Shopping for Feta Cheese Outside of Greece

[acamp7]

I’m a huge fan of feta cheese, but I’ve found it challenging to find the authentic taste outside of Greece. I’m wondering if anyone has tips on how to shop for real, high-quality feta when you're not in Greece?

What should I look for in terms of packaging, brands, or specific labels to ensure I'm getting the genuine product? I’ve noticed a lot of “feta-style” cheeses in stores, but I’m looking for the real deal made with sheep’s milk (or a mix with goat’s milk).

Also, any advice on where to find the best feta cheese online or in specialty stores would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Luana]

Like the yogurt topic, feta made in the US will likely be made from cow's milk, while in Greece it's sheep's milk. That's a big part of the taste and texture difference.

A specialty Greek grocery store, where they have cheese in bulk is great and there are often several varieties to choose from. You can ask for a sample(s) to taste and decide which you like best.

 

[LMegois]

Obviously , it depends on where you live . In Ohio , parts of our state are more ethnic than others and specialty stores are easier to find . There are some on-line purveyors that will ship feta . Dodoni is a favorite . Another option is to search a dairy near you . I just located a goat farm less than 25 miles from me that sells goat's milk cheese and yogurt , you just have to buy a share of a goat ( ~25 dollars and pay for the upkeep of your goat but the upkeep you get back in product ) . Check out the options , you'll be surprised .

 

[k_tsoukalas]

When shopping for authentic feta cheese outside of Greece, there are a few key things to look for to ensure you’re getting the real deal. First, check the label for “PDO” (Protected Designation of Origin), which guarantees the cheese was made in specific regions of Greece according to traditional methods. Authentic feta should be made from sheep’s milk or a mix of sheep and goat’s milk—never cow’s milk.

Brands like Dodoni, Kolios, and Olympus are well-known for their quality and adherence to traditional production. In terms of packaging, look for feta sold in brine; this helps maintain its texture and flavor.

For finding authentic feta online, check out Greek specialty food stores or websites like Greek Grocery Store, Titan Foods, or Amazon’s gourmet section. Specialty stores with a strong focus on Mediterranean or Greek products are also great places to find high-quality feta.