Feta and ricotta are two popular types of cheese that share some similarities but also have distinct differences.
Understanding how they vary in texture, flavor, nutrition, price, and usage can help you determine which is best for your needs.
What Is Feta Cheese
Feta is a classic Greek cheese made from sheep's milk or a blend of sheep and goat's milk. It has a tangy, salty flavor and a crumbly texture. Feta is aged in a brine solution, which gives it its unique taste.
Some key traits of feta cheese include:
- White color
- Salty, tangy flavor
- Crumbly texture
- Aged in brine
- Versatile ingredient in salads, appetizers, main dishes
- Higher in fat than ricotta
What Is Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta is an Italian cheese made from the whey leftover from cheese production. It has a sweet, mild flavor and smooth, creamy texture. Ricotta can be made from cow, sheep, or goat's milk.
Some defining qualities of ricotta cheese:
- White color
- Mild, slightly sweet flavor
- Smooth, creamy texture
- Made from whey
- Used in Italian dishes like lasagna, cheesecake
- Lower in fat than feta
Key Takeaway: Feta has a tangy flavor and crumbly texture while ricotta is mildly sweet and creamy. Both are white cheeses used in Mediterranean cuisine.
Differences in Production Methods
Feta and ricotta have very different production methods, which affects their flavor and texture.
Feta is made by:
- Curdling sheep/goat milk with rennet
- Cutting the curds and allowing whey to drain
- Placing curds in molds and pressing out more whey
- Aging in a salty brine solution for at least 2 months
This process gives feta its signature crumbly texture and tangy, salty flavor.
Ricotta is made by:
- Heating the whey leftover from cheesemaking
- Adding whole milk and an acidic agent like lemon juice or citric acid to help proteins coagulate
- Draining and collecting the curds
- Optional light pressing
Reusing whey gives ricotta its smooth, creamy texture and mild sweetness.
Differences in Taste and Texture
The different production methods also lead to contrasting tastes and textures between the two cheeses.
Feta has:
- Sharp, tangy, salty flavor
- Firm yet crumbly texture
Ricotta has:
- Mild, subtly sweet flavor
- Smooth, creamy texture
Feta’s bold taste stands up well in salads or when cooked in dishes like moussaka. Ricotta integrates more subtly into creamy risottos or sweet cheesecake.
So feta adds a punch while ricotta blends more delicately into recipes.
Difference in Appearance
While both cheeses are white in color when fresh, their textures differ visually.
Feta is sold:
- Cut into cubes, crumbles, or slices
- Has a crumbly look
Ricotta is sold:
- Packed into tubs, rounds, or bags
- Appears creamy and smooth
So sliced feta contrasts with the creamy dollops of ricotta.
Nutrition Comparison
When comparing feta cheese vs ricotta cheese nutrition, some key differences arise:
| Nutrient | Feta | Ricotta |
|---|---|---|
| Fat | Higher | Lower |
| Saturated Fat | Higher | Lower |
| Protein | Higher | Lower |
| Carbs | Lower | Higher |
| Sugar | Lower | Lower |
| Sodium | Higher | Lower |
| Calcium | Higher | Moderate |
So feta is higher in fat, protein and sodium, while ricotta contains more carbs and less fat and salt. Both provide ample calcium.
Key Takeaway: Feta is higher in fat, protein and sodium while ricotta has more carbs and less fat and salt. Both are rich in calcium.
Price Comparison
Feta cheese generally costs less than ricotta cheese per pound. This is likely because:
- Feta is made from abundant sheep/goat milk
- Ricotta requires an extra production step
- Importing Italian ricotta can increase costs
So feta delivers big flavor for a smaller price tag in most stores.
Uses in Cooking
Feta and ricotta work deliciously into all different kinds of recipes:
Feta Cheese Uses
- Greek salads
- Pasta, pizza, vegetable toppings
- Baked dishes like spanakopita
- Grilled or fried appetizers
- Added to omelets, frittatas
- In dressings, dips, sauces
Feta adds a salty zing to both raw preparations and cooked foods.
Ricotta Cheese Uses
- Lasagna, ravioli, stuffed pasta shells
- Pizza
- Cheesecake, cannoli, desserts
- Pancakes or waffles
- Dips and spreads
- Mixed into vegetables dishes
Ricotta imparts a lovely creaminess and texture to both sweet and savory recipes.
So feta livens up recipes with its punch while ricotta blends more smoothly. Which type you choose depends on the flavor profile and texture you want to achieve.
Health Benefits
Enjoyed in moderation, both feta and ricotta offer some nice health advantages.
Feta Health Benefits
- High in bone-building calcium and phosphorus
- Provides protein for tissue growth and repair
- Contains probiotics that support gut health
Ricotta Health Benefits
- Packed with calcium and phosphorus for healthy bones
- Excellent source of protein
- Low in sodium for heart health
- Contains potassium to reduce blood pressure
So both provide lots of calcium, protein, and other nutrients essential for good health. Ricotta’s lower sodium and higher potassium levels make it ideal for those monitoring salt intake.
FAQs
Is feta or ricotta healthier?
Both feta and ricotta offer health benefits. Feta provides more protein while ricotta is lower in sodium. Choose based on your nutritional needs.
Does feta or ricotta have more calcium?
Feta cheese has a much higher calcium content than ricotta. Per ounce, feta provides about 140mg calcium while ricotta provides around 60mg.
Which cheese tastes saltier, feta or ricotta?
Feta has a tangy, salty taste while ricotta is mildly sweet with little to no saltiness. Of the two, feta provides a much saltier flavor.
Can you substitute feta for ricotta or vice versa?
You can substitute feta for ricotta in recipes, but the flavor profile will become much saltier and tangier. Subbing ricotta for feta would make a dish mild instead of zesty.
Conclusion
While feta cheese and ricotta cheese share similarities, they have distinct differences that impact their taste, texture, nutrition, price, and best uses in cooking.
Feta adds a tangy zing while ricotta blends more mildly into recipes. Choosing which cheese depends on the flavor profile, nutrients, and budget you desire.