Buzz
Goat cheese, made from goat's milk, is a beloved ingredient in the culinary scene. With a variety of types and styles available in gourmet markets and cheese shops, it’s nearly impossible not to find at least one goat cheese on a respectable cheese platter.
To understand why goat cheese is a standout in the cheese world, we turned to experts who break down its growing popularity, its differences from more traditional types of cheese, as well as advice on how to shop for and serve it.
Goat Cheese vs. Cow Cheese
Cheese can generally be made from any kind of animal milk, with cow, goat, and sheep being the most common. These milks are used in similar ways to create an array of cheese types and varieties that can also be stored in comparable ways. However, there are distinct differences that set goat cheese apart from cow cheese.
Flavor
Goat cheese offers a naturally tangier and fresher taste compared to cow's milk cheese. "The key factors that shape the flavor are the breakdown of protein and fat," explains goat cheesemaker Mike Koch. "Because the fat in goat's milk is different from that in cow's milk, their cheese flavors are distinct."
Some goat cheeses do carry barnyard-like scents and gamey flavors, which many people actually find appealing. However, if that’s not to your liking, there are plenty of other varieties of goat cheese. According to Kathleen Serino, Senior Training and Curriculum Manager at Murray's Cheese, one such option is a semi-firm variety called Drunken Goat, which she considers an excellent "gateway" cheese. Originating in Spain, "it’s mild and smooth but with a distinct fruity flavor due to being soaked in wine. It’s incredibly popular in our cheese shops and stands out visually because of its violet rind."
Fat Content and Lactose Levels
"Goat and cow milk have roughly the same fat percentage," says Koch, "but their fats differ. Cow's milk contains long-chain fatty acids, which cause cream to separate and rise to the top." In contrast, "goat milk fats are short-chain fatty acids, which leads to a more even, homogenized mixture."
The fat structure of goat milk might be gentler on those with digestive issues. "Because goat milk fats are smaller, lighter, and don't separate as easily, it's less likely to cause lactic allergies," explains Koch. "Many people who are sensitive to cow's milk can often enjoy goat cheese without any issues."
Goat's milk also results in a lower-lactose cheese compared to cow's milk, making it a potentially better option for those with lactose intolerance. The reduced lactose content in goat cheese also means it contains fewer carbohydrates than cow cheese. Additionally, goat cheese is richer in vitamin A and provides a solid source of animal protein, phosphorus, and calcium.
Accessibility
Unlike cows, which produce milk year-round, goats are seasonal lactators. They only produce milk for 9 to 10 months each year and halt lactation from late December to February. This seasonal nature means fresh goat cheese can be harder to find during the winter. "Because fresh goat cheese is seasonal, you might want to consider selecting an aged variety, like blue cheese, during Christmas," says Koch.
Goat’s milk can be used to create virtually any type of cheese (and even butter!). The most popular variety in the U.S. is fresh goat cheese, often called chevre (pronounced SHEV-ruh), the French word for "goat." This term can also be used to refer to any cheese made from goat’s milk, including aged versions.
Fresh vs. Aged Goat Cheese
The difference between fresh and aged goat cheese comes down to how the cheesemaker handles bacteria. "There are two ways to manage bacteria: temperature and time," says goat cheesemaker Lauren Brokish. Let's dive into the details.
Fresh Goat Cheese
When we think of fresh goat cheese, we typically picture a soft, spreadable log. "Fresh cheese contains more moisture than aged cheese, which means it has a higher level of bacteria," explains Brokish. "This is why it needs to be kept refrigerated."
Crumbled goat cheese is another popular variety that falls under the "fresh" category. "Goat cheese crumble is essentially chevre, but with slightly less moisture," Brokish notes. "It has been drained more but still retains its freshness."
Fresh goat cheese has a texture similar to cream cheese, "but the fat content is different, so it doesn’t have the same viscosity on the tongue that you get from fresh cow cheeses like ricotta, burrata, or cream cheese," says Koch. A herbed goat cheese spread is a wonderful way to showcase its smooth, creamy texture.
"In terms of taste, fresh goat cheese has a tangy, creamy, and lightly citrusy flavor. It’s bright and refreshing on the palate," says Kara Young, community manager at Vermont Creamery. Depending on the season, it may carry more complex grassy flavors or subtler notes, adds Serino.
Aged Goat Cheese
Aged goat cheese is pressed for at least 10 days. "As moisture is lost, the cheese becomes firmer, and both moisture and bacteria reduce," explains Brokish. Aged cheeses like gouda, cheddar, and manchego can be made from both goat and cow milk.
Not all aged goat cheeses are firm. Often, aged goat cheese is coated in an edible ash to prevent it from drying out and to maintain a clean surface. However, the interior may feature a soft, fluffy center with a gooey outer layer.
As goat cheese ages, it develops a deeper and more intricate flavor profile compared to its fresh, aged, or soft-ripened counterparts, according to Young. "Depending on the recipe, it can range from nutty and earthy to rich and buttery." It typically lacks the acidity found in fresh chevre, which is why some people perceive it as milder," she explains.
Aged Goat Cheese Varieties
There are countless styles of aged goat cheese, as diverse as the cheesemakers themselves, all perfect for adding to any charcuterie board.
- Blue goat cheese is made by introducing blue mold into the curds. As it matures, the flavor becomes sharper, more earthy, and stronger than its cow's milk counterpart.
- Brie goat cheese offers a more subtle and refreshing experience than its cow's milk variant.
- Cheddar goat cheese delivers everything you'd expect from this variety: sharp, fruity, and with a distinctive goat flavor.
- Goat Gouda, exclusively produced in Holland, has a sweet and delicious flavor with caramel-like notes. Balarina is a popular and widely available brand.
- Tomme goat cheese is traditionally made only in France, though U.S. cheesemakers are now producing their own tomme-style goat cheeses. "It’s spreadable, washed, rinsed, aged, and crafted from raw milk," says Brokish.
How to Choose Goat Cheese
Goat cheese, particularly fresh chevre, is readily available in most grocery stores as well as specialty cheese shops. When purchasing fresh goat cheese, Young recommends checking the packaging before adding it to your cart. "The cheese should be creamy white, without any liquid separation or discoloration." For aged varieties, she suggests ensuring the rind or surface is consistent, without signs of cracking or deterioration."
If you have access to a cheesemonger, Sering recommends asking them for their personal favorites or what’s most popular. "Request a taste—smell it, feel it, and inspect it closely; if it catches your eye and looks appealing, there's a good chance you'll enjoy it!"
Ways to Enjoy Goat Cheese
Fred Hardy"Goat cheese is incredibly versatile—it works well in baking, cooking, or even in desserts," says Young. "From creamy pastas to cheesecakes, it lends a distinctive richness to dishes."
For a quick snack or light meal, spread fresh goat cheese on a baguette and top it with fig jam. It’s also worth trying on pizza for an added twist.
Naturally, goat cheese is a salad staple. While crumbling it on top is always a good option, Koch suggests going a bit further. "Slice a piece from a log of fresh cheese, coat it in panko, and give it a quick fry." This method results in a crispy exterior and a creamy interior, elevating the flavor and texture of your salad.
You might also want to experiment with these recipes:
- Beet and Goat Cheese Dip
- Linguine with Squash, Bacon, and Goat Cheese
- Roasted Leek and Goat Cheese Tart
- Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
- Pasta with Zucchini and Goat Cheese
- Goat Cheese and Mushroom-Stuffed Acorn Squash
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is goat cheese considered dairy?
Since goat cheese is produced from goat milk, it is classified as a dairy product. While many people associate dairy products with cow's milk, dairy includes milk from various animals, such as goats and sheep. "Goats are the most popular dairy animal outside the U.S.," says Koch.
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Does goat cheese contain lactose?
Goat cheese does contain lactose, but it has less lactose than cow cheese. Many individuals who have difficulty digesting cow's milk find goat's milk easier on the stomach. However, whether the lactose content is low enough to make goat cheese digestible for those with lactose intolerance depends on the person.
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Is feta cheese the same as goat cheese?
While goat cheese and feta share a similar tangy flavor and crumbly texture, they are not the same. Traditional Greek feta is made entirely from sheep's milk, which is rare in the U.S. Instead, many American cheesemakers create feta from a blend of sheep, goat, and cow milk.
