Goat Or Sheep Milk: What's In Your Feta?

Feta is a Greek cheese traditionally made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. In the European Union (EU), feta is protected by a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) label, which ensures that any product labelled as feta contains at least 70% sheep's milk and no more than 30% goat's milk. However, in countries like the United States, feta may also be made from cow's milk or a combination of different types of milk. The type of milk used can impact the taste and texture of the cheese, with traditional feta having a salty and tangy flavour and a range of textures from firm and crumbly to rich and creamy.

Feta cheese made from goat or sheep milk in the EU

Feta cheese is a Greek staple made from curing blocks of cheese in brine. It is traditionally made from 100% sheep's milk, but some feta may also contain up to 30% goat's milk. In the European Union (EU), feta is protected under the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) indication, which ensures that any product labelled as "feta" contains at least 70% sheep's milk and no more than 30% goat's milk.

Feta cheese made from goat's or sheep's milk has a different nutritional profile than that made from cow's milk. For example, cheeses made from pure goat's milk have a lower moisture content and higher fat in dry matter (FDM) but a lower yield than cheeses made from pure sheep's milk. Additionally, the pH values of cheeses made from goat's milk tend to decrease during the first 30 days of ripening and then increase, while the pH values of cheeses made from cow's milk decrease during the first 60 days and then slightly increase.

The type of milk used in feta cheese production also affects its taste and texture. Feta made from sheep's milk is generally considered to have a better body texture, flavour, and total organoleptic quality than feta made from other types of milk. On the other hand, goat cheese, which is primarily made from goat's milk, has a stronger earthy aroma and a bolder, tart flavour compared to feta.

When purchasing feta cheese in the EU, it is important to read the labels carefully. While traditional feta cheese is made from sheep's milk, some brands may use a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. To ensure you are getting authentic feta cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk, look for the PDO label, which guarantees the minimum percentage of sheep's milk and the maximum percentage of goat's milk in the product.

Feta cheese made from cow's milk in the US

Feta cheese is a Greek cheese that is traditionally made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. In the European Union, feta must contain at least 70% sheep's milk and no more than 30% goat's milk. However, in the United States, feta cheese is often made with cow's milk or a combination of other types of milk.

US labeling laws allow cow's milk to be listed simply as "milk" in ingredient lists, while other types of milk must be identified by the animal, such as "goat milk." As a result, if a feta cheese product sold in the US does not specify the type of milk used, it is likely made with cow's milk.

Some popular brands of feta cheese in the US, such as Athenos, use cow's milk in their products. Additionally, large retailers like Walmart have been known to sell feta cheese made with cow's milk, which is often cheaper than feta made with sheep's or goat's milk.

While cow's milk feta cheese may be common in the US, it is important to note that it is not considered traditional feta cheese. True feta cheese is made with sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk, and its unique flavor and texture are influenced by the geographical factors of the region where it is produced.

In summary, while feta cheese made from cow's milk can be found in the US, it is not considered authentic feta cheese, which is made with sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. The labeling practices in the US can make it challenging to determine the type of milk used, but consumers can look for brands that specify the use of sheep's or goat's milk to ensure they are getting traditional feta cheese.

Nutritional differences between goat and sheep feta

Feta cheese is traditionally made from 100% sheep's milk, though some feta may also contain up to 30% goat's milk. In the EU, feta must contain at least 70% sheep's milk. In the US and other countries, feta is often made from cow's milk or a combination of other types of milk.

Goat cheese, on the other hand, is primarily made from goat's milk. It has a higher amount of salt as its primary preservative, especially since it is usually made in places with low refrigeration possibilities. Goat cheese is also a good source of protein and suitable for those with chronic kidney disease as it is very low in potassium.

Feta made from sheep's milk is considered to be the most authentic and traditional, delivering a nuttier smell and a tangy, salty taste, likely due to the brine curing process. It has a crumbly texture and sometimes small shallow holes throughout, creating a slightly grainy texture.

Sheep milk feta is creamier and less salty than Bulgarian feta, which has a tangy finish. Greek feta is known for its crumbly texture, while Israeli feta is a full-bodied sheep milk cheese. American feta, which is usually made from cow's milk, is less creamy and tangy in taste.

Olympus feta: a Greek feta made with goat and sheep milk

Feta is a Greek cheese that is traditionally made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. In the European Union (EU), feta is protected by the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) indication, which ensures that any product labelled as "feta" contains at least 70% sheep's milk and no more than 30% goat's milk. However, in countries like the United States, feta is often made with cow's milk or a combination of different types of milk.

One variety of feta cheese that is made with a mixture of goat and sheep milk is Olympus Feta. This cheese is produced by Valio and is made from pasteurized lamb and goat milk, with a minimum of 70% lamb milk and a maximum of 30% goat milk. Olympus Feta has a crumbly texture and a tangy, slightly sour taste. It is a popular ingredient in Greek salads and is known for its average fattiness and moderate saltiness, characteristic of a white saltwater cheese.

When purchasing feta cheese, it is important to read the labels carefully. In the EU, feta cheese will typically state the type of milk used, whether it is made from sheep's milk, goat's milk, or a combination of both. However, in the US, labelling rules allow cow's milk to be listed simply as "milk," while other types of milk must be identified, such as "goat milk." Therefore, if a product label does not explicitly mention "goat or sheep milk," it is likely made from cow's milk.

To identify Olympus Feta specifically, look for the brand name "Valio" or the product name "Olympus Feta" on the packaging. The package size is typically 150g, and the cheese is known for its crumbly texture and distinct tangy and slightly sour taste.

In summary, Olympus Feta is a Greek feta cheese made with a combination of goat and sheep milk, specifically pasteurized lamb and goat milk. It adheres to the EU standards for feta cheese, ensuring a minimum of 70% sheep's milk and a maximum of 30% goat's milk. Olympus Feta is a popular choice for those seeking authentic Greek feta with a traditional blend of milk sources.

How to identify goat or sheep feta from packaging

Feta is a Greek cheese traditionally made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. In the European Union (EU), feta is protected by the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) indication, which ensures that any product labelled as "feta" contains at least 70% sheep's milk and no more than 30% goat's milk. However, in the United States and other countries, feta may be made from cow's milk or a combination of different types of milk.

When trying to identify if your feta cheese is made from goat or sheep milk, the best way is to examine the packaging and ingredient list closely. Many feta cheese manufacturers will state the type of milk used directly on the front label. If not, check the ingredient list on the back of the package. Feta cheese produced in the EU will most likely contain a combination of sheep and goat milk, while feta from Greece will predominantly use sheep's milk. If the package does not specify the type of milk used, it is likely made from cow's milk, which is common for feta cheese produced in the US.

Additionally, you can look for pictures or outlines of animals on the label, which sometimes indicate the source of milk. For example, a picture of a cow may indicate cow's milk, while a sheep outline may suggest sheep's milk.

It is worth noting that the type of milk used can impact the taste and texture of the feta cheese. Feta made with goat or sheep milk is considered more authentic and has a nuttier smell and a tangy, salty taste due to the brine curing process. It also tends to have a slightly grainy texture with small shallow holes. In contrast, cow's milk feta may have a different flavour profile.

If you are purchasing fresh cheese from a specialty cheese shop, you can always ask an employee for clarification if you are unsure about the type of milk used in the feta cheese.

Frequently asked questions