Feta vs. Chevre: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed & Dua Fatima || Updated on March 5, 2024
Feta is a brined curd cheese from Greece made from sheep's milk or a mix with goat's milk, known for its tangy taste, while Chevre is French for goat cheese, noted for its creamy texture and mild to tangy flavor depending on age.
Key Differences
Feta, a staple in Greek cuisine, is traditionally made from sheep's milk, or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk, and is characterized by its crumbly texture and salty, tangy flavor. This cheese is aged in brine, which contributes to its distinctive taste and keeps it fresh for longer periods. On the other hand, Chevre, the French term for goat cheese, encompasses a wide variety of cheeses made solely from goat's milk. Chevre cheeses can range from soft and spreadable fresh varieties with a mild, creamy taste to firmer, aged types that develop a sharper, more pronounced flavor.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
While Feta is specifically protected by a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, meaning that only cheese produced in certain areas of Greece can be called "Feta," Chevre does not refer to a single cheese but rather a category of goat cheeses in France. This distinction emphasizes the unique cultural and geographic significance of Feta, whereas Chevre represents a broader classification of cheese without such geographical restrictions.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
The texture of Feta is notably crumbly and somewhat grainy, a result of the curd being pressed and then aged in brine. This texture makes it ideal for salads, pastries, and as a garnish. Chevre, depending on its aging, can vary from smooth and spreadable to firm and sliceable, offering versatility in culinary applications, from spreading on bread to melting in dishes.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Feta's flavor profile is predominantly salty and tangy, with a slightly acidic bite, making it a bold addition to dishes. Chevre's flavor can vary significantly; fresh Chevre is mild and creamy with a slight tang, while aged varieties can develop a stronger, more complex taste, including earthy and nutty notes.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
Both Feta and Chevre contribute significantly to their respective culinary traditions, with Feta being a key ingredient in Greek dishes such as salads (notably the Greek salad), spanakopita, and tyropita. Chevre is widely used in French cuisine, complementing dishes ranging from simple baguettes to sophisticated cheese platters and cooked recipes, showcasing the adaptability of goat cheese to various flavor profiles and textures.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Protected Designation
Yes (PDO status in Greece)
No, refers to a category of goat cheeses
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
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Culinary Uses
Salads, pastries, garnishes
Spreads, cheese platters, cooked dishes
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
Feta and Chevre Definitions
Feta
Known for its tangy taste and crumbly texture.
Feta cheese is a key ingredient in tyropita.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Chevre
Not restricted by geography.
Chevre is produced in various regions of France.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
Feta
A brined curd cheese from Greece.
Feta is crumbled over a traditional Greek salad.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Chevre
Ranges in texture from soft to firm.
Fresh Chevre is spread on baguettes for a light snack.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
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Feta
Salty and slightly acidic.
Feta enhances the taste of roasted vegetables.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Chevre
Versatile in culinary use.
Soft Chevre can be melted into sauces for added creaminess.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
Feta
Made from sheep's milk or a mix with goat's milk.
Authentic Feta adds a tangy flavor to spanakopita.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Chevre
French for goat cheese.
Chevre is often served on a cheese platter with fruits and nuts.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Feta
Protected by PDO status.
Only Feta made in certain areas of Greece can be labeled as such.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
Chevre
Flavor varies from mild and creamy to tangy.
Aged Chevre adds a complex flavor to salads.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Feta
A white semisoft cheese usually made of goat's or sheep's milk and often preserved in brine.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Chevre
Any of various cheeses made from goat's milk and having a wide range of flavors and consistencies.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Feta
A variety of curd cheese made from sheep’s or goat’s milk and originating from Greece.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What makes Feta unique in terms of production?
Feta has Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, limiting its production to certain areas in Greece.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
What does Chevre mean?
Chevre is the French word for goat cheese, encompassing a variety of cheeses made from goat's milk.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
How is Feta different in texture compared to Chevre?
Feta is crumbly and somewhat grainy, while Chevre can range from soft and spreadable to firm, depending on age.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
How should Feta and Chevre be stored?
Feta is best stored in brine to maintain its moisture, while Chevre should be kept refrigerated and wrapped to preserve freshness.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Can Feta and Chevre be used interchangeably in recipes?
While they can sometimes be substituted based on personal preference, their distinct flavors and textures may alter the taste and outcome of dishes.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
What is Feta cheese?
Feta is a Greek brined curd cheese made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk, known for its tangy flavor.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
How does the aging process affect Chevre?
Aging Chevre results in a firmer texture and more intense flavor, with some aged varieties developing a rind.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
What is a popular dish featuring Feta?
A classic Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and Feta is a popular dish showcasing this cheese.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
Are there health benefits associated with Feta or Chevre?
Both cheeses are rich in calcium and protein, though they differ in fat content; goat's milk cheeses like Chevre can be lower in cholesterol.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Does the flavor of Feta change with age?
The flavor of Feta can become more pronounced and salty as it ages in brine.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
Is Feta or Chevre better for cooking?
Both can be used in cooking; the choice depends on the desired flavor and texture in the dish.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
Why does Chevre have such a wide range of flavors?
The flavor of Chevre varies greatly depending on the length of aging, with fresh Chevre being mild and creamy, and aged Chevre being sharper.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
What is a common way to serve Chevre?
Chevre is often served on bread or crackers, with honey or fruit, as a simple yet elegant appetizer.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
Can you make Feta or Chevre at home?
Yes, both cheeses can be made at home with the right ingredients and conditions, though Feta requires brining.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Co-written by
Dua Fatima
Shumaila Saeed
Hifza Nasir
Dua Fatima
