they can be impressive in their own right. These vegan options tend to be briny and may taste like olives, making them a suitable alternative for those following a plant-based diet.

In conclusion, feta cheese is an essential component of Greek cuisine, and the best feta cheese will be the traditional variety made in Greece with sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk. When shopping for feta cheese, look for brands that follow PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) standards, such as Kourellas, Greco, and Mevgal, to ensure you are getting authentic, high-quality Greek feta.

Frequently asked questions