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The Daily Insight

Are feta cheese and goat cheese the same?

Author

William Smith

Published Apr 09, 2026

Are feta cheese and goat cheese the same?

The main difference between feta and goat cheese is the type of milk that each contains. While feta is mostly made of sheep’s milk, goat cheese is primarily made of goat’s milk.

What cheeses come from goats milk?

Goat’s milk is used to make all sorts of cheeses―Gouda, Cheddar, even Brie—broadly known as goat cheese. Goat cheese is the wide term for all cheese made from goat’s milk; compared to standard cheese, generally made with cow’s milk, goat cheese is softer and tangier.

Which is healthier feta or goat cheese?

Goat cheese is higher in calories than feta, and contains more saturated fat. Feta ranks higher in cholesterol, sodium and carbohydrates. The differences in nutrients are not large but significant nonetheless.

Where does the name Fetta cheese come from?

In the 17th century, it was the Greeks who named the cheese ‘feta’ which comes from the Italian word ‘ fetta’, which means slice. Today there are quite a few variations of this delicious cheese, however, since 2002, for it to be called fetta, it must be made from sheep’s or goat’s in Greece.

Do you know that feta cheese is not from cows?

Did you know that real feta cheese is not from cows? Feta is an aged, crumbly and satisfyingly salty cheese normally made from sheep’s milk, goat’s milk or a combination of the two. It’s a staple of any Greek cuisine, perfect for crumbling over salad or inside a pastry like spanakopita.

What kind of milk is used to make feta cheese?

Made from pasteurized or unpasteurized goat’s and sheep’s milk. Country of origin: Greece. Region: Macedonia, Thrace, Thessaly, Central Mainland Greece, the Peloponnese and Lesvos. Family: Feta. Type: soft, brined. Fat content (in dry matter): 16%.

What’s the difference between feta cheese and goat cheese?

Now-a-days, many stores sell goat and cow’s milk feta as well. The firmness, texture and flavour differ from region to region, but in general, cheese from Macedonia and Thrace is mild, softer and creamier, less salty with fewer holes. Feta made in Thessaly and Central Greece has a more intense, robust flavour.

What can you use instead of feta cheese?

If you like a sweet tasting cheese, then ricotta might be your best substitute for feta. Although ricotta and feta differ in taste, both have the same crumbly texture. Which is why you can easily substitute feta with ricotta in any dishes, like salads, soups, and pasta.

What is the difference between feta cheese and goat cheese?

A: First of all, Feta is different from Goat cheese. And while Goat cheese (a type of cheese) is made from goat’s milk, Feta is made from a combination of sheep and goat’s milk. There are also Feta cheese products that are made from pure cow’s milk.

Is feta cheese usually pasteurized?

Feta is usually considered to be a healthier cheese as compared to its other counterparts made of cow ’s milk. How is it made: The milk used to make feta cheese is usually pasteurized, but it can also be raw.

Does feta cheese contain dairy?

Feta cheese is traditionally made from sheep and/or goat ’s milk but it is also not uncommon to find feta-like products made from cow’s milk. Feta cheese is dairy because it is made from the milk of one or more mammals.