Pure Goat cheese and Feta are two popular, healthy types of cheeses with rich flavors and a versatility that allows for easy pairing with breads, vegetables and strong red wines. But some notable distinctions set traditional goat cheese apart from Feta, and understanding these differences will help you find the perfect option for your taste and menu preferences. 

Goat Cheese

The milk content of traditional goat cheese comes entirely from goats. This type of cheese is either a fresh creamy cheese or as a soft cheese, which is typically aged for a shorter period than Feta. It also comes as a hard cheese like goat Gouda or a goat Brie.

While they have similar fat, calcium, mineral and calorie content, goat cheese tends to have less sodium than Feta.

Feta

Maui is home to some of the best Feta produced in the U.S.

Feta cheese–the world’s oldest cheese known since 800 BC—is made of goat’s milk and/or sheep’s milk. Any Feta made from cow’s milk is not considered authentic and will have a different texture and flavor. 

The biggest producers of Feta are Bulgaria, France, Israel, Australia, Canada and Greece. They all have either 100% sheep’s milk or a mix of goat's and sheep’s milk. The “Feta" from Danish producer Arla Foods is made of cow's milk, which is not real Feta, and is now named Apetina .

The Greek variety must have at least 70% sheep's milk, with the other 30% coming from goat's milk. Goat's milk can also be used as the primary milk in Feta, and the result will be a softer and more flavorful cheese.

To make Feta, apply pressure to the cheese to squeeze out excess moisture, Then, it’s stored in a saltwater brine for at least five months, after which it’s soaked in cold water to remove the salt. Because of its longer aging times, Feta has natural probiotics that goat cheese does not.

Feta is a popular addition to many Greek dishes, including Greek salad, Gyros, and Tzatziki platters, but it pairs well with roasted vegetables and veggie-based soups. Pinot Noir or the Greek red Imiglykos pair the best.

Enjoy all the benefits of goat cheese and Feta when you try the goat cheese Feta at Surfing Goat Dairy. Their Feta was awarded the “Best Feta” in the country by the American Cheese Society’s annual cheese competition, and it was chosen for an Inauguration Dinner of President Obama. Since 1999, this Kula, HI, goat dairy has provided a wide selection of cheeses to Maui, the neighbor islands, and the mainland. Plus, they’re the only Certified Humane® farm in Hawaii. Call (808) 878-2870 or visit their website to place an order.