Why is goat cheese white and cow cheese yellow?

What factors determine the colour of cheese?

The colour of cheese is influenced by several factors. For instance, the composition of the milk plays an important role. The amount of fat and protein in the milk influences the final colour of the cheese. Furthermore, added ingredients, such as herbs, dyes or spices, can change the colour of the cheese. The fermentation process during cheese maturation also affects the colour. This is because this process affects the chemical reactions inside the cheese. Finally, maturation time can play a role: the longer the cheese matures, the more intense the colour can become. In short, a combination of milk composition, added ingredients, fermentation and maturation ultimately determines the colour of cheese.

The differences between goat's cheese and cow's cheese

The colour of cheese is thus influenced by several factors, of which the diet of the milk-producing animals plays an important role. Although goat cheese and cow cheese are both derived from milk, there are major differences between them, including taste. Indeed, goat cheese is known for its characteristic tangy and often slightly acidic taste, while cow cheese is generally milder and creamier. These taste differences are partly caused by the composition of the milk and the animals' diet. There are also differences in terms of texture . Goat cheese is often more grainy and dry while cow cheese is softer and more spreadable. In addition, the difference in colour is striking: goat's cheese is naturally white, while cow's cheese has a yellow hue. 

A much-discussed question is therefore: why is cheese yellow? In cow cheese, the yellow colour comes mainly from the beta-carotene in the grass the cows eat. This pigment is absorbed by the cows and excreted in the milk, leading to a natural yellow colour of the cheese. 

Goats do not absorb this pigment from their diet, which is why goat cheese remains white. 

Tips for consistent colour maintenance in cheese production

So maintaining a consistent colour within cheese production is also important to maintain the quality and recognisability of cheeses. To achieve this, a number of measures are required. Firstly, it is important to keep the diet of milk-producing animals consistent, as this directly affects the colour of the cheese. In addition, cheese makers may choose to add natural or artificial colourings to the milk or cheese mixture to achieve and maintain a consistent colour. Thus, following recipes and procedures precisely and carefully controlling factors such as temperature and maturation time helps maintain a consistent colour. Finally, regular quality control and adjusting production methods is important to recognise and correct any deviations in colour in time, ensuring your favourite cheese always has the same recognisable colour.

Henri Willig cow's cheese and goat's cheese

Now that you have learned more about the factors that determine the colour of your favourite cheeses and why goat cheese and cow's cheese have different colours, you can now enjoy the tastiest goat and cow's cheese yourself. In fact, Henri Willig was one of the first to discover that Gouda cheese can also be made from goat's milk. Today, it is impossible to imagine our range without Gouda goat's cheese. Henri Willig's cow's cheese has an extensive selection of delectable cheeses. So enjoy our unique cheeses and order cheese online through our web shop!