How to Choose Between Feta Cheese & Ricotta Cheese?

Feta cheese and ricotta cheese share a number of similarities. However, it is the differences that need to be evaluated if you have to choose between feta cheese vs ricotta cheese. 

In this blog, I will help you understand the differences in nutrition, taste and other aspects of feta and ricotta cheese. Based on this comparison, you would be able to take a call on which one to pick.

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Feta Cheese Vs Ricotta Cheese: Nutritional & Outcome Comparison

Before we can jump to conclusions and answer questions like – n questions like – Is feta or ricotta healthier, let us take a quick look at their nutritional differences – 

*Source: USDA; Quantity defined is 1 ounce (28.4g)

Let us get into the details of each aspect –

How Do Feta & Ricotta Differ in Their Method Production?

Feta cheese is made using sheep milk or a mixture of goat and sheep milk. The amount of goat milk however. should not exceed 30%. The process begins with the curdling of milk with the help of rennet and cheese culture. Once curds are formed, they are cut and then transferred to moulds to remove excess whey. They are then left in brine to age.

Ricotta cheese can be made using cow, sheep or goat milk. It is usually prepared from the leftover whey used in preparation of other types of cheese. To the leftover whey whole milk and citric acid is added. This allows the remaining curd in the whey to coagulate. Once the cheese coagulates, it is transferred into a cheesecloth and strained to obtain the white ricotta. 

What Type of Cheese is Feta Vs Ricotta? 

Feta and ricotta are both categorised under the fresh cheese category.  

While Feta is made from fresh milk, ricotta is made using whey, so it is also sometimes referred to as “whey cheese.”

Difference in the Taste of Feta and Ricotta Cheese 

Feta cheese is a white coloured cheese with a slightly salty, creamy and tangy flavour. Texture-wise, it can be best describes as soft and crubmly.

Ricotta cheese is also white in colour. It is mild and creamy taste with a grainy yet smooth texture.

Feta or Ricotta: Which Cheese Needs Aging?

Feta cheese  is usually aged for a minimum of two months but the aging can continue for up to a year. Feta is generally aged in a brine solution. 

Not all types of ricotta is aged. While some varieties are consumed fresh, others are aged for up to a year. Aged varieties of ricotta have a very strong flavor as opposed to the fresh ones.

Which Has More Calories: Feta or Ricotta?

Cheese in general is a calorie-dense food. This is because it has a higher density of nutrients such as fats and proteins. 

In comparison to feta, ricotta has a very low calorie count. In fact it is counted among the low-calorie cheeses.

Which is Lower in Carbohydrates: Feta or Ricotta ?

Ricotta and feta being low in carbs make for good choices in low-carb diets such as keto and Atkins.

If we compare the two, we find that feta has a higher concentration of carbs in comparison to ricotta. 

Feta or Ricotta: Which Cheese Has Lower Fat Content?

Fat is one of the major constituent in most types of cheese. These fats are responsible for the high calorie count in different types of cheese.

Ricotta is slightly lower in fats when compared to feta. However, the difference in fats between the two is not that high.

Which Has More Proteins – Feta or Ricotta Cheese?

Ricotta and feta both being dairy products are rich in proteins. Feta, however, has a slightly higher concentration of proteins.

Just one ounce of feta or ricotta cheese contains almost the same amount of protein as in 1 egg. So, adding either one can help you meet your daily protein requirements.

Which Cheese Has More Calcium: Feta or Ricotta?

Feta has a much higher concentration of calcium when compared to ricotta cheese. Calcium is an important mineral that is needed by the body for several functions- most importantly maintaining bone and teeth health.

Depending on gender and age, we need anywhere between 700-1200 mg of calcium per day. There are plenty of sources of calcium and dairy products happen to be among the best. 

Which Has Lower Sodium Levels: Feta or Ricotta Cheese?

As is evident from the table above, feta cheese has a much higher sodium concentration than ricotta cheese. This however, holds true for fresh ricotta cheese. Aged ricotta cheese may have higher sodium levels.

So, if you are on a low sodium diet, make sure you check the labels before buying any one of these cheeses. 

Which Has a Better Nutrient Profile: Feta Cheese or Ricotta? 

Feta and parmesan are both nutritionally rich foods. They are rich in proteins, fats, minerals and vitamins.  Feta in comparison has a better and more nutritionally rich profile. 

Feta cheese has more B vitamins, Vitamin E, and vitamin K. Feta also boasts of a higher amount of magnesium, calcium. phosphorus and other trace minerals.

Feta or Ricotta, the Better Option for Maintaining Bone & Teeth Health

All types of cheese are good sources of  calcium and  phosphorus. These these minerals are needed for maintaining the overall bone and teeth health. Therefore feta and ricotta can help you keep your bones and teeth healthy.

Along with the minerals, feta and ricotta both contain probiotics or good bacteria. Probiotics  aid overall oral health by keeping away the bad bacteria in the mouth.

Which is More Easy to Digest: Feta or Ricotta?

Feta cheese and ricotta cheese, both contain probiotics.  Probiotics are good bacteria that aid digestion and help in resolving many digestive issues. 

One thing to remember is that both feta and ricotta have a slightly higher lactose content when compared to hard varieties of cheese. So, in case you are lactose intolerant, proceed with caution and start with very small portion size.

Which Can Be Put To More Uses: Feta or Ricotta Cheese?

Feta has a number of uses. Right from being used in salads to grilling, it can be used in a number of ways.  You can also use it as a pizza topping or as a base for your pasta sauces.

Ricotta is comparatively more versatile than feta cheese. It can be used in a variety of sweet and salty preparations because of its mild and slightly sweet taste. From desserts to pasta sauces, ricotta does it all.

The Cheese That Has A Longer Shelf Life: Feta or Ricotta?

An opened pack of feta cheese can be kept in the refrigerator for around 2 weeks. I would recommend keeping it in lightly salted milk or a brine solution so that it does not dry out. An unopened feta can last for about a month.

Fresh Ricotta has a very low shelf life. Once opened, consume it within a week. Unopened packs of ricotta can remain in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks.

Feta and ricotta are thus both nutritious dietary options. What you pick between the two depends on your personal preferences  and needs. Price and availability can also play an important factor. While feta is cheaper and more easily available, ricotta may be harder to find.

I hope the blog helped you understand the differences between feta and ricotta cheese. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask me in the comment section below.