10 Most Popular Goat Milk Cheeses in the World

Embark on a global culinary journey as we explore the 10 Most Popular Goat Milk Cheeses in the World. From the rolling hills of France to the sun-kissed regions of Spain, and the mountainous terrains of Greece, each cheese tells a story of its origin, reflecting the unique climate, culture, and traditional cheesemaking techniques of its homeland.

These goat milk cheeses, with their distinctive flavors, textures, and aromas, offer a variety of taste experiences that can transform any meal into a gourmet delight.

Top 10 Goat Milk Cheeses

Cheese	Short Description	Tasting Profile	Origin
Goat Brie	A creamy and soft cheese made from goat’s milk.	Mild, buttery, slightly tangy with a hint of mushroom.	France
Humboldt Fog	A soft ripened goat cheese with a central line of edible ash.	Tangy, lactic, with a clean citrus finish.	United States
Ticklemore	A semi-hard cheese with a unique basket shape.	Milky and slightly sweet with a hint of herbaceous flavor.	England
Crottin de Chavignol	Small round cheese that hardens and intensifies in flavor as it ages.	Nutty and tangy when young, becoming intensely rich and spicy when mature.	France
Manouri	A fresh semi-soft cheese with a mild creamy taste.	Creamy, milky, slightly citrusy and mildly acidic.	Greece
Chevrotin	A soft, unpasteurized cheese traditionally made in the Alps.	Fruity and nutty, with a robust aroma and strong flavors.	France
Goat Gouda	A semi-hard cheese made in the style of Dutch Gouda.	Sweet, nutty, and caramel-like with a smooth texture.	Netherlands
Garrotxa	A Catalan goat cheese with a bloomy rind.	Mild, creamy, and slightly nutty with a hint of herbs.	Spain
Queso de Murcia	A cheese made from the milk of Murciana goats.	Mild, creamy, slightly acidic and salty.	Spain
Anevato	A traditional Greek cheese made from goat or sheep milk.	Tart, tangy, and crumbly, with a slightly grainy texture.	Greece

1. Goat Brie

Country of Origin: France
Milk Type: Goat
Taste: Mild, buttery, with a subtle tanginess and mushroom undertone
Texture: Creamy and soft
Food Pairing: Excellent with fresh fruits, breads, or melted in dishes
Wine Pairing: Pairs beautifully with Chardonnay or Pinot Noir
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Goat Brie is a delightful cheese that hails from the picturesque regions of France. Its unique flavor profile, derived from goat’s milk, offers an exquisite blend of mild, buttery tastes complemented by a subtle tanginess and a hint of mushroom undertones. The texture is irresistibly creamy and soft, melting beautifully in the mouth or on warm dishes.

Goat Brie pairs wonderfully with fresh fruits and breads, making it a versatile addition to any cheeseboard. When it comes to wine, this cheese finds its perfect match in the likes of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, creating a gastronomic experience that is truly indulgent.

2. Humboldt Fog

Country of Origin: United States
Milk Type: Goat
Taste: Tangy, lactic, with a clean citrus finish
Texture: Soft ripened with a central line of edible ash
Food Pairing: Perfect with fig jam, olives, or crusty bread
Wine Pairing: Complements Sauvignon Blanc or Champagne
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Humboldt Fog is an iconic goat milk cheese that originates from the United States. It stands out with its distinctive layer of edible ash running through the center, reminiscent of the early morning fog in its namesake region in California. This cheese boasts a tangy, lactic flavor profile that concludes with a refreshing citrus finish.

The texture is soft and ripened, offering an indulgent creaminess that is hard to resist. Humboldt Fog pairs perfectly with fig jam, olives, or a warm, crusty bread. When it comes to drinks, a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Champagne elevates the flavors of this cheese, rounding off a truly gourmet experience.

3. Ticklemore

Country of Origin: England
Milk Type: Goat
Taste: Milky and slightly sweet with a hint of herbaceous flavor
Texture: Semi-hard
Food Pairing: Excellent with fruits, nuts, or crackers
Wine Pairing: Pairs well with dry white wines or light reds
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Ticklemore is a renowned goat milk cheese that hails from the beautiful countryside of Devon, England. This cheese makes an impression with its unique basket-shaped rind and bright white interior, reflecting its artisanal roots. Ticklemore has a delicate yet complex flavor profile, boasting a subtle sweetness balanced by a gentle tanginess reminiscent of fresh goat’s milk.

Its texture is semi-hard and crumbly, yet it manages to melt delightfully on the tongue. Perfect for a cheeseboard, Ticklemore pairs wonderfully with fresh fruits and honey. To elevate your Ticklemore experience, pair it with a glass of crisp white wine or a fruity red.

4. Crottin de Chavignol

Country of Origin: France
Milk Type: Goat
Taste: Nutty and tangy when young, becoming intensely rich and spicy when mature
Texture: Hardens as it ages
Food Pairing: Delicious in salads, grilled, or on a cheeseboard
Wine Pairing: Pairs beautifully with Sancerre or other Loire Valley whites
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Crottin de Chavignol is a celebrated goat milk cheese from the charming village of Chavignol in France. This cheese stands out with its small, cylindrical shape and natural rind that matures from bright white to a rustic blue-grey. Crottin de Chavignol offers a nutty and intense flavor when it’s fully matured, while younger versions provide a more delicate, creamy taste.

Its texture varies from firm to slightly crumbly based on its age. This versatile cheese can be enjoyed at various stages of maturity, either fresh, semi-aged, or fully matured. Pair Crottin de Chavignol with a glass of Sancerre for a classic French gastronomic experience.

5. Manouri

Country of Origin: Greece
Milk Type: Goat
Taste: Creamy, milky, slightly citrusy, and mildly acidic
Texture: Semi-soft
Food Pairing: Wonderful in salads, pastries, or as a dessert cheese with honey
Wine Pairing: Complements light white wines or dessert wines

Manouri is a traditional Greek goat milk cheese that offers an exceptional culinary experience. This cheese is unique in its velvety, smooth texture and its fresh, milky flavor that carries a hint of citrus. Unlike many other cheeses, Manouri is not salty, which allows its delicate, buttery richness to shine through.

This semi-soft cheese is perfect for slicing and adds a touch of elegance to any cheese platter. Its creamy, mild character makes it a versatile addition to both sweet and savory dishes. For a delightful pairing, serve Manouri with fresh figs or drizzle it with honey, and accompany it with a glass of crisp white wine.

6. Chevrotin

Country of Origin: France
Milk Type: Goat
Taste: Mild, nutty, with a unique earthy flavor
Texture: Semi-soft, creamy
Food Pairing: Perfect in salads or on a cheeseboard
Wine Pairing: Pairs well with Savoie white wines or light reds
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Chevrotin is a distinctive goat milk cheese that originates from the mountainous regions of Savoie in France. This small, round cheese is known for its soft, creamy interior and a rind that darkens with age, presenting an earthy appeal. Chevrotin offers a rich, robust flavor profile that intensifies as it matures, revealing notes of grass, nuts, and a hint of tanginess.

Its texture is supple and melt-in-your-mouth, making it a delightful addition to any cheese board. When paired with a full-bodied red wine and a slice of rustic bread, Chevrotin truly comes into its own, offering a taste of the French alpine meadows.

7. Goat Gouda

Country of Origin: Netherlands
Milk Type: Goat
Taste: Sweet, caramel-like with a hint of goatiness
Texture: Hard
Food Pairing: Great with dark bread and fig jam
Wine Pairing: Complements Riesling or medium-bodied red wines
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Goat Gouda is an intriguing variation of the traditional Dutch cheese that brings together the creamy richness of gouda with the distinct flavor of goat’s milk. This semi-hard cheese features a pale, ivory interior encased in a natural, amber-hued rind. Goat Gouda offers a subtly sweet, caramel-like taste which is beautifully balanced by a mild tanginess.

The cheese has a smooth and dense texture that melts delightfully on the tongue. It’s a versatile culinary star, perfect for grating over pasta, melting into a gourmet sandwich, or simply savoring on its own with a glass of bold red wine.

8. Garrotxa

Country of Origin: Spain
Milk Type: Goat
Taste: Mild, slightly goaty, with a hint of hazelnuts
Texture: Semi-soft
Food Pairing: Excellent with toasted nuts and olives
Wine Pairing: Pairs beautifully with dry sherry or cava
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Garrotxa is a distinctive goat milk cheese hailing from the Catalonia region of Northern Spain. It boasts a soft, creamy texture beneath a natural, grey-blue mould rind that adds an element of rustic charm. Garrotxa’s flavor profile is complex yet subtle, offering hints of hazelnuts and herbs that reflect the mountainous terrain where it’s produced.

This semi-hard cheese is slightly tangy but predominantly sweet, making it a standout on any cheese board. Pair Garrotxa with fresh fruits like apples and pears or a drizzle of honey to complement its unique flavor, and enjoy it alongside a glass of crisp white wine for a truly Mediterranean experience.

9. Queso de Murcia

Country of Origin: Spain
Milk Type: Goat
Taste: Tangy, slightly salty, with a touch of sweetness
Texture: Semi-soft
Food Pairing: Delicious with fruits, olives, or crusty bread
Wine Pairing: Pairs well with Spanish white wines or rosé
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Queso de Murcia is a delightful goat milk cheese that hails from the sunny region of Murcia in southeastern Spain. This semi-soft cheese is known for its pale, buttery interior that’s encased in a natural rind, often washed with red wine to add an extra layer of flavor. Queso de Murcia offers a well-balanced taste, featuring a mild tanginess from the goat’s milk, complemented by a subtle sweetness and hints of fruitiness.

Its texture is creamy and slightly elastic, perfect for slicing and melting. Whether served on a cheese board, melted into a sandwich, or paired with a robust Spanish red wine, Queso de Murcia brings a touch of Spanish sunshine to any culinary experience.

10. Anevato

Country of Origin: Greece
Milk Type: Goat (mixed with sheep)
Taste: Tangy, slightly salty, and mildly sweet
Texture: Semi-soft, crumbly
Food Pairing: Excellent in pies or served with honey as a dessert
Wine Pairing: Complements sparkling wines or dessert wines
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Anevato is a unique goat milk cheese that originates from the mountainous regions of Thessalia and Macedonia in Greece. This semi-soft, fresh cheese is characterized by its distinctive, crumbly texture and its creamy, slightly sour taste. Unlike many other cheeses, Anevato is not pressed, allowing it to retain a high moisture content, which contributes to its soft and spreadable nature.

The cheese is often served as a dessert, sprinkled with honey or sugar, but it can also be used as a tangy addition to traditional Greek pies. With every bite, Anevato offers a delightful journey into the heart of Greek pastoral tradition.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the world of goat milk cheeses is as diverse and rich as the regions they come from. Each cheese on our list of the 10 Most Popular Goat Milk Cheeses in the World offers a unique sensory experience, shaped by centuries-old cheesemaking traditions and the distinctive terroirs of their homeland.

Whether you’re savoring the tangy sharpness of a French Chèvre, the creamy sweetness of Spain’s Queso de Murcia, or the crumbly texture of Greece’s Anevato, these cheeses invite you to appreciate the artistry of dairy craftsmanship. They’re not just food, but a journey of flavors that connect us to different cultures and landscapes around the globe.

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10 Most Popular Goat Milk Cheeses in the World